Interesting to see Jinhao refreshing their quite long-in-the-tooth X series after updating the 159 to an X159, which I like so far. I will have to look out for the x859 at some point.
I think the X850 is Jinhao's best pen in this line yet. One reviewer suggested I'd like the X350 but that has a straight section. I prefer the section on the X850 that is the same or similar to that on the X450.
They are my favorites. Each one represents hours of judging high school debates to get them. 😂 I love the care and craftsmanship they’ve put into ever detail, and the typeset just pulls you in to read more!
Just received my Jinhao x159: in love with it. My collection is only starting since I only have 4 pens but the cheap and fun Jinhao and the super exquisite Hongdian 1843 just boost my love for the hobbie!!! Thanks for the reviews! You have been an amazing guide!
Jinhao consistently keeps me happy. Only thing that I wish would change is the limited nibs options originally in almost all Chinese brands. I understand that they are made for Asian writing, though, and medium and finer work well with my handwriting.😁 Black inks generally don't get a lot of interest. They are seldom with the "special properties" modern tastes tend to favor. Yet when you need a dependable ink, they generally come through. (I am starting to renew my interest in standard black inks, especially Sheaffer Skrip and Parker Quink. They've stood the test of time.😁) Excited to see what else Jinhao updates!
@@JG3Reviews I plan to get some Waterman other than Serenity Blue, too. I just happen to have a 1950s bottle of Sheaffer Skrip black and WWII era Parker Quink microfilm black ("heritage" inks tend to play nice with more types of paper, so...😉)
I use Pilot Take-Sumi, but I see Pilot have their standard BLACK BLUE/BLACK and RED inks in 350ml (yes that's 350ml) bottles for AUD$55. That would last me a lifetime. I've just bought another Take-Sumi 50ml for AUD$33, so when I finish that, I'll get the milk bottle full of Pilot BLACK for only a little more.
Glad to see that the cap is a screw on. I’ve had trouble with snap cap Jinhaos drying out if not used every day. BTW, I’m loving the X159 that I bought after seeing your review of that pen. I think you were ahead of the curve there. Thanks for your interesting and detailed reviews.
I appreciate your reviews. The Jinhao X-850 review is yet another "no nonsense" addition to your growing collection of rewarding commentaries. Thank you, and keep up the great work. It appears that I will just HAVE to add one or two of these to my horde of basic writers. I notice that Etsy has a bent nib option for this impressive but inexpensive pen. Exciting! Have a fine February and more.
I absolutely agree that the new clip is a big improvement. In fact Jinhao’s clips are the main thing that had prevented me from getting another one. The simple new design looks so much more sleek and lovely.
I have quite the Jinhao collection started! I absolutely love them! I have swapped the nibs for EF & F, thats just my preference. But from the Shark to my X750, I love them all! I have the X159 on order, now I need to look out for this one. As a fountain pen user it’s important for me to be able to take the pen completely apart and swap parts if I choose to. That’s what attracts me to Jinhao and Lamy Al-stars. Thank you for your review - will take a look at the X850.
Nice review and I basically concur with your comments. I received a Jinhao X850 by mistake. Ordered an X350 on ebay. Chinese supplier sent the X850. He did not want to go through the rigmarole of changing it. Finally offered a 50% refund (having tried to deal with the Chinese suppliers when something goes wrong for small price items in the past, it wasn't worth the stomach acid). Got my X850 and a 50% refund (pen cost $4) and the guy wanted me to leave a 5 star positive review, as if. Anyway, WRT the pen, it is way better than I thought. Writes immediately, first time every time. Never any skipping, never any hesitation. The nib is surprisingly smooth, the ink is wet and the line definition quite precise. The cutouts on the section (why I didn't want this particular pen) are not as noticeable as you'd think. My biggest complaint is that the nib is very very stiff. There is absolutely no give at all. It is a little heavy (I'd prefer resin in lieu of resin covered brass). Regardless, it is a consistent, no hassles writer that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a dependable, inexpensive, no-nonsense fountain pen. 9/10 from me.👌
I bought this and the x350 at the same time to compare, expecting to like the x350 much more. Both have been very good pens, but this one is the one that surprised me. I keep it inked here at my office and like it more all the time. (I've had some quirky refunds like that, including one that involved hammering the pen to pieces and sending the seller a photo as proof)
@@JG3Reviews Good about the x850, and the weirdness WRT the quirky refunds bit doesn't surprise me (they must have ball bearings in the brain to think you'd go to that trouble of $50 worth of effort to scam them out of $5).
