Two Cost-Effective Workhorse Pens: The Pilot Metropolitan Rollerball and Ballpoint

The Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen receives a lot of (well-deserved) attention, both as an excellent lower-cost option for those looking for their first fountain pen and as a reliable daily driver for those needing a pen they can carry around stress-free. Also known as the “MR” in some markets, what many don’t know is that the Metropolitan lineup also features excellent “rollerball” and ballpoint options. I use the term “rollerball” loosely because the pen ships with a Pilot .7mm G2 gel cartridge. so technically it should be called a “gel roller” but we won’t nitpick. Both pens are exceptionally good workhorse pens for the price point, and have a fairly regular place in my rotation since they live in my backpack pen slots alongside my Zento Flow and more. Comfortable All-Day Writers That Don’t Break the BankThe Pilot G2 used to be my favorite gel pen option, and I still return to it regularly even if I’ve come to prefer the Synergy Tip that Pilot uses in the revamped Juice line. The…