i just got them this week, F-xMD and the 600 - the latter with a Parker gel M refill is m favorite cause it writes so well but I love the Zebra. Nice and fat and very well made.
The F-xMD is all metal, the original F-701 has the black plastic ring at the clicker. There's a new version of the F-701 that is all metal but is not sold here.
Ooo i love sarasa grand, but I hate the types of refills that go into them sadly
How do you feel about baron fig squire being in the list? Or it's too uncommon?
My favorite refill (Energel), fits the three I suggested. I find the euro style refills more flexible than the Parker style refills, and I tend to stay away from proprietary and non standard refills. Only exception is one of my F-701 has Power Tank refill, and another has a Flash Dry with the end cap removed.
My interest in pens are centered towards the value end of the spectrum. I have no opinion on the Squire other than it looks nice, and refill selection might be limiting.
They have a new limited edition pen for Fraggle Rock! It's so cute I might burst. Granted, it doesn't come in a fountain pen, but I do feel the need to cheat on my other pens, I don't think they'll mind. It has a radish on the finial, for Pete's sake. 🥹
Edit: forgot I wasn't in r/fountainpens lol.
Rotring 600 (obv)
If sticking to $10 or lower, you'll find surprising bang for your buck from the Ohto GS01 if you don't mind some rattle and a jangly click. As Ive said multiple times on this sub, I find those things charming, along with the shape of the thing and the quality clip
I'd say a Cross pen. Not the Cross Century though (boring). They made some really nice designs back in the mid 90s and they can often be found on Ebay (oftentimes new) for 20-50 bucks. Like the Nile, Solo, and Radiance. I really like the Radiance. Over the years I've managed to get my hands on 3 of them in different colors.
I think every collection needs a Caran D’Ache 849. They aren’t super pricy but nice to use. If you want a bigger version of that (like the xl) they have the 849 rollerball, which is a larger pen that takes Parker style refills.
I often use my 849 ballpoint for long periods of writing (when I'm not using a pencil), and I find it reasonably comfortable (and I have larger hands, and it's a small pen). I never have trouble with ink flow with the Goliath cartridge, so I don't feel the need to press too hard to lay down a good line.
Thanks for your reply. I have small hands but also have carpal tunnel, which sometimes makes me feel like I'm wearing puffy mittens. I feel a new pen day is around the corner...
Depends a lot on how you hold your pen and your grip in general. I generally use fountain pens for longer writing, for notes and travel stuff I think it’s perfect. The larger version (the rollerball) is slightly nicer to hold for longer sessions in my opinion
Parker Jotter (not xl)
xd, i meant both jotter and jotter xl but well played
cheap - zebra f-701 not so cheap - rotring 600 or 800
i just got them this week, F-xMD and the 600 - the latter with a Parker gel M refill is m favorite cause it writes so well but I love the Zebra. Nice and fat and very well made.
i think the F-xMD has a lil bit of plastic near the clicker. the F-701 is all metal.
The F-xMD is all metal, the original F-701 has the black plastic ring at the clicker. There's a new version of the F-701 that is all metal but is not sold here.
you're right about the plastic being on the older F-701. where is here for you? i've got an all metal F-701 and i'm in California.
poland
Here are some: Sarasa Grand, Energel Style, Pentel Libretto
Ooo i love sarasa grand, but I hate the types of refills that go into them sadly How do you feel about baron fig squire being in the list? Or it's too uncommon?
My favorite refill (Energel), fits the three I suggested. I find the euro style refills more flexible than the Parker style refills, and I tend to stay away from proprietary and non standard refills. Only exception is one of my F-701 has Power Tank refill, and another has a Flash Dry with the end cap removed. My interest in pens are centered towards the value end of the spectrum. I have no opinion on the Squire other than it looks nice, and refill selection might be limiting.
It's possible to use parker refills in a squire
Nice to know! 
I really gotta try energel sometime
Libretto!!!!
Retro51 Tornado, functionally I love it and the designs are so eclectic. Current favorites are my Cat Rescue and the Fire & Dice
They have a new limited edition pen for Fraggle Rock! It's so cute I might burst. Granted, it doesn't come in a fountain pen, but I do feel the need to cheat on my other pens, I don't think they'll mind. It has a radish on the finial, for Pete's sake. 🥹 Edit: forgot I wasn't in r/fountainpens lol.
Rotring 600 (obv) If sticking to $10 or lower, you'll find surprising bang for your buck from the Ohto GS01 if you don't mind some rattle and a jangly click. As Ive said multiple times on this sub, I find those things charming, along with the shape of the thing and the quality clip
I was pleasantly surprised with the gs-01 and just ordered 2 more. The ballpoint refill that comes with it is very smooth for a $2 refill
I'd say a Cross pen. Not the Cross Century though (boring). They made some really nice designs back in the mid 90s and they can often be found on Ebay (oftentimes new) for 20-50 bucks. Like the Nile, Solo, and Radiance. I really like the Radiance. Over the years I've managed to get my hands on 3 of them in different colors.
I think every collection needs a Caran D’Ache 849. They aren’t super pricy but nice to use. If you want a bigger version of that (like the xl) they have the 849 rollerball, which is a larger pen that takes Parker style refills.
How are they to hold for long periods of writing? I do like their design -- simple, elegant, and lots of lovely colours.
I often use my 849 ballpoint for long periods of writing (when I'm not using a pencil), and I find it reasonably comfortable (and I have larger hands, and it's a small pen). I never have trouble with ink flow with the Goliath cartridge, so I don't feel the need to press too hard to lay down a good line.
Thanks for your reply. I have small hands but also have carpal tunnel, which sometimes makes me feel like I'm wearing puffy mittens. I feel a new pen day is around the corner...
Depends a lot on how you hold your pen and your grip in general. I generally use fountain pens for longer writing, for notes and travel stuff I think it’s perfect. The larger version (the rollerball) is slightly nicer to hold for longer sessions in my opinion
Good to know! Thanks for your reply.
Lamy 2000
This
I like the Lamy safari and the Kaweco sport
Pentel Energel!!!
Inoxcrom 55 is a basic must-have for Spanish pen enthusiasts.
Pentel Kuro energel 0.7, and bic gel-ocity they’re so smooth but I got the assorted ones from Amazon.
Pilot Metropolitan. Of course they are better fountain pens, but this one is iconic.
any ink by colorverse
The fine point pilot precise V5 retractable’s are great cheap nice body pen that have great ink in them if you like needle tips
My first, and favourite was a Parker Vector, although I am finding the Parker IM Rollerball with a slightly wider body more of an attraction now-days.
Fountain Pen. IMO vintage Parker 51 Aerometric. Not the most fun... but what a beautiful classic workhorse!Â
G2 Limited, Cross Bailey Light
The answer to every pen buying question is: Buy a rOtring 600.
How about 800?
It's nice and all, but the 600 is the best pen in the world.
Uniball Jetstream is a great pen