111 mm Pen Refills Guide: Gel, Rollerball & Ballpoint Compatibility

111 mm pen refill comparison with gel, rollerball, ballpoint, and proprietary refill types
Many 111 mm pen refills look similar, but gel, rollerball, ballpoint, and proprietary refills are not always interchangeable.

111 mm pen refill compatibility can be confusing because many popular refills fall in the same general size range. Pilot G2, Pentel EnerGel, TUL Gel, Uniball 207, Zebra gel refills, Schmidt rollerball refills, Waterman rollerball refills, and several proprietary refills may all be close to 111 mm, but that does not mean they are interchangeable.

Many popular gel, rollerball, fineliner, and ballpoint refills fall in the 110–112 mm range, but length is only one part of compatibility. A Pilot G2 Refill, Pentel EnerGel Refill, TUL Gel Refill, Uniball 207 Gel Refill, Schmidt 888, Waterman rollerball, and Uni-ball POWER TANK RT refill may look similar at first glance, but the tip shape, shoulder, body diameter, rear plug, spring position, and pen mechanism can all affect fit.

If you are trying to identify a refill, start with the Pen Refill Finder and compare your refill’s size and shape before buying a replacement.

Why 111 mm Refills Are Confusing

The 111 mm refill range is confusing because several different refill families share a similar length. Some are retractable gel refills. Some are capped rollerball refills. Some are fineliners. Some are pressurized ballpoints. Some are proprietary refills that only work in specific pens.

That means a refill being “about 111 mm” is useful information, but it is not enough by itself.

A compatible refill usually needs to match several details:

  • Overall length
  • Tip shape
  • Shoulder shape
  • Refill diameter
  • Rear plug or rear-end design
  • Spring position
  • Pen mechanism
  • Capped vs retractable pen design

Two refills can be close in length but still fail to fit the same pen.

Same Length Does Not Mean Same Fit

The most important rule for any 111 mm pen refill is this: same length does not mean same compatibility.

For example, a Pilot G2 Refill and a Schmidt 888 Rollerball Refill may both be in the 111 mm range, but they are designed for different types of pens. The Pilot G2 is a retractable gel-style refill, while the Schmidt 888 is a rollerball refill more commonly associated with capped pens.

The same caution applies to refills like Pilot FriXion Gel, Parker 5th, Parker Rollerball, Lamy M63, and Lamy M66. They may be near this length range, but they should not be treated as general-purpose 111 mm substitutes.

111 mm Pen Refill Comparison Table

RefillInk TypeApprox. LengthPen TypeBest Used ForCompatibility Notes
Pilot G2 RefillGel111 mmRetractableGeneral gel writingBenchmark Pilot G2-style comparison
Pentel EnerGel RefillGel111 mmRetractableFast, smooth gel writingClose 111 mm gel comparison
TUL Gel RefillGel111 mmRetractableOffice gel writingTUL-family refill; compare carefully
Uniball 207 Gel RefillGel111 mmRetractableEveryday gel writingUniball 207-family gel refill
Uniball 207+ PLUS / 307Gel111 mmRetractableSmooth Uniball gel writingRelated Uniball gel family
Uniball Zento Liquid GelLiquid gel111 mmRetractableSmooth liquid gel writingInclude cautiously unless fit is confirmed
Zebra LV-Refill GelGel111 mmRetractableRapid-dry Sarasa writingSarasa rapid-dry gel refill
Zebra NC-Refill GelGel111 mmRetractableZebra bLen writingbLen-family gel refill
Zebra MJF / Sarasa Mark ONGel111 mmRetractableHighlighted notesSpecialized Sarasa-family variant
Zebra Sarasa / JFGel111 mmRetractableSarasa gel writingStandard Sarasa-family comparison
Sharpie S-GelGel111 mmRetractableEveryday gel writingClose 111 mm gel comparison
Uni-ball Signo / UMRGel111 mmRetractableUni-ball gel writingSigno/UMR-style comparison
Schmidt 888 Rollerball RefillRollerball111 mmUsually cappedStandard rollerball writingLength comparison, not direct gel substitute
Schmidt 5888 Rollerball RefillRollerball111 mmUsually cappedMetal rollerball refillLength comparison, not direct gel substitute
Schmidt 6040 Fineliner RefillFineliner111 mmUsually cappedFineliner writingSame length family, different tip
Waterman Rollerball RefillRollerballAround 110 mmUsually cappedWaterman rollerball pensSome user-reported Pilot G2 overlap, not universal
Uni-ball POWER TANK RT Ballpoint RefillPressurized ballpoint111 mmRetractablePressurized ballpoint writingSame length range, different ink system
Pilot FriXion Gel RefillErasable gel111 mmRetractableErasable writingProprietary/caution refill
Parker 5th RefillProprietary liquid/5th systemAround 111 mmParker 5th pensParker 5th TechnologyProprietary, not interchangeable
Parker Rollerball RefillRollerball114 mmCapped Parker rollerballParker rollerball pensProprietary/caution refill
Lamy M63 Rollerball RefillRollerball115 mmLamy capped rollerball pensLamy rollerball pensNearby length, proprietary
Lamy M66 Rollerball RefillRollerball110 mmLamy capless/retractable rollerball pensLamy rollerball pensNearby length, proprietary

Closest 111 mm Retractable Gel Refills

The closest comparison group for 111 mm pen refills is the family of retractable gel refills used in pens like Pilot G2, Pentel EnerGel, TUL, Uniball 207, Zebra Sarasa-style pens, and similar gel pens.

