I have been looking at the Pelikan Pura for a few months now, in my continuing debate of my next Pelikan fountain pen purchase that is around $50-65. Having heard very little about the Pura, and finding no review, I was hoping to gather any kind of impression of most importantly it's writing quality and reliability. Any information would be appreciated!!

I have had one for about a week now. It is my second Pelikan and is not at all a bad pen. Here are my impressions so far:

1) It comes in an excellent case that protects the pen very well.

2) It does not come with a converter. I picked up a converter for it, but this is my second Pelikan which does not seem to allow the converter to fit very well. When filling the pen, I am always afraid that the converter will pop out of the pen.

3) The pen appears to be well made and is of all metal construction.

4) My pen came with a Medium nib and writes fairly well with a reasonably wet line. I currently have the pen loaded with Montblanc Blue, and the pen seems to work well with this ink.

5) The cap fits securely on the pen, but does not post very well. This is unfortunate since I always post the cap on pens that I write with. It requires a bit of force to post the cap, and it then works its way back off. For me, this is the only really serious drawback to the pen.

6) The clip is spring loaded and allows the pen to stay in the pocket securely.

In all, I would consider the Pelikan Pura a better made pen than the Sheaffers in its price class. However, when comparing it to the Lamy Studio, I would have to give a nod to the Lamy. Not being able to securely post the cap is a fatal flaw for me. The other pen that I have that is in the same range is my Waterman Phileas. I would have to give the Pelikan the advantage in construction, feel, balance and heft. However, the Waterman is a much smoother writer.

Final analysis: A nice looking pen that is reasonably well built. I cannot believe the Germans let the cap design go the way they did unless they intended the pen to be used un-posted. The pen is probably worth the $77.00 retail, but is not one that I will use every day. It would give the Lamy Studio a good run for the money, but my final nod would go to the Lamy.

I have a Pura which has used only one cartridge; it is for sale. It did not come with a converter. Medium nib. Box included.

The pen is heavier than the Safari, yet it has a really solid feel. It lays down a reasonable, wet line.

I received it from Chartpak in exchange for a Level 5 that had a sad, short life. It just isn't my cup of tea. I want to buy a Cross Apogee and would like to find the Pura a good home.

Let me know if I can be of help during this purchase.

I've also been looking at this pen, but it's my understanding that the pen is a cartridge fill only. Thanks, punch, for letting me know about the cap. That is a serious drawback.

What is it with the new breed of Pelikans and their posting issues? I am still confused as to why the Level 5 does not post. It's an odd design - I am always in fear of having the pen roll off the desk, or knocking the cap off of same.

Wow! I'm so happy I didn't get this pen.

I find the Pura to be a very good looking pen, and I'm a fan of Pelikan's steel nibs. I tried the pen in stores and liked the weight of it, but they only had mediums in stock and I was after a broad, so I decided to order online. In the end however I swayed and got a Lamy Studio (which I am still waiting for). I'm afraid I'll never get the Pura. It just doesn't seem like such a good design.

The pen's weight compensates for the loose posting characteristic. As long as not posting and converter operation are acceptable to a user, I believe the pen would satisfy a user with its long service life. As we know, everyone has specific points of preference.

Good review, Punch. Spot-on, in my book.

I will say, though, that mine didn't have any problems using a converter. I don't recall exactly which one I used, but I know that I used one with it.

Mine seems to post just fine on the back. Perhaps my hand is angled differently than most, but I've never had a problem with the cap coming off the back. It seems to be a nice, solid pen, capable of being a great road pen. The case is reminiscent of the old Pelikan zipper cases of the past and I love the look of it. The section is a bit slippery, being made of a highly-polished metal. I think it is a super mid-level pen for the average person. I'd equate the size and feel to a Rotring 600.

I just found this thread (thanks, PenTieRun!). Likewise, the cap on the Pura I have fits well on the end. In fact, the pen is designed to accept the cap with a clean capped look. But will I ever use the pen? I decided to run the cartridge home and let the ink flow (it's alive!) to see if I start using it when inked and ready to go. It will compete with other pricier pens currently on the stand, but that doesn't guarantee orphan status alone.

Fred

Yeah, I have a silver finish Pura and mine won't post securely either. Not a big deal for me as the Pura is a heavy pen in spite of the aluminium barrel...the section and blind cap on the end of the barrel are chrome plated brass, which adds a lot of weight. I don't think I would use this pen posted even if I could. It's a beautifully smooth writer though - one of the smoothest I have. I got mine recently as part of a FP/BP set from The Pen Shop (UK). Basically you get both pens for the price of the fountain pen. The ballpoint makes a rather nice retractable rollerball if you swap the refill for a Parker gel one!

Bernie.