Pelikan, Sailor, Or Pilot

[mmb7994]

I'm trying to decide between a Pelikan 215, a Sailor Sapporo, or a Pilot VP. This pen will be used primarily for note-taking in class. I prefer a finer line, but I also like the capacity of the Pelikan. Will the Pelikan be fine enough? Which would you choose and why?

 

Thanks in Advace

[Siv]

Pilot VP. For one reason only - you are going to get sick of the other pens drying up every time you pause to listen to something. You won't recap the pen as it's a pain and then the nib dries and you have tease it to start again. Never had this problem with a VP - just a click and you're capped and a click and you're open. Actually, with a VP you may take more notes as you will write things down that you wouldn't be bothered taking the cap off the other pens for.

[blak000]

I also vote for the Pilot VP; however, try it out before you buy. The VP's clip really bothers some people. It will definitely be best suited for note-taking, since it's a retractable pen. The others have threaded caps, which can be bothersome if you're just doing quick jots. Of the three pens you listed, the VP will hold the smallest amount of ink, since Pilot's converter is abysmally small. However, you could easily take care of that problem by going with the syringe/cartridge method.

 

Wish you luck, and I hope you end up with a pen that you're happy with.

Edited October 9, 2008 by blak000

[RevAaron]

Full disclosure: I don't own a VP, though I have used a few owned by others.

 

I think the cap-removal thing is a pretty good argument for getting a VP. I don't mind slip cap pens during a lecture or lab, but I don't reach for my 823 or Pelikan very often during them. If writing continuously, I'd probably say to go with the Sailor, but at least when I'm in class it doesn't go down that way. Instead, I'm waiting to see what is worth writing down. I was going nuts in a recent lab trying to record my data (counting phenotypes of C. elegans worms) when I was using my 823- cap, look in microscope for a minute, uncap, jot, and repeat. I ended up just having the 2000 sitting uncapped for a couple of hours during this, which worked wonderfully. If I were a bit more worried about it getting knocked off the bench, I'd totally go VP.

 

With a finer line comes less ink used. Less water evaporates with a pen like the VP as well. I am reminded of the testing appendix found in "Da Book"- A Vacumatic holds a lot more ink than a Snorkel, but the number of words you can write per fill is quite a bit higher with the Snorkel. I wouldn't be surprised if the VP had the same edge over the Pelikan and Sailor, both open nibbed pens. Especially compared to a Pelikan- an EF M215 will write a much wider line than an EF VP or Sapporo, quite possibly negating any ink capacity advantage it might have.

 

Aaron

[lucentstreak]

Pilot VP. For the same reasons above and also that mine writes like hot knife through butter compared to my Professional Gear (not a Sapporo) which behaves more prim and proper. Try the nib size out too - my Pilot M writes broader and wetter than my Sailor PG M - but still finer than the Lamy 2k XF. (The irony of this)

[ctakim]

Full disclosure: I don't own a VP, though I have used a few owned by others.

 

I think the cap-removal thing is a pretty good argument for getting a VP. I don't mind slip cap pens during a lecture or lab, but I don't reach for my 823 or Pelikan very often during them. If writing continuously, I'd probably say to go with the Sailor, but at least when I'm in class it doesn't go down that way. Instead, I'm waiting to see what is worth writing down. I was going nuts in a recent lab trying to record my data (counting phenotypes of C. elegans worms) when I was using my 823- cap, look in microscope for a minute, uncap, jot, and repeat. I ended up just having the 2000 sitting uncapped for a couple of hours during this, which worked wonderfully. If I were a bit more worried about it getting knocked off the bench, I'd totally go VP.

 

[snip]

 

Aaron

 

Is a fountain pen appropriate for laboratory work? If you are in any type of regulated environment you need to use permanent ink. Plus if you spill that beaker...

[hawki]

Have a fair amount of experience with the Pelikan and the VP. For notes in a class, the VP all the way. The Pelikan if you are one of the people that takes detailed long notes or plans to go more than a day before filling the pen. The VP is far easier in short bursts. The Pel. if you are going to fill a couple of pages in each class.

