I'm looking for any feedback on how well the Bic X Pen fountain pen performs. It looks like an interesting low priced fountain pen that takes standard cartridges.

Has anyone tried this pen? Is the medium nib width similar to a North American medium width or an Asian medium width?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

I'v heard of BIC making fountain pens (aren't they A.K.A. "Stypen" ?)

But I have never actually used one :doh: I am curious about this too

The Bic X FP came out this week in Montreal, I had a really quick look at it yesterday. It does look like a Stypen, the X is 14.95$ canadian.
I'm going back to the pen shop this afternoon, I might pick it up and post a little review later.

I saw a plastic version of it also, interesting
<_<

Out of curiosity, I have bought the plastic version in a local drugstore for €3.99 (less than $5). The blister includes six standard royal blue cartridges. You could call it a demonstrator pen, as it has a transparent cap and barrel; only the triangular section is rubberized. Both grip and the sturdily built barrel suggest it is intended for school use. There are several colors available: blue, pink, and sea-green. Actually, I liked the last variety best, but got me a blue one to go with the ink.

Capped, the Bic is about 12.7 cm, without cap 11.6 cm, with the cap posted 13 cm long. Between grip and nib, there is a narrow black band, made of soft riffled plastic, which holds the small cap by friction, and does so remarkably well, even if one may doubt if it will continue to do so after prolonged usage.
Anyhow, due to this band (intersection?), the distance between grip and the tip of the nib is slightly bigger than usual (2.7 cm from the point where you are supposed to have your index finger), and to my taste more practical and convenient.

The big steel nib has an iridium tip, and lays down a strong medium line. It’s definitely a wet, and very smooth writer (but may skip a little after some time of inactivity).
I gave the pen to my daughter; she prefers, however, the Parker Frontier, and I do so, too.

Kees,
I couldn't resist, I bought the Bic X Pen this afternoon. It's the same size as a Pelikan 200 with the typical Stypen cap.
The rubber barrel feels like the one of the Pelikano Junior.
The steel nib has a BIC logo on it and it's smooth for a 15$ pen. I would say it's medium-wet nib and a true medium for all I know.

It's a cute little pen for 15$ and it's perfect for situations where I don't want to carry an expensive pen in my pocket.

It's new on the Canadian market and it's cool to write with a pen which brand is often associated with cheap ballpoints.

Give it a try, you will enjoy it.

Samovar

That could be the perfect lending pen!
or gift to the uninitiated. They can try a FP become hooked at a low cost and then want nicer pens!

Thanks Kees and Samovar for your assessments of the Bic pen. It sounds like an interesting pen to try out - and the price is right! I'll pick one up at Boutique du Stylo the next time I'm in Montreal.

Jim

Does anyone know where this pen can be bought? It looks like a good pen for common use (school, notes, &c.).

James,
They had 2 left yesterday, If you plan to come to Montreal, call ahead at the dowtown Boutique du Stylo and they will transfer it from another store if they are out of it.

There is a new Essence du Papier in Place Ville-Marie, it's the biggest pen shop in the city. I did not like my first visit, too formal :"Can I help you sir (every 2 seconds)..."


For the USA, I really don't know where you can get it, but http://www.stylo.ca ship.

I wrote with it all day at work and I'm happy I bought it.

I’d buy it too, but with the shipping it’s around 30 dollars.

Erik,
You should write to BIC
http://www.bicworld.com/inter_us/contact_us/contact_us.asp

Hey, you never know, they might send you one if you convince them you are the ultimate BIC nuts

Good luck with finding one.

Samovar