Comparison Review: 3 Common Midrange Midsized Pens

[jakelogan]

Here is a comparison review of three midrange midsized modern-classic pens that are common among many fountain pen addicts. Pictures are to come soon once I get my new camera battery.

Montblanc 146: platinum trim, modern two-tone 14k medium nib

Parker Duofold Centennial: black gold trim, modern two-tone “banned” style 18c medium nib (first mkii – correct me if I am wrong)

Pelikan M805: blue striated silver trim (new cap logo), modern two-tone 18k medium nib

Many people including myself have deliberated between the three midsized classics from three big companies: Montblanc, Parker, and Pelikan. The second step into addiction and unreasonable budget. I have all three but will try to help resolve the issue for those who want one. Don’t blame me if you end up getting all three or if I just made the issue worse by giving more choices.

Disclaimer: This review is extremely biased, and thus somehow may cause harmful damage to the heart, lungs, and/or wallet. The author is not responsible and does not intend for any harm caused to the reader.

TL;DR? Skip to conclusion for number-scores since I don’t like to spoil the review in the middle for those who want to actually read it. Refer to text for detail, please.

Intros to the Pens

146 intro

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 “Legrand” Platinum is a combination of classic design and modern trim. The gentle curves and cigar shape have been copied by many but only perfected by Montblanc with the iconic piston filling 149. The 146 is the little brother of the 149 and is much smaller with no doubt retains the symbolic design. I found the gold trim to be a bit gaudy – especially on a smaller pen – and I already have too many gold trimmed pens. The platinum trim to me looks much more subdued and easy on the eyes.

This pen was not purchased at a MB Boutique but instead traded with a friend. It was a move of impulse more than anything just to own a 146. MSRP is a ridiculous shock of over $700 but the legitimate street price/resale value/realistic worth hovers around the $250-$350 range depending on condition.

 

Duofold intro

The Parker Duofold Centennial is late Parker’s modern interpretation of a popular classic. The famous flat top and straight cylindrical shape gives a refined look of the classic vintage Duofolds – almost as if Parker combined the parts of different models to create the trim of the Centennial and put it on a sleeker version of their classic body. The result is a love/hate relationship pulled to the latter mostly by the cartridge/converter system.

This pen was gifted to me by a friendly person and has a sticker tag of $500 with a real street price of around $200-300 depending on condition. There was slight damage to it- a cap ring was loose but I sent it in and Parker repaired it free of charge based on the lifetime warranty.

 

M805 intro

The Pelikan M805 is the newer addition to the Souveran series; the silver version of the greatly loved piston filler. The well-known buttery smooth piston and striated design makes this pen attractive and functional, but in most cases more functional than attractive. The silver pairs well with the blue and black, which is the reason I opted for this version over the gold trimmed ones. The interchangeable nib/feed units is an excellent design. If you have one that writes not very well and is a fault of either the nib or feed, you get to change both in case it was either. Nib swap is free with Pelikan if you need a bolder expressive O3B or Pelikan’s well known medium-writing XF.

I purchased this coming from the uncomfortably enormous M1000 (that I sold before inking). It goes for around $200-300 street price with an MSRP of $595.

 

Build quality, fit and finish

146 build quality, fit and finish

The 146 is flawlessly finished throughout with a very shiny plastic body and metal trims. There seems to be no defects of any kind and the pen feels nice in the hand overall.

The design of the cap seems to have been overlooked. There is no designated stopping point for on the threads for the cap, thus allowing for overtightening, undertightening, and all the tightening in between. When posted on the back, the cap seems to jiggle slightly even when relying on a friction fit. Fit aside, the lip of the cap is thin and tapers, thus making it susceptible to cracking or chipping.

The “precious resin” material that makes up the shiny plastic feels solid but very brittle and hard. This is exhibited by just lightly tapping with a fingernail on the plastic. This is quite worrisome when carrying this around; I always have a feeling that it will break when dropped at even small heights.

 

Duofold build quality, fit and finish

The Duofold Centennial is well finished throughout. Cap and barrel threads are slightly rough but the rest of the pen is flawless. The pen feels very solid and the metal threads make it nib-end heavy.

The cap has somewhat of a stopping point and posts well but it takes a little more unscrewing to remove the cap.

Although at times the cap may follow off the blind end of the pen body, it does not jiggle at all and seems to have been designed to be posted at a specific point on the pen.

