Pilot Metropolitan Vs 78G

[Water Ouzel]

Hands down, the met nib is way smoother, but only comes in M in the USA. Whereas the 78g comes in F, M, B and BB (the B and BB are untipped...in other words, italics).

The Metropolitan recently became available in the U.S. with F as well as M. At the very least, from Goulet Pens and Jetpens.

[ISW_Kaputnik]

When I finally gave in and tried a Metropolitan, I found it uncomfortable to hold, due to the abrupt change in diameter between the barrel and the section. The medium nib wrote virtually identically to the FP-78G medium that I'd had for years. I seem to recall, though, that I'd had to do some tweaking on the 78G nib at first.

 

For appearance I'd pick the Metropolitan, but writing comfort is more important, and there the 78G wins easily, for me, not only the absence of that "step", but the weight and balance suit me better. For someone who holds the pen a little lower, or has different preferences, it could be the other way round.

 

Actually a moot point, since I'd long ago put aside my FP-78G in favor of Pilot's more upscale models, and others. I bought the Metropolitan out of curiosity and then had to take out the 78G again just to compare.

Edited October 19, 2014 by ISW_Kaputnik

[RitchieMac]

I have the Cocoon/Metropolitan F nib and 78G M nib. Metropolitan looks and feels more expensive than the plasticky looking 78G. It is also well balanced. Although it is said that the feed and nib of both is the same, my feeling is that the Metropolitan nib is better finished than the 78G nib. However, this may be difficult to generalize because of the different nib sizes and I'm comparing only one pen with another. The major flaw of the Metropolitan for me personally is the step in the section that makes long writing sessions extremely painful, and that makes it being used much less often. This step is a non issue for short writing sessions. Because of the step, I screwed the whole section out of the Metropolitan, and screwed it into the 78G - perfect fit! Now I have an ergonomically acceptable writing instrument ... that feels cheap and plasticky.

[ac12]

I would use the 78G.

The lighter 78G is better (for me) for fast or lengthy writing.

It is the weight of the Metro that bothers and tires my hand when writing a LOT.

In general, I prefer lighter pens.

 

I have a M nib in my 78G that was quite dry, and had to be adjusted to give me the ink flow I wanted, with the ink I wanted. But this is a sample size of 1, which is not a valid sample size to base anything on.

[kidde]

I forgot a pen. There is also a Pilot NSF (NonSelfFilling) or Tank model. Similar to the 78g but with a slip cap that is frequently metal. It has a plastic piece that will pull out of the section and allow carts/converters to fit if you also remove a sponge from the barrels end. Your location should make that model easier to find than from the US.

Lastly, since bleeding is an issue for you look for the F version. Fine versions are generally accepted as a good way to avoid bleed through.

The board has offered good advice based on actual experience. Don't discount those who have not used both pens as they still base there views on FPs in general.

 

Paul

[a_m]

I have Pilot MR and Pilot NSF

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/274444-pilot-m-r-fountain-pen-review/

 

Pilot MR is excellent. The weight is not really as some classify as "heavy". It is simply pleasant. In comparison, the PIlot NSF, which has a plastic barrel and can be used as ED, I find like holding a feather.

 

http://asapens.in/eshop/pilot-tank-ed-non-self-filling-fountain-pen-online

 

Both good FPs, and nibs are comparably smooth - but I guess cannot be swapped.

 

My personal preference is Pilot MR because of its slight weight.

[dothgrin]

The 78G is a little more finicky with ink due, but is a great pen when dealing with a nice ink (for example, J. Herbin's Violette Pensee flows "smooth as butter"). The Metropolitan is better, but I like my 78G's (I have four fine nib pens) as my "secondary" pens. I'd love to test a 78G medium and may do so in the future.

[Sundrah]

Thanks for your insights everyone! Made an order for the 78G. Will definitely update when it's delivered.

[Sundrah]

78G arrived today, it's very smooth. However, the eyedropper converter that it comes with doesn't show ink levels. How can I determine the ink levels in it?

[Algester]

you don't unless you get a transparent barrel silly... someway somehow because it only comes as solid colors... but a Custom 74 body should fit

Edited October 22, 2014 by Algester

[tinysnail]

78G arrived today, it's very smooth. However, the eyedropper converter that it comes with doesn't show ink levels. How can I determine the ink levels in it?

That's the Pilot CON20 converter. If you want to be able to monitor your ink levels, you can get the clear CON50 converter that uses piston mechanism.

 

Edit: ALSO! So glad it's nice and smooth for you. I've grown to really enjoy the 78G. The lightness is better for my hands than the Metropolitan's heaviness.

Edited October 22, 2014 by tinysnail

[Sundrah]

Awww man, oh well I may have to stick to a Baoer... I can't be running out of ink mid exam

[tinysnail]

Haha, totally understand. I have an exam tomorrow that I am planning on writing using my 78G (fine nib for cheap paper!) but will definitely have a Lamy Safari for backup.

[Christi0469]

78G arrived today, it's very smooth. However, the eyedropper converter that it comes with doesn't show ink levels. How can I determine the ink levels in it?

If seeing ink levels is a big issue spe d a few more $ and get a CON-50 converter.

[Sundrah]

If seeing ink levels is a big issue spe d a few more $ and get a CON-50 converter.

They don't even exist physically in the two pen stores in my city. I'll have to get one delivered again ._.

Once I smash those exams I'll move to a city with a store that sells this converter just to buy it

Edited October 22, 2014 by Sundrah

[Sailor Kenshin]

The Metropolitan recently became available in the U.S. with F as well as M. At the very least, from Goulet Pens and Jetpens.

Good to know...call me when they offer a tipped B!