Cross Solo XF: Kelly Green

[rroossinck]

No photos yet. I'll get 'em done soon enough (I hope!).

 

First Impressions

Didn’t think much of it. Seemed cheap, almost brittle.

 

Appearance

Looks just fine. It reminds me a little of the Safari, in that it’s simple, lightweight, and unadorned.

 

Design

The design is great. Fits really well in my hand, and is extremely well-balanced.

 

Nib

The steel nib is the bombshell for this one. Awesome!!! So smooth, especially for an XF! Outsourced to Pilot/Namiki, so it’s probably more along the lines of an American XXF. I believe that this is the same nib that’s used on the 78G. It’s a phenomenal writer!

 

Filling System

Loses points, in my opinion, for the fact that the cartridge/converter is a proprietary design.

 

Cost and Value

For the money, you can’t lose. I got this one for (almost) free as a bonus for making a handful of purchases from the same vendor. Little did I know that it was going to be a workhorse in my collection!

 

Conclusion

If you can find one, go for it. It’s a terrific pen, it’s inexpensive, and it’ll write really well.

 

 

[thunderstick]

i also have one that i think was under $10 on ebay (they can be found very cheap). i agree with everything said about this pen. it has become my everyday use at work pen. for what i paid, probably the best pen i own, dollar for dollar.

[JediGamer]

Loved mine so much that I carried it everywhere ... until I dropped it! Oh well, live and learn I guess ...

[Wizergig]

I just recieved one in the mail today, and I am sitting here thinking this could well be the perfect fountain pen. the nib is exceptionaly smooth, the fine nibputs out a very thin line that is neither wet, nor dry. But the kikcer for me is the cap.why hasn't anyone else come up with this. A cap that screws on, and yet post firmly with the snap effect. As far as something that works, and works well, I think this it is absolutely the best pen and cap combination there is for those that like to post.

[rroossinck]

I've sat there (well...here, not there) and had the same thought many times, Wizer. Love the snap cap!

[RLTodd]

... I believe that this is the same nib that’s used on the 78G. ....

 

Nope, same parentage, different child. The Solo is a larger nib than the G78 and has a bulkier feed. Size wise they are close, the Solo having a larger girth, slightly longer capped, slightly shorter posted.

 

I have had a medium nibbed Solo for many years and find it an excellent work a day instrument.

[BobR]

I agree with everything said. In addition last year I purchased one (also green) with a broad nib. It writes closer to a Western medium and is super smooth.

[Annie]

 

The green Cross converter fits my 10 year old Solo. Check with Sui at Swisher to see if it works with the newer models.

 

[rroossinck]

Annie, it'll work just fine. The reason that I dock points is b/c it's not as interchangeable as other pens, in terms of ability to swap out converters on the fly, etc.

[Tweel]

Thanks for the review -- I'm glad this neglected pen is getting its due!

 

My daily writer for a couple of years now has been a M Solo Classic (black with gold-plated steel trim, and the older pseudo-split cap band). It has many miles on the point, and the only result is that the nib has developed a slight flexibility.

 

I've also filled out the point-size range with some of those same green-and-black Solos as yours -- XF (which I use for my bookkeeping), F (for non-workaday writing), B (for completion, and playing with), and an extra B that I'll grind into a F cursive italic someday. So, it's obvious I like the pen!

 

(Oh... and I recently picked up the same old-style Solo Classic as my "main pen" in the SelecTip version, for the times I have to use a roller. I carry both together in a Cross two-pen pouch.)

 

-- Brian

 

[bandityo]

do these have plastic bodies?

 

david

tampa

[donwinn]

do these have plastic bodies?

 

david

tampa

David,

 

Yes, they do. I have several. One I purchased for a daily user, and several I got for gift giving. It is a great into to the FP world, and at the price I got them, a great gift.

 

donnie

[Wizergig]

do these have plastic bodies?

 

david

tampa

 

Yes, they come in different colors, and I am now on a quest to collect them all. As I said earlier the winning point for me is the cap. I don't know why this feature is not available in higher end pens. Plus the fine, and extra fine nibs are really smooth.

Edited July 25, 2007 by Wizergig

[CasmiUK]

I have three of these pens (two XF and one and they are the most comfortable, well-writing, reliable pens I have. I love them!

[al_write_well]

Thanks for the review. I must agree, my green/black Cross Solo with a fine tip was a pleasant surprise. It is one of my favorite pens.

[andyk]

I have one of these and I agree great pens for the price, which write pretty well.

 

For those that like to post their pens it has a definite click when properly seated and no danger of it dropping off unlike some pens (Balance II springs to mind).

[Yuri]

Everything is said true. Plus one more which is VERY important to me.

This is very dependable pen, it always writes on first stroke once it touches the paper. It may stay filled and unused for months and writes immediately, no drying issue at all. It can compete with pelikans, 51s and etc.

Reliable!!!

[Wizergig]

I now have white, yellow, purple, green, royal blue, and torquise. Anyone know of any other colors I should look for?

[rroossinck]

They made it in black with gold trim. Not sure if they made a "tactical" version (black on black). Sure would be cool if they did, though.

[Wizergig]

There is also a burgandy with gold trim that I know about. I have not yet added the gold trim to my collection, but I am sure it will be coming.