MB 149 or M800 or Duofold?

[Glenn-SC]

I own and love the Pelikan M800!!!!!

I've tried several and never owned a MB. Only 1 of 5 or so I tried wrote well.

I've neither tried or owned a Parker Centennial, if they write like my 51 SE I would highly recommend one.

[Titivillus]

Thank you very much Kurt!

No Aurora in Romania, though. But I like very much your suggestion and ideea, maybe I'll buy one nex year when I'll go to Italy.

Is it as reliable as the M800?

 

Best regards,

Lorin

Actually I have one in my collection I'd be willing to let go for much less than any of the price points you mentioned. PM me if you would like more information.

 

Kurt H

[Blade Runner]

I got a red M800 for Christmas.  Gorgeous pen with awesome build quality, but the nib experience out of the box is leaving something to be desired.  Some no-start action is giving my the blues.  Tried some very minor nib adjustments with my thumbnails to no avail.  If this doesn't work itself out, I'm going to see if Chartpak will replace the nib.  I bought new from an authorized dealer, so I suspect they will.

Hey Amin,

 

Sorry you had that prob. I had the same experience with mine, and Chartpak exchanaged the nib and solved the prob. It's been a dutiful writer since.

 

Good luck,

Jeen

[TheNobleSavage]

If you are looking at a Montblanc 149, why not look at its closest competitor, the Pelikan M1000 rather than the smaller M800. The Pelikan M1000 is extremely close in length to the MB 149. The width is slightly larger on the 149 but both have huge nibs and they are both considered oversize pens. The Pelikan M1000 uses a screw in nib unit that makes swapping nibs a breeze. Customer service is top notch through Chartpak. turnaround times are very quick in the USA. Some of the Cheapest prices I have seen are at www.pengallery.com and they were even cheaper than Pam Braun. Pengallery is in Malayasia and they are very reputable!!! The Pelikan M1000 is a very robust pen and it has the length of the MB but I think it lacks in the style department. When I say that, i dont mean that the Pelikan M1000 is an ugly pen, because it is not. It is a bit more plain than the MB pens. The style is a bit on the modern side and the design is simple. That is what makes this pen so great.

 

I have the Montblanc 149, Pelikan M1000 and I also have a Parker Duofold Centennial. The Pelikan M1000 is my favorite out of the bunch but my Montblanc 149 runs a close second. I have an older MB 149 and it is as tough as nails. Yes, MB has had its share of critics and rightfully so but as I said, I have an earlier 1980's model and I really love the construction and the large nib. It fits like a glove in my hand and I really dig the Tapered Cigar shape!!! The design is very classy and it is quite elegant IMO. The MB seems to fit better in my hand than the M1000 but it all depends on your hands and style in pens.I have to admit that the Montblanc 149 has a larger ink capacity than the Pelikan M1000 but to me, as long as it is not a cartridge/converter, I am pretty happy!! That is why i carry around 2 Visconti Ink pots, so I wont have to worry about running out of ink!!

 

As for the Parker Duofold Centennial, this is a nice pen but I think it is over priced by a longshot. The nibs are somewhat smaller and I find them to be a bit on the stiff side, very little spring to them. I honestly wouldnt consider the Duofold to be an oversized pen like the M1000 and the 149. It is a good full sized pen but the length is 1/2 inch shorter and the width is definitly smaller than the 149 and the M1000. This pen does NOT have an intergrated filling system. The Duofold uses a simple cartridge/converter filling system which I find quite bland. The nib design on the Parker is quite nice but is Much smaller than the 149 and M1000.

 

As far as I am concerned I have to say that the Pelikan M1000 is the winner out of the whole class. The M1000 is the best bang for the buck, it is priced lower than the Parker Duofold and MB 149. Pengallery.com has them listed at $276.00 USD which is a lot cheaper compared to Pam Braun who has the M1000 for $335.00. The Centennial is roughly $300.00+(Pam Braun) and the MontBlanc is going to be substantially higher in price unless you decided to buy one used used. That is what I did and it was the best decision.

