Help Me Pick My Upgrade

[skybuzz]

I'm a new College Instructor (Engineering) and am looking for a few ideas on pens to upgrade to. I like heavy bigger pens (although I don't have any). I've read the posts on pen advice and am willing to spend up to $400. I want a piston type pen.

I am looking at getting:

Pelikan Niagara Falls - M605? I think

Pelikan M215

Sailor 1911

Pelikan M200 - 90s version

Pelikan M200 - Cognac

Lamy 2000

Lamy Studio

Pelikan M805

Montblanc 149

Visconti - Like Designs, open to suggestions

Waterman - Opera and others

I know the list is long, but it's hard to narrow down when I don't really know what I'm doing ...

I also know that I should go try them out, but it's hard when there isn't a good selection in your city.

I currently have a Pelikan (not sure the model) - See my new member post: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/271088-new-to-the-forum-ready-to-upgrade/

[rochester21]

If you prefer plastic bodies, you should probably try an M800/MB149. M200, M400 are normal-sized pens, somewhat light as well. The M6xx series are in-between. If you really want a bigger, heavier pen, the M800 or 149 is the way to go.

 

You`il also probably like higher-end waterman pens, like le man 100, l`etalon, carene etc. They feel solid and the nibs are very smooth, but...they are not piston-fillers.

Edited July 30, 2014 by rochester21

[canibanoglu]

From the pens you listed, I'd be choosing between M805, MB149 and Lamy 2000. But the 149 is out of the price range you gave (unless you buy used) so it's down to two. Both are fantastic pens, I'd probably choose 2K but that is most likely because of my obsession with it. The blue M805 is a stunning pen and you wouldn't be disappointed at all.

[Scribblesoften]

The M805 and the MB 146 are quite similar in size. Also, the ink capacity between the 146 and the 149 is the same. So, you might also take a look at the 146.

[orfew]

The M805 and the MB 146 are quite similar in size. Also, the ink capacity between the 146 and the 149 is the same. So, you might also take a look at the 146.

+1 for this. The 146 is a great pen. You should be able to get a used one for about 250.00-275.00. I would recommend the 80's version with the monotone nib.

[tonybelding]

Of those listed, the Lamy 2000 would be my likely choice. I did have a few nitpicks with the one I owned, but it was very nicely built and wrote well. They are also well priced for what you get.

 

The Lamy Studio is not a piston-filler, and I don't think Waterman have ever made a piston filler. Although... Whenever anybody posts a message saying "I want a piston filler", I have to wonder why. I've used a wide range of filling mechanisms, and each has its pluses and minuses. There is nothing magical about piston fillers. However, If you really are set on a piston filler, then the Bexley Corona should be up for consideration. I have the orange one, and I love it.

 

I was just looking at the Levenger L-Tech 3.0 in the catalog that arrived this morning, and I must admit I was tempted. For an engineering instructor it would seem fitting! It's not a piston filler, but it does come with a couple of stylus points that you can fit on the cap.

[logantrky]

Were it me, I would go with a used MB 149 or a Pelikan M8XX, in that order. I would also suggest looking into a used Yard-O-Led Grand Viceroy. I reluctantly sold mine in the barley finish, and have regretted it since.

[skybuzz]

Great options - Looking at them all ... I don't really care about piston, I just knew that I don't like the cartridges in my current pelikan and would like to just be able to fill the pen with ink!

 

Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming!

 

I do like the look of the Peliken Limited editions, but I don't know that they will write as good as others ...

Edited July 30, 2014 by skybuzz

[skybuzz]

Will the M8XX Series Pelikan be much nicer than the M605 Limited Editions, like Mount Everest?

[Runnin_Ute]

Another option for a heavier pen - even though less expensive than the ones mentioned. The True Writer Silver Anniversary. It is built on a brass barrel, so fairly hefty (30 grams) and solidly built. Gorgeous gunmetal finish.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/20130221_093852_zps53b62438.jpg

 

with a Esterbrook J

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/Fountain%20Pens/20130731_195706_zps2ef2fd4c.jpg

 

Stock photo from the website: (levenger.com)

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/Fountain%20Pens/TrueWriterSilverAnniversaryAP9950_0312_zpsb8b12b4d.jpg

[Buzz_130]

The Pelikan M2XX is neither heavy nor big. While this class of pen is a great buy and a good writer, I don't think it fits your requirements.

 

Of your others, I own Lamy 2k, Pelikan M805, Sailor 1911, and the Visconti HS Bronze. I like the 1911 best, and the M805 is a very close second. They are very different writing experiences, but you will find both to have excellent craftsmanship, durability, and ease of use. I like my Visconti the least, and I don't use the Lamy 2k nearly as much as I should, but I simply prefer my vintage pens to the 2k.

 

Based on your requirements, I would recommend the M805. It's the largest and heaviest of the 4 I mentioned, and, as one of the best writers I have, you would really enjoy it. The nice part is Mr. Binder sells them, and you can get one of the best out-of-the-box writing experience for little to no effort.

 

Buzz

[william2001]

Parker Duofold is not on the list.

Get the Montblanc.

-William S. Park

[skybuzz]

Buzz_130 Who is Mr. Binder and where do I find his pens?

Edited July 31, 2014 by skybuzz

[Scribblesoften]

Mr. Binder, is Richard Binder. His site is www.richardspens.com. He is a seller of Pelikan pens. To answer your question about the limited edition Pelikans. The named pens have a different body shape than the regular souveran (?sp?) pens. They have a bit of a reverse hourglass bulge in the middle. If it were me, I would look at the M800 or a MB 146. They are very nice pens and are work horses. If you are alright with converters, there are many nice modern Waterman and Japanese pens to choose from.

[tonybelding]

Who is Mr. Binder and where do I find his pens?

 

http://www.richardspens.com

 

Binder is one of few sources that I shop for pens from, and he is known for customizing nibs. I got my Bexley Corona from him with a B nib modified to a stub, and it's excellent. Also, he is the only source for Gate City pens. The Gate City Belmont is particularly interesting as it fills quickly, holds a lot of ink, and it has a large ink window. Some do find it a bit homely, though.

[skybuzz]

The M800 series seems to be a little outside my price range. The montblancs are crazy popular, but I might try to snag one on ebay ... I think snagging a few fp will be the best medium and give me some more experience. Are there big differences in the types of Sailor 1911s or are they all similar ...?

[Kugelschreiber]

+1 on the Gate City Belmont. If you don't mind the looks, you'll probably love how it writes, the amount of ink it holds and how easy it is to clean. It isn't heavy, but neither are most of the pens you listed.

[de_pen_dent]

Pen Chalet has the Pelikan M640 Everest for a really good price.

 

Another option is to contact Bryant @ Pentime.com and see what he can do for you by way of Visconti for $400. You'd be very pleasantly surprised.

[skybuzz]

That price on the Everest is what I was originally leaning toward it ... However it didn't seem to get much traction. There is a Visconti at fph for sub 400 as well.

[lahlahlaw]

I'd go for a used 149 or another not on your list, the Delta Dolce Vita. The orange barrels are stunning. Their nibs are also springy, which is unlike most on your list.