I really like how my Cross Gel writes, the nice dark ink, but the pen itself sucks. Its not consistent, often it doesn't write and I have to write over the half written letters. I tried a new ink refill and it didn't help. I have another Cross doing something similar.

What other brands are good for a higher end pen that aren't $200 but still give a premium writing experience?

I'm all about my Zebra pens.
F-402 and F-701 -- all day, every day.

I recently picked up a G-402, and so far I'm pretty happy with it as well. The newest F-701s seem to be improved over the previous ones, and they're all well below your stated price point.

Good luck in your search!

I did the Zebra 701/402 "pen hack" about three years ago and got a pen that I've been happy with since then. This takes parts from each model to make a robust hybrid better than either of them, a web search will reveal a how-to. Combine with a space pen insert for a durable and comfortable pen for a pittance.

Pelikan's are nice

I like the Retro Tornado. I use a Parker refill and they write smooth.

They are inexpensive and quite good quality.

Zebra
Cheap, write nice on most surfaces & sharp enough to stab someone if necessary. short to fit in a pocket/notebook.
just looked, I'm using the F301 that I but in bulk at staples.

Lamy Safari or Zebra.

My EDC pen is a SS Gerber that has a carbide glass breaker as well.
Comes with a write in rain ink cartridge.

My other pen is a CRKT aluminum body pen that can poke a hole in someones skull, it has a Space pen ink cartridge.
I believe both were in the $50 range

I really like my Ti2 Design TechLiner. You can pick your material, color, design and they all take a great refill that lasts a good amount of time and gives a selection of colors.

Enjoy,

Kevin

When I was a cop I wanted a pen to replace the fancy cross pens in my uniform that were there for show. Especially after I damaged one I’d had since 9th grade.

I found a Zebra pen fit the deal and I replaced the plastic parts with another zebra model pieces...I saw it on a you tube video, the pen is all stainless now and I also hacked the fisher space pen ink cartridges so the pens write in the rain, upside down, etc...

https://medium.com/@schmutzie/...trument-bc2bf7c1e3c3


Edit because I found this updated Zebra
https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...26060686abc950f2babe

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MikeinNC, February 19, 2019 08:41 PM

Pilot G2 Limited

I prefer th 10 refill or at least the 07 for the smoothest writing.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Oz_Shadow, February 20, 2019 06:15 AM

Find the refill you like best, and then find a pen to fit that refill. Many people love the pilot g2 refills, and I do too. But overall I think the Schmidt p8126 refills are where it's at.

Those refills come standard in the retro 51 tornado pens, of which there are many cool varieties between $20-$50.

I've been eyeballing this one:

https://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item--i-18544

Zebra 701s...they work great and you can do an emergency tracheotomy with them....ok not the medical procedure but they work well as an airline EDC

I have a few that have lasted for most of my lifetime. I never loose a pen that has meaning.

I have a Parker T-Ball Jotter that I bought before deployment to the Gulf in 1972. It has a brushed finish that has been smoothed while righting daily to my now wife. It lasted for years and has been retired.

I have a set of monogrammed Cross pen & pencil gifted to me by my staff in 1977. I used them for years before the chrome started flaking off. These were retired as I was getting chrome slivers.

I am retired now but have 2 company pens given to me when I joined the last bank I worked at. That was in 2003. I have both today. I’ve been through a number of refills on both.

Mike

Zebra F301

--------------------

Another Zebra guy here.

Pilot Razor Point or a Montblanc Meisterstuck with a Fineliner refill. Or I suppose any other pen that will take a MB fineliner.

Fisher Space Pens; USA made in Boulder City, NV.
I've been very pleased with a number of them. Write at any angle, and any temp that I've been in.

Another fan of the Zebra hack. You CAN destroy them, but need to work at it pretty hard.

Runner-up is the Rotring 600. Same look, but the "barrel" is longer and thinner. Also, about 3-4 times the price... which is why I'm a fan of the Zebra.

Parker is my preferred refill.