Monteverde Impressa

[Funkmon]

Hello, everyone. For those who haven't seen me, I haven't been able to be on for a long while. My father has been fabulously ill, and my aging mother has not been able to manage his 6'6" frame. Doing this, as well as hitting school full time with an hour long commute, has limited my time spent on the forum to zero. Indeed, before today, I hadn't logged on in nearly two months. Thanks to all those who PIFd to me, BTW. Proper thanks still coming. Anyway, despite the hardship, I have been able to come up with a review of this new Monteverde pen. After I do this, don't expect to see me again for a little while. Okay. Review time. By the way, mostly for my own purposes, I've catalogued this review on a Wordpress blog. That would probably be a much easier format in which to read this review.

 

http://www.monteverdepens.com/images/impressa_red_fountain.jpg

Impressa in gun metal red.

This is a groovy pen. The Monteverde Impressa is one of the coolest designs to come out in a sea of derivative designs made only to look like pens of the past. Monteverde is one of the only pen companies trying anything different. And this is really good. They actually have three colours of the pen, but I only have the gunmetal colour. Here are a few of the others.

http://www.monteverdepens.com/images/impressa_gold_fountain.jpg

Impressa in black and rose gold.

http://www.monteverdepens.com/images/impressa_blue_fountain.jpg

Impressa in pearl silver and blue.

http://www.monteverdepens.com/images/impressa_black_fountain.jpg

Impressa in boring. I mean, er black and chrome.

I was initially attracted to that groovy rose gold pen, but then I took a look at my current pen collection, and it’s basically all black and gold or silver and gold on the flighters. I could use something different. So, I went with the gunmetal thing. Really nice.

I actually got a gift card for Amazon from my dad to buy this pen as a birthday present! Swell! Unfortunately, it was an Amazon card (he doesn’t know it’s not a good place for pen stuff), but luckily, one of everyone’s favourite pen stores, Pen Chalet, is a seller on Amazon, so I was still able to get it, and at a decent price.

Quick review:

Performance: 8/10. To quote myself, right now,

Damn good. -Funkmon

Minor skipping, but mostly due to the cartridge. When the cartridge isn’t in and I’m using the converter, it writes great. A smooth writer with enough feedback to let you know you’re not sliding along on greased butter, but one that doesn’t have much appreciable friction. The broad nib is slightly thin for a broad, but it’s still a little bigger than a medium. In the writing sample’s second page, I drew a few lines with different pens so you can see the line width. It’s not wet, but not dry, so that’s good enough for me, even though I like fat wet lines.

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressaline.jpg?w=640

Left to right: Jinhao X450 Knox B nib, Jinhao 1200 Knox B nib, Hero 9029 F nib, Parker Frontier B nib, Nemosine Singularity B nib, Parker Frontier M nib, ANOTHER Frontier with a B nib, and the Impressa. With a B nib.

Appearance: 10/10. There ain’t no fountain pen that looks like this. As previously stated, Monteverde is playing with what we expect a fountain pen to look like, that is, a 1930s Cadillac in black. Most of the time this happens, we get some weird ass colours, which are fun, but you couldn’t take them to a business meeting and be taken seriously, and, even then, they still tend to look funny.

But, the Impressa is not like that. It is still very different from others, and is still passable as an adult pen. One of the most interesting design features is the fact that the cap is square. This is not just for aesthetics, either. In fact, it is exceedingly useful: the pen won’t roll down the table. And, since it only sloooooowly goes into the square, it holds, feels, and looks like a normal pen. But a cool one. In addition, something that doesn’t come across in the stock photos (mostly due to the nature of the lightboxes in which these photos are taken) is the finish on the pen. It’s stupid shiny. It’s almost a mirror finish…but not an annoying one. The subdued gunmetal grey keeps it from being like the back of a semi truck on a sunny day, and keeps it to a gentle just waxed Mercedes shininess.

http://www.monteverdepens.com/images/impressa_gallery.jpg

And it comes in a cool box.

