Why buy the best Rotring pens? They are quite simply some of the best tools for drawing and writing with perfect precision. Equipped with ultra-fine tips and designed for optimal ink flow, they allow you to get the exact line you want with every stroke.
The first Rotring fountain pen was unveiled in Germany in 1928, combining an ink flow regulator with a fine tip and regulator wire. While the pens are made in Japan today, the brand remains steeped in its German heritage – the name Rotring literally translates to “red ring,” which you’ll see around the body of the maker’s pens and pencils today. Much like the Leica red dot in the camera world (another German company), it’s an iconic symbol that instantly denotes quality.
Rotring pens are a bit more expensive than standard pens, and they naturally won’t fit every budget. But if you’ve got the money to spend, we think Rotring pens are absolutely worth their price – if you want to learn more, skip to our section on why Rotring pens are worth the money.
Rotring has come a long way since its first single fountain pen, named
“Tintenkuli” (which literally means “ink worker”) and affectionately nicknamed “Tuli”. Today, the company offers ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, fine markers and more. So, if you are looking for the best ballpoint pens, the best mechanical pencils or the best pencils in general, you are bound to find what you are looking for in the Rotring range.
The best Rotring pens in 2021
We love the flow rate of this fine-line pen, which is precisely tuned to be ideal for the rigorous demands of technical drawing. The Rotring X-ray Drafting Pen offers tips ranging from 1mm to 0.1mm thick, so you can get a really grainy line thickness. If you need to achieve extremely fine lines with precision and consistency, the pen will do it.
The fine nibs on this pen are delicate tools, so handle them with care and take care of them! The innovative capillary cartridge system keeps the experience clog-free, and there is a pressure equalization system that keeps the ink flowing cleanly and evenly with every cartridge change.
The cartridges are durable and easy to install, with less mess than many refillable pens; Keep in mind that you will have to purchase the cartridges separately, which increases the cost.
If you prefer graphite to ink, we highly recommend the Rotring 800 mechanical pencil. This sharp little number sports a perfectly designed twist-and-click retractable mechanism. Like a well-oiled machine, it performs its function over and over again. The 800 also comes with a fixed wire guide sleeve to reduce the chance of breakage.
All-metal and ergonomically designed, the Rotring 800 feels great in the hand, with a nice weight and a non-slip grip. It’s available in black or silver finishes for aesthetic enthusiasts, and it’s always nice to use after a long day’s work. What’s also great is the hexagonal shape, which makes the pencil less prone to slipping or rolling off a table, although it does break, it comes with a two-year limited warranty.
With a fine chrome tip, ergonomic sleeve and premium weight balance, the Isograph Rotring is perfect for detail work in drawing, drafting and technical writing.
In this, it has a similar appeal to the Rotring Rapidograph (number one on our list), but while the Rotring Rapidograph uses disposable ink cartridges, the Rotring Isograph is based on a refillable ink tank, making it a great choice for frequent drawers. Note, however, that the pen comes without ink inside and the ink must be purchased separately.
Rotring isograph technical pens are available in 13 line widths and have a color-coded barrel that indicates the line width. This is a smart approach that will appeal to anyone with multiple pens, as it allows you to find the right one quickly and avoid disrupting your creative flow.
Not all Rotring pens come at premium prices, and the Rotring Tikky Graphic Fineliner is a solid budget option. It can be picked up in sets of three for less than many Rotring pens and pencils cost on their own. It comes with a wide range of nib sizes, from 0.1mm to 0.8mm, so you can get precisely the line thickness you want, and the ink is waterproof when dry. The clear plastic near the bottom of the pen makes it visually obvious when the ink is nearly used up, which is a handy little time saver. It’s a disposable pen as opposed to a refillable pen, which is a shame considering it’s somewhat unnecessary use of plastic. Still, while this pen might not have the fancy features of more expensive Rotring pens like the pressure equalization system, it’s a good budget option to take anywhere.
The Rapid Pro line is one of the most popular in the Rotring, and for good reason. A cushion stitch mechanism (aka cushion point) is not commonly found in mechanical pencils these days. But you’ll find one here, with a solid metal design, hexagonal barrel shape, and a non-slip knurled grip that makes using this pencil a pleasure. The pocket clip is also beautiful and sturdy.
A great choice for professional sketching and drawing, the sliding sleeve and padded lead of the Rapide Pro 1904258 Allows superior breaking strength and comfortable using experience. There’s also a built-in pencil sharpener under the push-button cap and a two-year limited warranty.
Also be aware that at 40g it’s a pretty heavy pen which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preference.
The mid-range Rotring 600 is one of the brand’s most iconic and popular mechanical pencils. This all-silver-tone pencil offers the advantages of precise lead advance and an adjustable lead hardness indicator, making it easy to identify while working.
Like all of the best Rotring pens, its premium construction means it is designed for lifetime use with minimal breakage. This makes it a great option for anyone who needs a precision instrument for writing, drawing, and / or sketching frequently. The knurled grip is comfortable for long hours, and it also comes with a built-in eraser.
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Why the best Rotring pens are worth the money
The high quality of the best Rotring pens makes them especially popular among professional designers, students and others involved in technical drawing. But they’re also good for outlines, shading, sketching, illustrations, and calligraphy, making them a good choice for professional artists and anyone learning to draw.
In this article, we bring you the best Rotring pens available today, in a range of pen types, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
These aren’t the cheapest pens out there, but they’ll definitely outlast most. And given that their superior construction and quality will make your work look more refined and elegant, can you really afford not to have them?
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