Parker is a noted maker of fine writing instruments. Founded in the US at the end of the 19th century, the company has changed hands several times. Currently, along with Papermate, Rotring and Sanford, it’s a property of Newell Rubbermaid. Throughout the history of the company, no matter the owner, there has been a tradition of fine craftsmanship backed by a strong guarantee.
The point, though, isn’t to be a commercial for the company. In my day job and in my hobby as a writer, I do a lot of longhand note taking and writing. I’ve tried every pen under the sun, some twice, and keep coming back to certain ones that mix quality ink flow, longevity and comfort. Parker produces two ballpoint pens in the same price range (roughly $4-$7, depending on the store), the Parker Jotter and the Parker Reflex.
The Parker Jotter is one of the most visually recognizable pens, introduced in 1954. The lower half of the pen is a plastic barrel of various solid colors. A current redesign had limited the barrel to red, black and blue, although recently new issues have included pastel purple and green. The top half of the body is a burnished metal, with the distinctive arrow-shaped clip. Current versions of the classic pen have a more rounded “clicker” tip (although I suppose the part that is depressed on the Parker Jotter may be technically called a “plunger” but that’s not a classy enough term for the Parker Jotter.) The Parker Jotter is roughly 5 inches (approx. 13 cm) long.
The Parker Reflex features a rubber-coated lower half, in a black diamond pattern, for ease of grip. The top half is plastic, with colors varying among red, black and blue. The red of the Parker Reflex is a more vibrant color, significantly brighter, than the maroonish red of the Parker Jotter. The arrow-shaped clip is less detailed and more of a stylized depiction. The Parker Reflex is longer than the Parker Jotter, by half an inch. The newer versions have a solid metal clicker, with the Parker logo on top, although earlier versions had an inset plastic piece in a metal clicker.
Both pens use the same ink source, a refill first introduced for the Parker Jotter. In my experience, which is in no way scientific or binding on the whole, I have had more problems with spotty ink flow from the Parker Reflex. One of the foremost criticisms of the Parker Jotter is that the smooth plastic grip can become slippery over extended use, especially in sweaty hands. The rubberized grip of the Reflex prevents slippage. The mostly-plastic Parker Reflex has proved less hardy in my experience, as the metal end and the arrow clip have broken on other pens I’ve owned. Additionally, in several cases the plastic around the metal plunger has cracked. Parker replaced one with the broken end, but I have continued to use the clip-less pen without problem. While the Parker Jotter is hardier, it isn’t necessary without issues. The metal clip on a Parker Jotter is prone to bending out of shape, especially if carried clipped over a thick fabric (like the pocket of a pair of jeans). The result is that it sticks out and is hard to bend back into place, but is strong enough that it won’t break off. Of the dozens I’ve owned, in one case the clip just fell off, but otherwise I have never had a mechanical problem.
The Parker Pen Company produces two decent products in the Parker Jotter and Parker Reflex. Personal preference may play a part in selecting the instrument that fits best to a writer’s hand. The Parker Reflex is less durable and the plastic housing may crack or parts may break off, but it is designed for ease of use. The Parker Jotter has a more famous and professional look, but the plastic barrel can become slippery, requiring a tighter grip that leads to cramping and a negative impact on writing. Both the Parker Jotter and Parker Reflex are worth the price and provide a long-lasting writing tool, especially as they are backed by a strong guarantee from one of the largest stationery companies in the world.