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressaboxoutside.jpg?w=640&h=353

The Monteverde Impressa box. Inside is satin, outside faux green leather. Very nice.

And the nib is cool.

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressanib.jpg?w=640&h=386

That black nib sure is cool. Look at those mountains! A little heavy on the branding, though.

This is a cool pen.

Build Quality: 10/10. This pen feels solid as a rock. The clip is spring loaded but feels like it would be at home clipping onto a 2×4, and the pen itself feels like if you needed to, you could affix it to either end of a snapped in half driveshaft and run your car with the thing. It weighs about 35 grams by my scale, and it feels great. A nice heft to it.

The cap is a friction fit cap that sits flush with the pen, but it only goes on with a whisper of an effort. I could get this cap onto the pen if the pen were across the room by sending out good vibes and a stern look. Despite this, the cap doesn’t fall off willy nilly like some of my Duke pens do. Monteverde has managed to thread that cap fixing needle. But, you’re thinking, it sits flush with the pen…what about that step down? Well, Monteverde has also managed to make that not so bad. I wear XXXL motorcycle gloves, so most pens are small, and on this one, I kind of write on the step. But, it’s not uncomfortable, and I don’t cramp up or anything. So that’s pretty good. Shaking the pen doesn’t produce any rattling either.

It’s almost the exact same size as a Jinhao x450, which is similar in the weight department as well. It is much heavier and larger than a Parker Frontier.

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressasizecompare.jpg?w=640&h=291

The Monteverde Impressa (top), next to a Jinhao X450, one of the closest pens I have to it in weight, and my Parker Frontier Demonstrator, my favourite pen. The square cap sitting flush with the body of the pen can be easily seen here, and so too can its highly polished reflective finish. If the cylinder didn’t distort images so much, this pen could be used as a mirror.

Maintenance: 10/10. This pen takes international converters and cartridges. It came with two carts, one black and one blue (thank the lord), AND the converter. So, now we’re pretty much set with this thing. But, if I wanted to, I could use any of the other converters and cartridges I have with any ink I want!

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressaboxinside.jpg?w=640&h=363

What comes with the pen. The blue cart is in the pen right now.

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressawithcarts.jpg?w=640&h=411

I can use whatever I want! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

But, that’s not just it. This is a number 6 nib. That’s right! You can order some nibs from xfountainpens or Goulet and make this bad lad whatever you want it to be. To be fair, that black nib with the mountains on it is pretty fantastic, but it’s the options, man.

Value: 10/10. This one is hard. I didn’t know if it should be a nine or a ten. While yes, the other pens by the major manufacturers at this price point are pretty bad compared to the Impressa, if we take into account NOS discontinued pens, or some of the ones out of China, maybe it’s not that good. But, the fact is, if we look at the world’s worst pen, the Aventura, or an Al Star, or a Sheaffer 100 or an Urban or IM, or any other $40-$50 pen still extant, then this one is absolutely without match. It acts like a $100 pen. You cannot get a pen better than this for that money.

Overall (not an average): 9.7/10. This is a good pen. Not perfect, but really really good.

Some terrible writing:

http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressareview1.jpg?w=225&h=300 http://funkmonpens.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/impressareview2.jpg?w=225&h=300

Edited April 22, 2014 by Funkmon

[theverdictis]

Excellent review really like the gun metal version. Will definitely be checking this brand out.

 

Thanks for the great review.

 

Ben

[Inkwellpens]

I really like the look too difficult to find in the UK. Only Andys pens so far.

[theverdictis]

I really like the look too difficult to find in the UK. Only Andys pens so far.

Hopefully some shops will take note and stock it

 

Ben

[lahlahlaw]

Great thorough review , Monteverdes are often overlooked but they are quite nice, especially for their price point.

[DaveBj]

Good, informative review. Last Christmas I gifted myself with a Mv Invincia, and I like it a lot. They make good stuff, and you don't have to pay three (or four) figures for it.

