Looking for a Good Pen Under $100

[jdboucher]

I'm looking for a pen under $100. Can you tell me why you recommend the pen? Thank you.

[penburg]

Almost all of my pens, modern or vintage were under $100 (something of a principle with me)...

 

Modern: Waterman Kultur / Phileas, Pilot 78G, Hero 100, Retro 51, Pelikan M200, Lamy Safari, Lamy Studio, Aurora Ipsilon.

 

All these write very well, dependable, look good, and are comfortable in the hand. All of my pens are in rotation for daily use.

 

Vintage: some Parkers (45, 21); some Sheaffers (TM, Touchdowns); Esterbrook Js; some Watermans. You might score a user grade Parker 51.

 

If you want to learn to work a little bit on your own pens that opens the field a bit too.

 

Try to take in a show sometime and visit all the tables. You get to see lots of pens, and you can try before you buy.

 

[Skyppere]

I don't know if you want to buy your pen at a store or are willing to go on line. If the latter, I'd check E bay for a good Sheaffer Targa. They're usually, unless they're rare, under $100. they generally write really well right out of the box, they're durable, they operate by either cartridges which are easily available or by converter if you want to use bottled ink. They come in a whole variety of colors and textures. The black matt version and the stainless steel editions are pretty easily available.

 

I keep going back to the notion that they're just so reliable and have a classic look as well.

skyp

[finalidid]

P51

 

duh ...

 

 

 

 

[Kelly G]

A pen under $100 is pretty wide open - to narrow the field; what are you looking for generally? Modern or Vintage? Filler type - Cartridge/Converter only or self-filling? Size, generally? Thin or thick gripping section? For show or for serious writing? Weight, light or heavier? Material - metal, plastic, combination?

 

There are many, many variables. Take a look at some of the vender's sites and see what grabs your fancy and then try for some more informed opinions.

 

Without knowing more, I would recommend a Pelikan M200. You can get one for around $70.00 from Richard or Chuck Swisher. I'm sure Pam at Oscar Braun can make you a good deal. She's also selling the White/Tortoise 400 for $99.00 on special. You have a number of different nib choices with the 200 (or any Pelikan) and Richard can sell you a special or custom grind for a few bucks more. The 200 is ultimately reliable, a piston filler (holds more ink than a C/C pen), and generally a very good writer. They are not a flashy pen, but they are a workhorse. I always have three in my bag and often one in my pocket. I have an old style 200, brown and tortoise with a Binder .7mm cursive italic nib that is sweet. The only negative I've ever read about the M200 is some folks are bothered by the barrel threads as they grip the pen. I have a fairly light grip and don't notice them. The 200 is a great pen with which to start an obsession.

 

Have fun!

[Pinmin]

A pen under $100 is pretty wide open - to narrow the field; what are you looking for generally? Modern or Vintage? Filler type - Cartridge/Converter only or self-filling? Size, generally? Thin or thick gripping section? For show or for serious writing? Weight, light or heavier? Material - metal, plastic, combination?

 

There are many, many variables. Take a look at some of the vender's sites and see what grabs your fancy and then try for some more informed opinions.

 

Without knowing more, I would recommend a Pelikan M200. You can get one for around $70.00 from Richard or Chuck Swisher. I'm sure Pam at Oscar Braun can make you a good deal. She's also selling the White/Tortoise 400 for $99.00 on special. You have a number of different nib choices with the 200 (or any Pelikan) and Richard can sell you a special or custom grind for a few bucks more. The 200 is ultimately reliable, a piston filler (holds more ink than a C/C pen), and generally a very good writer. They are not a flashy pen, but they are a workhorse. I always have three in my bag and often one in my pocket. I have an old style 200, brown and tortoise with a Binder .7mm cursive italic nib that is sweet. The only negative I've ever read about the M200 is some folks are bothered by the barrel threads as they grip the pen. I have a fairly light grip and don't notice them. The 200 is a great pen with which to start an obsession.

 

Have fun!

Try fountainpenhospital.com

 

[Sallent]

I got two M200s ordered from Pam at Oscar Braun for under $60 each. With a piston filling mechanism and all the other positive characteristics of Pelikan, these little pens are a bargain, the best deal i can think of

Edited March 30, 2008 by Dr Ozzie

[Steven]

All under $100.00 at Oscar Braun:

 

Parker 100

Lamy 2000

Lamy Studio Palladium or Stainless

Lamy Vista

Pelikan M400 White Tortoise

Waterman Carene

Sailor Sapporo

Parker Sonnet

 

If you are having difficulty in choosing one I recommend the Parker 100 or you can write the names of each one on a piece of paper. Put the pieces in a hat and pick one

 

Disclaimer - I do not own stock or are in any way affiliated with Oscar Braun.

[jdboucher]

All under $100.00 at Oscar Braun:

 

Parker 100

Lamy 2000

Lamy Studio Palladium or Stainless

Lamy Vista

Pelikan M400 White Tortoise

Waterman Carene

Sailor Sapporo

Parker Sonnet

 

If you are having difficulty in choosing one I recommend the Parker 100 or you can write the names of each one on a piece of paper. Put the pieces in a hat and pick one

 

Disclaimer - I do not own stock or are in any way affiliated with Oscar Braun.

sounds interesting. Why are Oscar Braun's pens so cheap compared with other places?

[Sallent]

Oscar Braun is a small family owned opeation. They keep their website simple, dont accept redit cards and keep their operations small and simple to strip away overhead cost. What you get in return are rock bottom prices.

 

I once asked on a quote on an M450 and got one $100 less than the next cheapest place that had one. Like i said before, i ordered two M200s for less than $60 and had once an M400 White Tortoise for $99. Amazing!!!!

Edited March 30, 2008 by Dr Ozzie

[Martius]

Lamy 2000. A great place to start!

 

Best,

Summer Greer

[pilgrim]

Lamy 2000 if you will get it for less than 100,

or

pelikan 200

[savarez]

This question really needs to be a FAQ/Sticky.

[Sallent]

Pelikan, Pelikan, Pelikan!!! Lets face it, you cant resist them

[RonB]

This question really needs to be a FAQ/Sticky.

 

 

It is! See the FAQ at the top of the page. A number of similar questions have been asked over the years.

[JayLo]

I noticed a few members opinions about the Lamy 2000. I have a blue 2000 I used for a few days and then pushed it to the back of my rotation. Well, it made it to the pen rack again last week and I had forgotten what a great writer it is.

Mine's an EF and filled with Noodlers Baystate Blue. Quite enjoyable.

It's a bit larger and heavier than my M215 Pel (33.5 grams vs. 20.2 grams) and has a solid feel.