A quick question: how wide is a Pilot Capless? Is it roughly the same diameter as a Parker "51" for example?

Thanks....

According to the information on Richard Binder's website, the diameter of the VP is .52" I have only held a Parker 51 once, but my memory of it is that my VP is a little wider. It is certainly a lot heavier, but then I like that

Thanks, misterh. After a week of lusting after Sailor Pro Gear and Sapporo pens, I've gone mental for the Capless. I like my "51" so the Capless might be just what I want (until I change my mind again).

You're welcome. I agonised over different pens for a while before I took the plunge and brought my Capless. I am glad I did though, it is a great pen. Go on, you know you want to

After a while, you really come to appreciate the clever capless design. Simply elegant. And the clip, which some find obtrusive, encourages holding the pen a certain way that I find less fatiguing. However, if there's anything I'd wish for it would be for a slightly larger ink capacity. At least refilling is very easy!

The design is great for me. I use mine a lot at work where I have to take a lot of short notes, often whilst on the telephone. It makes life so much easier being able to just click and use the pen. It never has any problems starting either, which helps.

I do agree that they are not the best for ink capacity and I do not get on at all well with the twist converter. I have taken to refilling cartridges and that does improve things.