What is a "Parker-style" G2 Refill?

The “Parker-style” ballpoint refill is a standard refill also known as G2 or “Standard International Ballpoint Refill”.  It was originally created by Parker, around the time when the Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen was introduced in the 1950s.  Nowadays, G2 refill is the most common refill used by many pen brands for their lines of ballpoint pens and different brands of G2 refills are generally interchangeable.

G2 refers to a standard ISO dimension of the ballpoint refill: a diameter of 5.8mm and total length of around 98.1mm.  G2 has a wide barrel, tapered to a thinner front tip section in 23.2mm length.  Given its popularity, the refill can vary slightly in size from 98mm to 99mm due to manufacturing differences.

Another unique feature of G2 refill is its embedded plastic end piece with the ratcheting grooves.  The purpose of this end piece is to help stabilize the refill within the pen barrel, ensuring it stays in place during use.  The ratcheting grooves allow for a snug fit, preventing the refill from moving, rotating or retracting unintentionally while you write.

In this article, we’ll go over some of our favorite refills and what we love about them!

Refills Mentioned:

• Parker Quinkflow Refill
• Parker Quink Gel Refill
• UNI Jetstream SXR-600
• CDA 849 Rollerball Refill
• Kaweco Soul G2 Ball Pen Refill
• Kaweco Soul G2 Rollerball Refilll
• UNI Jetstream SXR-600
• Fisher Space Pen Refill

Parker Quinkflow G2 Refill

This refill is a classic among the Parker G2 refills line up. The low viscosity oil-based ballpoint ink was formulated to offer a consistently smooth writing experience, producing vivid and dark lines. The quick dry time and fine tip allow for clean, crisp lines with minimal smudging.

All Parker ballpoint refills are certified ISO 12757.2 and comply with Documentary Use standards for the handling and storage of documents during long periods of time.

Available line widths:

• Fine (0.8mm)
• Medium (1.0mm)
• Broad (1.2mm)

Available colors:

• Black
• Blue
• Red

Parker Quink Gel Refill

With the Quink Gel refill from Parker, you can transform your ballpoint pen into a gel pen! The Parker Quink Gel refill is a wet writer that uses a consistently skip-free, smooth and quick drying technology that allows for neat marks with fewer smears. The ink is pigment based and water resistant.

Available line widths:

• Medium (1.0mm)

Available colors:

• Black
• Blue

UNI Jetstream SXR-600 Refill

The UNI Jetstream refill is a low viscosity, hybrid ballpoint- gel ink formula that delivers the best of both worlds. Famously known for its smoothness with dark, precise lines and quick drying time. The ink is fade resistant, archival and waterproof. 

Available line widths:

• 0.38mm
• 0.5mm
• 0.7mm

Available colors:

• Black 

Caran d'Ache 849 Roller Refill

The Caran d'Ache liquid ink rollerball refill is a gel-like G2 refill that offers a smooth writing experience. The pen leaves clean, crisp lines and has a dark ink.

Nickel-plated brass tube. Stainless steel tip. Made in Switzerland! 

Available line widths:

• Fine (0.5mm)
• Medium (0.7mm)

Available colors:

• Black
• Blue

Kaweco Soul G2 Rollerball Gel Refill

The Kaweco Soul G2 Rollerball Gel Refill is a high-quality ink that writes smoothly and lays down a deep, vibrant color. 

Available line widths:

• Fine (0.7mm)

Available colors:

• Black
• Blue

Kaweco Soul G2 Ball Pen Refill

The Kaweco Soul G2 Ball Pen Refill has a particularly soft paste that allows for a smooth writing experience, laying down dark lines with every stroke. Wider line widths are available for those who really want to make a statement! The refill in Broad (1.4mm) is especially suitable for elegant signatures.

Available line widths:

• Fine (0.8mm)
• Medium (1.0mm)
• Broad (1.4mm)

Available colors:

• Black
• Blue 

Fisher Space Pen PR Series Pressurized Ballpoint Pen Refill

The Fisher Space Pen refill was made to write in any situation! The ink cartridge is pressurized with nitrogen so that it doesn’t need gravity to work, allowing one to write in zero gravity, at any angle, even upside down! It can also perform in extreme temperatures from -1 º C to 121 º and has an estimated shelf life of 100 years, with the capacity to write over 3657 meters (12,000 feet).

Each refill also comes with a plastic adapter, allowing them to be used in all Parker Style G2 pens! (Adapter dimensions - Length: 2.54cm / Width: 0.5cm)

The choice of ski patrols, search and rescue teams, law enforcement agencies, armed forces, and everyone who demands reliability in a writing instrument.

Available in a wide array of unique colors!

Available Line Widths (Vary by color):

• Fine (0.9mm)
• Medium (1.1mm)
• Bold (1.3mm)

Available colors:

• Black
• Blue
• Silver
• Turquoise
• Brown
• Purple
• Burgundy
• Red
• Green

We hope this guide was helpful as you navigate the world of refills and finding the best one for you. Have you tried any of these refills yourself?

Let us know in the comments!