I'm ordering an Aurora Talentum. The question is to order it with a fine or extra fine nib. The first question is how fine is the fine. For example, I'm a big fan of Bexleys, but the fine nib is wider than I prefer. Is the Aurora fine a "true fine" or something wider. Is the extra fine more of a fine or more like a needlepoint? Is the extra fine scratchy or smooth? I did see the Aurora nibs page on nibs.com, but the images on the webpage don't quite answer the question for me.

I wish nib selection weren't so subjective, but this is my first Aurora and I'd like order the right nib the first time.

the Aurora 88 (same as Talentum) Fine line is narrower than that most other Fine nibs from Pelikan, Waterman, Parker, etc.. IMO it really is a true fine. Of course, if you load it with a very flowing ink, it'll bump a little wider (Polar black, PR, etc) but for example with say Aurora Black (which is a nice flowing ink) you get a nice true fine line, not a fine medium, but what I consider to be a fine.

Now, if it is your first Aurora, you must be forewarned about the feel of the fine nib. It can feel a little scratchy, but gives excellent feedback from the paper. It completely rocks as far as I am concerned - line size and feel.

Good luck with it,
Dave

Jon, if your Talentum is like my Style, you may like the XF line width, but you'll hate the scratch. Granted, yours will be a 14K and mine is a steel, but I'm not real happy with mine.

My Aurora Talentum Finesse has an XF nib and it writes like a true XF -- though I wouldn't classify as "needlepoint." I don't find it scratchy but I wouldn't classify it as exceptionally smooth either (like a Sailor nib). It has feedback and slight tooth, but not scratchy. One of my Aurora Mini Optimas has an F nib, and it writes like how I would expect an F nib to write. Hope that helps.