I've started the topic on another forum, but still no answer and seems very few people are interested in reading it eather. So I have to ask the same question here because it is very important to me (and maybe I'm not the only one).

A week ago I purchased a new Expert II fountain pen and I liked the size, very smooth fine nib and the finish of good quality. But after writing with it for a few days, I realised I could not use it for long writing sessions for one simple reason - it's too heavy for me. It didn't seem so heavy in the shop and I wanted a pen which wouldn't be slim, so as a Waterman fan I decided to buy an Expert. Everything is perfect for me, but unbalanced, top heavy Expert exceeds my ability to adapt my hand (grip) to a new pen. The pen was not inexpensive and this should be my daily writer, but now I'm almost unhappy.

I tried to remove the brass sleeve stuck inside the barrel (I've done similar job with Phileas, easily); the sleeve is attached to the top part of the barrel together with that small metal ring. I tried several techniques with no success. Luckily, I didn't damage the pen. I still don't know if it is possible at all or how the sleeve is fixed during maufacturing process or how repair persons deal with it (if at all). I couldn't find any source on the web eather.
So I would appreciate very much if someone would explain me how to remove the brass sleeve or confirm that there's no hope and the sleeve must stay in its place.
Thank you in advance! Enjoy your pens!

Hi, Euscorpius - I have a Waterman Expert II that I dearly love, but I use it uncapped/unposted which helps me with both weight AND balance. It works for me. Maybe that would help you, too. Good luck finding the best solution.

Thank you, kudzu, for your suggestion.

But - I never post fountain pens (except Pel M100 which are the same size as M150 and I rarely use them). The Expert is long enough for comfort writing unposted, but being so (top) heavy for me, I have to eather grip it stronger, which quickly leads to hand fatigue or relax my grip, but then the Expert has more control over writing process than I have and letters become funny; well.. ugly, to be honest. In a case I post the pen I would certainly not bother myself or anyone else to help me to remove the brass sleeve.
Thank you for reading this.