12 replies to this topic

[French]

Hi.

Please help me pick my next pen. I think I've got it narrowed down to 3 choices
Pelikan M215
Lamy 2000
DaniTrio Densho raw ebonite

I'm looking for a decent size pen (M215 being about the smallest I'd like to use), piston or eyedropper fill, good writer, not too flashy, preferably less than $100, must be less than $150.

I'm open to suggestions on these as well as any others that people like and would recommend.

thanks,
French

[chris burton]

I'd go for the Dani. Both the Pelikan and the Lamy are fine choices, but Danis tend to have character that many other modern pens lack and I think that it makes them more endearing.

have fun,
Chris

[twdpens]

I have no experience of the DaniTrio but the Pelikan and Lamy are excellent pens and offer superb value for money. I own 2 M200's (same size and filling mechanism as the 215) and a Lamy 2000. In fact one of my M200's gets used more than any other pen I own (a grey transparent model, my other is an oder tortoiseshell type). Both pens hold lots of ink, have smooth and reliable piston mechanisms and responsive nibs.

Bear in mind that Lamy 2000 nibs are wider than most so order a point size narrower than your usual size. It has a slight convenience edge over the Pelikan with its click-on cap.

Also consider a Pelikan M250 (same as M200 but with 14k gold nib).

Martin

[randyholhut]

I'd echo Martin's sentiments. If the choice is between those three, the Pelikan wins on price and the ability to swap nibs.

I don't own a Dani or the Lamy 2000, but as a Pelikan M200 owner, I can vouch for that pen and why it (and its varients) have such a huge following on this board.

[TimButterfield]

I'll add a vote for the DaniTrio. I love the stub on my Densho raw ebonite. As for a nib swap, it is a friction fit and can be very easily replaced. Just pull out the nib and feed, swap nibs, and press them back in.

[Tricia]

I have and love both the Pelikan and the Dani Trio Raw Ebonite (Densho). (I have two of the Pelikans, actually.)

Please note that they are VERY different sized pens! The Dani is considerably bigger and much more substantial to hold. It's not a heavy pen by any means, but the Pelikan is very very light by comparison.

I'd recommend figuring out what size and shape of pen you like best. Both of those pens are great writers - the Dani holds an enormous amount of ink! - so it's more what you want from a pen rather than which is a 'better' pen.

(I don't have that particular Lamy since the shape of the section doesn't look like something that would fit the way I write. I have several Safaris and variants, though, that fit me perfectly.)

[KendallJ]

can't go wrong with any of those three. Buy them all , or just buy any one!

[French]

can't go wrong with any of those three. Buy them all , or just buy any one!

That is the answer I was looking for! That is my plan, I just can't justify purchasing all three at one time

I've also added the Duke Mako to the list for consideration. While it has received good reviews at FPN, I'm not sure if it is in the same category as the others. But it is a pen I like the looks of, so it will eventually wind up in my collection.

French

[Glenn-SC]

I don't know the Dani, but I vote:

1) Lamy 2000 (I own 2)
2) Namiki VP (I own 1) - oops! typo
3) Pelikan M400 (I own several)
4) Pelikan M200 (I own several +)

Edited by Glenn-SC, 06 January 2006 - 02:03.

[zxc]

All excellent pens...you can't really go wrong.

Here's my breakdown:

1) Pelikan M215- Beautiful pen, loved a lot on FPN. Interchangeble nibs means it's flexible plus it also leaves you the option of getting customised nibs later on.

2) Lamy 2000- A great hooded nib and a classic design. A real work horse.

3) Danitrio- A wonderful pen which will give you the "unique" feel. Brilliant quality, handmade design and not something which you'd find in your local shop.

[Apollo]

I don't own any DaniTrios. I do have a Pelikan M215 and it's a great pen, albeit on the small side. If you really want a "full-sized" solid performer, then without question it has to be Lamy 2000. The springy nib adds character to your writing and it's a piston filler so it'll hold loads of ink before needing a refill. I love my Lamy 2000 and I can assure you that it will not disappoint. It's also about as indestructible as a fountain pen can get with it's Makrolon body. Need a little convincing? Here's a quick review of the 2000.

[twdpens]

The Lamy 2000 celebrates its 40th birthday this year. Give it a present by buying one!

Martin

[French]

Apollo,

thanks for the recommendation for the Lamy 2000, and the link to the review. It was your review that originally put the idea of the Lamy 2000 in my head in the first place.

Yesterday I ordered a 2000 from Pam Braun. I'll let everyone know my thoughts on it after it arrives and I have had the chance to use it a little.

french