2024 Next level fountain pens!
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- I have made similar videos like this in the past but it has been a long time. What are your next level fountain pen ideas?
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An underserved group, I think. Personally, I'd recommend a Pilot Elite/e95s.
From what I’ve heard, it’s the best option for those beginning to dip into gold nibs territory.
I often feel quite conflited when I watch these videos.
Sometimes I feel this hobby is more about buying pens than it is about using pens, especially if you follow several fountain pen enthousiast on UA-cam, it's always about spending more and more money, every week a new pen.
And I don't know in what economy they are living in, but I often find myself with a lot of month left after the end of my money 😉
So I appreciate this video about pens with a more realistic price range.
In the past twenty years or so, I have saved up and bought some more expensive (for me anyway) pens and for the most I have been unimpressed with the quality return, like you said.
I find that a $40 steel nin can/does write just as well than a $300 gold nib.
Which I think is great, at least for my wallet!
Although I do think it's kinda strange that we put up with such ridiculous prices, for the "high end" pens, often just for a different colour, or yet another "limited edition" (I am looking at you Sailor), or a specific name or logo..
I have relatively recently tried out some Chinese fountain pens.
And so far, I am very pleasantly surprised.
There is a lot of negativity around them, and I was unsure at first.
Also because I was so unfamiliar with them, that the unfamiliar names and volume of different pens just seemed overwhelming to me.
There are a few I liked, but I think they might be around/just under your $40 limit..
But I was really impressed with the Hongdian N12 and the Wing Sung 629.
I look forward to try out a few more, but I am (trying to) taking it slow so I can get to know and enjoy my current pens!
Edited to add: I also really enjoy the Sailor LeCoule! It's one of my favourite steel nibs.
It is basically the same pen (shape, size) as the Sailor Pro Gear Slim, but with a steel nib.
Granted, I've never had a gold Sailor nib, but thanks to the LeCoule I now know that the Pro Gear Slim would be too small for my liking 😉
I would love to try out a Pro Gear, because I am very curious about Sailor's gold nibs (partly because I love that steel nib!), but at this point and time I don't feel compelled to save up for such an expensive pen. Maybe one day though!
I appreciate your comment about folks collecting pens more than using them. As a fountain pen influencer/reviewer, I sometimes find myself focusing on that aspect of my collecting rather than focusing on writing with them more extensively. I also work full-time, so there's that limitation. I encourage you to get a few pens that you really enjoy using and write, write, write.
@@thepenman357 I don't know why you assumed I asked for your advice?
I should be talked OUT of getting more pens, not into getting more!! 😂
I am not interested in "collecting" fountain pens, just for the sake of collecting them.
Although I can definitely see how that could be tempting. There are so many, pretty, interesting pens out there..
But I think fountain pens are (mostly) designed and made to be used.
I love the little scratches, the tiny dings, they get when they come with us to work, in the train, on a hike.
I love (getting) to know a pen. Sometimes we need to get used to one and other, or a nib needs a little tweak, some extra tlc, to really bring out their potential. Or I need to adjust my grip, find that sweet spot.
It's also nice to have variations, I have about seven/eight pens inked up at one time, but sometimes you just want to write with one specific pen, like having a good talk with an old friend.
When I am sad (like when someone passed away), I always grab one of my old faithful friends, the ones that steady my hand, guide me through it..
I think there are a lot of really amazing fountain pens for really good prices, but we often focus on the (more) expensive ones, like those are the "grails" to get, and in the process we are no longer content, happy, with the ones we do have.
I know I have done that in the past..
There is something out there for everyone, even when you can't, or simply don't want to, pay hundreds (or thousands) of Dollars for a fountain pen.
Someone with a collection of one pen can love and enjoy fountain pens just as much as someone who owns a hundred.
And I love reading the comments to see what (affordable) gems other people have discovered!
That's why I really enjoyed this video.
I wasn't advising you to buy more pens. Quite the opposite. What I meant was for you to not be concerned about buying more pens, but stick with the ones you already have and value, and concentrate more on writing instead. Sorry for any confusion.
Jun Lai 630 with a #8 steel nib and piston filler for $43 delivered has been a great pen for me.
Is that the same brand known as Wing Sung aka. Yong Sheng?
@@schm4704yes!
@@schm4704 Yes
Great video....I am a newish collector.......and had a chance to get my " grail" pen at about half price...a Pilot 823 F nib......and while it wrote beautifully, the the feel in hand, and on the page were only a whisper different than my $40.00 or less Hongdian, Jin Hao, or Diplomat pens......So the law of diminishing return for me turns out to be pretty pretty low!!.....The 823 will go back on ebay soon.
Yup.
You can find excellent writers at $20.
I find that while you can find great pens at $100-$200, that is not necessary. Perhaps that’s the entry point for a specific brand, but not necessary to find an exact excellent writer.
You start paying for brand name and fancy “special” plastic once you get to $100 and up.
I find most UA-cam channels really focus on the aesthetics and not so much on the writing character/quality…
For example, note this video at 15:20 you are paying a descent amount for a pen with bad nib, only to have to go and get another nib. So how is this considered a quality pen for this list? The focus is the aesthetics, and the extensive finish options.
Great video. I am considered a beginner in fountain pens, I sorta kinda fell in the hole and had no idea where it was taking me. 😂 Oh wow! Now I have a small collection, in comparison to all the UA-cam collections! I purchased a Nvhalar gorgeous pen for just under $200, and I love it. Then I also, out of curiosity purchased an inexpensive jinhoa 82 mini. You know that little one is so reliable and I love that little pen. So, I’m learning that even the inexpensive can be a roll of the dice. It does hold its own next to my “expensive” (to me) pens.