 

You will have to make your own choice but as for me, I chose all three. Not all at once but eventually. I had to get the MB149 pen due to its legendary status but also because it is a wonderful writer that fits my hand like a glove and the large ink capacity.

I am a Pelikan Fanatic and the M1000 was a must for me. I have all of the M serise sized pens with the exception of the M800. This is a wonderful pen that is truly collosial and is priced very well. I have to admit that the M1000 is the best priced "Flag Ship" pen around. The Duofold Centennial is a fantastic pen but it is not in the same class as the 149 and 1000. The Duofold Centennial is more in the same class as the M800. As far as I am concerned, the Duofold is way over priced for what you get but it still is a wonderful pen but not at that price and the options are much less. It is like comparing a Rolls Royce, Bently and a Lexus (being the Duofold) the Duofold is just not in the same class.

 

If you chose based on price, the M1000 wins hands down. If you based your pen on size, posted, the M1000 is the winner in length but not in width, eventhough is is very close, the MB 149 wins. Performance, the 149 and the M1000 are neck and neck. If looks are what you are looking for, then the MB 149 would be my choice. All around pen would be the M1000 in my book!! I hope this helps ya!!!

 

Here is one of my reviews on the Pelikan M1000 My Pelikan M1000 Review

 

Here is my Review on the Parker Duofold Centennial My Review Parker Duofold Centennial

 

Cheers

 

TNS

[lorin]

WOW! Thank you so much for your interest and reccomendations. Frankly, I didn't expect so much information and feedback. The comparative reviews as well as the reviews of single product were exquisite and I must say I made my mind, if stores are open I go out pick one!

 

Thank you forum members!

Lorin

[lorin]

Just bought a Pelikan Souveran M1000 black for 230Euros (which is less than half of the MB149) and seemed to be a very honest price to me! Filled it with Waterman Havana ink. This FP is a souveran in construction as well as in writing. The nib is elastic, fine size, but writes actually like a medium, due to my writing style (pressure on paper). I couldn't me more satisfied, I presume.

The shop I went has recently started to import Aurora pens too, so I had the possibility to compare the M1000 with an Aurora 88 large size, with medium nib.

First of all, the Aurora was smaller than the Pelikan, yet more stylish (obvious italian design). I prefered the Pelikan because the nib was elastic and, even if fine size, was writing more fluently and wider than the Aurora's medium nib, which was rigid.

Happy happy happy! Thank you again for your wise advice and the gentleness of sharing your personal experience with these pens!

Lorin

[TheNobleSavage]

I am glad you decided to go with the Pelikan M1000 rather than the M800. Not to knock the M800 but from what you were comparing, the M1000 is in the same size class as the Montblanc 149. It is unbelieveable that the M1000 is cheaper than the Parker Duofold Centennial.

 

I am glad that you decided to go with a pen with a proven track record. I am sure that you will be more than satisfied with your pen. From the sounds of it, you seem to be extremely happy with your choice.

 

TNS

[Titivillus]

The Duofold uses a simple cartridge/converter filling system which I find quite bland.

Cheers

 

TNS

Can you elaborate on what makes a bland filling system.

 

Thanks,

 

Kurt H

[davyr]

The shop I went has recently started to import Aurora pens too, so I had the possibility to compare the M1000 with an Aurora 88 large size, with medium nib.

First of all, the Aurora was smaller than the Pelikan, yet more stylish (obvious italian design). I prefered the Pelikan because the nib was elastic and, even if fine size, was writing more fluently and wider than the Aurora's medium nib, which was rigid.

funny you mention both the aurora 88 and pel m1000 - i purchased both models at the same time several months ago - i couldn't decide which one i liked better. i still can't

 

the huge nib on the m1000 is great, no? i'm still interested in purchasing a mb149 and also the amber check duofold when that's available.

 

mb has a unicef edition of their 149 - they commissioned three designers/architects to create boxes for the venerable 149 in support of unicef. i'm partial to the helmut jahn one - see the stylophiles write up here - Montblanc UNICEF edition. i guess many would think it silly to pay more for that edition just for the packaging - the pen itself is no different - but that clear box would look tres cool sitting on my desk!

