[JasoninDenver]

Since retiring from a legal career (not embarking on an illegal one now), I no longer have the need to use my fountain pens on a regular basis. I usually had a few rollerballs laying around for traveling and having handy for clients to use while signing documents. However, I never found a rollerball that I enjoyed using near as much as my Parker or DuPont fountain pens.

I loved the feel of my Duofold rollerball but the quality of the Parker refills was horrid. If 50% wrote with smooth and consistent ink flow, I was happy. I never found Montblanc’s cartridges to be anything special, either.

I tried a BaronFig (new social media sensation) capless and was horribly disappointed. I even sent the first one back thinking it was defective due to a loose, clicking feel when writing. The ink was very nice, however, with a smooth feel and no smudging. The second pen was better but still unacceptable on a $10 pen much less a $60 one.

The closest I found to a fountain pen experience over time was a $100 Waterman. Well, that broke last month. The barrel snapped in two at the thread line. Not bad for five years and getting flung around on a regular basis.

While in Houston a couple weeks ago, I stopped into a local shop called Dromgoole’s and asked to see their favorite rollerball under $250. I expected to be buying another Waterman; however, the salesman went directly to a brand I had never heard of - Pineider.

I bought the Avatar model at the shockingly reasonable price of $125. It looks very elegant and distinctive with a new resin composition that is supposed to be extremely durable to impacts and heat. A big plus since I have a history of cracking barrels with drops and caps when not posted securely enough.

Another interesting feature is the magnetic lock on the cap. I have always been irritated by the screw threads on most pens. The cap on the Avatar sets with a reassuring click and has not budged while being put in bags and planner pen loops.

Writing with this pen is a dream. Not as effortless as a fountain pen, of course, but smoother than any other rollerball I have tried, including the Waterman. I forgot to ask who makes the Pineider branded refills, but the three extra cartridges I purchased were all perfectly smooth. Smudging is non-existent.

The only iffy thing about this pen for me is the barrel trim which is engraved with the skyline of Florence, where the company is based. I would have preferred something much cleaner but can live with this since I do love Italy.

I am very happy with the style and writing experience with the relatively economical price of this mid-level pen. Anyone looking for a high-quality daily driver should consider this brand.