I got sent the x850 instead of the x350 (which doesn't have the cutouts on the section, why I didn't want the x850). Having said that, on the x850 they are not that noticeable to the point that I don't notice them when writing - and not as pronounced as the x450). Again, my first choice was the X350 for exactly that reason, but I ended up getting the X850 for $4, I can live with that.
I love my X850! It's up there with the new X159 and the 9019 Dadao when it comes to writing, general appeal and just as good, even if the X350's nib is VERY wet (well, mine, at least), and the clip is stiffer than the other two I mentioned.
Great review, James. The weight is not bad. Some metal pens are far too heavy to use for me. The grooved grip is a turn off for me as I do not use that grip position. It is the reason I do not like triangular grip sections, in general. The price is excellent though.
Definitely an improvement over the X450 & X450a, with the new clip and a threaded cap - gold trim looks nice but I'm a bit wary of it on such an inexpensive pen - I feel that chrome trim is more likely to be hard-wearing at that price point.
I have a video suggestion which maybe you could think about. Maybe you could make a video where you simply show us how you make the videos. Like what camera or camcorder you use, what sort of camera holder or “tripod” you use to record your hands. And maybe what software , if any you use to prepare and edit the videos. That would be helpful to users like me who want to try reviewing pens or other small items that need both hands to demonstrate. Thanks!
Uggghhh...I just bought the X450 last week. I wish i had known about the X850 before. I've been looking for a good knock-off of the MB 144 and this seems to be it. Thanks for the good review. I guess I'll just have to break down and get this one, too. I'm not a "pen collector" like so many UA-camrs, so I don't want to have too many fountain pens. I try to use everyone in rotation. But can you answer a couple of questions for me? Where do you all keep the boxes the expensive pens come in? Most of them are so fine , I can't see throwing them away, but after hundreds of pens, they must be piling up somewhere. And secondly, what do you pen reviewers do with the exquisite empty ink wells (bottles) once the ink is used up. The ones I see are works of art in themselves, such as the Take-sumi brand. It would be a shame to trash them, but then again what good can be done with them. Just curious.
I do have a shelf of boxes, though I’m thinking of doing some serious thinning out. If I think I might gift, sell, or do a giveaway, I keep the box. On the ink bottles, I keep them, but I’m looking for some repurposing ideas.
so basically a screw-cap X450 with a more subtle clip? Gr8 ... I prefer a screw-cap over push-on. Are these available in a multitude of colors like the X450, or is that "a soon to be"? I hope the X850 will be available in the 4 pen set (each a different color) like the X450, or 5 pen set like the X750 are, as well as individually. Is the weight and ballance of the X850 the same as the X450? Is the X850 cap still brass, or did they switch to acrylic, for better balance when posted? Is the X850 section still aluminum, like the X450, or did they switch to plastic or Ebonite? Does the X850 post more securely than the X450? (none of my seven X450's post worth a screech owl's meow.) What Jinhao pens with a N°6 nib comes with a Fine or Extra Fine nib?!? 😳 All of mine came equipped with a Medium. So did most of my Jinhao with a N°5 nib.☹️ Guess I'll need to get another pack of 2 tone N°6 Jinhao Fine nibs, if I upgrade to the X850.