Edited December 26, 2005 by davyr

[lorin]

Actually it was hard for me too to choose between the Aurora and the Pelikan and, for one moment, I had the ideea of buying both, since both together were costing like the MB149.

 

Davyr: me, as architect, I'd blindelly go for Helmut Jahn's box!

 

Best regards,

Lorin

[klemenv]

Hi Lorin,

 

if you are considering Duofold Centennial, I would recomend buying it from Jean Michel Lewertowsky from eBay. Duofold is little heavier, so you will have no issue by being to small.

[Dillo]

Just bought a Pelikan Souveran M1000 black for 230Euros (which is less than half of the MB149) and seemed to be a very honest price to me! Filled it with Waterman Havana ink. This FP is a souveran in construction as well as in writing. The nib is elastic, fine size, but writes actually like a medium, due to my writing style (pressure on paper). I couldn't me more satisfied, I presume.

The shop I went has recently started to import Aurora pens too, so I had the possibility to compare the M1000 with an Aurora 88 large size, with medium nib.

First of all, the Aurora was smaller than the Pelikan, yet more stylish (obvious italian design). I prefered the Pelikan because the nib was elastic and, even if fine size, was writing more fluently and wider than the Aurora's medium nib, which was rigid.

Happy happy happy! Thank you again for your wise advice and the gentleness of sharing your personal experience with these pens!

Lorin

Hi,

 

Congratulations! and extremely good choice!!

 

Pelikans are around the most reliable pens made to date, and beat about every brand I know for reliability and quality. Great brand and impressive customer service--Pelikan Germany fixed my Pelikano and Steno (Fixing school pens is unheard of, but they did it!!), and Chartpak fixed my M200. To be precise, abuse by the previous owner (!!?)

 

Dillon

[leicalvr]

Wow,

 

This question brought a lot of opinions out. So let me through mine in.

 

1) Ultimately, buy what you like. So as others have commented, try each pen out if you can. I have been ga-ga over a particular pen until I put ink to paper and it wrote like (Potty Mouth).

 

2) Image - Status factor: If you are trying to impress people by saying I spent a lot on my pen, then MB is probably the way to go. NOT because it is the best pen or even a great pen. Only because most people who know nothing about pens, do recognize the MB snowcap logo and know that it cost a lot more than a bic. MB has snob appeal for people who know little about pens.

 

3) What is your goal? I think the Pelikans are better for people who intend to write and use their pens. I have owned about 10 over the years and loved them all. They were incredible writers and I will probably own some Pelikans in the future.

 

I would go with the M800 or the M1000, but no smaller if you have large hands. I owned a 1000 and enjoyed it but the 800 would have been just right.

 

The Pelikan build quality is great.

 

Anyway, buy what you like and enjoy.

 

Ron

[lorin]

Ron, you red my mind!

I was initially leaning towards the MB and I was buying it because of the quality and not by snobbery. But reading the reviews and personal experiences of forum members, I have definitely chosen the Pelikan M1000 and allready purchased one and I have penny left for buying an Aurora 88 and still don't arrive at the price of MB159. And, as you might read in this thread, I think the M1000 is a marvel of a FP.

 

Thank you,

Lorin

[KCkc]

M800 in a heart beat.

I have bought 4 and sold 3. Finally ended up with my beloved M800 that I would no longer sell.

 

The only reason I would keep a MB149 is for Rossi work in the future.

I had 2 MB149 that are no longer with me because I just cannot bond with the smooth firm nib.

 

I like the older 1980s MB146 which has a nice springy nib.

 

I like and collect modern Duofold and I just like the looks and the smooth nibs. But I am not at the point where I would recommend it over a M800 or MB146.

 

Ink capacity is not a major issue to me. Afterall, I prefer to change ink more often. The MB149 takes forever to use up.

 

Oh, once nice thing about German pens (Pelikan and MB) is that they will write in an instant on demand even when capped and unsued for 4 weeks (last record).

 

As for Duofold, my last record was 3-5 days.

Hope this helps.

Edited December 26, 2005 by KCkc