The Retro 51 Tornado rollerball writes with a cap-less REF5P liquid rollerball ink cartridge. Although there are several ink colors available (blue, red, purple, and green), the color included with any new Retro 51 rollerball is always black. The rollerball is also compatible with any Parker-style type ballpoint pen cartridge. Since this cartridge is made by several manufacturers, there are many options for ink color, point size, and ink consistency (ballpoint or gel ink). Retro 51 offers the REF71 (black) or REF77 (blue) easy-flow 9000 ballpoint ink cartridge as an alternative (sold separately) refill option for the Tornado rollerball pen.

Although the company is headquartered in Richardson, Texas (USA), the Retro 51 factory is based in Taiwan. All pen parts are manufactured in Taiwan with exception to the fountain pen nibs (made by Jowo in Germany) or the refills (made by Schmidt, also in Germany).

Retro 1951, Inc. offers a Limited One-Year Warranty on all Retro 51 writing instruments to the original consumer for a period of one year from the date of purchase with the purchased unit free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please note that this warranty is void if the pen has been damaged by accident, negligence, unauthorized service, or other factors not due to defects in materials or workmanship. It's important not to return the product to the retailer from whom it was purchased. Retro 51 will handle warranty claims directly.

Yes, most Retro 51 rollerball pens can be personalized with engraving on the barrel of the pen. There are some exceptions due to the design of the pen. For example, if a Retro 51 Tornado pen has an acid-etched pattern and does not have a blank spot where an engraving may be etched, then we will not engrave that pen. Our most popular, personalized Retro 51 rollerball pens are the classic lacquer styles, which are available in a variety of colors.

The refill inside. The Tornado pen design is the same whether you have a ballpoint or rollerball. It's the refill that makes the difference. The Tornado ballpoint pen uses the REF71 Easy Flow 9000 ballpoint ink cartridge while the rollerball writes with the more fluid REF5P cap-less rollerball ink cartridge. The ballpoint might last longer with the thicker, pastier ink. But, the rollerball version would flow smoother and require less hand pressure to make a dark mark on paper.