Pelikan M215

[Apollo]

I don't think there's a fountain pen enthusiast who hasn't seen or heard of the Pelikan M200 series, which in my opinion are modern classics. These steel nib lightweight piston filler pens were made to write and the many who've used them have found the M200s to be trustworthy, reliable and affordable companions. Then there's the M250, basically the M200 with a 14K gold nib (for those who like nibs with a little more flex) which has become to be one of my personal favorite fountain pens.

 

These affordable Pelikans have a lot going for them and have been available in several translucent and marbleized barrels. Still, there are those who have probably overlooked these pens because of their plastic bodies. Some folks like a bit of metal in their pens. Well, if a little more metal is your scene, then dig if you will the Pelikan M215.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/CosmicSuperchunk/GPens011.jpg

 

The Pelikan M215 is none other than the classic M200 with a suit of armor on. The collection is only available in blue/black metal barrels lacquered in a pinstripe pattern. The chromium plated clips, rings and polished nibs contrast nicely with the blue/black finish giving them a truely elegant look. Here's a comparison pic of the pen with an M250:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/CosmicSuperchunk/GPens007.jpg

 

Like the M200/M250 series, the M215 has a translucent ink tank to let you know when it's running low on ink. As with my M250, the piston filling mechanism is flawlessly smooth. Despite the lacquered metal barrel and cap, the M215 is not heavy at all. In fact, it's not all that heavier than my M250. You can actually feel a slight weight difference, but not by much. It's certainly not heavy enough to cause fatigue when writing.

 

When I compared the gold nib on the M250 versus the steel nib on the M215, I found the M250's nib had a little more spring to it, but honestly speaking, there's not a whole lot of difference in writing to say one nib is better than the other. That said, the M215 has quickly become one of my favorite fountain pens and is certainly going to be a constant companion. If you're a fan of the Pelikan M200 or want an affordable classy looking metal barrel piston filler, take a serious look at the Pelikan M215. I'm sure you won't regret it.

Edited August 27, 2005 by Apollo

[southpaw]

Apollo,

 

Thanks for a look at the M215. I've been curious about it ever since I hear pre-intro talk on it. Not much heavier than the M200, eh? Any chance of hitting both to a set of analytical balances/scales? Curious to see numbers on the weight differences. Seems like a great pen - enjoy!

 

southpaw

[KCat]

i've seen this pen but not used it. I do think it fills a gap for folks who might like the 200 series more if it *felt* sturdier. The 200s are very sturdy but many folks equate metal with longer lifespan of a pen.

 

anyway - this is a great review and I just wanted to echo that it's a solid pen and fairly appealing and that when I was looking at it the weight difference was not significant to turn me off of the pen or cause fatigue as Apollo points out. it's only slight - but might be enough to, again for folks who equate these things with quality/lifespan, give one a little more confidence in the sturdiness of the 200 line.

[Apollo]

KCat, I think you hit the nail right on the head. I think the M215 will definitely appeal to those who appreciate the size of the M200, but would like a pen with a more solid feel.

[Apollo]

Apollo,

 

Thanks for a look at the M215.  I've been curious about it ever since I hear pre-intro talk on it.  Not much heavier than the M200, eh?  Any chance of hitting both to a set of analytical balances/scales?  Curious to see numbers on the weight differences.  Seems like a great pen - enjoy!

 

southpaw

Southpaw, I don't have any scales with which to give you a weight comparison of the M215 and M250, but I can tell you that the difference in weight is minimal.

 

Aside from the pinstripe lacquered metal bodies, the only other difference I found between the M215 and the M200/M250 is the Pelikan logo on the cap. They're slightly different from each other. I tried to photograph them with my digital camera, but couldn't get a crisp clear shot of them, but I did find some pics on the web.

 

On the M250, the Pelikan logo looks like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/CosmicSuperchunk/pelikanlogo2.jpg

 

On the M215, the Pelikan logo looks like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/CosmicSuperchunk/AP4470E_0705.jpg

 

Just a little variation I guess. Mama Pelican and her young one. Kinda neat, eh?

[woodwindmaster06]

Yeah that is the new symbol since 2003, it appears on my new epoch pencil also. They changed it when they moved back to Hanover in April of 2003. I kind of like it better sort of a symbol that they care about the individual instead of a group just my crazy thought.