The plastic material feels solid—more so than the 146. The resin also seems a bit heavier and thicker but less shiny. There does not seem to be any part that may be fragile or easy to crack because of the strength of the plastic compared to the 146.

 

M805 build quality, fit and finish

The M805 is excellently built and finished throughout. There seems to be no flaws of any kind anywhere on the pen and excellent attention to detail on threads, edges, and such. The design to put the lip-side trim of the cap on the actual lip is very smart, reinforcing the strength of the cap and making it less chip-prone. The same goes for the metal trim ring on the piston-side of the blind end.

The cap has a specific, well defined stopping point at the threads that gives a good idea of when to stop tightening it.

When the cap is posted, it does not jiggle at all. However, the cap may be overtightened on the blind end and scuff the pen lightly.

The plastic manages to be thick, solid-feeling, and light at the same time. However, the plastic doesn’t seem as nearly as shiny as the 146 or even the Duofold.

 

Ergonomics, balance

146 ergonomics, balance

The 146 is very back-heavy due to the use of a metal piston mechanism at the very back. Combined with the cap, the pen seems extremely back heavy and unbalanced. Over a long period of time, this is fatiguing to write with. This may be a plus for some because it reduces pressure to the nib, which is normally a good thing unless the nib does not write well to begin with (more on performance later). The section is thicker than the Duofold and M805 and does not seem to curve as much to fit the fingers.

Without the cap, it is somewhat well balanced and easier to write with, but I need the extra length from the cap and I always post my pens.

 

Duofold ergonomics, balance

The Duofold is extremely well balanced due to having metal threads at the section (for the barrel) and metal parts that add to the weight of the cap. Unposted, it is nib-end heavy. The section is thinner than the 146 and M805 but has a small curve at the end to help fit the fingers. The Duofold is quite comfortable for long periods of usage due to the balance.

 

M805 ergonomics, balance

The M805 is back-heavy; less so than the 146. However, the pen is a good bit heavier than the 146 and also has a metal piston mechanism. Of course, the M805 balance is not as good as the Duofold. The section, however, is the best out of all three pens for its very ergonomic curve that fits my fingers perfectly. Uncapped, the pen is perfectly balanced.

 

Filling mechanisms

 

146 filling mechanism

The 146 has a piston that feels less smooth than the M805 and consequently more stiff and harder to use for flushing quickly. The capacity is quite decent but I haven’t taken the measurements.

 

Duofold filling mechanism

The Duofold has the controversial cartridge/converter. The “Parker Deluxe Converter” that I purchased works smoothly but the obviously capacity is not as large as the 146 or M805.

 

M805 filling mechanism

The M805 has a very smooth piston that is well designed. It’s hard to explain how the threads on the section work but first there is a loose, easy to turn spot where the piston is not pumped; this prevents mistakes in accidentally unscrewing the piston. Then, there is the actual pulling/pushing of the piston with a harder to turn but wonderfully smooth action.

 

Writing performance, nib and feed

Before mentioning anything about all three pens, I have to say I am disgusted with the out-of-box performance of all three pens. They were all mediocre writers out of the box (some worse than the others) and at this price point, it should not happen. I had to personally adjust all of them and in one case send it back to the manufacturer. This should not happen. Out of the box, a regular modest Lamy steel nib would write better overall than these overdecorated two-tone gold ones. Thus I will give two sections for each pen before and after adjustment.

 

146 writing performance, nib and feed

Before adjustment:

The 146 at first glance had no problems at a writer. The nib is wet and very expressive with much feedback throughout all strokes. It was reasonably aligned and had a very slight bit of spring if any. The inside edges of the tines were not smoothed when the nib was manufactured. The intention was to give a “catchy” end for the slit and ink to touch the paper. Thus, this nib is not very smooth and has a tooth. However, the nib does hard start and skip. For some reason, the ink does not get from one side of the feed to the other. I tried many methods to solve the problem but it did not work. I sent it in the Montblanc for a pricey repair and that solved the problem.

 

After adjustment:

The pen became a slightly drier writer (still somewhat wet) but somehow also less toothy. The nib felt fine and I enjoy writing with it but it still isn’t too smooth, which I like sometimes and other times not so much. There is much character that makes this nib feel different than other nibs. I know that every pen has a different feel, but for a modern pen, this one is much more different than the rest. This could be intentional/unintentional good/bad design but for me, I like the extra feel of the paper.

 

Duofold writing performance, nib and feed

Before adjustment:

The Duofold was moderately dry but smooth with little tooth. The nib was perfectly aligned. The nib is ridiculously stiff; somehow the nib is stiffer than any pen I have written with including a good number of steel nibs and an S.T. Dupont.

