Parker still good?

[jackknife]

With so many companies moving over to China, I was wondering how Parker is these days. I had one in high school very long ago, and it was a great pen. I was thinking of getting another one, but didn't know if they were still made in the U.S.A.

[ObiHann]

no clue if they are still in the USA or not, but they are still great quality. Just because it (may) be chinese, doesn't mean its cheap haha

[pruitthall]

With so many companies moving over to China, I was wondering how Parker is these days. I had one in high school very long ago, and it was a great pen. I was thinking of getting another one, but didn't know if they were still made in the U.S.A.

Nope, not made in the USA anymore. Parker is owned by the Newell conglomerate these days (Rubbermaid, etc.) and 'most' production in in France or England on the better pens. I don't know where the cheapies are made, but Parkers are still well made, overall. Their gel refill, only available in a medium point, is one of the best writers around. The Sonnet series of pens, made in France still, is a value leader.

[RiotSnake]

Parker is owned by the same company that makes, sharpie, paper mate and waterman pens if that helps... So i would say still good.

[Monocrom]

The quality of Parker ballpoint refills has turned to crap!

I've used those for years, and recently noticed the change. I'm going to use Hauser refills in my Parker pens from now on.

[jackknife]

The quality of Parker ballpoint refills has turned to crap!

I've used those for years, and recently noticed the change. I'm going to use Hauser refills in my Parker pens from now on.

That's discouraging to hear, as that's why I am searching for a new pen. I have been less than impressed by the recent refills for my 40 year old Cross that has been my edc pen. For the past few weeks I've actually been carrying a cheapie Bic clicky that actually writes better than the new Cross refills!

Jeez, what the heck is good pen these days? Maybe I'll try a Zebra 301. At least I can find them and refills at every Walmart and Target.

[Monocrom]

That's discouraging to hear, as that's why I am searching for a new pen. I have been less than impressed by the recent refills for my 40 year old Cross that has been my edc pen. For the past few weeks I've actually been carrying a cheapie Bic clicky that actually writes better than the new Cross refills!

Jeez, what the heck is good pen these days? Maybe I'll try a Zebra 301. At least I can find them and refills at every Walmart and Target.

About 8 years ago, I worked as a professional pen-salesman in a high end shop.

Best ballpoint refills were Parker, Cross, and Waterman. But that was back when Cross pens were all Made in America. And even then, Waterman ballpoints suffered from the same design flaw they do today. Basically if you write a lot, avoid Waterman BP pens. Didn't change the fact that their BP refills were one of the best out there though. Thankfully, there are a lot of Parker-style refiils out there. Stick with Hauser.

That's my advice for now. Might change in a couple of years if that particular refill turns to crap too.

[RMinNJ]

I have been less than impressed by the recent refills for my 40 year old Cross that has been my edc pen. For the past few weeks I've actually been carrying a cheapie Bic clicky that actually writes better than the new Cross refills!
.

Noted on another pen discussion site, Fisher does make
a refill for the Cross pens that seemed to work well. I have not tried it as I've grown weary of trying to find a decent Cross refill; but suspect the Fisher is probably the best. Monteverde makes quite a few refills also that must be better than
Cross ones...I'm not sure what Cross is thinking with their refills.

Getting back to Parker.. currently I'm using a non-Parker pen with a Parker Gel and in my Parker SS Jotter have the Parker blue broad point. Gel is great but water soluable. The blue broad is the best current Parker refill I have although I have older blue mediums that seem of better point/tip quality..but the Parke ink and refills have been my preference.

[arlutz1]

Nope, not made in the USA anymore. Parker is owned by the Newell conglomerate these days (Rubbermaid, etc.) and 'most' production in in France or England on the better pens. I don't know where the cheapies are made, but Parkers are still well made, overall. Their gel refill, only available in a medium point, is one of the best writers around. The Sonnet series of pens, made in France still, is a value leader.

Just bought a Sonnet RB yesterday. Nice pen but the cartridge sucks. It skips and blobs. Will try a new cartridge, because it LOOKS like a nice pen and I've had good luck with their fountain pens in the past.

[SALT]

I use a Parker Jotter at work with the Gel refills. I love it, but the refills run out fast without warning! I keep extra's on hand