I'm tossing around the idea of a new pen... first Pelikan. These are the contenders and my thoughts so far:

1 Black M215 with steel nib
Perhaps a slightly springier nib than the gold and a bit more heft than M200/400

2 Black M250 with two-tone 14kt nib
A pleasure to have a gold nib but it may be a little stiffer and the pen may feel too light.

3 M400 or M600 with two-tone 14kt nib
Perhaps a needless expense to pay extra but on the other hand the pen might be better all 'round. I would delay purchase for a month or two to test pen size (in another city unfortunately). With fairly large hands M600 might feel better.

Currently I have a Parker 51 and Lamy 2000 (both great).


Which do you think you might choose?

I would go with the M6xx series because of the size. I too have a Parker "51" and a Lamy 2000.

because it's not like any of the other 200s I have.

though I do love 400s and 600s, they are not something I typically spend $ on.

somehow the part that said: "the 215 in black" didn't make it into my post.

If at all possible, go somewhere where you can hold them. The important thing is comfort, not whether it's exactly the same size as your other pens.

That said, the Lamy 2000 is in the size and weight range between the Pelikan 600 and 800.

I normally like a "full-size" pen like my Senior Balance - probably the same size as the 600. However the 200 I tried felt quite acceptable in size, and wrote much better than other pens with the cap posted. I'd buy a M215 in an instant if I could be sure I'd like the nib.

A 400 or 600 series pen is a "keeper". I still have my first 400, a brown/Tortoise with a sweet, wet nib.

My 405 is a delightful pen, though it might feel smallish in a large hand. A certain 650 has made its way to me, but I need to swap out the nib before I can have fun with it--the one I received is a scratchy mess. Boo hoo hoo.

A big thank you to everyone that voted or replied. It really helps to hear from people who know some of these pens. At this point the vote is 9 for the souveran series and 3 and 2 for the 250 and 215 respectively. It seems like the collective advice is to wait to see what they feel like in the hand and to seriously consider the M600. I like the comment that the Souveran series pens feel like "keepers".

I won't get to see any of these pens for a month or two but patience is a virtue I could cultivate...

i want to add that I don't think there is a huge difference in quality of materials between the 200s and the 400/600. Perhaps better plating on the furniture. But the writing experience (aside from the size difference between the 200/400 and 600) is, IMO, not greatly different.

I use my 200s as much as I use my 400 and 600.

Of course, if you want a gold nib (and some do prefer this and have the opinion that gold is "better" in quality than gold-plated) then spend the $ on the 400 or 600.

yup - try one on for size. I find the 600 at the very limit of my size tolerance. But I have rather smallish, dainty hands.

Hi KCat,

Thanks for the insight. I must admit I find the black M215 quite stunning to look at and so the question will probably come down to whether I prefer the size of the M600. If the smaller size feels pretty good the decision is tough! This might sound like 'true confessions' but I quite like the tactile side to pens... the balance in the hand and the feeling of the finish. The more I write, the more it seems like I just have to wait to see what they are like up close.

The 215 looks kinda hip compared to, say the green/ red/ blue M600s. The ones that really impress are some of the special editions like Chicago, or San Franciso... but that is a whole other price range. I don't think I'm quite that pen-sick yet!

Dave

M620 Chicago my favourite.

Nib very slightly longer than M400.

But I appreciate the difference.

I would go for the m215 if it were me. I like the small size for daily use because it fits very comfortably in my pocket, and the extra bit of heft feels great in the hand. The best combination IMHO is the m215 with a m400 nib, which I what I'm using today. I got a blue/black m215 from Pam Braun for $55.00 and an 14K m400 nib for another $55.00 also from Pam. At less cost than an m600, I've found this to be an excellent combination of the metal pen with no silly trim ring and a great, attractive gold nib.

Ryan,

What's the diff between the M200 and the M400 gold nibs?

I know you can get pretty good deals on the M250 (which comes with a gold nib) if you are willing to take a limited number of colors.

Laurence

Hey Laurence,

In my experience, there isn't much difference between a monotone 14K 250 nib and the two-tone 14K 400 nib. I went with the 400 nib because it's mainly silver with gold accents, which looks better with the silver trim of the m215. I've also had an amber m250 with the monotone 14k nib, and it was very good and very smooth - there's a great deal on this one at Altman Luggage.

Personally, I do think there is a difference between the gold and steel nibs. I've had plenty of each and have found that Pelikan does a much better, more consistent job of finishing their gold nibs. The seem to be smoother than most of the steel nibs I've had. That said, some of the steel nibs are great - it's just a matter of getting a well-shaped one, I think.

I would grab that amber 250 if I weren't already delighted with the med. steel-nibbed M200 blue demo I've got.

Funny, I went to the top by getting a green stripe Pelikan M800. The 400's and 600's came later.

