Cross® Classic Century® Medalist® Ballpoint Pen and Pencil Set

Old Standby !

I use this set for all writing except signatures where I use a rollerball or fountain pen. These instruments are nicely weighted and well balanced.
The ball pen writes smoothly. Ink is d...Read complete review

I use this set for all writing except signatures where I use a rollerball or fountain pen. These instruments are nicely weighted and well balanced.
The ball pen writes smoothly. Ink is dark, vivid, clear, and not skippy at all. Even the fine point cartridge which I find too scratchy with other manufacturers is smooth writing. I always loved Cross' twist mechanism, it is much more durable and reliable than a push button mech. The only gripe I have is with the new pencils. Years ago they took a single lead, one at a time and were 0.9 mm thick. The 0.5 mm is too thin and im not too fond of the cartridge fill style for it cheapens the pencil. The old style was more durable and had fatter erasers. All in all however they do work and it hasn't given me trouble. The Century II series pencil has a fixed mechanism where the leads are hand loaded. This should be standard on all the pencils. Using 0.7 mm lead would be a bit better too. The pens have remained exactly the same with an all metal construction and beautiful finishes. Only Parker can compete with Cross and quality wise they are about the same. I will always love my Cross writing instruments !