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Today I've joined the happy ranks of Italix Parson's Essential owners. What a pen for the money! And what a nice nib to write with, a fine italic that has exactly the line width and variation I was after. It is the right weight and girth for me and the quality of the finish is lovely (I have the black & gold model). All in all, very pleased. It has made a bigger impression on me than the Pel 400nn I also received this week, though I do love my small familiy of birds to bits.

My question is not which one is better, because that's obviously subjective. I have an Italix Parson's Essential for more than two years and I'm still enthusiastic about it, although I'm not using it daily, but I try to, with every occasion. The writing experience is absolutely fantastic. I wonder if, as a n00b, I'll feel any difference if I'd use a Pelikan M200, compared to Italix Parson's Essential. Pelikan is a little bit more expensive, but I like to looks of it and it has some good reviews. Parson's Essential gives a smooth feeling when touching the paper and I wonder if a Pelikan M200 would top that (I'm also considering having the M400 nib upgrade). Anyone around here have both pens and could tell me if M200 would be smoother?

My next pen is going to cost around $50 and I'm considering the 580 and the Parsons. They may seem an odd pair to compare. I'm attracted to the Parsons because of the tuned nib and the classic look. I'm attracted to the 580 because of the piston fill and its extra capacity. I also like the ability to take it apart. As for the appearance, I go back and forth on the demonstrator look. Background information: * I'll be using whichever pen I get as an every day carry, which means an office environment on weekdays and "who knows what" on evenings and weekends. * My current EDC is a Lamy Safari. My "good pen" is a Conklin Crescent Filler Mark Twain. * I've been using FPs for a year, * I prefer a smooth, wet, fine nib. Note the lowercase "f". That's a generality, not a specific nib designator because they are so variable. My handwriting has gotten a bit larger since I began using an FP, but it's still smallish. I'd like to hear from people who have both pens and could tell me what I'd gain/be giving up if I chose one over the other. If I'm overlooking a pen that I should be considering, please let me know (and say why, of course). Note to TWSBI owners: I know that asking most of you to compare the TWSBI to anything else is like asking an 8-year old whether they prefer a hot fudge sundae or steamed prunes. Please do your best to be objective. Thanks.