Cross Atx Vs. Lamy Studio?

[CountryDoc]

I'm trying to decide between a Cross ATX and Lamy Studio, both extra-fine nibs, and at the same price. I had an ATX years ago, and it was very smooth, but I sold it as the medium nib and barrel color just didn't suit me. I learned about the Lamy Studio from reading reviews on this site, but have never handled one. Both have similar lines, at least to my eye. Anyone who has used both models is invited to share their observations/recommendations.

 

Thanks,

Tim

[jameswatts]

The Lamy Studio, no question. The Lamy is larger in diameter and is available in a wider range of nib sizes. Also, the Lamy cartridges, if you will be using them, have a much greater capacity than Cross cartridges.

[FLJeepGuy]

I have both pens and looking at them here on my desk, side by side, I find the following:

 

• The pens are nearly identical in diameter where the section meets the barrel but the Cross has a significant amount of tapering to the end of the barrel as well as through the section. This gives it an overall narrower feel.
  
• The pens are nearly the same weight (I'd need a scale to tell the difference) and nearly (within mm's) in length.
  
• They both have chromed sections, so there's not much difference in the grip, though the more aggressive taper of the Cross seems to emphasize the slipperiness of the chrome.
  
• I prefer the design of the Lamy's clip though they both have nice tension
  
• They both have very secure caps but the Lamy produces as louder click when capping.
  
• My Cross's fine nib is very smooth and reflects the quality of nibs across the Cross line. I really like writing with this pen.
  
• I like the fact that the Lamy can use their replaceable nibs giving me more choice in writing experience from one pen. I currently have a 1.1mm mounted.
  
• I prefer Cross's screw in converter design to Lamy's fiction fit one.
  

All in all, I'd say my Studio edges out my Cross based on the availability of nib choices and the less tapered section that mitigates some of the grip issues with the chrome.

[Dave the brew guy]

I tried out both pens, with fine nibs, on nice smooth paper, using Parker Quink, side by side, in a b&m a couple years ago. I bought the Lamy because it seemed to be of higher quality and the nib was smoother. I no longer use such small nibs so my Studio has been upgraded to a 1.1mm. I've never used a cartridge, only the converter. It might not be the best converter I own but it is better than most.

[Bigeddie]

I have both, the Cross I bought from a B+M about 5 years ago, the Lamy in the last year. I hear Cross switched production to china since I got mine however.

 

Of the two I prefer the Cross, but this might be because I have the brushed aluminium Studio. I went for that finish because of the rubber grip section as opposed to the more slippery chrome. The pen in this finish is a couple of grams lighter than the rest of the line, but doesn't feel as well built. I have been eyeing up another one in the new Imperial Blue recently, but I'm struggling to justify it.

 

I still use my ATX in black, admittedly less regularly now. I am very happy with it.

 

They are both nice pens. My advice would be that if you go for the Studio, unless you really need the extra grip, don't get the brushed ally finish!