Hi guys,

Browsed a bit here but haven’t posted (read so many forums afraid I couldn’t keep up). I recently started a collection of pens, but have had issues with gel refills leaking in two out of three of them I’ve received in the last week. I now own a Zebra F-701, Maxmadco stainless steel bolt action, and two Ti2 pens. Also have a few others on the way to me in the Uni Power Tank, Fisher Bullet Space Pen, and Karras Retrakt.

One of the Hi Tec C refills made a mess on me at work a day or two after it was shipped to me. Today, after playing with the Maxmadco with the Parker gel refill, it did the same (it came in yesterday, I believe). As both of these refills are highly praised, I found it odd that this would happen. I have placed an order for Fisher fine refills and various Hi Tec C ink refill sizes.

Here are some of my questions (I’m a total pen noob):

Do I just have bad luck or could I have done something wrong?
What are some good non-gel refill options for me or a high quality gel option that should be much less likely to leak?