[Bennett]

Thanks for the overview. When I first saw pics of this Impressa line of pens, I thought they were bottom of the line plastic fountain pens. I apparently guessed wrong and will definitely check them out.

[lovemy51]

thx for review. it's not for me, tho'. i don't like the look nor the metal section.

[Bennett]

When visiting Goulet Pens to read more about the Impressa model, I noticed that some of the past purchasers who posted on that site, noted a problems of leaking in the pen barrel and/or related issues with the screw-in converter. Has anyone else heard about that issue?

[The Blue Knight]

I probably would try a Monteverde pen but all of them seem to have metal grip section that I can't stand!

[nima.afsarinejad]

Hello all,

 

Note: the following is not meant to disparage the Impressa, only to inform FPN users. I previously posted this information on the first impression post by dcroe05. However, FPN deleted my post after a couple of weeks...I am hoping it was a technical glitch and not sign of a bias towards the manufacturer.

 

The Impressa is manufactured by Baoer of China (which I suspect is in turn owned by Hero). The exact model is the Baoer 051. The pens share identical caps and barrels (save for the indentation on the end of the Impressa barrel). The section is however completely different in order to accommodate the Monteverde nib and feed. The Baoer (of which I have multiple) comes with a very cheap Chinese nib which can be replaced by any better nib that one may have. The Baoer was introduced almost a year ago. The same design (with aforementioned modifications, and new finishes) was later commissioned by Monteverde. In my experience the nibs on the Baoer 051 are some of the worst Chinese nibs, but if you have some replacement nibs lying around or are willing to put some serious work into tuning and smoothing then it is quite worth it.

 

(I am not posting pictures seeing as an eBay search will do readily find the Baoer 051)

 

Regards

[The Blue Knight]

Hello all,

 

Note: the following is not meant to disparage the Impressa, only to inform FPN users. I previously posted this information on the first impression post by dcroe05. However, FPN deleted my post after a couple of weeks...I am hoping it was a technical glitch and not sign of a bias towards the manufacturer.

 

The Impressa is manufactured by Baoer of China (which I suspect is in turn owned by Hero). The exact model is the Baoer 051. The pens share identical caps and barrels (save for the indentation on the end of the Impressa barrel). The section is however completely different in order to accommodate the Monteverde nib and feed. The Baoer (of which I have multiple) comes with a very cheap Chinese nib which can be replaced by any better nib that one may have. The Baoer was introduced almost a year ago. The same design (with aforementioned modifications, and new finishes) was later commissioned by Monteverde. In my experience the nibs on the Baoer 051 are some of the worst Chinese nibs, but if you have some replacement nibs lying around or are willing to put some serious work into tuning and smoothing then it is quite worth it.

 

(I am not posting pictures seeing as an eBay search will do readily find the Baoer 051)

 

Regards

 

Interesting. You can tell how much a product is really worth from how much the Chinese sell it for.

[Funkmon]

This is interesting news. I somehow had not seen that. The pen feels really good for even $40, and most of the other internet reviews I've seen agree. If I were given the Baoer one, judging by my past experience with Baoer nibs and the finishes available for the original pen, I'd not give it as good of a rating. The range of colours adds a lot, and so too does the black #6 nib and the feed it requires. Here is the Baoer pen. Looks basically exactly the same, and can be bought at $5.90 at buy two get one free. Guess who just bought one? We'll have to run a comparison review!

 

And it does make sense, by the way, the price. Putting in a better section and nib selection, you know.

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODAwWDgwMA==/z/UKYAAOxyUgtTNo2g/$_12.JPG

 

I do like Baoers, so we'll see how it goes. Stay tuned in 3-5 weeks.

 

Oh, and as for leaking, I've had none of it.

 

EDIT: turns out my payment bounced. Guess that credit card got maxed from the stupid books I had to buy this semester...it'll need to wait.

