Let me start by saying that although I have been using fountain pens continuously for over thirty years - basically since I was a kid - I didn't even know there were Italian made fountain pens until about four years ago when I discovered the FP internet community Since then, I have been on occasion attracted to a few models from lesser known Italian manufacturers such as Columbus. I have also drooled for a while over Aurora's Optima Auroloids, but I never took the plunge, and I eventually got turned off by the gigantic price hikes. But lately, I started taking a closer look at pens from Visconti. They have definitely flair, but not beyond my threshold anymore I am looking at the Opera Club and the Van Gohg, and big gaasp here, even the Aida I will hopefully get to check out these pens in person very soon, and I have a feeling I may succumb. Feel free to push me over the edge

Jump right in!

the water is fine !! plenty of room for more folks !!

I have one Visconti, an Aurora and 6-8 Omases. For the money, I would definitely recommend Omas over Visconti. I know my experience isn't the same as everyone's, but the Visconti pens I've had/used have been of generally poor quality. I have never had an Omas pen that needed to be sent back to the manufacturer.

Regards, greg

I have 2 Van Goghs, a Wall Street, and an Opera. They all work marvelously and haven't had a problem with them at all.

I recommend the Van Goghs - either midi or full sized. In addition to really precise nibs (no flex at all!), the colors are amazing and sometimes I just look at my pen admiringly...

Also, the Van Goghs are just warm to the touch and are a pleasure to handle. I can't really say that about any of my other pens. It's a real sensual experience.

So, my advicce is to go with the Van Goghs!

Erick

I have, uhh, four Van Goghs, one Wall Street (ballpoint), three Omases, and three Auroras (though two are at the lower end of their price line).

My personal favorite is Stipula, though Visconti is gaining rapidly.

I understand!!

I am first generation American of German decent. My father wrote exclusively with one of a stable of 10's of Parker 51's or Mont Blanc (s) ...my mother wrote and still writes exclusively with Pelikan's or Mont Blanc ....me, on the other hand write 70% of the time with one of three Stipulas (Novecento, Cromo, or Saturno) or an Aurora Optima (Green) ....the other 30% being with one of my 51's.

I do own a couple of Pelikans and am going to buy a M600 red & a Conway Stewart from Mr. Binder this year.... but I love the entire package of my Stipulas in particular. Size, shape, balance, and EBONITE!! (the warmth the pens deliver in the hand.....the absolutely wonderful nibs also).

If I could only find a "Boboli" with that terrific dark green LE ink......................... There are a couple of Omas' on my wish list too....and a Wall street.....and a Tibaldi......

Does it ever end?

We'll get along just fine.

I don't yet have a Cromo, but I definitely also crave a Boboli. I also have the ebonite love, it's light, it's warm, and I actually like that ebonite smell. A small pic of my Italian pens is in my Avatar.

Stylo, you should be ashamed of yourself, not having an Italian pen in your collection yet!

In the 4 1/2 years I have been a reborn fountain pen nut, I have accumulated 32 Stips (soon to be 34 ), 2 Deltas and an Aurora. That's about half of my fountain pens. Better hurry, before I get them all, there may none be left for you if you don't make a decision quickly!

Warm regards, Wim

12 Visconti [it might be more, I'm afraid to do an accurate count ] and only the Ripple I got used ever had a problem and a trip to a nibmeister is planned for the near future.

I think I have some understanding of where you are coming from, Stylo. I have been using FP's for 50 years. In the early years, I used Parkers and Sheaffers. I later learned about Waterman pens. But in my early 20's, I was a young NCO stationed in (then West) Germany and the first FP I bought with my very own money was a Pelikan, a German pen. I found out that there were more good FP makers than I had thought.

In the early 1990's, I became familiar with Italian pen makers. I vaguely recall it was 1994 when I actually got my first Italian pen, a Visconti. I was completely delighted with it and, like any good addict, I went looking for more. I got a couple of Stipula pens, including the first limited edition pen I ever bought intentionally as an LE - a Stipula Nettuno "Idra." I also got my first Stipula Etruria and discovered a pen model that has become one of my all time favorites.

I have to comment that if you do not risk, you do not grow. I have accumulated a vulger number of Italian pens and I have zero intention of selling any of them. So give it a try.

Stylo,

I am the neophyte here, with respect to knowledge and acquisitions, but my Visconti Opera Club looks great and writes very well. An added bonus for me is the proximity of their excellent service center located in Northern NJ. I am sure that whatever Italian pen you decided upon will bring you satisfaction.