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1. First Impressions
I bought the pen through isellpens.com after meandering through all their inexpensive offerings. Along with the Wality 51, I bought a Hero 616 Jumbo, Hero 82-1 and a Reform Bremen Black and Gold (along with a couple bottles of the Hero ink). The turnaround time with isellpens was very satisfactory, especially since I paid by check instead of paypal. The packaging was spartan, as was expected, with no extras.
2. Appearance and Finish
The pen is a glossy primary blue with some stainless trim at the base of the cap and a separator/ring between the piston screw and the rest of the body. The name "Wality" is stamped (though not very confidently!) on the cap ring. The clip is very securely fastened to the cap with a lot of tension. I thought an interesting design feature is that the clip is embedded into the cap rather than bolted into or screwed on top of it (see image). As this is a piston-fill pen, there is a view window just above the section area to check on ink levels. For those who obsessively check on ink supply, this is very nice
For a very inexpensive pen, there are no inconsistencies I notice. The pen looks exactly as advertised and certainly meets my expectations.
3. Design / Size / Weight
The 51 is a very light plastic pen (I don't have a scale, so I can't be precise). Given it's large size, the lack of weight is very pleasing. Capped, the 51 is 5.25"; 4 7/8" unposted; 6 1/4" posted. The design itself is an interesting yet vague blend of some Pelikans, and vintage Parkers or Sheaffers. The clip, however, seems very unique in a wide and substantial manner, and the piston screw-end is slightly tapered.
Posted or unposted, the pen is very light and balanced in the hand. I've written for quite some time with it and have never felt fatigued due to its weight and all around balance.
In sum, it is a very understated pen that cries "UTILITY!" Still, it is interesting to look at and use.
4. Nib Design and Performance
The nib is medium, two-toned (gold plated). My only gripe with isellpens for this transaction is that the website describes the nib as fine ("stamped FINE"), yet my nib is medium (it's stamped "MEDIUM"!). I contacted Todd via email about this and have yet to receive a response (however, he's likely busy during the holiday season, so I'm willing to cut him some slack given the rave CS reviews he's received). The nib is engraved rather extravagantly for a pen of its price. Aesthetically pleasing.
So, having my choice in nib size forced upon me, the Wality 51 provided me with my first foray into nib/feed tweaking which proved to be very interesting and satisfying in the end. When I first inked the pen, it was a gusher. It immediately evoked suppressed memories of my medium Cross Century nib and I was very disappointed. Fat, wet, sloppy medium lines.
Then I remembered FPN's wonderful archives and did some research. Walitys apparently can be characterized with this problem. Walitys also have friction fitting nibs and feeds (thanks guys!).
I got a feel for the nib/feed movement and assumed that if I forced the nib and feed into the section then I would restrict the flow. Problem solved and I have a manageable and not-overwhelming flow with most inks but I still find myself tweaking the position of the nib and feed depending on the ink.
Who'd think that FPs were like a pan-head Harley?
Once the flow was tweaked, I found the nib to be very smooth on paper. The feel of the nib is fairly stiff. I don't know if it's the nib or the inks I've used, but the edges of the line are not well-defined. In comparison with my Lamy Safari (also medium) with which I get fairly crisp lines, the Wality 51 lays down an uneven line (at first glance it appears slightly feathered, but upon close inspection it just makes me look like I've got the DTs). I believe this has to do with a rounded nib -- I really don't notice anything remotely resembling a "foot" on this nib.
One major issue with the nib & feed -- some ink may fly out if you gesticulate too wildly with the uncapped pen. I found this out while going over AP statistics homework with my daughter. That said, it has not otherwise leaked. I've been carrying it around in my shirt pocket for about a week.
5. Filling System
This is a piston filler, similar to the Pelikan. The capacity is large, but not as large as I notice in my M400. Still, it holds enough for plenty of writing. It's a fairly easy fill, and I've got nothing to complain about.
6. Cost / Value
Who can beat a $3.99 pen? In fact, I'm questioning my sanity writing so much about a pen that cost $3.99. Even with the flow problems I've had, it can't be beat. I see myself using it a lot. I see myself purchasing more pens through isellpens (though Todd should edit the item description regarding nib size for this Wality).
7. Overall opinion / conclusion
There was no hype for the Wality 51 to live up to. It was an impulse buy with no real downside if it turned out to be junk. I would probably have bought it knowing what I know now. I may just buy another so I can have a spare around if I need a handy replacement.
I'd recommend this pen to others with some qualifications:
- if you don't mind tweaking nibs and feeds
- if you don't mind a relatively wet medium
- if you don't throw your arms around while talking about probability distributions
Buy one. But wait a few days so I can order one more.
