Need Some Advice On RollerBalls & Ballpoint Pens

[vitalsignsrn]

Hi Everybody,

I'm interested in buying my brother a nice pen for his 40th bday. Initially I was contemplating a fountain pen but I don't think this would be a good idea in retrospect. He would want either a ballpoint or a rollerball (with an emphasis on ballpoint). I have narrowed it down these types: Montblanc 146 , Pelikan 600 or 800, or Delta (not sure which one yet, maybe the Alfa Romeo LE although it looks pretty bright & I'm not sold on the colour). I thought would be fun to get a pen from an Italian pen maker to reflect our heritage so if there are others like Visconti etc that someone has opinions on, I'd love to hear it. I am absolutely ** not ** getting a fountain pen. I still want one for myself, but I can hold off. LOL

In doing some reading, I've come across some ads regarding ballpoint "conversions". What does this mean? That they take rollerball inserts? Perhaps this is a happy medium. The rollerball writing experience with the ease & convenience of the ballpoint (& no cap to worry about). I've also read that some rollerballs or fineliners aren't that great that they dry out or are goopy. Are there any manufacturers that you would advise I should stay clear of? I'm most likely going to stick with the above manufacturers simply because I like the look of the pens. Is there a thread some one can link for replacements? I'm sure there are some on here but I failed to find them.

Thanks,


PS..I'm a total newb & have to apologize for my lack of knowledge.