[KCat]

two chicks is more accurate. Though at the moment my books are put away so I can't recall exactly which way it goes but one (Brown or white) pelikan has 2 eggs in a clutch and the other as many as four. uh... Pelican. So... i prefer two at least. but that's just the "picky kitty" as hubby calls me.

[woodwindmaster06]

Well with the one there is room to give detail to the one pelikan youngling instead of just an understood two oval like shapes as younglings. It is all basically the same. It would be nice to have a pen from each imprintment for fun though

[Apollo]

I too like the logo with the single pelican chick. It does leave more room to add detail to it unlike the older logo where you could hardly tell those were two chicks in the nest. It's no big deal though, the M215 is a fantastic pen regardless of the logo.

[Apollo]

Apollo,

 

Thanks for a look at the M215. I've been curious about it ever since I hear pre-intro talk on it. Not much heavier than the M200, eh? Any chance of hitting both to a set of analytical balances/scales? Curious to see numbers on the weight differences. Seems like a great pen - enjoy!

 

southpaw

Southpaw, here's an update on the weight difference.

 

According to Richard Binder, the M215 weighs 0.7 oz as opposed to 0.4 oz for the M200.

[Roger]

Is the ink contained inside the metal barrel or is there a plastic sleeve inside the metal barrel?

 

Edit: Do the M200/M250 nibs fit the M215 and visa versa?

Edited August 30, 2005 by Roger

[southpaw]

Thanks for the weights - almost twice the weight. Hmmm.

[KCat]

Is the ink contained inside the metal barrel or is there a plastic sleeve inside the metal barrel?

 

Edit: Do the M200/M250 nibs fit the M215 and visa versa?

hm... don't know this but assume there is a plastic sleeve as there is on most of these birds.

 

yes, it will take any 200/400 nib (and probably a 600 with the caveat that the 600 nibs don't fit into the cap quite as well as the 200/400 nibs IIRC.

[KCat]

Thanks for the weights - almost twice the weight. Hmmm.

yeah - but that's a bit like worrying if you can carry one feather or two. I usually don't notice (WRT comfort) much weight in a pen until it's over 1 oz. Then it's too heavy for my tastes.

[southpaw]

Thanks for the weights - almost twice the weight.  Hmmm.

yeah - but that's a bit like worrying if you can carry one feather or two."

Ah, but there is often great beauty and satisfaction in the little nuances, IMHO.

[Apollo]

Southpaw, the pen just feels a bit more solid than the 200, and the 0.3 oz difference between the 215 and the 200 is hardly noticeable. It certainly isn't a factor for me and I happen to like lightweight pens.

 

Roger, I do believe there is a plastic sleeve inside the barrel for the ink.

[Roger]

Roger, I do believe there is a plastic sleeve inside the barrel for the ink.

Seems reasonable, Apollo. One wouldn't want brass because of the effect on some inks, and I doubt that the base metal for the external lacquer finish is stainless steel, so, most likely, the base metal is mild steel which would be a no, no for contact with ink, therefore the cheapest and most inert is probably a plastic sleeve inside. I'd ask Richard B., but his work backlog is such that I don't want him taking too much time away from his bench! I cringe every time he posts on PT because of the time away from the productive part of his business. :bonk:

[RyanL27]

I just received my new m215 from Pam on Friday and thought I would add my praise. The 215 is a fantastic variation on the standard m200. I have been using a gray demonstrator 200 for a couple of years now, and I couldn't be happier with the increased heft (I find it pretty noticeable) and feel of a metal barreled version. I also love the slightly dressed-up look of the rhodium pinstripes - looks like it would cost much more than $60. The look and feel combined with true Pel performance makes this an unbeatable pen that the $50-$100 range. Now, I wish Pelikan would do a few more color schemes, so I have a reason to buy another.

[Apollo]

Ryan, I'm glad you like your M215. I agree, it's a fantastic variation of the M200 and it does look like it should cost much more. I really think the next step for Pelikan is to make them available in different colors.

[Kelly]

Thanks for this great review. I've got a birthday in February and was looking to get another (that would only be my second) fountain pen and I think this is going to be it! I love the Pelikan design and quality and this price is right. I'm just deciding (and I have the time to do so) if I want to get Richard to spiff up the nib?? Maybe a stub? Uncertain as to what to do as this is still pretty new to me