Parker Ingenuity Collection: The Almost Fountain Pen

Parker has just released a new line of ink pens that it describes as an “innovative new writing system” that will “revolutionize the look and feel of putting pen to paper.”

The upshot is that the new Parker Ingenuity uses a metallic hood and flexibile polypropylene tip to approximate the easy glide and varying lines of a fountain pen, but has a disposable tip/ink cartridge that can be replaced as easily as a rollerball or gel pen refill.

Parker Ingenuity Pen

 

Parker is calling it 5th Technology, combining “the classic beauty of the fountain pen, the smoothness and precision of the rollerball, the ease and longevity of the ball point pen and the smudge-free, fluid experience of the porous point.”

The collection comes in two styles – Classic and Daring – and either large or thin sizes. Finishes range from the usual black lacquer that Parker does so well to a soft black rubberized barrel trimmed in chrome. The pens go for about US$160 to US$190 and the refills run about US$8 each.

Parker 5th Refill

According to a statement from Parker, the Ingenuity is designed as an entry-level pen for those who want to try out a fine writing instrument like a fountain pen, but haven’t yet. on a side note, my first fountain pen was a Parker 51 is a great read from someone who found the joys of using a fountain pen later on in life.

So far, it doesn’t seem to be impressing the collectors at the Fountain Pen Network, who generally have dismissed it as an overpriced felt-tip fineliner pen dressed up like a fountain pen. And, at Fountain Pen Geeks, it was dubbed the “Parker Poser” and the “Edsel of writing instruments.”

However, at least one user had pretty positive feedback after trying one of the Ingenuity line.

According to Dave M. at FPN:

My experience with the Parker was quite satisfactory. The writing is extremely smooth. There is some variability in line thickness depending on the pressure that is applied. It does not have the same range as a fountain pen, but it is more expressive than a ballpoint or rollerball. Very little pressure was required to put down a consistent line with no skipping. I have no experience with any felt tip pens or any other tip. I felt the pen was well balanced and writing was effortless. Ink flow was excellent and there was no smearing; although I am right handed. I wrote a few words and tried to smear the ink; no smearing. I will use this pen on a daily basis. My model is the all rubber version which I found to be very comfortable. I’m not thrilled about the cost of the refill; however it is very easy to change. It’s the same process as a ballpoint or rollerball. Lastly, this is not a fountain pen; however it is a different instrument in comparison to a ballpoint or rollerball.

There’s no denying it’s a great-looking pen, and the idea of being able to write like you’re using a fountain pen without having to contend with ink spills and the rest of the mess is attractive. But, in the end, do you really want to pay that much money for just another plastic-tipped pen?

Let us know what you think.

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Tony Bridges

As a seasoned journalist and freelance writer, I've spent over three decades telling stories and exploring the world through the written word. With a passion for writing instruments, I found my niche at The Pen Vibe, a blog that shares our collective fascination with pens, pencils, and other tools that have shaped the art of writing.

4 thoughts on “Parker Ingenuity Collection: The Almost Fountain Pen”

  1. A New Idea for which I have had a Demo In Shop.
    It is Not a Fountain Pen by any means, I thought we had something Wonderfull and cutting edge, Not that impressed, I would have Bought one to try and see if I could be converted, But Starting Price is Far to High. You can get a Parker Fountain Pen for as little as a Tenner up to Skys the Limit, But Starting at about £115.00 to me is Barmy.

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  2. I’ve not tried this pen – I’ve heard a lot about it and I think John the Monkey (comment 1) has hit the nail on the head – for the price of the pen I could get a very nice fountain pen, and for the price of one and a bit refils I could get a bottle of ink….

    I think Parker need to get this idea into the £15-25 bracket for it to be seen as a “posh” fountain pen-esque non-fountain pen, otherwise it is just an expensive pen and many who would spend this amount on a pen will be heading to the real fountain pens instead. I know I would.

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  3. Interesting, but I’m surprised by the price point – I don’t see why one wouldn’t try a fountain pen instead given the expense of this.

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