The Duofold exhibited hard starts and skipping after half a page. I had to try a variety of different flushing liquids but they did do the trick.

 

After adjustment:

The Duofold became extremely wet and extremely smooth with no tooth. This is probably one of my favorite long-period writers just for the ridiculous smoothness and wetness. If only this was a piston filler or something with a bigger capacity, like its ancestors.

 

M805 writing performance, nib and feed

 

Before adjustment:

The M805 came scratchy and very dry. Yes, I said it—scratchy. The nib was misaligned and the front of the feed was off center with the rest of the nib, feed, and thread section. I was mildly disappointed with my purchase but knew of numerous reports of mediocre Pelikan out-of-box writing performance. I aligned the tines, pushed the feed to make it slightly more lined up (still is slightly off center), and flushed the pen using many liquids.

 

After adjustment:

The M805 became moderately dry but much wetter than it had been, and a smooth, well-behaved, and consistently even writer. It is stiffer than the 146 but less so than the Duofold. I also noticed that the tines were pushed together much more than the 146 and Duofold. This is not a flaw but just a note that this pen would obviously be a dry writer. I know how to correct this but prefer the variety and the use of the M805 as a go-to writer for different papers including cheap ones.

 

Other: presentation, manufacturer service/warranty

146 other factors

My 146 came in a small, modest rubberized and velvet lined presentation box (the rectangular one, not the big square fancy mini-pizza box). It seems straightforward and nothing super fancy here.

When I sent it in for repair, the repair service charged me a good sum of money, a bit less than half the price of the pen. I reluctantly paid it but at least I now have a pen that writes quite well. The warranty already expired and a nib swap will cost you around $100. Montblanc service, is, however quite fast and friendly.

 

Duofold other factors

The Duofold came in a gray fuzzy box that seems clumsily designed. I spent a good five minutes trying to figure out how it comes together and which side goes where and where the booklets and stuff go. However, the box does convey a sense of quality and exclusiveness considering the small metal tags that display things about the pen and the “exclusive platinum club.” The booklet is quite nice, with a see-through film in a page that shows the cutaway inside design of the pen.

 

The pen came to me with a loose upper cap lip ring and barrel blind end. I sent it in for repair and they did it for free of charge based on the lifetime warranty, which is obviously better than Montblanc’s two-year one that I never got to use.

 

M805 other factors

The M805 came in the latest revision of the generic Pelikan gift boxes: a fake wooden base that is attached to the bottom box and the cardboard cover. I do like the small pleather bag with the plastic seal—it gives almost a personal touch to the pen. The booklets did not have a stamp on them and were not signed unlike the 146 and Duofold, which slightly worries me about the authorized sales and if Pelikan will repair under warranty. Pelikan does offer a free nib exchange service.

 

Just a little note that I found somewhat funny: on one of the booklets, the catalog for other writing instruments and things, the cover was of a Pelikan Ductus. The Ductus is considered by some (including me) to be the ugly duckling pen in the Pelikan series and a close-up shot of the nib is not easy on the eyes. It will probably drive away some people from looking at the rest of the catalog. It may have been Pelikan’s poor attempt at trying to push the assumedly failed Ductus pen (that I personally dislike).

 

Conclusion, value

146 conclusion, value

The 146 is the little brother to the iconic 149 and retains every bit of the sense of design and quality. That may be good or bad, but in my opinion it is good. However, the price to performance ratio of the 146 is not very good considering that the price of a brand new 146 is relatively high without good reason. The 146 does have a good resale value simply due to the Montblanc logo and that gives good reason to try this pen out and see if you enjoy it.

 

Duofold conclusion, value

The Duofold will perform an excellent example of a quality modern Parker. It is designed for effortless (even if boring) writing and is comfortable to use as a daily workhorse if you can get over the refill system. This pen at its current street price is worth every penny in my opinion, especially with a lifetime warranty and excellent service.

