Pelikano Junior - A Long Term Review

[Mister John]

This is a long-term review of the Pelikano Junior. What that means is that it reflects my accumulated experiences and impressions after having used it for about one year. My initial impressions of the pen were very positive. While it comes in very ordinary packaging, just a plain cardboard box with blue and gold Pelikan logos scattered about, it comes across looking simple and fun. Besides the pen, there is a strip of sticky paper for writing my name on and displaying on the pen. Also included is a colorfully made cartridge of blue ink covered with cartoon characters. It's definitely geared for kids, but, despite being an adult, my inner kid-self appreciated it.

 

I got a matching green copy (mine is yellow) for my son. It's his first fountain pen, and he's pretty happy about it. Unfortunately, its use is somewhat constrained as the school has a stupid rule whereby you are only permitted to write in pencil. He does not write much at home outside of school stuff, so we'll see what use it gets. Still, he's quite happy and likes the idea that Dad has the same pen.

 

Inserting the cartridge is quick and easy (also for my son who is new to all this). The ink starts flowing almost immediately producing a lovely wet and smooth line. There is not exactly flex to the nib, but it does have a bit of spring to it. It makes a solid medium line. My son commented on how sparkly the ink is when just applied. I agree. This is one of the things that makes fountain pens so nice to use.

 

The pen has now found its way into my backpack rotation. These are a group of pens kept in a case in my backpack for mobile writing. This rotation only consists of pens that would not be too painful to lose since one goes missing every now and again. The Pelikano Junior booted a Hero 616 for this slot. It works very well in this role, starting up immediately despite not being used, not leaking ink despite being bounced around (a common problem afflicting the Hero), and generally being fun to write with. Over time, it gained a hold of the #2 position in this lineup behind only a Pilot 78g with a broad (stub) nib. The 78 was the go to when I wanted to write with some variation while the Pelikano took up the role of writing equations and graphs. A number of Chinese pens circulated in the #3 position (there are only 3 slots in the pen case), but never threatened to overtake the Pelikano.

 

About 6 months in, I noticed stress marks on the plastic cap--not a good sign. The pen also stopped posting very well.

 

Current report: The cap on the pen is about dead with serious cracks all over. Some stress marks on the body though that is holding up better. Sent a message to Chartpak about a replacement. This is looking doubtful since the Pelikano is covered by no warranty. Fingers crossed that they have a replacement. Otherwise, the pen will have to be retired.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Thanks for the review. I have a number of these and they're wonderful writers. Good luck getting the cap replaced.