In my search so far I've discovered I enjoy using 51's, 21's, and Hero 100's. The balance and feel are great for me posted or unposted. Easy to write with and they actually make me sit down to write just for the fun of it, to see ink get on paper. Are there pens I should try similar in balance and feel to these pens. They don't have to be hooded nibs, but similar in size and feel. I'm not stuck on modern design pens but it appears I'm swinging that way.

Currently I'm debating on a Lamy Studio (fine / XF) or 2000 (XF based on comments here) since they have the modern design I seem drawn to. I like my Lamy Safari but the fine nib scares me from the Studio just a tad. Not a bad nib on the Safari but it could be better IMO.

Is there something in the Sheaffer line I might be missing? How do the inlaid nibs compare to the pens mentioned above.

Notes:
I prefer snap caps over screw caps for daily use.
After trying to like it, I don't care for the Parker 45 as a daily user. Great writer, though.
I'm about to try a Kultur for a few days to see if I like it. Just to try a regular nib again.

If you don't like the nib on the Safari, then I suggest you pass up the Studio; they use the same nibs. In fact, I'm currently using a Safari XF black nib I ordered from Swisherpens on my S.S. Studio. The pen has a good heft to it nice to use... but you're really just getting a prettier Safari, in the end.

The 2000 is a great pen. If you're really looking to move up from the Safari, the 2000 is a great way to do it. There are only two things I want to warn you about:

1) the pen is known to be problem prone... don't be surprised if your pen starts to leak out of the section or has a scratchy nib (especially with the XF). The good news is that LamyUSA has a honors a lifetime warranty on Lamy pens, so if you have a problem... you can just send it back for a fix. The guy in charge of the Lamy repairs does a pretty good job, too. I don't want to make it sound like you're guaranteed to get a gimpy pen, I just want to let you know that it DOES happen.

2) the pen has two little metal "ears" that stick out just above the grip. They're there for the cap to clip onto, but some people find them a bit annoying, since the ears tend to be exactly where they grip the pen.

Other then those two problems, the 2000 is really a great pen for the price. It's got a lot of great features about it; a very functional pen.

I've read where the Studio is a dressed up Safari and of the 2000 problems. The 2000 problems are scary because if there is a bad one in the bin, I'm getting that one. My luck.. I'd be OK with the dressed up Safari of a Studio IF a good fine or Xfine nib is involved. I really wish I liked a medium nib because the Safari medium I have is a dream!

How about other pens? Am I missing models I should be cosidering?

For pure writing pleasure?

Anything Sheaffer, modern or vintage, will have a good to excellent nib if in good shape (vintage pens are normally used, sometimes to death, you get what you get...).

Pelikans, from the cheapest Pelikano school pen to their limited edition pens are all excellent writers.

For cheap thrills, Wearever Pacemaker and Deluxe 100 pens can be wonderfull writing instruments, and pretty besides. Those Deluxe 100's with large colored pearlescent and black strips are pretty, nice to hold, and if the nib is OK, write well. You may have to get a few and do some repairs, though, to get a good one, they aren't as solid as the Big Four pens of that age, and in general haven't been cared for as well, since they weren't very expensive.

Similarly, Esterbrook J series pens are good looking and usually good writers, although you may have to try a couple nibs to find one you like.

Peter

There really isn't much out there that I have found that is similar in feel and balance to the 51/21 and Hero 100, except for the other Hero models based on the 51/21, i.e., 329/330/332, unless you add in pens with scre caps. The Pelikan M200 is similar in feel and balance, but it is a screw cap (a plus in my book - that's my preference). Some of the vintage Sheaffers are likewise similar in feel and balance, but screw caps. The Esterbrooks are also screwcaps which otherwise would meet your criteria. Perhaps someone could weigh in with the Wearever models, as I don't know anything about them - they might meet all your criteria.
Donnie

Don't forget the younger/ slimmer relation to the Parker 51, the Parker 61. Try to get a cartridge convertor version as they need less care than the capilliary fill ones. They can write beautifully, and with one of my recent purchases I'm actively trying to find excuses to use it, such is the pleasure in writing with it.

Regards

Richard.

Often overlooked in my opinion is the excellent Parker 75. A great pen.

As far as hooded/semi hooded nibs go you might try a vintage Aurora 88. Beautiful pens - I didn't take to the semi flex nib but many love them.