Pelikan M200, which nib size should I get?

[Waterman007]

I have finally decided that I want to try out a Pelikan, and as usual I start with a lower end model and then buy a better one if I find I like the brand. My question specifically is regarding the nib of the M200, I have heard that Pelikans are extremely wet writers. I like SMOOTH nibs, nibs that write every time they touch paper (provided there is ink in the pen). What I am shooting for is roughly the equivalent of a Lamy Safari fine or Medium nib The Lamy Medium nib is my favorite, and it is considered a dry writer by many. My Waterman Phileas Medium is an excellent pen but I feel it is too wet of a writer for me, it leaves a bolder line than my Lamy-M. I have no idea about Pelikan nibs and just want to know what you all suggest?

[mtraug11]

I own a Lamy AL-Star (Fine), Lamy Studio (Fine) and a Pelikan M200 (Fine). They are all about the same with regards to line width with the Lamy's maybe just a shade wider. All of mine are wet writers. The Pelikan has just a bit more tooth than the Lamy's. Your mileage may vary.

[GardenWeasel]

Interesting! My "Binderized" OM nib for my Pelikan 200 arrived...gold plated steel nib...OMG! it's wonderful!

[agchristie]

pelikans are extremely wet writers! I think you should take the fine first as mine usually run a bit wider than other fines and they are wet so should be the right size for you. If you really dont like it you could trade the nib for a medium one or just buy another nib as they are quite cheap.

 

[hbquikcomjamesl]

I have 3 M200s and an M150, all of them virtually in daily use. The one in my blue pen is an EF; the one in my black pen (the M150) is an M; the red and the green are both Fs

 

If you plan on using a fountain pen on 2- and 3-part forms (e.g., duplicating charge card chits), go for the EF, and go for plated steel, not solid gold.

 

Otherwise, an F should be your default, and use whatever material feels best to you.

 

Also, I've found that for me at least, Pelikan nibs do require some break-in.

Edited July 13, 2009 by hbquikcomjamesl

[lefty928]

Except for a binderized stub, which skipped, nibs I have purchased for an M200 (from Pam Braun) have been smooth writing -- I have an F and EF nib, but with not that much difference between them. They write like my Lamy Safari F: perhaps the Safari is a tad drier but by no means dry.

[duna]

M2xx are great pens. I love my M215 (steel M nib), maybe a tab thinner line than my Lamy Vista M nib. Both good nibs. The M nib on my M215 was toothier than my M605 nib (which is very smooth), still I don't feel any need to source a gold nib for the M215. Lamys, Heroes and Pilots see a lot of drawer since M215 (M), M605 (M) and M800 (F) arrived. Those nibs are up to my Pilot VP's standard (I cannot believe this myself) , have greater endurance, and a nice classic look. The Pelikan piston is a dream to operate, only problem it take almost a month to empty the tank, given rotation between 4-5 pens, thus less toying/tinkering time. I'll try a M without hesitation. M200 if you like very light pens, M215 if you prefer something heftier. If you have a chance to get access (friends, or holydays are valid options) to Galeria in Germany don't forget the M605 for Eur 99.00 a real steal given the price of M600 and the high quality of this pen (wonderful blue body, excellent 14 Kt gold M nib).

[Dr Lopez]

I have finally decided that I want to try out a Pelikan, and as usual I start with a lower end model and then buy a better one if I find I like the brand. My question specifically is regarding the nib of the M200, I have heard that Pelikans are extremely wet writers. I like SMOOTH nibs, nibs that write every time they touch paper (provided there is ink in the pen). What I am shooting for is roughly the equivalent of a Lamy Safari fine or Medium nib The Lamy Medium nib is my favorite, and it is considered a dry writer by many. My Waterman Phileas Medium is an excellent pen but I feel it is too wet of a writer for me, it leaves a bolder line than my Lamy-M. I have no idea about Pelikan nibs and just want to know what you all suggest?

 

In my personal experience (I own a M250, M200 old style, M400 'old style', M605)

 

I have a Lamy 2K with M nib, which draws a line pretty similar as my M250 with M nib. The Pelikan M250 is a (discontinued) model that had the body of the M200 and the nib of a 400 (gold) , so it is a higher quality nib. In any case, M200/400 modern medium nib should be similar to that of a lamy 2K medium. Also my medium M605 delivers a line similar in thickness to the lamy 2K. Same applies to smoothness properties. However, this does not apply to old style pelikan nibs which a far more flexible and a medium can deliver a very wet and broad line under a bit of pressure. Keep in mind that all the nibs I mentioned are gold, not steel, including the M250 one. I havent tried those steel nibs, but I have no doubt the previous poster got it right, steel pelikan nibs are as good as gold for a 200.

Edited July 13, 2009 by Dr Lopez

[1000km]

If you like your Lamys in medium, Pelikan medium will also be good for you. Pelikan is almost always better than Lamy for flow, smoothness and feedback.

Edited July 14, 2009 by 1000km

[chickpea]

I own a Lamy Safari (which I have used for a few months) and a Pelikan M200 which I have owned for two weeks. The Pelikan M200 (even when Binderized) may need some break in. The first day I used my Pelikan I was a bit underwhelmed and disappointed. My Safari was noticeably smoother. After changing inks, and using it for a few days (and then changing back to the first ink I tried) the Pelikan M200 is now smoother than the Safari and a little wetter writer. I use Waterman Florida Blue in it and it writes like a dream. (I use Waterman Havana Brown in my Safari).

[Silvermink]

I'd go for the fine. My M640 fine is definitely on the broad-and-wet side as fine nibs go.