[xmattxyzx]

Full disclosure: I don't own a VP, though I have used a few owned by others.

 

I think the cap-removal thing is a pretty good argument for getting a VP. I don't mind slip cap pens during a lecture or lab, but I don't reach for my 823 or Pelikan very often during them. If writing continuously, I'd probably say to go with the Sailor, but at least when I'm in class it doesn't go down that way. Instead, I'm waiting to see what is worth writing down. I was going nuts in a recent lab trying to record my data (counting phenotypes of C. elegans worms) when I was using my 823- cap, look in microscope for a minute, uncap, jot, and repeat. I ended up just having the 2000 sitting uncapped for a couple of hours during this, which worked wonderfully. If I were a bit more worried about it getting knocked off the bench, I'd totally go VP.

 

[snip]

 

Aaron

 

Is a fountain pen appropriate for laboratory work? If you are in any type of regulated environment you need to use permanent ink. Plus if you spill that beaker...

But of course there is a multitude of permanent fountain pen ink. Edited October 10, 2008 by xmattxyzx

[Taki]

I also recommend VP because of its 'Capless' convenience. I don't think ink capacity is not much of an issue, either as you can take extra cartridges with you. Pilot/Namiki Blue and Blue Black has good water resistance once dried.

 

[Siv]

I also vote for the Pilot VP; however, try it out before you buy. The VP's clip really bothers some people.

Very true - try before you buy - it may be a bother...

[calvin82]

As for me, I will go for Pilot VP beacuse no need to take care of the cap while taking notes. I think Pilot pens are fine enough for note taking.

[thibaulthalpern]

Pilot VP. For the same reasons above and also that mine writes like hot knife through butter compared to my Professional Gear (not a Sapporo) which behaves more prim and proper. Try the nib size out too - my Pilot M writes broader and wetter than my Sailor PG M - but still finer than the Lamy 2k XF. (The irony of this)

 

HAHA! Another one who says Lamy EF nib (XF nib) writes thick! I don't have a Lamy 2000 but have a Lamy Studio with EF nib that writes way, way, WAY too thick It writes like a medium.

[thibaulthalpern]

I also recommend VP because of its 'Capless' convenience. I don't think ink capacity is not much of an issue, either as you can take extra cartridges with you. Pilot/Namiki Blue and Blue Black has good water resistance once dried.

 

I agree with Taki. Ink capacity is definitely not an issue. It's not like you're going to run out of ink in 1 day. It'll take between two to several days depending on how many classes and how often you write. Not a big problem.

[stevo]

Man, it's hard not to recommed the VP. The nibs are quite smooth and the quality is great. You also have that oh-so convenient pusbutton thing going on. I can't imagine getting a fine point in that pen - I've tested a few mediums and really liked that. The Medium VP seemed as thin as or thinner than my Pelikan fine.

 

Sailor would be my last choice here simply because it doesn't seem as utilitarian as the other two. I'd not want to drag it to school, it's just too classy and stately. The VP says "use me anywhere".

 

I have the Pel M200 in fine and find that it's quite thin enough for note taking, and the capacity is a nice feature. But you'd likely be unscrewing and re-screwing that cap all through class. I do even when I don't have to - it's a habit.

 

Keep in mind - I don't think the Pelikan isn't a 14k gold nib. I believe it's just gold plated steel.

 

Hey - why not a Lamy 2000 in fine point? Lots of people here love them. Great capacity, nice clip on cap...I'm sure someone will even sell you one of theirs.

 

S

Edited October 10, 2008 by stevo

[xmattxyzx]

Definitely try out the VP before buying. I was contemplating that being my first "serious pen" purchase, but the clip makes it impossible for me to use.

[JJBlanche]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a tuned pen. Any pen purchased from www.richardspens.com or www.nibs.com will be pre-inspected and adjusted so that it writes the way it should (ie: an extra fine puts down an extra fine line, and isn't scratchy or toothy). The three brands you mentioned, in my opinion, are the top three mainstream offerings...you can't go wrong with a pen from any of them. But, as I said, it would be to your benefit to purchase it from one of the aforementioned establishments. You might pay a little more than you would on eBay or elsewhere, but the extra money is certainly worth it, and then some.