Edited April 29, 2014 by Funkmon

[Gloucesterman]

Will the Baoer 051 take a Monteverde or Goulet nib?

[Funkmon]

It doesn't look like it. It looks like it takes a number 5 nib, so you could probably rip one off of a Jinhao 500 or 250, and I think one of the nibs that xfountainpens is selling is a #5, but I wouldn't trust it.

[Sinuhe]

It has stunning looks, and that #6 nib looks just right. Probably worth the difference up in price, since that Jinhao nib just looks too small.

The one thing I'm concerned about is the metal section. My wife's Sheaffer 100 gets slippery after a short while, forcing you to use more force and to constantly wipe your finger when writing. Is the section to the Impressa slippery as well?

[nakiana]

When visiting Goulet Pens to read more about the Impressa model, I noticed that some of the past purchasers who posted on that site, noted a problems of leaking in the pen barrel and/or related issues with the screw-in converter. Has anyone else heard about that issue?

 

Mine came with a push-in converter and I don't see threads for a screw-in one. The push-in converter was a loose fit in the barrel and came loose a few times, leaving ink in the barrel. It was a real pain in the neck. I replaced it with a converter that fit snugly and it works fine now.

 

The fine nib on mine tended to occasionally skip a bit at the beginning of a letter. I tried using different inks, removing the nib and feed and giving the feed a good scrubbing, and tweaking the nib. The problem, which was minor but mildly annoying, persisted, so I swapped the nib and feed with a Monteverde stub nib and feed from a pen I wasn't using. The problem disappeared. I'm not sure what cured the problem - the feed in both pens was the same Monteverde feed.

 

The F nib was a good writing nib. That did not surprise me as I have always had good luck with Monteverde nibs.

 

It has stunning looks, and that #6 nib looks just right. Probably worth the difference up in price, since that Jinhao nib just looks too small.

 

The one thing I'm concerned about is the metal section. My wife's Sheaffer 100 gets slippery after a short while, forcing you to use more force and to constantly wipe your finger when writing. Is the section to the Impressa slippery as well?

 

I have the gunmetal and rose model. I don't find it to be quite as slippery as the pens with the polished metal sections, but that might just be a personal perception.

[Sinuhe]

 

The F nib was a good writing nib. That did not surprise me as I have always had good luck with Monteverde nibs.

 

 

I have the gunmetal and rose model. I don't find it to be quite as slippery as the pens with the polished metal sections, but that might just be a personal perception.

 

Thank you! Just to be clear, the F nib you were talking about was the F nib from Monteverde and not the Baoer 051, and you replaced it with another Monteverde nib?

[HalloweenHJB]

Just got my black/rose gold version today --and ordered it with a STUB nib! I loaded up the converter with Akkerman Voorhout Violet ink. First impression was ecstasy! Great flow and exactly the line I was hoping for. And then after writing a few moments, the nib dried out. I couldn't get the ink to flow again, without expelling the ink, and reloading.

 

I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? Or is it my particular pen? Or should I wait to give the pen time to "absorb" some of the ink and get the flow going? Any suggestions?

 

Oh, and by the way, Funkmon, I love your exuberant review! Very spirited!

Edited June 16, 2014 by HalloweenHJB

[HalloweenHJB]

My disappointment in this pen has reached a breaking point. Today, as I was writing, the ink stopped flowing yet again, and I opened it up. The converter had simply come loose from the nib section. Let me say that I am careful with my pens, so there was no reason for the converter simply to detach itself. This has NEVER happened with any other pen.

 

When I first got the pen, I did noticed that the converter that comes with the pen seemed rather loose, and didn't attach with a click and didn't have that feel that it was on snugly. How sad.

 

Is it really too much to expect a good fitting converter when you buy a new pen? Or am I being unreasonable?

 

So now I cannot tell if the nib has problems or if it's the flow of ink from the converter. I may simply have to put this pen aside for a while and come back to it later...

Edited June 21, 2014 by HalloweenHJB