Hello all,
I'm new to this whole FP thing, so mostly I've just been browsing through all of these topics trying to learn more and more about what you're all talking about. From what I've read, if somebody were looking to purchase a Cross pen, most people seem to turn to the Townsend.
What I'm wondering (since I don't have a Townsend; I only have an Apogee) is what makes the Townsend so great that most people recommend them over anything else? I love my Apogee, but maybe I'm really missing out on something great with the Townsend. I'm really tempted to purchase one just to see what it's all about. They look like really nice pens from what I've seen, but what makes it so different? I'd really appreciate some help!
Thanks in advance.... you've all been very helpful so far!
Steve

The Apogee looks real nice. The Townsend doesn't really impress me. They are mighty heavy too.

Hi, Steve.

I bought a Townsend a month ago, and am waiting on an Apogee, so we have paradoxical experience and interest.

My experience with the Townsend is that it sets perfectly in the hand. It seems to be a great synthesis of weight, length, diameter, and balance. It just touches the paper in what feels like a very natural manner. I don't like to admit it, but I've been leaving my Lamy 2000 home more often as I take the Townsend to work.

The nib has more flex than I expected, and the imprint is clear and clean. I wish the converter was screw-fit, but I can live with push-fit.

I bought an Apogee with a broad nib, but learned that it was backordered ... and I'm looking at 2-3 more weeks for delivery.

I'd like to hear about your experience with the Apogee. I hope there is at least a little flex to the nib, that it's not a complete nail, and that it feels as if it's sized properly to the section and barrel. I have been wondering whether the Apogee has the same nib and feed as the Cross Century II..... Numerous people have said the nib appears too small for the pen, but the proof is in the writing, IMHO.

Thanks for posting. I look forward to your reply.

R

I have both. The Townsend is a slightly smoother writer, but I prefer the Apogee.

I really like the way that the Apogee cap posts a long way down the barrel leading to a shorter pen than you would expect, but one with a lot of weight. I appreciate that this might not be for most people, but I find the balance just right for me. On the other hand, the Townsend has a lot of weight to the back when posted which I find is not conducive for writing large amounts with (I'm talking several pages here).

Also, I like the fact that the nib is so small on the Apogee as it sets it apart from other pens from an aesthetic point of view.

Hi everyone. This is my first post and I don't want it to be a negative one, but I do have experience with the Apogee. In short, It is the worst writing fountain pen I have ever used. I've own a lot of pens from the Pelikan 800 to the original cross to custom made pens. The writing feels like taking a nail scratching on paper. It has a wonderful ink flow. I've had the nib checked for alignment and I'm convinced it's just a bad pen. I'm sending it back to Cross for an exchange and I'll post how the new pen is. I bought it because it is a beautiful pen, but it doesn't write at all like the old Crosses that I have.

Russ,
I've had the Apogee since last October, and so far I've had mixed feelings. I love the feel and the balance as I'm writing with it, and the nib has great flexibility, but the flow of the ink isn't as clean as I'd like. So, I'm probably going to send it in and get an XF nib.
Let me know how you like yours when you get it. I'd be interested to hear what you think. Thanks for your reply.
Steve