Newly Acquired Pilot Metropolitan - Unbelievable

[lancecreeks]

My hands are trembling and my mind is numb with disbelief. The tactile sensation of writing with the Pilot Metropolitan (F) is amazing. Actually, there is no tactile sensation at all. The nib glides so smoothly across the paper that my thoughts have trouble keeping up with it. This is one fine nib, perfect for taking notes or going on bursts of free-writing.

 

It's a little puzzling that it took me by such surprise, because I've had prior experience with Pilot Prera (F), which to my knowledge uses the same nib and is previously the smoothest pen I had. Yet this nib feels much smoother, with ink and paper as constants (Pilot Blue and Muji notebook). However, I don't dare suggest that there is variation in quality since Pilot is sort of synonymous with consistency... I suppose one can only expect the best?

 

I know some fp aficionados like feeling feedback from the nib during writing, but for others, I highly recommend this fp, even if it means backtracking a little into "lower-end" fp's. That's what I did... and I have never been more surprised.

[parnesh]

My hands are trembling and my mind is numb with disbelief. The tactile sensation of writing with the Pilot Metropolitan (F) is amazing. Actually, there is no tactile sensation at all. The nib glides so smoothly across the paper that my thoughts have trouble keeping up with it. This is one fine nib, perfect for taking notes or going on bursts of free-writing.

 

It's a little puzzling that it took me by such surprise, because I've had prior experience with Pilot Prera (F), which to my knowledge uses the same nib and is previously the smoothest pen I had. Yet this nib feels much smoother, with ink and paper as constants (Pilot Blue and Muji notebook). However, I don't dare suggest that there is variation in quality since Pilot is sort of synonymous with consistency... I suppose one can only expect the best?

 

I know some fp aficionados like feeling feedback from the nib during writing, but for others, I highly recommend this fp, even if it means backtracking a little into "lower-end" fp's. That's what I did... and I have never been more surprised.

 

I had the same feeling when I got my Metro in M a few weeks back. For a cheap pen it writes so nicely, good balance and weight. Also got a prera in F and a 823 in M. While the 823 is sublime, I am really surprised at how good the MR is. Handles better than the prera IMO.

[Voormas]

Oh - I always thought the Pilot MR was only available with a medium nib. May I ask where you bought the pen?

[Pentulant]

It really is a great pen for the price. The skating isn't my favorite thing in the world - but for the price and availability, it really is quite nice.

[parnesh]

Oh - I always thought the Pilot MR was only available with a medium nib. May I ask where you bought the pen?

 

I got mine from Stationeryart.com (no affill, just satisfied customer). They still have a few left in M and F but not all colors. Comes with the cheaper version of pilot squeeze converter.

 

I think Jet pen also has fines.

[vagos]

I've got one of the Pilot MR F from Stationery Art too, and I'm very impressed. Super tight, precise line, on par with my 0.5mm mechanical pencil in cleanness of the line, on even the cheapest of paper (I'm talking semi-translucent notepad paper). Nice smooth nib with just a hint of feedback. (I inked with Lamy Blue.)

 

Does yours have any skipping issues? Mine has the occasional skip mid-write (not at startup, it always starts up fine), but I'm wondering if it's the paper. I've only written with it on super super cheap paper, although I was under the impression nibs skipped less on cheap paper and more on slick, smooth, better quality paper.

Edited June 17, 2013 by vagos

[Daisy25]

My Pilot Prera and VP are both great pens. I've been wondering about the Metropolitan for a cheap haul to campus and not worry kind of pen. This is encouraging!

[XiaoMG]

There's some variability. Some are brilliant, most are very good, and some are mediocre.

 

I like the pen too, but found the cap didn't seal as well as I'd like, so I use it less than I use my Prera.

[parnesh]

I've got one of the Pilot MR F from Stationery Art too, and I'm very impressed. Super tight, precise line, on par with my 0.5mm mechanical pencil in cleanness of the line, on even the cheapest of paper (I'm talking semi-translucent notepad paper). Nice smooth nib with just a hint of feedback. (I inked with Lamy Blue.)

 

Does yours have any skipping issues? Mine has the occasional skip mid-write (not at startup, it always starts up fine), but I'm wondering if it's the paper. I've only written with it on super super cheap paper, although I was under the impression nibs skipped less on cheap paper and more on slick, smooth, better quality paper.