 

M805 conclusion, value

The M805 is a technically superior pen to both and a better value than both. I love the look, especially the silver, black, and blue. The free nib swap is an added bonus to excellent Pelikan service. This pen is worth every penny and is probably an easier step up to the world of entry-level midsized pens compared to the 146 and Duofold. For its performance and design and how much you pay for the M805, I would say that the Pelikan beats both pens by a hair

 

Scores for each section

Sorry my criteria is unforgiving but it’s because 1. this is a comparison and 2. I do not find useful the reviews that easily give 9/10 and 10/10 for every pen

 

Ergonomics, balance

146 – 7/10

Duofold – 8/10

M805 – 8/10

 

Filling mechanisms

146 – 7/10

Duofold – 5/10

M805 – 7.5/10

 

Writing performance, nib and feed (double weighted for before/after adjustment and because I consider this the most important part of the pen)

146 - 1.5/10 – 7/10

Duofold - 1.5/10 – 7.5/10

M805 – 1.5/10 – 7/10

 

Other: presentation, manufacturer service/warranty

146 – 6/10

Duofold – 8/10

M805 – 7/10

 

TOTALS (percent values for comparison)

146: 28.5/50 = 57%

Duofold: 30/50 = 60%

M805: 31/50 = 62%

 

 

 

I hoped you enjoyed my review.

 

 

High-res pics to come soon.

 

EDIT: for some formatting and a typo

EDIT2: Title changed to "Midranged Midsized" for clarity.

Edited July 14, 2012 by jakelogan

[richardandtracy]

Thanks for this review, it's good to see comparisons of a pen I know (the Duofold) where I know & agree with your conclusions (apart from the bias against the filler, here I prefer a filler where I can replace it easily if there is a failure) and such an objective comparison with the other pens. I have often wondered about a Pelikan M800, and this is swaying me a bit more to try it.

 

The only thing I feel is missing is objective dimensions & weights (which can be got from elsewhere), otherwise brilliantly comprehensive. Thank you.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[breaker]

excellent review and comparison between 3 classics!

thanks!

[mongrelnomad]

I've never owned a modern Duofold, but I own two M800s and two 146s. Funny how my experiences have been the complete reverse. The MB nibs were wonderful out of the box - full of personality, with one an EF akin to an Arabic nib, the other M wet and soft. The Pelikans were bland and personality-free zones. With the replaceable nibs I've pretty much amassed everything from an EF to a BB, but it took a lot of very unusual grinding by nibmeisters to imbue them with anything close to the personality of the MB.

 

I also find the MBs to be much less back-heavy than the Pelikans and while my 146s are some of my most comfortable marathon writers, I find it difficult to write with the 800s for more than a few minutes.

 

Different strokes for different folks I guess, but thanks for the great review!

[Mainecoon]

Thanks for this review ans comparison of classics. Excellent. Looking forward to the pics!

[twdpens]

I question your use of the terms "entry-level" and "mid-sized" in relation to those models but, that minor point aside, it's an excellent review .

 

Regarding "out of the box" performance, I would like to add a little comment if I may: by buying carefully, it is possible to purchase both the Parker Duofold and Pelikan M800/M805 from reputable pensmiths who will ensure that the pen performs exactly to the customer's expectations thus ensuring a writing performance score of at least 7/10 (your lowest figure after adjustment) without any post-sale tweaking. (I can't make any such claim for a new Montblanc 146 one way or another because I don't have any relevant information.)

 

Martin

[jakelogan]

I've never owned a modern Duofold, but I own two M800s and two 146s. Funny how my experiences have been the complete reverse. The MB nibs were wonderful out of the box - full of personality, with one an EF akin to an Arabic nib, the other M wet and soft. The Pelikans were bland and personality-free zones. With the replaceable nibs I've pretty much amassed everything from an EF to a BB, but it took a lot of very unusual grinding by nibmeisters to imbue them with anything close to the personality of the MB.

 

I also find the MBs to be much less back-heavy than the Pelikans and while my 146s are some of my most comfortable marathon writers, I find it difficult to write with the 800s for more than a few minutes.

 

Different strokes for different folks I guess, but thanks for the great review!

I actually completely agree with your points and thus the review might have been unclear. The 146 is full of character and has more personality than the other two pens, which I most times enjoy. For a modern pen, as stated in the review,the MB does feel different and has a tiny bit of spring - much more than nothing exhibited in the pelikan and especially the duofold. The 146 is definitely a lighter feeling pen (no measurements) but the piston seems to be at the very very back (at least that's how it feels).

 

I also agree that good writing out of box versions can be found at nibmeister but they do charge a hefty premium.

Edited July 13, 2012 by jakelogan

[mongrelnomad]

I've never owned a modern Duofold, but I own two M800s and two 146s. Funny how my experiences have been the complete reverse. The MB nibs were wonderful out of the box - full of personality, with one an EF akin to an Arabic nib, the other M wet and soft. The Pelikans were bland and personality-free zones. With the replaceable nibs I've pretty much amassed everything from an EF to a BB, but it took a lot of very unusual grinding by nibmeisters to imbue them with anything close to the personality of the MB.

