Best Fountain Pen Under $50

[manythings465]

Bad news gang, I lost my Estie.

I need to find the same pen or something better. What's the best pen I could possibly get for under 50 bucks? ...or should I just buy another Esterbrook?

 

I need some assistance. I can't live without the buttery smooth writing of a fountain pen!

[gillyohan]

maybe Lamy Safari, Pilot Prera, TWSBI (I haven't tried this one, but many like it)...

[PenFisher]

If you were happy with the vintage Estie then go for another. In the new department, maybe you could find a Waterman Phileas in the $30-40 range (there are still some floating around out there) or the Lamy Safari is a lot of bang for the buck with a choice of nibs available. If you can deal with a clear pen then the TWSBI also seems like a lot of pen for the money. Good luck ... there are many more choices as well.

[Tsujigiri]

Eversharp Skyline. In fact, the Skyline is one of the best values in vintage pens at any price. They're easy to find and cost that much or less (for the model that isn't striped celluloid). I went to a pen show intending to buy an Esterbrook, but ended up getting the Skyline instead. That gold nib, interesting design, and build quality were well worth it for the extra $10.

[Chrontius]

TWSBI Diamond 530, Parker 25 (if you like the retro-70s look)...

[OcalaFlGuy]

Manythings, while I AM a major Estie enabler, I wouldn't necessarily recommend an Estie to a beginning FP person.

 

However, you also seem to have been really happy with your first one.

 

For me, that makes the answer for you, to me, an obvious one.

 

Another Estie, but not just. any. other. Estie.

 

Maybe go to www.Esterbrook.net and look at all the members and colors of the J-Family of pens, both the Transitionals and the Double Jewels. See if there isn't one model and one color of that that particularly speaks to you.

 

Now, here is the secret weapon part.

 

The poster just in front of me, Penfisher, IMO, is one of the best Estie restorers doing pens these days. Another really good guy at them is member Farmersmums. Get hold of either or both of those gentlemen with what your #1 choice in Estie model/color is and have THEM either do one they already have for you or find one and do it for you. If I didn't do my own Estie work (and I am Very Picky about my Esties,) these 2 guys are who I'd be getting my Esties from. (Want to check up on me?, do an advance search on just the For Sale forum using both these guy's nickname under "author" and search on Esterbrook and look at some of the pens they've sold and I think you'll see EXACTLY what I mean here... )

 

The best answer here I'm saying, is another Estie Soooo Wonderful that it'll make you forget all about the one you just lost.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

Edited November 5, 2010 by OcalaFlGuy

[Bo Bo Olson]

I don't know why ... a ex-Estie guy..should not get another Estie.

 

Of course being from the '50's. I recommend it as a first pen...being that lever action was normal then...

 

Some great colors...no, some fantastic colors. And you can find a nib or three that will do you proud.

 

No...no... don't get another Estie, in you will want more.

Many more.

Of course, I'm sure there is an Estie of the Month Club some where...or should be.

[Fuddlestack]

+1 on the Phileas. I've given a couple to non-FP users and they've been delighted. I'm about to give another one tomorrow. I wish someone would give me one.

[antidote3]

TWSBI Diamond 530

[Sailor Kenshin]

You should always have at least one back-up pen at low cost!

 

Pelikano Jr., Hero 616, and even Pilot Varsities all write smoothly enough. The Pel is the most expensive of the bunch, running from $8-15 depending where you get it.

[Julio]

I will vote for a top shape Monte Rosa with smooth 14kg nib. Pen made by MB. Offer only to the men with no fountain pen. And offer to others in two days. Contact bc if interested.

[Malcy]

I would go for a Sheaffer Imperial IV, VI or VIII which have the same type inlaid gold nib as the PFM/Legacy. They are some of the best writers around and can be picked up for decent prices. I love using my Imperial and my Legacy for general writing. The Imperial I, II and III do not feature this nib.

 

PenHero - Sheaffer Imperials

 

You can even get NOS examples of later Imperials from Peyton Street Pens but I would go for the older ones mentioned which have the touchdown system.

 

I like much about my TWSBI but the nib is a big letdown.

[hari317]

Sheaffer 444 all steel fountain pen. Terim sells these pens NOS. NAYY.

[calhoun tubbs]

In no particular order:

 

NOS Parker Super21 from ebay -really nice and similar to the Parker 51

Pilot Prera -great if you like short pens, and its steel nib is excellent

Lamy Safari - reliable

TWSBI Diamond 530 -self serviceable, piston filler for about $40

[FrankB]

I also think that if you had an Estie and liked it, why not get another? If you really want something different, the suggestions given thus far are good. For a vintage FP, the Eversharp Skyline is a great deal. I have several and they are all excellent writers. Among current production pens, I think the Waterman Phileas is underrated. They are fairly large, comfortable pens that are well made and write excellently. And the Lamy Safari is an affordable pen that is a pleasure to use.

[jniforat]

well, i'd say, from my experience, a user grade parker 51 aero or an esterbrook j w/a 9668 nib.

[handwriter]

Watch the For Sale forum here. So many great offers.

[Tsujigiri]

well, i'd say, from my experience, a user grade parker 51 aero or an esterbrook j w/a 9668 nib.

 

That might have been true some time ago, but Parker 51's cost more than the OP's price range now.

[jniforat]

well, i'd say, from my experience, a user grade parker 51 aero or an esterbrook j w/a 9668 nib.

 

That might have been true some time ago, but Parker 51's cost more than the OP's price range now.

 

the last 3 51s i've bought have been under the OP's price range. The aeros have worked fine from the 'bay. just heat up the hood, get the section grips, clean the feed / nib, put shellac on and i'm good to go.

 

the vac's i've sent to Danny Fudge of The Write Pen for repair, and it only costs $20 to fix. so you can definitely get a 51 vac off the 'bay for around $30 or so and send it to fudge. and a 51 aero off the bay can definitely be had for under $50. it may take a week or so, but it's not that hard.

[nscampos]

Rotring Newton or the new substitute, Parker Facet.

 

Not a classic look but excellent daily pens. I have the Rotring and it's my most reliable pen, a true workhorse and a very good writer.