Parker G2 Refill vs. Standard International Cartridge
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
The Parker-Style G2 Refill (standardized under ISO 12757-2 Doc G2) is one of the most widely adopted ballpoint and gel pen refill standards. Measuring 98.1 mm in length and 5.8 mm in body diameter with a stepped metal barrel and grooved plastic crown cog, it is used by hundreds of luxury pen brands and custom machined EDC pens.
The Standard International Cartridge (also known as the European or Universal cartridge) is the dominant standardized fountain pen ink format, featuring a 2.4 mm nozzle opening sealed with a plastic sphere. Available in Short (38 mm / 0.85 ml) and Long (72 mm / 1.4 ml) sizes, it is used by dozens of European and American fountain pen manufacturers.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Overall Length
|
98.1 ± 0.3 mm (3.86 in) | — |
|
Main Body Diameter
|
5.8 ± 0.1 mm (0.228 in) | — |
|
Stepped Tip Diameter
|
2.5 mm extending 18.0 mm from barrel shoulder | — |
|
ISO Standard Code
|
ISO 12757-2 Type G2 (Documentary permanence proof) | — |
|
Crown Cam Geometry
|
Molded nylon cog crown with 4 radial guide splines for push-button advance mechanisms | — |
|
Available Ink Formulations
|
Oil-based ballpoint (Parker QuinkFlow, Schmidt P900), hybrid low-viscosity (Uni Jetstream SXR-600), gel ink (Schneider Gelion+, Itoya) | — |
|
Pen Brand Compatibility
|
Parker, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Rotring (600/800), Retro 51 Tornado, Tactile Turn, Karas Kustoms | — |
|
Short Cartridge Dimensions
|
— | 38.0 mm length × 7.0 mm diameter (approx. 0.80 to 0.85 ml ink capacity) |
|
Long Cartridge Dimensions
|
— | 72.0 mm length × 7.0 mm diameter (approx. 1.40 to 1.50 ml ink capacity) |
|
Bore / Nozzle Diameter
|
— | 2.4 ± 0.05 mm (friction-fits over the pen feed nipple) |
|
Internal Seal
|
— | Floating polystyrene bead / puncture disc pushed into cartridge body upon insertion |
|
Two-in-Barrel Tandem Storage
|
— | Most full-size pens store one active short cartridge plus one inverted spare short cartridge in the barrel |
|
Brand Compatibility
|
— | Kaweco, Pelikan, Montblanc, Faber-Castell, Visconti, Diplomat, Caran d'Ache, Jinhao, Waterman (long) |