Bill

My first Pelikan was a 200. I now have several more 200s, a 250, a vintage 400nn, two modern 400s and a vintage 400.

IMHO there is not that much difference between a 200 and a 400. I am crazy about tortoise Pelikans. Most of my birds are in that shade.

I like Richard Binder's custom steel nibs for Pelikans, especially the fine stub. Two of my gold Pelikan nibs spend more time in my pen case than in use because I use Richard's nibs on my 400s and my 250.

If I were building myself a new Pelikan, I'd probably go to Richard's site and assemble a burgundy bird with a custom nib.

BTW I have no interest in Richard's Pens. I am just a happy customer.

Oh yes! I've been drooling over these old tortoise 400x's lately, really want to buy one eventually. How are the single-tone nibs on these pens compared with the recent two-tone models?

I have two M600s in green stripe (one old-style, like the M400 size, the other newer). Love them both. (As long as I don't try to fill them with Noodler's inks.) I had a blue striped M600 but lost it somehow. Strangely, the cap didn't post well on that pen. The cap was identical to the cap on the green M600, but the barrel was too wide.

Don

I've only three Pelis -
800 Souveran - green stripe - thanks Pam
400NN green stripe - thanks Savas
GO - thanks Dov.

Can't choose, although I voted 400/600. Depends on the humour I'm in. All are great pens.

Still firmly in the "51" camp

Regarding 215s, you might want to see this thread: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...=0&#entry117594

Summary: 215s might break more easily than other Pelikans, and Chartpak is a great company to buy a pen from.

I voted for 400/600 since I already own a 200 and a 215. I love them both and they are wonderful writers and look stunning as well. I want tio get a bigger pen and after trying Amh210 ' s 1000 I think that would be my next one if I had that kinda cash floatin around.

I believe that Chartpak is the US distributor rather than a vendor--anyway, one doesn't buy from them, but they do provide warranty service.

M400/200 is just too small for a mans hand.The M800 is the perfect chice but since its not in the poll the M600 will do.

I like the size of the 600.

Sort of like the three little bears....

The 800 was too big. The 200/400 is too small. I find that the 600 is just right.

I own/have owned all three sizes (didn't even need to go for the 1000). I still own a tortoise 400 set, and a clear 250, but find that the 600 size Madrid fits the best.

depends on the man and the hands. Hubby has very square hands with palms and fingers being each about 50% of the total. He prefers smallish pens/pencils. Loves his 200 MP and BP set I put together for him. (he's not an FP user)

I absolutely disagree with this statement...
I have ham hands with short fat sausage fingers and use my 200/400 size pens with absolutely no problem... in fact I find a large oversize pen to be uncomfortable for me to write with. I also own a 605 that I like... but might sell only because it is not getting the use it deserves..
My palm is about 4"x4" and as mentioned have short fat fingers.. definately not a piano player... more like a brick layer....

My palm is 4" wide and 4-1/4" long. I have rather large loner fingers. I haven't developed a true preference except I don't like writing with heavy pens for long times.

Pens are very personal. I don't think I would recommend a new style pen anymore than I would recommend a girlfriend/wife/boyfriend/husband change. I would say, "Try this for a week - you might like it". That is something I do not recommend one do with the significent other.

Ron

As I look at the poll, I wonder why the M400 and M600 are put together. They are two distinct pens and each have their own writing characteristics. I'm interested to know the break out of votes for the M400 vs the M600.

That said, it took me a little while because of my love for the tortoise 400 series, but I have come to prefer the M600 for extended bouts of writing. This didn't happen conciously. I just noticed that I was reaching for one of my M600 pens over my M400/400 series pens with increasing regularity. After giving it some thought, I came to the conclusion that the size of the M600 makes it feel more comfortable in my hand. I was a little taken back when I noticed this because at one time I would have argued for the M400/400 series pens as being perfect.

So, just a little while after my preference for the M600 dawned on me, I splurged and bought a lovely M650 with an oblique medium nib. This is my favorite pen at the moment and I hope it stays that way some time.

Ink2Pen

Opps!!!

I should have read the post under this that said POLL. Then maybe I could have voted for the M600 as it was there to be voted for on the form.

Well, now I know the answer to my question about the M400 vs the M600 with regard to this poll.

Ink2Pen

Ink2pen, I agree with you on the M400/M600 distinction -- they really are different pens. The M400 (I gave mine to my wife, who journals with it using Levenger cobalt ink) now feels small to me after using an M600.

They are quite a bit more expensive though. Anyone know what members of the M600 series have the best price points?

Stephen

Just look for individual sale prices. Ones without extra metal, and ones in less-popular or more-common colours, will usually be less expensive.

The Pelikan 400 is a nice in between size, not too big and not too small. I have the 400 Tortoise and love it though I tend to be partial to smaller sized pens anyway. I also have the 320 and it's adorable.