[stevo]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a tuned pen. Any pen purchased from www.richardspens.com or www.nibs.com will be pre-inspected and adjusted so that it writes the way it should (ie: an extra fine puts down an extra fine line, and isn't scratchy or toothy). The three brands you mentioned, in my opinion, are the top three mainstream offerings...you can't go wrong with a pen from any of them. But, as I said, it would be to your benefit to purchase it from one of the aforementioned establishments. You might pay a little more than you would on eBay or elsewhere, but the extra money is certainly worth it, and then some.

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a tuned pen. Any pen purchased from www.richardspens.com or www.nibs.com will be pre-inspected and adjusted so that it writes the way it should (ie: an extra fine puts down an extra fine line, and isn't scratchy or toothy). The three brands you mentioned, in my opinion, are the top three mainstream offerings...you can't go wrong with a pen from any of them. But, as I said, it would be to your benefit to purchase it from one of the aforementioned establishments. You might pay a little more than you would on eBay or elsewhere, but the extra money is certainly worth it, and then some.

 

So he should find a brick and mortar store to hold the pen and see if he really likes it. Then buy from a tuner. (Unless the brick and mortar store is the same price - in which case he's already determined that it works.)

 

MMB7994 - is there a pen store near you?

 

 

Stevo

 

[JJBlanche]

I'm trying to decide between a Pelikan 215, a Sailor Sapporo, or a Pilot VP. This pen will be used primarily for note-taking in class. I prefer a finer line, but I also like the capacity of the Pelikan. Will the Pelikan be fine enough? Which would you choose and why?

 

Thanks in Advace

 

For note taking purposes, the Pelikan 215 may be a bit too heavy (it's made of metal, as opposed to the celluloid acetate Pel uses in all their other pens). So in this case, the 200 may be more appropriate. Both the Sapporo and VP will hold approximately the same amount as one another, and less than the Pel. If I were choosing a pen for note taking from these choices, it would certainly be the Pel, because of the increased ink capacity.

 

Many people have given the VP the nod in this segment because the nib can be sheathed and unsheathed in a click, thus preventing dry out. I've had my Pel 600 nib exposed for 15, 20 minutes at a stretch, and never had a drying issue. It was even left open for hours one time (accidentally), and started up after a half stroke. In short, I think the nib drying issue is overblown. Even worst case scenario, dry nib, you can give the piston knob on the Pel a slight twist and re-prime the nib, which would be a more involved process on either of the other two pens.

 

Again, for emphasis, I suggest you purchase your pen from Richard Binder or nibs.com, whatever you choose.

[langere]

Let me add my experiences from this last week. A VP will work, but a Sailor will as well. I used my Sailor 1911 (H-F nib) and my 1911M (H-M nib) for notetaking while at the OAS all week long. Never a problem with writing after a few minutes uncapped - it's just not an issue with these great pens. In terms of writing experience, I would go with the Sailors - either one. If you just want to crank out the notes, go with the VP or the Pelikan.

 

And JJBlanche is right - to guarantee the best experience right out of the box, go with an outfit that will check your nib before they send it.

 

Erick

[JJBlanche]

Let me add my experiences from this last week. A VP will work, but a Sailor will as well. I used my Sailor 1911 (H-F nib) and my 1911M (H-M nib) for notetaking while at the OAS all week long. Never a problem with writing after a few minutes uncapped - it's just not an issue with these great pens. In terms of writing experience, I would go with the Sailors - either one. If you just want to crank out the notes, go with the VP or the Pelikan.

 

And JJBlanche is right - to guarantee the best experience right out of the box, go with an outfit that will check your nib before they send it.

 

Erick

 

Erick,

 

How's the ink capacity for the Sailors when put in a note taking situation? I'm genuinely curious (ie: not a snarky question). I've never written with a converter over an extended period of time. I know they are notably less than a Pelikan or similar, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are inappropriate for extended writing sessions.