Considering a Montblanc Starwalker Extreme Roller. Thought?

[2ltdjorn]

Well I think I am crazy.

I typically write with a uni-ball signo rollerball pen.

Bought first Rolex in Feb 2016, well now I want a nice pen.

Wife thinks it is dumb, and wants to know why I need such an expensive pen.

Initially I thought heritage, heirloom. Longterm cost over lifetime... earth friendly...

She still thinks its dumb, but I got her this time. I said its jewelry...

So I have narrowed it down to the brand. MontBlanc.

I was initially thinking a fountain pen. But I think I will be pursuing a roller ball for practicality as I don't have an office, and I am on the move quite often. I think a fountain may be a bit of a challenge.

Initially thought I would get the MontBlanc M, but read a review that changed my mind, but had attractive price point. I like the classic styles of the Meisterstruck. However I think I am leaning towards the Starwalker Extreme RollerBall.

Anyone have experience with the roller balls?

Employed as a Nurse Practitioner so on the move, no office.

[2ltdjorn]

How long do refills last?

Thoughts on Starwalker vs. Montblanc M vs. Meisterstruck

Fountain best for sitting at desk? travel well in pocket?

RollerBall vs. Ballpoint?

Fineliner is a marker right?

Montblanc Starwalker Extreme Rollar is $535, where would one find better price?

If you buy from Montblanc can you save on VAT shipping to US?

[artschool]

montblanc is not really suitable for outside of the office. i own a starwalker fineliner that has been back to montblanc twice to get fixed.

the black plastic (precious resin) breaks very easily.

maybe consider a Graf von Faber-Castell?

[cda555]

I recommend a twist option, as opposed to a cap model; especially if you are always on the go. I believe most twist are ballpoint. I went this route because of the convenience, and because I am left handed (ballpoints work best for lefties). You really should go into a Montblanc store and test them out in person. I would even recommend testing the different widths if you go the ballpoint route (I like the extra fine).

[2ltdjorn]

Originally Posted by artschool

montblanc is not really suitable for outside of the office. i own a starwalker fineliner that has been back to montblanc twice to get fixed.

the black plastic (precious resin) breaks very easily.

maybe consider a Graf von Faber-Castell?

Hadn't realized they are that fragile. It would be in my chest pocket of my scrub top. I would hate to have it broken or cracked. What is cost of repair at Montblanc?

[Juantxo]

I'm partial to the lowly Parker gel refill and many highfalutin brands that's what they use. Cartier, Caran D'Ache, Pelikan... I like the 400 or 600 line of Pelikan twist pens. You can use the Parker gel or regular ballpoint refills on those pens.

There is a cap Cross which looks very similar to the MB Fix, and whose roller-ball refill is awesome. Cross has a pretty cool and fine writing selection of roller-balls. By the way, the MB Fix is a cap roller-ball and it's less expensive than the M, and uses the regular MB roller-ball refill. You can find it discounted at Jomashop.

Retro 51 roller-balls are sweet writers too.

By the way, I'd rather be on the river somewhere too.

[artschool]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

Hadn't realized they are that fragile. It would be in my chest pocket of my scrub top. I would hate to have it broken or cracked. What is cost of repair at Montblanc?

the lid cracks when overtightened. i think this happened when the pen was passed round a meeting table for signatures on some documents.

montblanc wanted £63 GBP then dropped it to £44 GBP when i had a moan at them

not huge sums of money but enough to be annoying.

ps. i do like the pen but not enough to buy another.

[Juantxo]

http://www.menashsignatures.com/Pelikan.html

Scroll for the Pelikan 600. Great price.

[Bisquitlips]

You will have issues with MB refills. At least I have for the last 20 years! The seem to be fine the first few times you use them and then it feels like the ball has a flat place on it and it starts skipping. Could just be a drying out issue, but regardless I will not be acquiring any more MB rollerballs.

I am with Jaun and have had better luck with the Pelikan RBs.

There are lots of refills out there that will work in either. Just du a little research.

Good luck!

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

The seem to be fine the first few times you use them and then it feels like the ball has a flat place on it and it starts skipping. Could just be a drying out issue, but regardless I will not be acquiring any more MB rollerballs.

There are lots of refills out there that will work in either. Just du a little research.

Good luck!

Richard, am I reading this right that there are (non MB) roller ball inks that will fit in a Meisterstuck Le Grand Rollerball?

