Lamy Al-Star Ef Vs Pilot Vanishing Point Ef

[cambridgecafe]

I got both of these and just wanted to post a review.

 

Even though the Pilot VP is 3 times more expensive, I think I prefer the Lamy Al-Star. The VP writes smoothly and the retractable nib is a huge convenience. But the converter is painful to use because (1) it doesn't seem to hold much ink; and (2) you can't see how much ink is in it. This pretty much offsets the convenience of the retractable nib for me.

 

You have to cap and uncap the Lamy Al-Star, which is a bit of a hassle when you just want to pick up the pen and jot a note. But the stroke is smooth and the ink lines are nice to look at. The converter holds a lot of ink, and you can actually see the ink level, not only through the converter, but through the pen too.

 

And I just like the fact that the Al-Star doesn't look like an expensive fountain pen. I know this last consideration is meaningless to some, but for me the utilitarian form of the Al-Star is a plus.

 

I know people will disagree, but I welcome all comments.

Edited May 4, 2011 by cambridgecafe

[redisburning]

ok excuse me for sounding bitter but...

 

this forum does not go a single day without a thread talking about how person A likes cheap pen B better than expensive pen C, usually complete with a new and completely unnecessary thread.

 

enjoy your pens, but please, in the future consider using the search function to find one of the many threads we have on either pen or the general subject.

 

Im not a mod or admin, so feel free to ignore me, but you dont have to go far past the first page to find another one of these threads and as long as you arent necro'ing a year old thread you could bump that instead.

 

and finally, a few lines does not a review make. we have a review section, consider posting a comparison there when you have used both a considerable amount, and hopefully post some pictures along with it.

[cambridgecafe]

I'm sorry for posting this review. I'll try searching the forums next time. Reprimand deserved.

[redisburning]

I'm sorry for posting this review. I'll try searching the forums next time. Reprimand deserved.

 

dont be sorry.

 

Im not here to stop you from posting.

 

but searching before you make a topic is ALWAYS the correct decision.

[RMN]

If Redisburnings comment was valid, that would mean about 70% of the threads in FPN were redundant.

However, new people come to this forum, who may have new insights.

So yes, Cambridgecafe, fire away. Those members who get a sense of deja vue may simply watch or skip the thread (or chime, of course).

 

 

D.ick

[redisburning]

RMN I would be more sympathetic if there were not two threads on the front page that addressed the issue of return to price, or a plethora of reviews in that section on both pens.

 

new people have search too. they should feel perfectly welcome to share their thoughts, but that doesnt mean we need another thread about the same thing.

[RedSox04]

I'll add my two cents.

 

Jot a few lines with both pens and write what you were thinking. No typing. Use a cool ink and nice paper.

 

That way we get to see something new, and it acts as a fun (and different) way to convey some info

 

No one will get bored of pictures

[usqview]

I'll add my two cents.

 

Jot a few lines with both pens and write what you were thinking. No typing. Use a cool ink and nice paper.

 

That way we get to see something new, and it acts as a fun (and different) way to convey some info

 

No one will get bored of pictures

 

Exactly! I think most people here enjoy seeing scans of writings with different nibs and different inks.

 

I do agree that the vp converter is lacking but for myself it isnt enough to dismiss the clickiness of the pen.

 

I do like my Safari EF nib but the vp fine really is quite fine.

 

-

rj

[kernando]

Where did you find a Pilot Capless nib in EF in the first place? Then, a Lamy EF is like a Pilot M or B, so it's not worth comparing them for feel, unless you say you just like bigger nibs.

 

You can see the ink if you use a cartridge or a Con-50 piston converter, but only if you open it, unless you cut a hole in the side like a Lamy.

[cambridgecafe]

Sorry it must be the F Pilot VP I have

[Marsilius]

I always thought this forum was a bit like being married: you hear the same things over and over, but mostly that's ok.

Repetitio est mater studiorum, or something like that.

To repeat something that has also been said, I think the Lamy nibs vary, so what is true of one EF might be different for another?

Best to all,

Mars