I voted for the M215 for the question as worded in the poll (which first Pelikan to buy), mostly because of the lower price. Maybe it's just the way I shop, but I wouldn't spend big for my first Pelikan if I wasn't really sure I was going to enjoy it.

I did buy the M215 as my first Pelikan, and part of it was for price reasons. The other reason was that I just liked the way it looked (I like silver trim rather than gold). It feels and looks well-made. Happily, it turned out that I love the balance, light weight, and the way it writes. I don't feel like it was in any way a compromise-purchase.

I did eventually buy an M620 Cities pen after I decided that I really liked Pelikan pens. I prefer the slightly longer length of the 600s (I have small hands, but my fingers are long), but I find the M215 equally comfortable. My M620 is now my favorite, but I was too chicken to buy it as my first Pelikan because of the high price.

I would choose either the 250 or the 600, depending on your comfort. The 215 is heavy for its size, and the 400 is IMO not worth the extra money compared to the 250.

I like the 200/250 series a lot.

I also have medium large hands with long thin "lute player's" fingers. The 200 is the perfect size for me, though I use a very light finger and thumb only grip. The lighter the pen, the better, as far as I am concerned.

YMMV, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, etc.

I would choose the M600 just on size alone. The M800 actually fits my hand better.

Rick

I'm not going to vote since I have no experience with the larger Pelikans yet. I just bought an M215 black with rings and a fine nib this weekend and I'm still in the infatuation/discovery phase with the pen. Wow, this is a great pen!

(I also bought a Visconti Pericle 2001 with grey barrel and a medium nib. It's a great big pen that writes big. I do love it too, but I digress...)

I was looking for a thinner, smaller and heavier pen than my Safaris, but also with a clear fine or XF nib. I initially sought an M300 Pelikan from my dealer, but when he showed me how small they really are, I changed my mind. He then took me through the entire Pelikan line and I became crushed by the look and feel of the M215 in black. It's thin but not too much, and the rings seem to add enough weight to the barrel to give me the heft I was looking for. He then dipped the nib and offered to let me write.

I was sold immediately as I put the nib to the paper. This thing is smooth, precise. The line is finer than my Safari in XF nib, if you can imagine that! It's so fine that I began to think that I perhaps should have purchased a medium nib instead. I do need this width for writing at work and even writing cleanly in my smaller Moleskines. It does well there too. I'll just make my next Pelikan a medium, instead, this one will stay as is.

I've been writing constantly with my M215 for two day now and it hasn't skipped a stroke, nor has it tired my hand. It may be too soon to tell, but it may just become my everyday go-to pen.

I'll definately be buying more Pelikans if the build and quality are anything like this handsome birdie.

Regards,
Conrad

Well, I've finally cast my vote, both figuratively and literally. I'm glad so many people have replied. It has made this a really interesting thread and still it would be good to hear how others would jump with this decision.

I've just placed an order for a black Pelikan M215 with an F nib. I like the simplicity and lack of trim at the grip and I realised how much I was enjoying a couple of my smaller Parkers lately. This will be a daily pen and I like the idea of it being interesting but not too flash. I hope I like the nib. One of my favourite pens has a steel nib and hopefully this will be as good. If not, the option is to have it tweaked or to replace it perhaps with a two-tone, which I think would also suit the pen.

In the delivery will be bottles of Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue and Waterman Florida Blue. I haven't tried either so that will be fun. I've also ordered one of the Pelikan blue ink eraser sticks just out of sheer curiosity. The chemical equation that someone posted of how they work piqued my interest.

Thank you to all the Pelikanas and Pelikanos who helped with my decision.

Ain't it nice to have a parcel on the way!

I picked the 400/600 category. I like the length of the 400, but would love something a bit larger in diameter. I don't have either, but do have an M750, which is the same size as a 400.

dear DavidM1,
I have all 4 of these models. Even tho you have already made yr choice, I highly recommend the M6xx becos of the size. Nib-wise, you can always get the right nib if you don't choose right the first time. To me the M6xx has the right length size weight and size of the nib which somehow all comes together to give that great writing experience...

M800

Black Pelikan M215 F. Got it. Love it!!

I have just finished a full day taking notes and it is a gem. It writes better than any other pen I own - simple and fuss free. Filling mechanism is very refined and the pen has a top hat and tails vibe. Great pen!

cheers,
David

I have both an M200 and an M600. The M200 is truly a tiny pen, even smaller than my Sailor 1911M unposted, and just a bare half ounce empty. The M400 is identical in size, but comes with a gold nib, and is just a touch heavier. The M200/M400 is a small lightweight pen, and is ideal for those who like light writing implements. I opted for an M600 instead of the M400 to more match my hand size, which is moderately large. The M600 is still quite lightweight but is just a shade longer and a couple of grams heavier than the M400. The M600 is very comfortable to write with unposted in my hands, whereas the M200 is just a little short to write without posting.

Cheers.

The point should be, which fits your hand the best