These refills are often close in length and may look similar at first, but they are not automatically interchangeable.

Important 111 mm retractable gel comparisons include:

These are useful refills to compare if you are trying to identify a 111 mm gel refill, but each one should still be checked against your pen’s original refill.


Most Popular 111 mm Gel Refills to Compare First

If you are trying to identify a 111 mm gel refill, the best place to start is usually with the most common retractable gel refill families: Pilot G2, Pentel EnerGel, and TUL Gel.

Pilot G2 Refill

The Pilot G2 Refill is one of the most recognizable 111 mm gel refills and is often used as a benchmark when people compare similar retractable gel refills. It is a good first reference if your refill has a long plastic body, a gel ink writing feel, and a standard retractable gel pen shape.

Learn more about the Pilot G2 Refill with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.


Pentel EnerGel Refill

The Pentel EnerGel Refill is another major 111 mm gel refill to compare. It is popular for smooth, fast-flowing gel ink and is often considered alongside Pilot G2-style refills, although the two are not automatically interchangeable in every pen.

Learn more about the Pentel EnerGel Refill with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.


TUL Gel Refill

The TUL Gel Refill is also a useful 111 mm comparison, especially for office-style gel pens. If your refill came from a TUL pen or looks similar to other retractable gel refills in this range, compare its length, tip shape, shoulder, and rear plug carefully before choosing a replacement.

Learn more about the TUL Gel Refill with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.


These three refills are not universal substitutes for one another, but they are among the most useful starting points when comparing 111 mm retractable gel refills.


Zebra 111 mm Gel Refills Explained

Zebra has several 111 mm gel refills, and they should not all be treated as the same refill.

Zebra LV-Refill

The Zebra LV-Refill Gel is a Sarasa-family refill using rapid-dry gel ink. It is a useful comparison for people trying to identify a 111 mm Zebra gel refill, especially if fast drying is important.

Learn more about the Zebra LV-Refill Gel with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.


Zebra NC-Refill Gel

The Zebra NC-Refill Gel is a bLen-family gel refill. It is also around 111 mm, but it is designed around Zebra bLen compatibility rather than being a universal Sarasa replacement.

Learn more about the Zebra NC-Refill Gel with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.


The Zebra MJF / Sarasa Mark ON refill is another 111 mm Zebra gel refill, but it is more specialized. It is associated with Sarasa Mark ON pens and is designed for highlighter-resistant gel writing.

For broader Zebra compatibility, see our Zebra Pens Guide.


Uni-ball / Uniball 111 mm Refills Explained

Uniball also has several refill families that fall into the 111 mm range, but they should be separated by ink type.

Uniball 207 Gel Refill

The Uniball 207 Gel Refill is a 111 mm gel refill used in Uniball 207-style pens. It is one of the key refills to compare against Pilot G2, Pentel EnerGel, TUL Gel, and Zebra gel refills.

  • Buy Uniball 207 0.5 mm Fine Point Refills: BlackBlueRed
  • Buy Uniball 207 0.7 mm Medium Point Refills: BlackBlueRed
  • Buy Uniball 207 1.0 mm Broad Point Refills: BlackBlueRed

Learn more about the Uniball 207 Gel Refill with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.


Uniball 207+ PLUS and Uniball 307

Uniball 207+ PLUS and Uniball 307 refills are related gel-family comparisons. They may be useful for people comparing 111 mm gel options, but compatibility should still be confirmed by comparing the original refill.


Uniball POWER TANK RT

The Uni-ball POWER TANK RT is different. The Uni-ball POWER TANK RT Ballpoint Refill is a pressurized ballpoint refill, not a gel refill. It may be around the same length, but the ink system and writing behavior are different.

Learn more about the Uni-ball POWER TANK RT Ballpoint Refill with our full guide to specs, compatibility, and replacement notes.

For more Uniball refill information, see our Uniball Pens Guide.


111 mm Rollerball and Fineliner Refills

Some 111 mm refills are rollerball or fineliner refills rather than retractable gel refills. These are useful length comparisons, but they should be treated separately.

Schmidt 888 & 5888 Rollerball Refill

The Schmidt 888 Rollerball Refill and Schmidt 5888 Rollerball Refill are standard-size Schmidt rollerball refills in the 111 mm range. They are usually associated with capped rollerball pens rather than retractable gel pens.


Schmidt 6040 Fineliner Refill

The Schmidt 6040 Fineliner Refill is also around 111 mm, but it uses a fineliner tip instead of a rollerball or gel tip.

  • Buy Schmidt 6040 FineLiner Refills: BlackBlue

Standard 111 mm rollerball refills, such as the Schmidt 888 and Schmidt 5888, are useful length comparisons, but they should be treated separately. They are usually rollerball refills for capped pens rather than retractable gel refills, so the length may be similar while the tip shape, shoulder, body diameter, rear-end design, and spring behavior may differ.


