Aurora Style

[rollerboy]

This is an "informal" review of the Aurora Style. I'd made some notes as I was initially using the pen and I realize that if I wait until I organize them into a "real" review (and master the art of pen photography) I'd never write this post. So I'll just transcribe them here, and perhaps add a couple of comments:

 

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The nib has a slight spring to it like the Pelikan M2xx steel nibs. It provides a consistent pleasant feedback that gives a good feeling of control as you write. The wetness seems to be just about perfect. It seems like about a 5 to 6 out of 10 with this ink [PR Sonic Blue]. Ergonomically I find it comfortable. It's not a fat pen - by modern fountain pen standards its fairly small. I find it just pleasantly larger through the section than a typical Uniball/Pilot rollerball. It's probably the same width at the narrowest but then wider at the top of the section.

 

Looks-wise it's a nice streamlined torpedo shape and simple cap. It has the look that's been "modern" and contemporary since the 40s/50s I believe. [Cap on, I supose you could say it's P51'ish looking.] The chrome cap contributes nicely to the retro-modern look. The chrome cap actually has a very subtle brushed finish. It's not mirror-like automotive chrome - which would be loud and a fingerprint magnet. The cap is heavy though. I neither post nor carry the pen in a shirt pocket. If I did either then the version with the plastic (er ... resin) cap would be better.

 

I probably haven't said enough about the nib yet. I'm very pleased with the width of the fine nib. It seems to be about the width of a Safari F (one of my finer Safari Fs) or about the width of my Binder grind M200 XF. Importantly, it seems to have character, both in its feel and the lines it forms.

 

Overall, especially for its (relatively) low cost, I'm very impressed by this pen. I can see it being considered one of my favourites. The Aurora "Everyday" line joins the ranks of the Pelikan M200 and Safari/Alstar series in terms of being considered a staple in my pen collection.

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Additional factoids and observations:

- It's a slip cap - more aptly a "pop" cap as there's nothing ambiguous or gradual about the way the mechanism engages/disengages.

- It's C/C filled.

- The box is impressive for a pen in the sub-$100 price range. A heavy cardboard outer box, tissue paper, an inner leatherette box. My first thought opening the package was "Sheesh. Put it in a cardboard box and knock 10 bucks off the price." Still, a factor to consider if the pen is to be a gift.

- The pen was bought from Binder so the 5-6/10 wetness may represent a tweak of out-of-box Aurora ... or may not ... I don't know.

 

Bottom line:

A model of pen that doesn't seem to get the love it deserves around here on FPN. Aurora calls it one of their "everyday" pens and that fits. A modestly sized and modestly priced pen, timelessly contemporary in appearance, with a nib that delivers the fountain pen experience. I *like* it.

Edited September 5, 2009 by rollerboy

[diplomat]

It provides a consistent pleasant feedback that gives a good feeling of control as you write. The wetness seems to be just about perfect.

 

Very well put down, that describes exactly my impressions with modern Aurora nibs.

As for the box, that seems to be the box I got with my Ipsilon, a step up in the Aurora range. Possibly that's another reason to be happy with Mr Binder service!

 

Ciao,

[ericthered2004]

Thanks for the review. I'm also a big fan of the Style, although I customized mine with my favorite nib from an old and battered Idea. Even without this modification, it would have been a great pen.

 

Regards

eric

[sallywally]

This is an "informal" review of the Aurora Style. I'd made some notes as I was initially using the pen and I realize that if I wait until I organize them into a "real" review (and master the art of pen photography) I'd never write this post. So I'll just transcribe them here, and perhaps add a couple of comments:

 

--- Begin Transcription ---

The nib has a slight spring to it like the Pelikan M2xx steel nibs. It provides a consistent pleasant feedback that gives a good feeling of control as you write. The wetness seems to be just about perfect. It seems like about a 5 to 6 out of 10 with this ink [PR Sonic Blue]. Ergonomically I find it comfortable. It's not a fat pen - by modern fountain pen standards its fairly small. I find it just pleasantly larger through the section than a typical Uniball/Pilot rollerball. It's probably the same width at the narrowest but then wider at the top of the section.

 

Looks-wise it's a nice streamlined torpedo shape and simple cap. It has the look that's been "modern" and contemporary since the 40s/50s I believe. [Cap on, I supose you could say it's P51'ish looking.] The chrome cap contributes nicely to the retro-modern look. The chrome cap actually has a very subtle brushed finish. It's not mirror-like automotive chrome - which would be loud and a fingerprint magnet. The cap is heavy though. I neither post nor carry the pen in a shirt pocket. If I did either then the version with the plastic (er ... resin) cap would be better.

 

I probably haven't said enough about the nib yet. I'm very pleased with the width of the fine nib. It seems to be about the width of a Safari F (one of my finer Safari Fs) or about the width of my Binder grind M200 XF. Importantly, it seems to have character, both in its feel and the lines it forms.

 

Overall, especially for its (relatively) low cost, I'm very impressed by this pen. I can see it being considered one of my favourites. The Aurora "Everyday" line joins the ranks of the Pelikan M200 and Safari/Alstar series in terms of being considered a staple in my pen collection.

--- End Transcription ---

 

Additional factoids and observations:

- It's a slip cap - more aptly a "pop" cap as there's nothing ambiguous or gradual about the way the mechanism engages/disengages.

- It's C/C filled.

- The box is impressive for a pen in the sub-$100 price range. A heavy cardboard outer box, tissue paper, an inner leatherette box. My first thought opening the package was "Sheesh. Put it in a cardboard box and knock 10 bucks off the price." Still, a factor to consider if the pen is to be a gift.

- The pen was bought from Binder so the 5-6/10 wetness may represent a tweak of out-of-box Aurora ... or may not ... I don't know.

 

Bottom line:

A model of pen that doesn't seem to get the love it deserves around here on FPN. Aurora calls it one of their "everyday" pens and that fits. A modestly sized and modestly priced pen, timelessly contemporary in appearance, with a nib that delivers the fountain pen experience. I *like* it.

I have an XF Style and like it very much. Good fine point, serviceable, pleasing to look at and very nice to hold.

[Mr Ink]

The Style was my introduction to Aurora. A wonderful pen indeed.