 

I also find the MBs to be much less back-heavy than the Pelikans and while my 146s are some of my most comfortable marathon writers, I find it difficult to write with the 800s for more than a few minutes.

 

Different strokes for different folks I guess, but thanks for the great review!

I actually completely agree with your points and thus the review might have been unclear. The 146 is full of character and has more personality than the other two pens, which I most times enjoy. For a modern pen, as stated in the review,the MB does feel different and has a tiny bit of spring - much more than nothing exhibited in the pelikan and especially the duofold. The 146 is definitely a lighter feeling pen (no measurements) but the piston seems to be at the very very back (at least that's how it feels).

 

I also agree that good writing out of box versions can be found at nibmeister but they do charge a hefty premium.

 

Thanks for expanding!

 

Regarding the ootb quality, I think Martin was talking about non-nibmeister retailers who check their pens prior to shipping. As a long-standing customer of his establishment, I can attest that I have never received a pen from him which did not write well (personal preference aside) from first fill.

[tonybelding]

If those are the entry level, it really makes me wonder what you'd consider high-end.

 

I do think these pens fall in a similar category, though, in terms of well-established and conservative (I might say stodgy) symbols of personal "success". You can shell out big money for any of these three, hang it in the vest pocket of your three-piece suit, and demonstrate to everyone that you've moved up in the world. Actually writing with it is optional.

[mongrelnomad]

If those are the entry level, it really makes me wonder what you'd consider high-end.

 

I do think these pens fall in a similar category, though, in terms of well-established and conservative (I might say stodgy) symbols of personal "success". You can shell out big money for any of these three, hang it in the vest pocket of your three-piece suit, and demonstrate to everyone that you've moved up in the world. Actually writing with it is optional.

 

Really? I've always thought of the bread-and-butter 146 and M80x as the no-nonsense workhorses of their respective ranges.

Edited July 13, 2012 by mongrelnomad

[rwilsonedn]

Thank you for a detailed and very thoughtful review. In fact it started me to thinking so much that I decided to add my experience with two of these pens (sorry about that.) I have both a 146 and a Centennial, both from more than a decade ago. So my observations may not represent the state of the world today. But here goes anyway.

My 146 arrived in good writing condition. Curiously, my M nib is semi-flexible: you can see the tines spread under light pressure. But something about the combination of nib, feed, and adjustment manages to prevent this flex from resulting in any visible line variation on most papers. So the nib ends up being curiously springy, but otherwise quite mundane. It is not remarkably smooth or, to me, particularly expressive.

The most remarkable characteristic of the 146 to me is a design flaw in the section-end, best explained I think by Richard Binder. The first time I flew with my 146 the glue joint at the tip of the section failed, dumping ink all over the inside of the cap. I sent the pen back to MB, was informed that this was not a warranty issue, and charged a substantial amount for a repair. Next flight, same failure. Same response. Only this time the pen came back with glue slathered visibly around the end of the section. I can only assume, based on posts from people with more recent experience, that MB's attitude toward customer service has improved considerably in recent years. But the pen design appears not to have changed.

My Duofold was purchased in response to the 146's fear of flying. It was sold to me specifically as a pen with such a large ink collector that leaking on planes would not be a problem. And it never has been, even when I write with it at cruising altitude. The Duofold has been a flawless performer from day-1. Mine arrived with a reasonably smooth, properly-adjusted M nib out of the box. I have to agree, though, that the nib is one of the most rigid in all pendom. It is not the most exciting writer, but it will work comfortably and flawlessly hour after hour.

Like a previous poster, I am tempted by this review to explore the M800 line. If this were an entry-level price range for me, I probably would.

Thanks again for the great review!

ron

[hari317]

I own a few examples of the pens in this review. Thank you for sharing with us your experience with the examples in your posession.

 

Several examples of the 146, M800 and Centennials have passed through my hands. IME, I have been able to get more 146s writing much better than the other two models after some minor tweaks. So I hold the opinion that the 146 nibs on the whole were better made. YMMV. Also since the plastic 146 is being made right from the 70s and the M800 from the 80s to now, several changes in manufacturing techniques of their nibs has taken place. You will find people debating about which era nibs of the 146 and M800 are better etc.