[OmegaJJH]

OP - you really need to get to a MB boutique to try them out.

I love how the roller ball ink looks on the page vs a ballpoint however as others have previously stated, if you're not in the office it can prove somewhat annoying having to take the lid off and on constantly with a RB.

[Formulansx]

If you do get one, I would advise not posting the cap ever. I scratched the ruthenium plating on my Starwalker extreme fountain pen from posting it (threading the cap on). Also the ruthenium plating is not entirely durable. It's a cool pen though otherwise.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Formulansx

If you do get one, I would advise not posting the cap ever. I scratched the ruthenium plating on my Starwalker extreme fountain pen from posting it (threading the cap on). Also the ruthenium plating is not entirely durable. It's a cool pen though otherwise.

Oh, my. Montblanc ain't half the man he used to be.

[2ltdjorn]

Very good points thanks.

Do all Mont Blanca have this lack of quality issue or is unique to the starwalker?

[Formulansx]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

Very good points thanks.

Do all Mont Blanca have this lack of quality issue or is unique to the starwalker?

I can't comment on other Montblancs but I have a Starwalker ballpoint as well were the Ruthenium is peeling also. The only way you can really see it is under magnification but none of my pens short of Montblanc Starwalkers have had the plating peel under the same magnification. I wouldn't let this stop me from getting one though. As long as you don't post it and obsess over the condition of the plating like me, you should be fine . Honestly, nowadays, I never post any of my pens. Had an issue with marks on a new Omas after posting a while ago (man I was pissed). Then the Starwalker scratch. I threw in the towel on posting caps for these reasons. You can also find the extreme for much much less than $500 + if you go gray market.

[2ltdjorn]

do the meisteruck have the same issue?

[2ltdjorn]

Originally Posted by Formulansx

I can't comment on other Montblancs but I have a Starwalker ballpoint as well were the Ruthenium is peeling also. The only way you can really see it is under magnification but none of my pens short of Montblanc Starwalkers have had the plating peel under the same magnification. I wouldn't let this stop me from getting one though. As long as you don't post it and obsess over the condition of the plating like me, you should be fine . Honestly, nowadays, I never post any of my pens. Had an issue with marks on a new Omas after posting a while ago (man I was pissed). Then the Starwalker scratch. I threw in the towel on posting caps for these reasons. You can also find the extreme for much much less than $500 + if you go gray market.

Is posting a term for replacing the cap?

Are most MB pop on, or is the star walker a screw on?

I did like the MB M but it looks cheap, and the magnetic cap is problematic

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

Richard, am I reading this right that there are (non MB) roller ball inks that will fit in a Meisterstuck Le Grand Rollerball?

Yes. So please don't waste your money on a MB RB refill.

Go to Walmart or wherever and try a few. There are some gel refills that are pretty nice and reasonably priced.

[Formulansx]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

Is posting a term for replacing the cap?

Are most MB pop on, or is the star walker a screw on?

I did like the MB M but it looks cheap, and the magnetic cap is problematic

Yep that's it. Posting is the term for putting the cap on the back end of the pen while writing. The starwalker cap screws on the end while posted. I'm not sure how much of the Montblanc line has a screw on cap while posted but I predict it's rare in the overall Montblanc line.

[1William]

The MB is a quality pen and in the Roller Ball a very strong pen. Go to an AD or boutique and try them all to see which suits you better. I always carry two pens in my suit coat, a MB and a Uni-Ball rollerball pen. When in the office, in a controlled setting, I use the MB. When out or when someone asks to use my pen it is the Uni-Ball pen. Don't over think it. Find what you like, get it and move on.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by 1William

The MB is a quality pen and in the Roller Ball a very strong pen. Go to an AD or boutique and try them all to see which suits you better. I always carry two pens in my suit coat, a MB and a Uni-Ball rollerball pen. When in the office, in a controlled setting, I use the MB. When out or when someone asks to use my pen it is the Uni-Ball pen. Don't over think it. Find what you like, get it and move on.

I have to agree and the MB Starwalker is unique. I don't think you can find another pen that has a design that matches it.

I owned one just after they first came out and it was a select tip. I could use BP, RB, or Felt. The felt tip was the one I like the most, but I could only get them in 2 colors. Blue and black. I sold the pen.

I would be in the market for a Starwalker FP, but it would be quite a way down on my B list. I like the diamond Starwalkers the best. The ones with the floating diamond cut as an MB star.