Can Waterman Rollerball Pens Take Pilot G2 Refills?

Some Waterman rollerball pens are reported by users to accept Pilot G2-style gel refills, especially certain capped Waterman rollerball models. This can make the Pilot G2 Refill an important comparison point for people looking at Waterman Rollerball Refills.

However, this should be treated as user-reported compatibility rather than an official universal Waterman specification. Waterman’s own refill listings point users toward Waterman rollerball refills, so not every Waterman model should be assumed to accept Pilot G2, Pentel EnerGel, Zebra Sarasa, TUL Gel, or similar gel refills.

If you own a Waterman rollerball pen, remove the existing refill and compare the length, tip shape, shoulder, and rear section before trying a gel refill substitute.

For more Waterman information, see our Waterman Pens Guide.

111 mm Ballpoint Refills

Not every 111 mm refill is a gel or rollerball refill. Some refills in this range are ballpoints.

The Uni-ball POWER TANK RT Ballpoint Refill is a 111 mm pressurized ballpoint refill. It is relevant to this guide because of its length, but it should not be treated as a gel alternative.

Pressurized ballpoint refills are designed for different writing needs. They may work better at unusual angles, in colder conditions, or in more demanding everyday situations, but they will not feel the same as a gel refill like Pilot G2 or Pentel EnerGel.

If you are replacing a gel refill, the POWER TANK RT is mainly a comparison point unless your pen specifically accepts that refill format.

111 mm Proprietary Refills to Treat Carefully

Some refills sit near the 111 mm length range but should be treated carefully because they are proprietary or designed for specific pen systems.

The Pilot FriXion Gel Refill is a 111 mm erasable gel refill, but FriXion refills are not general substitutes for every 111 mm gel pen.

The Parker 5th Refill is a proprietary Parker refill format associated with Parker 5th Technology pens. It should not be treated as a standard 111 mm gel or rollerball refill.

The Parker Rollerball Refill is also a proprietary Parker rollerball format. It may be near the broader long-refill category, but Parker rollerball pens generally require Parker rollerball-style refills.

The Lamy M63 Rollerball Refill and Lamy M66 Rollerball Refill are also caution examples. The M63 is 115 mm and the M66 is 110 mm, but both are Lamy-specific rollerball refills designed for particular Lamy pen types.

Brand Notes for 111 mm Refills

Several brands have important 111 mm or nearby refill families.

Zebra has multiple 111 mm gel refills, including the LV and NC families, along with Sarasa-style comparisons.

Uniball has gel refill families such as the 207, plus the POWER TANK RT pressurized ballpoint refill.

Waterman is relevant because some Waterman rollerball users compare their refills to Pilot G2-style gel refills, even though fit should be confirmed carefully.

Monteverde and Faber-Castell may also appear in standard rollerball refill conversations, especially where capped rollerball compatibility is involved.

How to Compare a 111 mm Pen Refill

To compare a 111 mm pen refill, start by measuring the refill and checking the pen mechanism.

Look at:

  • Total length
  • Tip shape
  • Shoulder shape
  • Body diameter
  • Rear plug or end cap
  • Spring position
  • Ink type
  • Whether the pen is capped or retractable
  • Whether the refill is proprietary

Then compare it with known refill families such as Pilot G2, Pentel EnerGel, TUL Gel, Uniball 207, Zebra LV, Zebra NC, Schmidt 888, Schmidt 5888, Waterman rollerball, or POWER TANK RT.

If you are unsure, the Pen Refill Finder can help you narrow the possibilities by size and refill shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all 111 mm pen refills interchangeable?

No. Refills around 111 mm are not automatically interchangeable. Length is only one part of compatibility. Tip shape, shoulder design, refill diameter, rear plug, spring position, and pen mechanism can all affect fit.

Is a Pilot G2 refill the same as a Pentel EnerGel refill?

No. The Pilot G2 Refill and Pentel EnerGel Refill are similar-length retractable gel refills, but they are not the same refill. Some pens may accept both with good fit, while others may not.

Is a Schmidt 888 the same as a Pilot G2 refill?

No. The Schmidt 888 is a rollerball refill commonly used in capped pens, while the Pilot G2 is a retractable gel refill. They may be similar in length, but they are different refill types.

Can Waterman rollerball pens use Pilot G2 refills?

Some users report that certain Waterman rollerball pens can accept Pilot G2-style gel refills, but this should be treated as user-reported compatibility, not a universal rule. Always compare your existing Waterman Rollerball Refill before trying another refill.

Is the Uni-ball POWER TANK RT a gel refill?

No. The Uni-ball POWER TANK RT Ballpoint Refill is a pressurized ballpoint refill. It may be relevant in 111 mm comparisons, but it is not a gel refill.

What is the best way to identify a 111 mm refill?

Remove the refill from your pen, measure it, compare the tip and rear section, and check whether the pen is capped or retractable. Then use the Pen Refill Finder to compare likely matches.

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