Jinhao certainly makes good serviceable pens. Which is a conundrum. Shirts from China on Walmart shelves don't have pockets deep enough to effectively carry most fountain pens and my luck with pocket pens has been unimpressive. Buying off the rack can be so unsatisfying. I simply must ask Jeeves to seek bespoke tailors for my pocket tee shirts. Retail isn't cuttin' it.
I hate the inconsistency of putting the model number on some models, and not on others, when it could be in a very same place on the cap band as it is on this one. Maddening.
My X850 was a bust it was missing the o-ring & the threads to hold the body in place. I'll be staying away from this brand personally, also for a couple of more bucks you can get way better pens leagues better.
@@JG3Reviews That's the con of buying from China (it's not can I get my money back it's if they don't have free postage on returns). I've been caught, it costs more than the pen is worth to send it back. You have no pen and are out of pocket even with a refund.
Excellent review. Thought you might do a comparison with x350. Looking forward to your take on it.
Interesting to see Jinhao refreshing their quite long-in-the-tooth X series after updating the 159 to an X159, which I like so far. I will have to look out for the x859 at some point.
I think the X850 is Jinhao's best pen in this line yet. One reviewer suggested I'd like the X350 but that has a straight section. I prefer the section on the X850 that is the same or similar to that on the X450.
Love to see those Schuylers in the background!
They are my favorites. Each one represents hours of judging high school debates to get them. 😂 I love the care and craftsmanship they’ve put into ever detail, and the typeset just pulls you in to read more!
Just received my Jinhao x159: in love with it. My collection is only starting since I only have 4 pens but the cheap and fun Jinhao and the super exquisite Hongdian 1843 just boost my love for the hobbie!!! Thanks for the reviews! You have been an amazing guide!
I think the X850 is Jinhao's best effort in this line. It isn't put to shame in the same pen pouch as my 3776s.
Jinhao consistently keeps me happy. Only thing that I wish would change is the limited nibs options originally in almost all Chinese brands. I understand that they are made for Asian writing, though, and medium and finer work well with my handwriting.😁
Black inks generally don't get a lot of interest. They are seldom with the "special properties" modern tastes tend to favor. Yet when you need a dependable ink, they generally come through. (I am starting to renew my interest in standard black inks, especially Sheaffer Skrip and Parker Quink. They've stood the test of time.😁)
Excited to see what else Jinhao updates!
I’ve found myself reaching for the Onyx black and Waterman Intense black quite a bit lately.
@@JG3Reviews I plan to get some Waterman other than Serenity Blue, too. I just happen to have a 1950s bottle of Sheaffer Skrip black and WWII era Parker Quink microfilm black ("heritage" inks tend to play nice with more types of paper, so...😉)
I use Pilot Take-Sumi, but I see Pilot have their standard BLACK BLUE/BLACK and RED inks in 350ml (yes that's 350ml) bottles for AUD$55. That would last me a lifetime. I've just bought another Take-Sumi 50ml for AUD$33, so when I finish that, I'll get the milk bottle full of Pilot BLACK for only a little more.
Glad to see that the cap is a screw on. I’ve had trouble with snap cap Jinhaos drying out if not used every day. BTW, I’m loving the X159 that I bought after seeing your review of that pen. I think you were ahead of the curve there. Thanks for your interesting and detailed reviews.
Thanks for the review James. Looking forward to the review of the x350. 🙂
Bought one last week, been watching a lot of videos about it while I wait for it to arrive lol
I appreciate your reviews. The Jinhao X-850 review is yet another "no nonsense" addition to your growing collection of rewarding commentaries. Thank you, and keep up the great work. It appears that I will just HAVE to add one or two of these to my horde of basic writers. I notice that Etsy has a bent nib option for this impressive but inexpensive pen. Exciting! Have a fine February and more.
Thanks!
Sounds like your word got out. I couldn't find one for less than $12.
C'est la ca ca.
Great value, I picked one up.
Thanks for the review. I loved it.
Ouch! I noticed it was up 50-75¢ between my purchase and the review, too.
