Nib Comparison: Aurora vs. Pelikan

[Russ]

Perhaps some of you can help me with a dilemma. I've read that Aurora Optima / 88 nibs are springy and wonderful, and I've seen (but not used) them in person. I also have a Pelikan 140 with a soft OM nib which has minimal tipping material; sometimes on upstrokes its sweet spot gets lost. I also know that Richard Binder offers M200 nibs ground in a semi-flexible configuration.

 

The dilemma is that I want an Optima but find the price daunting. Can anyone compare their experience of Optima / 88 nibs verses vintage or modern (modified) Pelikan nibs? Should I sell my 140 and save for an Optima, or should I just put the money into a second vintage 140 nib from Rick Propas ... or into a Binderized M200 nib? The truth is that I don't want to let go of my 140 without being sure I end up with a better nib.

 

I look forward to your posts!

 

 

[JFT]

Hello Russ,

 

I don't own an Aurora yet but I have tried a few and I'd say comparing their nibs to Pelikans is an apple vs orange comparison.

 

First Aurora nib have a reputation to have quite a bit of feedback while the Pelikan are smoother, which was very true with the limited sample I tried. They was a little bit of spring in the Aurora XF nib I tried (a single one...) but none of the other 4 or 5 F to B nibs had any significant springiness. Aurora nib have quite a bit of character and I really love their particular feel on paper but soft/flexy those that I tried were not.

 

My 2 cents would be to keep your 140 and have it retipped (or get a Binderized nib) then gather some money for an Optima or a Talentum

 

M Binder doesn't only sell semi but also full flex (I'm expecting my first full flex from him next week so I'll be able to comment better then )

Edited August 8, 2008 by JFT

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

Some Auroras are very smooth like Pelikans. Personally, I like the Aurora because the nib is even stiffer.

 

Dillon

[jimg]

I have never been lucky with modern Aurora nibs. The three I have had have all had weak flow. Vintage Aurora nibs are a diifferent story.

 

have three nibs that have been treated by Mr Binder, a gold Pelikan 0.6 cursive italic which is my all time favourite letter writing nib, an Arabic/Japanese italic grind steel Pelikan (ie thin downstirokes and broad horizontals) which I use to write Japanese characters and a broad "music" nib on my CS Churchill that arrived last week. Overall three of the best nibs I have.

 

Richard does a really good job at a reasonable price.

[Deirdre]

The Optima nibs are stiffer rather than springier, but I guess that depends on what you compare them to -- they're stiffer than Stipula or Visconti gold nibs, but less stiff than Aurora or Visconti steel nibs.. I can't speak to the 88 nibs or vintage nibs.

[CharlieB]

I find the Aurora Optimas and the Pelikan M800s to be of the same overall quality, but the Pelikan has a lower price, so it's a better value.

[sumgaikid]

I can't compare Aurora nibs and Pelikan nibs(not ever having owned a new Pelikan);I do own 3 Aurora's(2 Optima types

and 1 Talentum type)and can say that their nibs are firm but springy(under pressure,but then I'm a light pressure writer).

I just wish that Aurora would make a two-tone nib for their Optima and Talentum and LE pens.

 

The rococo styling on the nib gets old after awhile.........

 

John

[lapis]

{A} My Optima's nib is by no means springy and only a bit smooth. My M215's and M800's nibs are in contrast springy (even if only a bit).

{B} The Pelikans are all more inexpensive than Auroras are (IMO) and/or Pelikan's prices are more down to earth, BUT, Aurora pens in general and Auroloides in particular have a really good look!

 

Mike

 

[JDFlood]

I have an Optima and many different Pelikans. The Optima is very firm (rigid) and not as smooth as my Pelikans, so I have never bought any more. But this is just a sample of one. On the other hand one $500 pen should represent the line. I didn't form an opinion on Hero pens until I had several, but at $20 each I cut them some slack on the quality control. JD

[Dillo]

I just wish that Aurora would make a two-tone nib for their Optima and Talentum and LE pens.

 

John

 

Hi,

 

Just because Aurora doesn't make it doesn't mean we can't have it! If you like the two tone look, send me one of your Aurora gold nibs and I'll do it up for you in two tone masking, just tell me where you want the rhodium on and where you want it off. Also, Aurora nibs are available at Giardino.it if you want one for spare. It costs, but it's good to know.

 

Dillon

[jdboucher]

I can't speak for the Optima, but I got a "binderized" nib and its the smoothest writer I own. It was the best pen investment I've made. Get that then save for the Optima. Either way you won't be upset.

[FrankB]

I have several Aurora pens and a bunch (flock?) of Pelikans. I find the Aurora nibs to be rather stiff. That is great with their factory italic nib, which is an excellent italic. My Pelikan nibs tend to be more springy, especially the M-1000 nibs. I feel the nibs are quite different between the two companies.

 

If you want an Aurora FP to test the waters, remember that the Optima, 88 and Talentum have the same nibs. Those nibs even screw out somewhat like Pelikan nibs and you can interchange them. So you might want to look for a good buy on an 88 or Talentum to see if the Optima is worth the extra price. You will get an great pen, by the way.

[Russ]

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts. Please pardon me for a late reply; vacation was relaxing, but returning to work was not. At 41, I can do 19-hour days for a season but I certainly don't like to do it for more than a few days.

 

The reason I really like the Optima is the red auroloide (sp?) next to silver trim, and the lines of the pen. Beautiful. I believe everyone who says it is a wonderful writer, albeit more toothy and stiff than a Pelikan. The advice to try a Talentum or an 88 first is also good. I'll keep an eye out for one of them...

 

Thanks!