Parker Sonnet Vs Baoer 388

[Aysedasi]

I've just taken delivery of a 388, a rather nice brown marbled affair. It's a very good looking pen. I noticed the issue about the grip of the cap straight away - I thought the pen had been glued into it! Once inked up I was surprised at how amazingly smooth the nib is. Bearing in mind that every single one of the 4-5 Sonnets I've ever owned (and I vowed never to buy another) skipped constantly and was hard to start, I can happily accept the Baoer as a remarkably cheap substitute.

[Samskara]

I find it difficult to agree with this conclusion. In essence, we're giving approval to a counterfeit. Do participants in wristwatch forums compare their Rolexes with the wristwatch they bought for $25 from a street vendor? I've had limited experience with Chinese pans, but that has been excellent, I use an iPhone, which is a symbol of Chinese manufacturing capability,

 

The sonnet is an excellent pen. I'ved described it elsewhere as the proper inheritor of the Parker 51, yet I'm quite certain that any number of companies can make one that's its equal for far less money They can also come up with their own design.

[Bluey]

I find it difficult to agree with this conclusion. In essence, we're giving approval to a counterfeit. Do participants in wristwatch forums compare their Rolexes with the wristwatch they bought for $25 from a street vendor? I've had limited experience with Chinese pans, but that has been excellent, I use an iPhone, which is a symbol of Chinese manufacturing capability,

 

The sonnet is an excellent pen. I'ved described it elsewhere as the proper inheritor of the Parker 51, yet I'm quite certain that any number of companies can make one that's its equal for far less money They can also come up with their own design.

Chill.

It writes better than the Parkers and for a cheaper price. The consumer wins.

 

Most are 'counterfeits' in all industries as they all stand on the shoulders of giants. Unless it says "Parker" written on it then it's fine.

Edited February 4, 2018 by Bluey

[jekostas]

I find it difficult to agree with this conclusion. In essence, we're giving approval to a counterfeit. Do participants in wristwatch forums compare their Rolexes with the wristwatch they bought for $25 from a street vendor? I've had limited experience with Chinese pans, but that has been excellent, I use an iPhone, which is a symbol of Chinese manufacturing capability,

 

No, it's not. Copies aren't counterfeits and trying to claim that they are does no one any favours, least of all the person trying to make that claim.

Edited February 4, 2018 by jekostas

[hankosaurus]

Hi Folks.

 

I love pens of any price range that work well and look good. The smart looking 388 is my favorite "take me with you anywhere" pen. The assessments given above pretty much match mine of the 388.

 

As to that cap coming off with difficulty, I found a way to open the pen without much effort. Just put the thumbs and index fingers of both hands on the pen, facing each other, right where the closed barrel meets the cap. Roll the fingers toward each other and that cap will snap right off.

 

I doubt seriously if Baoer's 388 is taking too much market away from Parker's Sonnet. Those pens are in totally different leagues as to price. And there is that "pride of ownership" thing too. The person who pays $100 or more for a nice pen to make a social statement is not going to be drawn away by a pen from China that can be owned new for a mere $2.25, shipping included. I suspect that he will not want to be perceived as having a cheap knock-off of a nice pen in some meeting where he is trying to impress powerful people.

 

I love my 388s. They write pretty well (admittedly, some after a little nib tweaking). They look good. If I lose one, I will not be heartbroken. Heck. I even sometimes give them to people who want to explore fountain pens. Good, affordable pens like the Baoer 388 have made entry into the hobby of fountain pen use and collecting more interesting and inviting. It's a very good thing indeed.

 

Happy Day.

 

Edited February 7, 2018 by hankosaurus

[mr T.]

The sonnet is an excellent pen.

 

I disagree. The Sonnet, not really a cheap pen, is known for it's issues with ink flow and drying out.