I absolutely agree that the new clip is a big improvement. In fact Jinhao’s clips are the main thing that had prevented me from getting another one. The simple new design looks so much more sleek and lovely.
I have quite the Jinhao collection started! I absolutely love them! I have swapped the nibs for EF & F, thats just my preference. But from the Shark to my X750, I love them all! I have the X159 on order, now I need to look out for this one. As a fountain pen user it’s important for me to be able to take the pen completely apart and swap parts if I choose to. That’s what attracts me to Jinhao and Lamy Al-stars. Thank you for your review - will take a look at the X850.
They do make great tinkerers! And I didn’t even realize until a few years ago how good a Lamy is for the same, I’m with you on that, too.
Nice review and I basically concur with your comments. I received a Jinhao X850 by mistake. Ordered an X350 on ebay. Chinese supplier sent the X850. He did not want to go through the rigmarole of changing it. Finally offered a 50% refund (having tried to deal with the Chinese suppliers when something goes wrong for small price items in the past, it wasn't worth the stomach acid). Got my X850 and a 50% refund (pen cost $4) and the guy wanted me to leave a 5 star positive review, as if. Anyway, WRT the pen, it is way better than I thought. Writes immediately, first time every time. Never any skipping, never any hesitation. The nib is surprisingly smooth, the ink is wet and the line definition quite precise. The cutouts on the section (why I didn't want this particular pen) are not as noticeable as you'd think. My biggest complaint is that the nib is very very stiff. There is absolutely no give at all. It is a little heavy (I'd prefer resin in lieu of resin covered brass). Regardless, it is a consistent, no hassles writer that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a dependable, inexpensive, no-nonsense fountain pen. 9/10 from me.👌
I bought this and the x350 at the same time to compare, expecting to like the x350 much more. Both have been very good pens, but this one is the one that surprised me. I keep it inked here at my office and like it more all the time.
(I've had some quirky refunds like that, including one that involved hammering the pen to pieces and sending the seller a photo as proof)
@@JG3Reviews Good about the x850, and the weirdness WRT the quirky refunds bit doesn't surprise me (they must have ball bearings in the brain to think you'd go to that trouble of $50 worth of effort to scam them out of $5).
The new clip looks pretty good. Simple, but stylish.
I love black and gold. The tripod grip is the deal breaker.
I got sent the x850 instead of the x350 (which doesn't have the cutouts on the section, why I didn't want the x850). Having said that, on the x850 they are not that noticeable to the point that I don't notice them when writing - and not as pronounced as the x450). Again, my first choice was the X350 for exactly that reason, but I ended up getting the X850 for $4, I can live with that.
I love my X850! It's up there with the new X159 and the 9019 Dadao when it comes to writing, general appeal and just as good, even if the X350's nib is VERY wet (well, mine, at least), and the clip is stiffer than the other two I mentioned.
Great pen!
Great review, James. The weight is not bad. Some metal pens are far too heavy to use for me.
The grooved grip is a turn off for me as I do not use that grip position. It is the reason I do not like triangular grip sections, in general.
The price is excellent though.
Definitely an improvement over the X450 & X450a, with the new clip and a threaded cap - gold trim looks nice but I'm a bit wary of it on such an inexpensive pen - I feel that chrome trim is more likely to be hard-wearing at that price point.
I have a video suggestion which maybe you could think about. Maybe you could make a video where you simply show us how you make the videos. Like what camera or camcorder you use, what sort of camera holder or “tripod” you use to record your hands. And maybe what software , if any you use to prepare and edit the videos. That would be helpful to users like me who want to try reviewing pens or other small items that need both hands to demonstrate. Thanks!
I'm just waiting for one with chrome coloured clip etc. My X750 is great.
Love your handwriting, do you have a video about how to learn it?
Thanks! I don't at the moment, but may in the future.
