I started an earlier thread asking about a great writing pen for a newbie and the Pelikan m200 came very highly recommended. My question is this and I mean it will all due respect: Is a Richard Binder nib much better than a stock m200 nib? isellpens has the m200 for $55 and Richard Binder's site has them for $75. I am new here, so I am just trying to learn, not offend.

Thank you.

I say take your chances. It's pretty likely that you will like your Pelikan from isellpens. If you don't there are plenty of people who will adjust the nib for you for less than the $20 difference.

I agree, take your chances with your new pen.

Take your chances:

If you do get a scratchy nib, Chartpak (Pelikan's distributor) will replace it for you free of charge. Since Pelikan nibs easily swap out, you do not have to send the whole pen, only the nib!

Chartpak is fast and friendly. They have overnighted me a part before (at their own expense) because I really needed it. All I had to do was ask nicely and explain that I would rather have it the next day than wait 2-3 days on the mail. They are hands down the greatest, one of the reasons I buy Pelikans without fear.

At any rate, chances are your Pelikan will be fine to begin with. I have had a 95% success rate with the nibs on new ones, and those 5% were fixed after one quick call to Cartpak or a quick swap for some spare nibs I had laying around the house.

I don't have any experience with Richard Binder's work -- and know relatively little about pens anyway. I will say, though, that I just received this morning my M200 from ISellPens (no affiliation), and I am enjoying the pen a great deal already. I am working away on a writing project -- although taking a short break right now :0) -- and every line is a pleasure.

Good luck with your decision!

UsFour

To answer the OP's question - yes, imo. If you want a wonderful fp writing experience out of the box, I would definitely recommend going with Richard Binder's pens. If you don't mind sending off and waiting and such, then that extra $20 might be worth it (deducting postage, of course).

I've even bought separate Pelikan nibs from Mr. Binder because I like them so much. Well worth the cost, imo, but then the experience of writing with a smooth fountain pen is something I thoroughly enjoy (and indulge).

Very happy with my M200 with flexible nib from Richard - and I paid a considerable premium as I live in the UK. And I will be doing it again!

If you want a standard nib it shouldn't make that much difference but I have heard that Richard will test the nib for smoothness / flow if you want before he sends it. If you want an extra fine you take your chances because not many stock ef nibs will satisfy most folks for smoothness, and Richard works all ef nibs over before they go out. If you would like to try something more exotic like xxxxf or italic or flex then Richard is definately the way to go. If cost is the only factor then go with Isellpens. I have no affiliation with either Todd or Richard. I do have 2 nibs from Richard that I like very much.

I have an M200 with two nibs not from Binder (M and EF) and one Binderized (F). The Binder nib IS noticeably smoother and a bit wetter than the others. However, the others are still very nice. I think that if you are just interested in a plain round nib, you could certainly take your chances and probably be happy. If you want a special nib, an extra-fine, or if you have a particular wetness you want, stick with Richard.

I still say take your chances. Late on as you get more into Pelikans (and believe me, it's addictive) then you can go ahead and start exploring Richard's nibs.

Remember, the nibs can easily be swapped out. There's nothing that says you can't have 2 or 3 nibs per pen and use all of them within the same hour

I think I need to take my anti-Pelikan Addiction pills, after reading the comments here I am feeling the urge for more nibs.

I can offer a prescription for palliative care...