 

Hari

Edited July 13, 2012 by hari317

[faustulus]

If those are the entry level, it really makes me wonder what you'd consider high-end.

 

I do think these pens fall in a similar category, though, in terms of well-established and conservative (I might say stodgy) symbols of personal "success". You can shell out big money for any of these three, hang it in the vest pocket of your three-piece suit, and demonstrate to everyone that you've moved up in the world. Actually writing with it is optional.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this. Great review and all, but if these pens are 'entry level'then I guess a 535i, E350 and A6 are 'entry level' sedans.

[jandrese]

Thanks for the nice comparison and honesty. I have, or had, all three. I finally sold my Duofold and don't miss it at all. The Duofold was easily the worst in terms of quality and writing performance. The hard nib, yikes.

 

I've come to expect poor writing from most new pens regardless of price, MB and Pelikan included. I've collected pens for over 15 years and have figured out how to adjust nibs/feeds myself for the most part, but I find it much better to test before buying. That is where a good pen store comes in, although that is not an option for most of us. I'm lucky to have two good regular haunts. The number or poor writers at high prices I come across is scary. I guess that reflects fountain pens being luxury items, not necessary items. Along with luxury status comes ever increasing prices that are getting way out of hand. I have a good job, but I can see the end of my pen collecting coming soon.

[CatBookMom]

If those are the entry level, it really makes me wonder what you'd consider high-end.

 

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this. Great review and all, but if these pens are 'entry level'then I guess a 535i, E350 and A6 are 'entry level' sedans.

 

 

I had the same thought, too. Admittedly, as the OP points out, the 'street price' of $200-$400 is more mid-range, but for a person buying a first pen, I'd think most are much more likely to look in the $50-$100 range.

 

When people ask me for a good starter pen I mention Lamy Safari or Al-Star, maybe a TWSBI for new pens, Esterbrook J or Parker 51 for vintage; I used to suggest Phileas, but those are getting harder to find.

[ribbit]

 

My 146 arrived in good writing condition. Curiously, my M nib is semi-flexible: you can see the tines spread under light pressure. But something about the combination of nib, feed, and adjustment manages to prevent this flex from resulting in any visible line variation on most papers. So the nib ends up being curiously springy, but otherwise quite mundane. It is not remarkably smooth or, to me, particularly expressive.

The most remarkable characteristic of the 146 to me is a design flaw in the section-end, best explained I think by Richard Binder. The first time I flew with my 146 the glue joint at the tip of the section failed, dumping ink all over the inside of the cap. I sent the pen back to MB, was informed that this was not a warranty issue, and charged a substantial amount for a repair. Next flight, same failure. Same response. Only this time the pen came back with glue slathered visibly around the end of the section. I can only assume, based on posts from people with more recent experience, that MB's attitude toward customer service has improved considerably in recent years. But the pen design appears not to have changed.

ron

 

My 146 has been on a good handful of long domestic and a couple international flights without any problems. I hope that continues! The original reviewer finds the 800 more comfortable to hold. I am the exact opposite. My 146 is lovely but I can barely stand to pick up a Pelikan. Glad they make pens for everyone! And I lol'd at the the 'entry level' also. IMO, these are step up pens over TWSBI, Safari, etc.

[egretsrus]

Ditto on the "entry level" question. To me, that conveys a level of pen for someone who doesn't know if he/she is going to like writing with fountain pens and doesn't want to shell out a fortune only to prefer a Uniball. Also as above, I'd suggest a newby start with a Sheaffer school pen, a Safari, or a TWSBI (although they are creeping up in price...maybe beyond a trial pen).

It was several years into my collecting fp's that I got my 149 then my 146. I treasure them and hope to pass them along to children/grandchildren.

[LWW]

Excellent review ... and I worry that some of the fanboys are cursing you.

[jakelogan]

I will change the title due to all of your funny complaints. Hah, just kidding, thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.

 

I always believed that under $200 was beginner level and $200-$400 was entry level, midrange beginning at $400. This is personal, of course - Entry-level: entry into FP addiction, the first step towards an unreasonable budget. For example, I don't really consider the 149 a high-end pen, but instead a "midrange pen"

 

I didn't think that the pens described in the review were a "first" step anyways. Title is unclear, so I will change it to "midlevel" "midrange"

 

:roflmho:

 

edit: second thought

Edited July 14, 2012 by jakelogan

[mongrelnomad]

always believed that under $200 was beginner level and $200-$400 was entry level, midrange beginning at $400.

 

Hope you brought your flame-retardent jacket.