@@JG3Reviews That would be great! ☺️
Uggghhh...I just bought the X450 last week. I wish i had known about the X850 before. I've been looking for a good knock-off of the MB 144 and this seems to be it. Thanks for the good review. I guess I'll just have to break down and get this one, too. I'm not a "pen collector" like so many UA-camrs, so I don't want to have too many fountain pens. I try to use everyone in rotation.
But can you answer a couple of questions for me? Where do you all keep the boxes the expensive pens come in? Most of them are so fine , I can't see throwing them away, but after hundreds of pens, they must be piling up somewhere. And secondly, what do you pen reviewers do with the exquisite empty ink wells (bottles) once the ink is used up. The ones I see are works of art in themselves, such as the Take-sumi brand. It would be a shame to trash them, but then again what good can be done with them. Just curious.
I do have a shelf of boxes, though I’m thinking of doing some serious thinning out. If I think I might gift, sell, or do a giveaway, I keep the box. On the ink bottles, I keep them, but I’m looking for some repurposing ideas.
so basically a screw-cap X450 with a more subtle clip? Gr8 ... I prefer a screw-cap over push-on. Are these available in a multitude of colors like the X450, or is that "a soon to be"?
I hope the X850 will be available in the 4 pen set (each a different color) like the X450, or 5 pen set like the X750 are, as well as individually.
Is the weight and ballance of the X850 the same as the X450?
Is the X850 cap still brass, or did they switch to acrylic, for better balance when posted?
Is the X850 section still aluminum, like the X450, or did they switch to plastic or Ebonite?
Does the X850 post more securely than the X450? (none of my seven X450's post worth a screech owl's meow.)
What Jinhao pens with a N°6 nib comes with a Fine or Extra Fine nib?!? 😳 All of mine came equipped with a Medium. So did most of my Jinhao with a N°5 nib.☹️
Guess I'll need to get another pack of 2 tone N°6 Jinhao Fine nibs, if I upgrade to the X850.
For me, the balance is preferable to the x450, probably because it seems to post a bit better.
Jinhao certainly makes good serviceable pens. Which is a conundrum. Shirts from China on Walmart shelves don't have pockets deep enough to effectively carry most fountain pens and my luck with pocket pens has been unimpressive. Buying off the rack can be so unsatisfying. I simply must ask Jeeves to seek bespoke tailors for my pocket tee shirts. Retail isn't cuttin' it.
😆 The struggle is real.
I can see Jinhao putting out a King of Pen-style or a Nakaya-type pen before the end of 2023.
Like the way you mention....Is not as hard as a nail🥺😊 yes I could is a very very Finepen and for the price No comment.✍️💜💚
Always interesting. What is the bore size? I am looking for pens with a .34 mm bore size (thank you for the bore size)
This one is the 2.6mm bore.
@@JG3Reviews Thank you. I appreciate you providing this. I have a supply of cartridges that are .344 mm and would like to find a decent pen for them.
I hate the inconsistency of putting the model number on some models, and not on others, when it could be in a very same place on the cap band as it is on this one. Maddening.
It’s too handy and helpful not to include somewhere on every pen, I agree.
I agree. Would be nice to have it somewhere.
🤓👍
these new updated versions of the X450/750 would've been better off (IMO) in resin as the X159 .... X850/350 are a pass for me, at least for now ...
Hopefully they will bring that option. You’re right that it would make a really good pen.
Black inks are underrated. I love my Noodler’s dark matter.
Check out Graf von Faber castell carbon black
My X850 was a bust it was missing the o-ring & the threads to hold the body in place. I'll be staying away from this brand personally, also for a couple of more bucks you can get way better pens leagues better.
I would have returned that, for sure. Is it a seller that you can get your money back?
@JG3Reviews They sent me new o-rings and threads for the pen body
@@JG3Reviews That's the con of buying from China (it's not can I get my money back it's if they don't have free postage on returns). I've been caught, it costs more than the pen is worth to send it back. You have no pen and are out of pocket even with a refund.