 

 

I haven't used mine much unfortunately. Mainly because my wife stole it lol (I get to use her Visconti Homo Sapiens so not complaining). I haven't noticed any issues but it could a combination of ink, paper and how you write.

 

One of the biggest issues for skipping I have noticed is that I accidentally cause some oils to deposit on the paper from my palm when I am writing.

[Subscript]

Nice to hear. A good writing knock around pen is always nice to have.

[requiescat]

I've got one of the Pilot MR F from Stationery Art too, and I'm very impressed. Super tight, precise line, on par with my 0.5mm mechanical pencil in cleanness of the line, on even the cheapest of paper (I'm talking semi-translucent notepad paper). Nice smooth nib with just a hint of feedback. (I inked with Lamy Blue.)

 

Does yours have any skipping issues? Mine has the occasional skip mid-write (not at startup, it always starts up fine), but I'm wondering if it's the paper. I've only written with it on super super cheap paper, although I was under the impression nibs skipped less on cheap paper and more on slick, smooth, better quality paper.

I had one in M and it had minor skipping, but I was using it on pretty smooth paper (a Midori side-stitched notebook). I actually passed it on to a friend for a completely different reason, which was that the combination of weight and balance made the pen uncomfortable for me. (I prefer rather light pens.)

[UK Mike]

My issue with the Metropolitan/MR is that I hold my pens further from the nib and that is exactly where Pilot choose to put the split between barrel and grip section, leaving a sharp edged step which is very uncomfortable for me. A great shame for me but pleased the pen works for others.

[ac12]

I got my Meto last week, and like you was totally blow away.

 

Mine is a M tip from Staples. I would have loved a F tip.

It is one of my SMOOTHEST pens. It writes smoothly on Egyptian paper that feel scratchy with my F tip Parkers.

It it currently loaded with Waterman Florida Blue.

Although I think the smoothness is a combination of factors; a wider M tip, a SMOOTH tip, a wet tip (lots of ink to lube the paper), and Waterman ink.

 

I prefer to use it unposted. With the cap posted, the center of gravity moves back, and the pen feels back heavy, so I have to use effort to keep the tip on the paper. This seems to be the case for me with most all pens with large/heavy caps, so I use them unposted.

Edited July 21, 2013 by ac12

[Sirenology]

I completely agree, the Metro is a great pen, especially at it's price point. It blows some of the other common "starter pens" out of the water. I got a few of them and ground one down to a stub, and that's pretty fantastic too.

[Runnin_Ute]

My only experience with Pilot's fountain pens is the Varsity. It was a little too smooth for my tastes.

[lahlahlaw]

I love my metropolitan, I am paranoid that Pilot will realize how good it is and raise the price - I need to buy some spares!!!

[tomkeb]

Too bad they don't sell it with <F> nib in the States and Europe, since most people seem to prefer it… I am currently using two fine-nibbed (black & silver) from Stationery Art, and have one black in reserve. Wonderful pen.

[Mt.Roll]

My only experience with Pilot's fountain pens is the Varsity. It was a little too smooth for my tastes.

Nothing a well placed drop won't fix .

 

You could try swapping the nib units from your prera to your metro and test if there's actually a difference in the nibs rather than the pen.

[penrivers]

I was looking at it in Isellpens.com, the price is fabulous (15 dollars) and the reviews too. I think the problem with the Sharp edge is the same that afects the Parker

Vector, not a problem in the vector, you just unscrew the section and smooth the edge barrel with an Arkansas Stone ,no problem, its plastic , it takes only 2 minutes.

Now, in the Pilot Metropolitan, I think it is not posible due to the fact that its barrel and cap are metal, thats no problem , you can find a solution. Even the médium nib I can grind it to fine or even XF but it would be my solution and it means to lose a good delicate Pilot médium nib.

Edited July 21, 2013 by penrivers

[conib]

Does the fine nib on the MR from StationeryArt have "Super Quality" etc. stamped into it (like the fine nib on the Prera does) or does it have the more shallow decorative engraving like the medium nib on the Metropolitan (or the fine nib on a Cocoon)?