Weight of Lamy Safari vs. Al-Star

[DJHunter]

I would like to get a Lamy Safari or Al-Star, but was curious how different they are in weight. I know the Al-Star is heavier as it is metal, but aluminium is pretty light. Is the Al-Star a light pen?

 

Also, how does the Al-Star compare to a stainless steel pen in weight?

 

Thanks!

[nima]

I'm not sure how the Al-Star compares to other pens, but it's fairly heavier than the Safari. Unless you really like the appearance of the metal, I'd suggest the Safari. It's actually more durable.

[Ondina]

I have to agree with the durability, the ABS plastic is much more resistant than the anodized aluminum, for as pretty this may seem -it is actually, very beautiful when new-. Being aluminum a very light weight metal, is heavier than the plastic Safary, but still light when compared to most pens I have. Sorry I cannot give exact grams, but both are light, being the Safary a real light weight in my oppinion.

[I am not a number]

The All-up Weight of an Al-Star (with ink and cartridge) is 21.5 grams, as far as I can determine the Safari is about 5.2 grams lighter in a similar configuration.

 

Yes, my life really is that shallow at the weekend...

Edited March 8, 2008 by I am not a number

[DJHunter]

Thanks for your help. I did actually order an Al-Star before I received replies but I don't mind. I like the way metal pens feel cold when you pick them up

 

Also, I had a red safari about 7 years ago but sold it to a friend (don't know why, I was in school and must have wanted some cash) so the aluminium version will be a novelty. And of course, at the price they are, I'm planning on getting a few Safaris, all with different nibs so I don't have to chop and change!

[ajaxline]

I'm certain that you will like the AL-Star. It has enough heft to feel solid in your writing hand, and is a remarkably ergonomic writing instrument. What color AL-Star did you end up ordering?

 

Cheers,

A.J.

[fuddmain]

Another difference is the Al-star has a slightly larger diameter than the Safari. I had an Al-star first and recently purchased a red Safari. I found that I liked the smaller diameter of the Safari. Not that I won't buy another Al-star or two, but I wish they would make an exact copy of the Safari in Aluminum.

[DJHunter]

I ordered a graphite Al-Star. I hope it comes with a black nib for aesthetic reasons from what I've seen seems to be 50-50 on whether the graphite has black or chrome nib.

[Noh]

Thanks for your help. I did actually order an Al-Star before I received replies but I don't mind. I like the way metal pens feel cold when you pick them up

 

I have to say, as metal pens go, my Al-star isn't very "metal-feeling." It could just as easily be gray plastic and you'd hardly know the difference. It is a really great pen though (even if I'm constantly afraid I'm going to dent the barrel somehow), and it's the one I find myself carrying with me and writing with the most. The only thing I've really come to lament about my Al-star is that with the smoothness of the cap and clip, if I don't keep a rubber band or something around the cap for friction it is constantly worming its way out my pockets and trying to get itself lost. But then, the all plastic Safaris may have that problem too, but I haven't got around to buying one yet.

[HDoug]

I love my AL-stars (both with EF nibs).

 

http://homepage.mac.com/hdougmatsuoka/images/pen/LamyASB/LamyASB2CappedC.JPG

 

Doug

 

 

[DJHunter]

Great picture Doug. Does your Graphite has a black nib? I just ordered a medium, but at only £3.50 per nib, it'll be easy to change if it's too wide!

 

Thanks,

 

Another Doug

[Thornton]

I just received a Lamy Al-Star in graphite with a blue/black EF nib last week. It's really a great pen. I wish it were a little smaller in diameter (like the Safari/Vista). That is my only complaint about the pen. Otherwise, it's very durable with a great minimalist design.

[HDoug]

Great picture Doug. Does your Graphite has a black nib? I just ordered a medium, but at only £3.50 per nib, it'll be easy to change if it's too wide.

 

The Graphite has the black nib and the Silverblue has the shiny one. EFs both. I really love both of them -- thinking of getting the Aluminum and green but can't seem to justify it at the moment...

 

Doug

[omrala]

I have to say, as metal pens go, my Al-star isn't very "metal-feeling." It could just as easily be gray plastic and you'd hardly know the difference. It is a really great pen though (even if I'm constantly afraid I'm going to dent the barrel somehow), and it's the one I find myself carrying with me and writing with the most.

 

I just received a graphite Al-star yesterday - and while I'm loving the way it writes so far (it's an EF, filled with Noodler's Aircorp BB via a Lamy converter), I agree that it's very lightweight and it feels more like plastic than aluminum. I was hoping for a little more solid feel - but I'm still very happy with the pen so far. We'll see how it holds up to a few weeks of heavy use and getting battered around at work..

 

[DJHunter]

I received mine today and very pleased with it It is light, and does feel like metal when picked up, but it warms up very quickly then feels like plastic

Edited March 12, 2008 by DJHunter