Parker Vector Ballpoint Pen | Blue with Chrome Trim | Medium Point Blue Ink | Gift Box

Firstly, there's a lot of moaning and bad reviews of Parker rollerball and ballpoint pens: much is based on wrong information, much on misconceptions and much is justified. The Vector rollerball seems to have become a prime target for such criticisms.The one I have was sold by Amazon and therefore is a 'legitimate' or 'real' Parker. This pen carcass is made in France (see below); it is the same design as a 30 year old British made Parker. It is slippery to hold and fairly lightweight. The price varies and really it's only 'worth' £5-6. There are cheaper Parkers, made in India - see below.Parker was once an American company with a factory in the UK. Their products were generally quite well made, reliable and affordable. The company was sold many years ago and is now Swiss owned and the factory is in France. Their products are usually just as good as the British made ones.At about the same time, Parker licensed the Indian company Luxor to (legitimately) produce Parker pens exclusively for the Indian and Nepalese markers. There are many Indian made Parkers for sale on Amazon and auction sites: they may not don't come with Parker/Luxor packaging and may therefore be indistinguishable from Euopean Parkers. Indian Parkers are usually significantly cheaper than those made in France, but not always.These are not rip-offs, they are aimed at a rather less demanding but 'aspirational' market. They are cheap but there may be quality issues. Some pens are similar in quality to the European Parkers, but the ink refill may be inferior in quality of only give 'short measure'. 'Legally', Indian made Parkers should not be sold outside India or Nepal - they are therefore 'grey imports' into the UK.The only way to distinguish a European (so called 'real') Parker from an Indian one is the use of the Royal Licence (By Appointment to HM The Queen) on the packaging and Made in France (etc) on the product - although these may by omitted.

When I hear Parker I think of a name well known for quality.Well, in this case for looks only as it does look like a Parker but once held in your hand is almost uncomfortably light, a sign of reducing materials to have a bigger margin. - all the edges of the plastic are sharp and unfinished - the top bit which you press to open or close the pen is lose and in makes a vey annoying soud all the time - the thread of the metal bit looks faint and doesn't seem very long lasting as I have been struggling to open it and close it the first time I have done so - the metal is very thin and does not add the weight to itVerdict: an absolute waste of money which makes you think twice before buying a Parker again

Call it an affectation, call it a statement, call it what you like but on and off, I've owned a 'Parker' pen since my teens (oh, where does the time go). I must have used hundreds of different writing implements but for sheer understated class and realistically, value for money, smooth ink flow (hate it when you have to lick the darn 'nib' when it dries up after not using for a while) and the feel of a decent, solid, reliable pen says it all. My only gripe is when people see it and pretend to innocently put it in their inside pocket if they borrow it, but that's hardly the pen's fault - if you like it so much, buy one! which says it all really, so a well deserved five stars and a less chunky design after all these years be hanged.

Feels cheap n plasticky. Not the metal feel i remember from younger days at school. Probably change in manufacturing processes or Indian Luxor version which i am given to understand follows a different QA process. Either way, disappointed so sent back. Rather use a bic biro tbh. Bought other Parker pens but checked for French made. They feel more sturdy. Avoid if you feel nostalgic or want quality product.

For a Parker, it was ‘lightweight’. Not such a smooth write, as normal, and it’s lack of weight didn’t help with balance. I bought it as a gift for my great niece who is moving to senior school. It’s languishing in my pen pot and I bought her a Cross!

I always remembered these pens from being a child in maths class. I would have had the pen regardless of it being any good or not, I was just after the look of it, and it looks right. If i was reviewing it on the quality of the pen then I'd say that it is more than sufficient for the price, but don't expect it to blow your mind

The plastic casing of this pen does not seem Parker quality so I doubt the authenticity of this product. It’s dull cheap material with sticky stuff on the outside and unsightly ridges. The box and information leaflet appear real but I think they’ve replaced the pen or at least parts of it for an inferior replica

Great pen as you would expect from parker. This was bought as a stocking filler for my husband who likes to write with good pens. Easy on the eye and to hold. Writes neat and ink even. Perfect for his work - Home office