Caran d'Ache 849 XL Ballpoint

The Caran d’Ache 849 ballpoint is not a pen that you hear talked about a lot. It’s one of my favorite everyday ballpoint pens, and I wore it every day to work in the White Flint store for 10+ years. The 849 is a sturdy, reliable workhorse of a pen. Did you know that the mechanism on the higher-end Varius and Ecridor ballpoint models feel just as smooth as the click-action retraction on the 849 ballpoint? If you can’t tell by this endorsement, I’m clearly a fan. When I saw the new Caran d’Ache 849 XL Ballpoint, I had to get it right away.

First of all, Caran d’Ache calls this pen the 849 XL “Roller”. It’s very important to clarify that this pen does not have a removable cap (which would make it a rollerball). However, the 849 XL comes with a gel refill which makes the pen write like a rollerball. This is the first 849 to come with a Parker Style refill standard (instead of only using the Caran d’Ache Goliath ballpoint refills). As I usually recommend the Monteverde Parker Style ballpoint or gel refills, it’s also worth noting that the Faber-Castell XB ballpoint refills fit.

Secondly, my only disappointment is that there’s no green color. The Caran d’Ache 849 XL Ballpoint is available in five colors: Black, White, Blue, Red, and Grey. As you can see in the pictures, I got the grey one. I’ve shown it next to some of my other Caran d’Ache pens for size comparison. I like the matte finish on the aluminum barrel in each color. It’s a very industrial and modern looking pen overall.

Finally, this 849 XL’s size is noticeably different with a 28% larger body (unlike the Parker Jotter XL with a whopping 7% increase in size). The dimensions are 137.2mm x 10.4mm. This translates to a very comfortable writing experience. As the mechanism adds weight to the pen, the 849 XL ballpoint is a bit back-heavy. I like the way that helps the pen stay seated in my hand with the uneven balance.

What do you think? Do you have yours yet? You can check it out here. If you like it, then get rewarded with FREE shipping on products featured in our blog for a limited time. No code needed as you complete your purchase on our website.

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