Apogee vs. Townsend

[Vanrensalier]

My kids gave me a gift certificate to Cross, which is enough to buy one of the 18kt models. I have a couple of ATXs that have nibs like nails, so I want to get a softer gold nib. I don't really like the looks design-wise of any of the Cross pens, other than the ATX, but I like the design of the Apogee better than the Townsend. The Townsend is too narrow for my taste. But when you come down to it how well it writes is the main thing. I will probably get an XF nib because Cross pens are such wet writers and I don't care for a real wide line. I understand the Apogee is very heavy.

 

So, for those of you who have used both with gold nibs, which do you prefer?

 

Is the Apogee still too heavy without the cap posted? (I don't usually write with the cap posted, anyway.)

 

Does the Townsend fountain pen have a wider girth than the ballpoint? My ballpoint is like a pencil. Cross doesn't post specifications on their website!

 

Thanks! I look forward to your recommendations.

 

Van

[Easterner]

Hello Van,

 

So, for those of you who have used both with gold nibs, which do you prefer?

 

I prefer the Townsend; however, my Apogee is almost as smooth.

 

 

Is the Apogee still too heavy without the cap posted? (I don't usually write with the cap posted, anyway.)

 

I don't consider it too heavy. It feels substantial but comfortable but I have large hands. I just weighed the three pens. The Townsend is the heaviest and when uncapped the Apogee and the ATX are the same length whilst the Townsend is slightly longer in the barrel and has a larger nib.

 

 

Does the Townsend fountain pen have a wider girth than the ballpoint? My ballpoint is like a pencil. Cross doesn't post specifications on their website!

 

Unfortunately, since I don't have the ballpoint, I can't help you there.

 

Be advised that these are my observations on my pens and can be somewhat subjective.

I would urge you to try out both pens if possible. The way a pen feels is very much a personal consideration and only you can decide if a pen feels right for you.

 

Good luck in your quest. (I couldn't decide which one I liked the best. That's why I have both the Townsend and the Apogee).

[jsroe]

I have both the Apogee and Townsend in medium gold nibs. Comparing just the nibs, I find the Townsend smoother than the Apogee nib. The rest I think is personal preference. Both are very comfortable and feel substantial in the hand without feeling heavy. More comfotable and substantial than the ATX. The Apogee feels a little wider. With the cap posted, the Townsend is a little more top heavy compared to the Apogee which is balanced more evenly with the cap posted. But I dont find the cap weight detracts at all from the Townsend when cap is posted. The nib feed section is a little wider than the ball point version. I find the Townsend more comfortable for long writing sessions because of the smooth nib, and the nib dimension also enables a more comfortable grip too I find compared to most other fountain pens.

[Chris]

I have not used the Apogee so the comparison is not possible for me but I have used my Townsend(s) for extended sessions of writing without any aches or pains because I find them well-balanced unposted and very smooth without being skiddy. Of course taste is personal and a pen is a very personal thing, especially when a gift, but I love my Townsends and find I come back to them always.

 

Chris

[Russ]

I have both the Townsend and the Apogee. The Townsend's nib is more firm than the Apogee, yet a little larger and more durable. The Apogee's nib offer a slight bit of spring, and is more delicate. My hand also rests closer to the paper with the Apogee due to the shorter distance between tipping and section. Styling? The Apogee wins. If, however, I had to pick just one pen it would be the Townsend. It is not as heavy as the Apogee when both are unposted, and the nib offers more possibilities for modification.

[Ravenmoon]

I haven't used an Apogee, but I have 5 Townsends, raging from XF to B, all 14 or 18K, and I love them all. They do not have much flex, but all of them are very smooth. I also find them to be beautifully balanced, posted or not. I can't offer a comparison, but I prefer the look of the Townsend, and I'd recommend one to anyone!

[Vanrensalier]

Thank you to everyone who replied to my questions. Your advice was very helpful.

 

I ended up buying the Apogee Frosty Steel with an XF nib. It writes amazingly well. And it is surprisingly free-flowing for and XF nib, which was what I've experienced with the Cross steel nibs (ATX) that I have. The nib is quite stiff but not as bad as the ATX. The pen's finish is stunning - it absolutely glistens. For me it is uncomfortably top-heavy when posted. The cap alone is probably heavier than the rest of the pen. But it is very comfortable without the cap. I like the tapered shape. As others have noted, the spring loaded clip is stiff but it can be opened with one hand and it gives you something to fidget with when you're in a boring meeting. By the way, isn't that one of the best things about fountain pens? It gives you something to do during un-ending meetings - writing notes is a joy even if you think you'll never look at them again.

 

Well, I hope to post a review with pictures but I'm 50 with a hyper 2 year old, so that's not likely to happen.

[Big Frankie]

Townsend!!

 

-BF

[adamselene]

Townsend ballpoint is thinner than roller or FP