Monteverde Napa

[StyloBug33]

This is going to be a rather quick review. I just got this pen a few days ago and am really enjoying it. I have gotten tons of compliments on how beautiful it is, even though it is not overly expensive. I decided to buy it because I needed some notebooks from Goulet Pens and wanted the free shipping. I know, I spent $100 to save $7. That is my special pen-collecting expenditure algorithm. It works well for me

 

The pen looks like a piston filler, but it is a cartridge/converter. The material it is made out of is gorgeous. I tried to take some decent photos of it with my iPhone. I am hopefully getting a new camera for my birthday.

 

It is a nice size, similar to the MB 146. It has a steal nib that writes very well. It doesn't have any flex to it, but I like that. It is smooth and has good, consistent flow.

 

My pen is "red," although there are many other colors in it as well. It also comes in blue and ivory.

 

Resized to 90% (was 640 x 480) - Click image to enlarge

 

Resized to 90% (was 640 x 480) - Click image to enlarge

 

Resized to 90% (was 640 x 480) - Click image to enlarge

 

Resized to 90% (was 640 x 480) - Click image to enlarge

[jandrese]

Thanks for sharing. These are better than their price would suggest. Although I have many great pens I am considering this one.

[i.like.whiskey]

That is my special pen-collecting expenditure algorithm. It works well for me.

 

Yes! Right there with you.

Edited August 16, 2012 by i.like.whiskey

[georges zaslavsky]

looks very nice thanks for sharing too bad it ain't a piston filler

[avlisyar]

I purchased the Red Napa from Fountain Pen Hospital

with a Stub Nib some 2 months ago. It has slowly

become one of my pens that is always inked. The

Stub is approximately a 1.1 and delivers a smooth,

wet line consistently.

 

[Esterfella]

As a brand, Monteverde has never grabbed my attention but I really like your pen. Thanks for sharing. This may merit a closer look.

[goldiesdad]

Great pics thanks for your review ...

[dannzeman]

Oh, wow, I didn't realize the barrel was as transparent as it is your photo, well, half the barrel anyway. Thanks for the quick shots.

[vondauster]

Very nice looking pen. Just curious, where are Monteverde pens manufactured? I notice the barrel says Monteverde USA.

 

Will

[Uncle Red]

Nice review, thanks.

[raging.dragon]

Very nice looking pen. Just curious, where are Monteverde pens manufactured? I notice the barrel says Monteverde USA.

 

Will

 

Monteverde are US based (I believe they're Yafa's "store" brand); however, I have no idea who actually manufactures the pens nor where.

[His Nibs]

Here are the three 'colors'.

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Napa/MonteverdeNapaGroupRandom.jpg

 

Each pen is unique, but the red tends to have the most transparent cap in places.

 

Although I haven't done it yet myself, it's a model that's begging for a little silicone grease to turn it into an eyedropper!

[Esterfella]

Does that blue one have red or orange in it? Very attractive.

[His Nibs]

Does that blue one have red or orange in it? Very attractive.

 

I'd say they tend to be a brownish-orange. Perhaps these photos give a clearer impression of the colors in the blue:

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Napa/MonteverdeNapaBlueCapBand.jpg

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Napa/MonteverdeNapaBlueConverter.jpg

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Napa/MonteverdeNapaGroupCaps.jpg

 

Regards,

 

Norman

[Esterfella]

I don't own a Monteverde. What's their signature model? I like the blue napa and the black nibbed stealth carbon fiber one too.

 

 

[His Nibs]

I don't own a Monteverde. What's their signature model? I like the blue napa and the black nibbed stealth carbon fiber one too.

 

There's no 'official' signature model, but the Invincia line has really become the de facto flagship model, as there have been many versions over the past decade or so. Many have been retired, but new ones being brought out, such as the Stylus versions (for dual use with a capacitive touchscreen):

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Invincia%20Stylus/InvinciaStylusFPPairRandom.jpg

 

I don't want to make this an advertisement , but if you visit my website sometime, also take a look at the Regatta (with a magnetic cap for posting and closing) as well as the Prima, in many different patterns. All are available with F, M or B nibs (although I rate these as closer to typical western x-fine, fine and medium in size), and the wonderful 1.1 mm stub nib -- which took me about 3 years of constant cajoling and sending of samples to YAFA to convince them to produce, for both Monteverde and Conklin pens.

[nightwing]

Thanks for the review, StyloBug33 - great photographs as well!

 

Although I haven't done it yet myself, it's a model that's begging for a little silicone grease to turn it into an eyedropper!

Interesting - so, the metal rings on the barrel are only on the surface, not on the inside?

Edited August 18, 2012 by nightwing

[His Nibs]

Thanks for the review, StyloBug33 - great photographs as well!

 

Although I haven't done it yet myself, it's a model that's begging for a little silicone grease to turn it into an eyedropper!

Interesting - so, the metal rings on the barrel are only on the surface, not on the inside?

 

As far as I can tell, the rings are positioned on the outside only, at the join of the barrel material and the ink window.

[hardyb]

I picked up the Napa in cream with a 1.1 stub. Great pen and the stub nib is reputed to be one of the best on the current market. I picked up a Conkin at the Atlanta show in ivory with red gold furnishings and it had the same 1.1 on it too.

[Kyouju]

Lovely photos, StyloBug33.

 

And to His Nibs or anyone else contemplating its conversion to eyedropper: Please do try it and report back to us if it works well in eyedropper mode. I have a fancy to see that reddish one looking as though it has been topped up with some Vin Gris.