Pen Purchase

[Poetman]

I was recently given a gift card to Staples and want to spend it on a fountain pen. I want to stay under 120 and have narrowed my selection down to two different brands with various models. Surprisingly, though the prices vary considerably, they all have steel nibs. I have two questions: can one steel nib write more smoothly than an other? What would you recommend from the following?

 

I. Monteverde

 

Jewelria or Prima

 

II. Conklin

 

Stylograph or Endura

 

III. Parker Sonnet (steel nib)

 

 

They all have twos caps, which I like, and I like all of the designs, so I don't want this to be an aesthetic decision. I really want nib smoothness and weight to decide. I definitely want a balanced pen that is not too heavy. I have only used Waterman Phileas and Parker Sonnet FPs, and I would not want anything heavier.

 

For those who have been able to test these pens, I would really appreciate your feedback.

 

Thanks!

Edited March 26, 2015 by Poetman

[vondauster]

In my experience, the Conklin branded nibs tend to be smoother out of the box than the Monteverde. The Endura is a nice pen, though I believe it may be discontinued. With the Conklin nibs the choices are fine and medium, which ten to run narrow, and a "stub" which is more of a cursive-italic.

 

I have replaced all of my Monteverde nibs with Goulet #6 nibs, which is easily done.

 

Will

[Morphling27]

A smooth nib is random at times, not always dependent on material, and also subjective. Any brand, cheap or expensive, can come with a poorly configured nib. I've had steel nibs write significantly better than some gold nibs, but gold does tend to have a more springy feel, to me, if you will.

 

Also, it's subjective to a degree. An XF nib is usually going to seem scratchier than a BB, simply because that's the nature of how the pen works.

 

If you have the luxury of trying some different brands out at a local pen store, do that. Be upfront, saying I'm just looking at the moment to get an idea of what I like/want. You can always purchase ink from them or a cheap pilot varsity or something else.

[Glenn Atkins]

The Enduras are discontinued. I have one that I have not inked, but if it writes anything like the new Conklin Herringbone you will be pleased.

 

You can find Enduras on the Bay.

 

Glenn

[Poetman]

Thanks for these replies. Though some models may be discontinued, I can still get them. I don't want to order a nib because then I am just paying for the pen body. For those who own these pens, do you have any thoughts about the writing experience with them?

[RyanM]

I own both the Monteverde Jewelria and Prima Fountain Pens, and I can say that I really like both of them. Their nibs have little flex, but can still be smooth, with only a little feedback. I now own pens which cost many times more than these two, but I still carry them around with coloured inks in them, as I really think they are good pens. I have not experienced the other pens mentioned.

[Poetman]

I own both the Monteverde Jewelria and Prima Fountain Pens, and I can say that I really like both of them. Their nibs have little flex, but can still be smooth, with only a little feedback. I now own pens which cost many times more than these two, but I still carry them around with coloured inks in them, as I really think they are good pens. I have not experienced the other pens mentioned.

Thank you for the feedback. Do you consider them smooth writers? How is the weight/balance on them? Also, can you comment on the line widths? I'm wondering if they nibs runner smaller than European sizes or about the same.

 

Thanks!

[RyanM]

Thank you for the feedback. Do you consider them smooth writers? How is the weight/balance on them? Also, can you comment on the line widths? I'm wondering if they nibs runner smaller than European sizes or about the same.

 

Thanks!

Yes. These pens are relatively smooth, but give a small amount of feedback. For their price point, I would say they are very smooth, but i'm comparing it too pens such as the Visconti Van Gogh. These nibs do run relatively wide. I origionally bought these pens with medium nibs, but had them changed to fine nibs, as on cheap paper, the medium's bleed like crazy.

[Poetman]

Updated Options below:

 

Monteverde

Invincia or Prima

II. Conklin

Stylograph or Endura

III. Parker Sonnet (steel nib)

IV. Delta Serena

Has anyone used the Serena or the Conklins?

[prighello]

What about the cross pens that are on blow out? Cross steel nibs are really smooth.

[RyanM]

I find cross nibs way to smooth. I really hate them.

Absolutely no feedback.

[Poetman]

Cross is that smooth? Are the Baileys and Aventuras really superior writers to the Delta, Conklin, or Monteverde?

Edited March 27, 2015 by Poetman

[prighello]

No feedback on the steel ones is correct. The gold nibs do have feedback though. Anyway, yes Bailey's are super smooth more so than my viscontis, pelikans, sailor, etc. Never owned a Delta, Conklin, Moneteverde though so I can't speak to them, but at $10 for a Bailey ATM how can you go wrong?

 

Though, I will say that my smoothest writer is actually a Noodler's Ahab fitted with a Goulet (Jowo) medium nib. That won't be available at Staples though. Price does not always equal performance.

Edited March 27, 2015 by prighello

[Poetman]

Does anyone have experience with the Monteverde or Conklin models or the Delta Serena? These look nice--particularly the Serena.

[Dronak]

The only pen in your list that I have some experience with is the Parker Sonnet, which I got about a week ago. I bought one of the less expensive models, so it has a steel nib. I haven't used it tons, but it seems to write pretty well. No real complaints so far about the pen itself. (Parker blue ink is a little lighter than I like, but that's the ink, not the pen.)

[langere]

I love the Parker Sonnet. I recommend you go for that classic. I have a number of Conklins and Monteverdes, but they are not put together as well as the Parker, IMO.

 

Erick

[Poetman]

Since the Parker looks so close to the Bailey, I may just get the Bailey instead. At this point, I'm trying to decide between the Delta Serena, Conklin Endura or Stylograph, or Monteverde Prima.

Edited March 29, 2015 by Poetman

[benbot517]

One thing about the Bailey is that it doesn't post. It totally refuses to. However, If you are using it unposted it should work just fine.

[Poetman]

I'd love to know how the Monteverde, Conklin, and Delta brands compare. There are no forums dedicated to them. Any user feedback to offer?

[jkingrph]

I have an older Sonnet and find it very smooth, Same for a couple of Cross pens. Others I am not familiar with.