I have a Mont Blanc fountain (silly money, it was a gift) which is just stunning in every way, and a Shaeffer ballpoint I'm particularly pleased with, but you can't beat Parker. I also have a brushed stainless steel Parker ball point, goes everywhere with me, in the pit box, in the suitcase, gets thrown around the office, kicked around the floor, and still looks brand new after nearly 10 years. I can't stand cheap pens.