I couldn't resist... I am always looking for good value, entry level pens. This was $14 dollars on ebay and I have a Solo bp that I really think is great. I have not used a Cross FP before. Any thoughts? For $14, it's okay if it's not perfect... I just wanted to give it a try.

As a general rule, you can't go wrong with a Cross FP. And the Solos are, in my opinion, underated pens. They are just unbelievable good writers, with a very nice nib. You'll love it.

Thank you. I requested a Fine, but the seller's ad said they randomly ship fine and Xfine so it'll be a surprise. An XF can be okay if it's not too dry but I'm still hoping for a Fine. I'll report back when it arrives.

The story I heard was the Cross Solo was made on spec my Namiki/Pilot. The nibs on the Solo are Japanese sized. The Medium is closer to a fine, the Fine is closer to an Extra Fine and the Japanese Extra Fines tend to be very fine lines indeed. I have one that is marked Medium and it is a smooth writing fine.

On mine, I have noticed that with age the plastic shrinks a bit which is noticable in the section threads now having a bit of play in them. So far it works well when it is snugged up.


I've noticed that most people tread the Solo as a keeper.

Thanks for the input. Something interesting... I went to Office Depot to get some cartridges for my soon to be arriving Cross Solo FP and the only color they had was blue/black. I thought this was odd since usually at a place like OD they'd have blue or black but nothing more exotic that that. I wondered if maybe the buyer did not know that blue/black was a color in its own right and not a combo pack of blue and black :0)

Cross sells their cartridges with Blue, Black, or Blue-Black Pelikan 4001 ink in them. Thats it. If you want another color you will have to use the converter, which if you get the complete package comes with it.

Well, the Solo arrived. It's an XF not a F but wow, I'm still very impressed.

This is probably the best starter pen I've ever tried. It's remarkably smooth - even for an XF. Ink flow is just right. It's a nice size, light in the hand and I like the way the cap snaps on to the barrel for posting. There are a bunch of them on ebay at the moment, ranging from $6 to $20 dollars - nibs from XF - B. I immediately ordered a second one with a F nib since I think judging from the XF, that would be about right. They are all green - like St. Patrick's Day green with black trim but that's okay by me!

I'm excited about trying other Cross pens too... the Century II in "blush" has caught also caught my eye :-) Every woman needs a pink fountain pen, right??

Janine

A late addition to this thread but can't resist-I bought 2 Solos on ebay about 5 years ago and have loved them (one is F, one is XF, probably the same vendor?). Especially for the price, they are unbelievably reliable, smooth writers. And after heavy, daily use and a few drops, they look as pristine as the day I bought them.

I also have a 10 yr old Cross metropolis, which is fantastic, even though I tend to prefer more flexible nibs. I also have a fancy Cross gell pen and a pencil and all of them are absolutely excellent.