I'm Awestruck!

[jcp1st]

Just opened a 3-pack of Pilot Varsity fountain pens, put each one to paper and I'm incredulous at how well such a cheap little pen performs. Each one started immediately and each one is smooth as a baby's bottom. These were $2 each and I have several high-end pens with gold nibs that would be hard pressed to perform on a par with these. Not really much to look at, definitely on the small side for me, and I wish they had some other nib options, but for the price this pen is awesome.

 

 

[Buzz_130]

Take a look in some of the forums... you can even refill the Varsity with an ink of your choice!

 

Buzz

[mooshi]

They're great! I love all of my Pilot pens (Varsity, V-Pen, Vanishing Points, Prera, Kakuno...).

 

I'd given away all of my more inexpensive pens and only kept the Vanishing Points when I'd moved, but I had been looking at the Varsity this past week as a knock-about pen for work (people don't bring their own pens!!!). However, it's still hard to get that VP out of my pocket/shirt collar.

 

+1 for being easily refilled too. However, I do wish that the clip was a little more sturdy, but for the price, that's a bit much to complain about. haha

Edited May 23, 2015 by mooshi

[Frank C]

They are great pens. One needs to spend a lot more money to get a better writing pen.

[bardharlock]

There is a reason Pilot is so well known. They seem to have almost perfected mass machine and mechanical production of inexpensive fountain pens. From the humble Varsity to the Metropolitan, they are aces. That's not to say there isn't the occasional issue, but that's why they are only "almost perfect". They certainly have economy of scale handled well. Metro, 78g, Prera, Knight, Kakuno, Plumix, Pluminix, Penmanship & maybe the Custom Original all share nibs. Varsity and Petit1 share nibs. Custom 74 and Custom 92 share nibs. Change the body, change the filling system, but keeping that all important nib the same and you can offer a stunningly diverse range without increasing your costs dramatically. Smart.

 

Many companies could take a page or two out of Pilot's book. They would be wise to do so. Look at it this way: how many American fountain pen companies make their nibs in house? Japan, which I think most of us would regard as a technologically advanced nation with competitive economics on the global scale, is able to not only have several companies which manufacture their own nibs, but are doing so while remaining solvent. Yes, it's true that fountain pen culture is more popular there. But, the US population is more than double that of Japan. We have several well known and historically significant pen brands here in the US... or did before buyouts.

 

I truly believe there is enough to build on here in the States. One day, perhaps. Or, of course, with commerce becoming more global by the day, perhaps there won't even be a need? I hope someday an all-American fountain pen will exist once again. Sorry to ramble a bit off topic. Just an old man pining for the good old days.

[Drawing61]

The Pilot Varsity is Mighty Mouse. I always have one with me. I discovered them while in college and they distorted and twisted my life for the better, not for my budget since I have spent perhaps more than I should on beautiful pens, but these well made cheap pens lead me to greener (and more expensive) pastures and solidified my love of craftsmanship, beauty, dedication, and patience. A heavy load of praise to place on a slender pen, but the pen is mightier than the sword.

[Bex66]

They are fantastic. The fine points are amazing for the price. I agree that the broad medium colour range in fine point would be good. I should try refilling them...

[Mookli]

I buy varsity's to give away, as it will be a good experience for a first time user.

Sometimes I just just leave them places to be found, hoping a unexpected person will discover the joy of ink.

[maverink]

pilot vpen is available in fine and medium nib sizes