So glad Benu made the list! The Euphoria was my first "next level" pen, and it remains one of my best writers even after adding higher-end gold nibs to my collection.
Okay, you finally convinced me to get a Benu, but I got the Euphoria in Hallowed Harvest which is currently under $100 at Goldspot.
The Lamy Studio was my first fountain pen. It was the one that started the hobby 3 years ago.
Thanks for the great recommendations. I'm fairly new to the hobby but I've already picked up the TWSBI Diamond 580 and the Lamy Studio, and I really like them both. I'm thinking about a Nahvalur Original (or Original Plus) as my next next-level pen.
These are all solid choices and would have been on my list, too! I think you'll enjoy the Nahvalurs.
I have the Lamy Studio and am considering another. Definitely get the Nahvalur Original Plus - it is a lovely pen. I also have the Nahvalur Schuylkill on order (look at sbrebrown's review on it). The vacuum filling system is a bit of a challenge to begin with on the Original Plus. Like you, new to this, however I think that my budget is going to dictate that I don't move out of 'next level' pens and that's fine because I enjoy writing with all of them. Good luck!
03:18 especially when pricey pens use same components as cheaper series…and you’re just paying for “special” plastic.
I started with Lami Safari, went to Kaweco Sport then TWSBI Diamond 580 mini. After that I jumped right to vintage pens. Got myself a Watermen 52 1/2 v, and a 52. Then I decided I’ll just restore the pens myself and save some money. I love how the vintage pens look and write and I find I enjoy the pen much better after I’ve restored it.
Always good to see you. I want to give props to a next level pen we don’t hear about much, and that is the Aurora Style. Elegant, clean look and great dependable quality control on their steel nibs. My experience is that Auroras are great at every price point. The Style is officially over $100, but most places sell it for around $88.
I am glad you're not experiencing "fountain pen burnout," like literally every other "Penfluencer" on UA-cam is preaching at this moment.
Oh my God yes! It’s all over my youtube 😂
Hi! I bought a diplomat traveller flame (55€), and its fantastic. Diplomat steel nibs are superb
Just got a Diplomat Esteem($86) which is a great pen. I love the Diplomat Magnum too.
I like the input. New to fountain pens and hope to be in the hobby for a long time to come. Thanks for doing what you do. 🎉😁
Great review... First I liked using fountain pens, but now I collect pens that are more unique to steel nibs than gold. I honestly don't like the Gravitas pen among the reviews. I especially want to discourage purchases on the Gravitas site. It's not the only one I haven't received in months. There's no response or notice. I haven't received it in a month and a half either. Fortunately, the Gravitas pen I bought from another pen shop has 3 different models, but I just think it's a copy of the Pilot 823 or Kaweko model.
I've been collecting Benu pens lately and I really recommend it.
The Platinum Procyon is a really nice pen - great Platinum nib, terrific colors, nice sized pen - just a good all-rounder, but sadly often overlooked. Thanks for the video!
I have to agree that the TWSBI Diamond 580 is an EXCELLENT pen! It's currently one of my very favorites & that's even up against some gold nib pens.
It is the crazy wild that attracts me about benu- I just don’t own one yet!
Echoing the Pilot Elite/E95s recommendation for the next level. One can find it for rather less than North American retailers offer it on certain . . . well, the Internet is out there, isn;t it? But, what a wonderful review! I have the BENU Euphoria Bourbon, and still wonder, after a few years, how I'd like it as an eyedropper fill.
PS. If you get a good deal, you might get an entry-level gold nibbed pen such as the Pilot Custom 74, the Custom Heritage 92 or the E95S in that "next level" price range.
I got a good deal on a Sailor Profit light in EF for $64.00...Amazon Japan....and a Profit Standard. F for 68.00...both small pens..( jin hao#82 size) .but great 14k nibs!!!
wingsung junlai 630 , ADMOCK m800, Majohn p136, Fountain pen revolution Himalaya with an Ultra flex nib < def a fave, Sailor Pro gear Slim, Noodlers Acrylic konrad
I picked up a TWSBI 580 Iris as my first next-level fountain pen, and really loved it. I like my Conklin Duragraph a lot, too. I've never owned a Lamy. Most of them don't appeal to me visually. I will say that I think the Studio is the most attractive in their line. It's good know that you find it a good choice in the next level price range. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for the informative video! I do have the BENU (Euphoria) on my list. I’ve been residing in this rabbit hole since 2019. I think my next step will be upgrading some of my existing pens (Lamy LX, Al-stars, Kaweco brass, Esterbrook) to gold nibs. Then move up to Pilot 823, Pelikan Souveran, etc. I’m really trying to keep my collection down as much as possible - if thats’s possible! 😂. Thanks again! God bless!!
Hm, I might need to check out that Gravitas. I love my Kaweko AL Sport but the idea of a bigger nib sounds delightful.
I would also suggest dipping your toes in the vintage fountain pen market. A usually under $100 USD vintage pen that has good performance and readily available parts is a Parker 45. Gold nib and cartridge converters that are currently available at pen stores.
Great recommendations! Here are some of mine: Lamy Studio LX (matte section!); the Nahvalurs; the "other" Kawecos (Dia 2, Supra, Original); Faber-Castell Essentio; higher-end Chinese pens such as the Asvine P36 or V200.
Cool list thank you! Was thinking of maybe a Pelikan Pura or M200/05 (perhaps dependent on a good deal for the latter) or a steel nib Parker Sonnet. I’m using UK prices so apologies if these ideas aren’t reflected in North American markets. Thanks again for all the content!!
I have a TWSBI 580 ALR Prussian Blue in that price category, so that's my pick.
Good information. I have found the TWSBI Swipe hard to beat.
Faber-Castell pens have top quality steel nibs in a variety of styles, some in this price range.
Sharks are on sale at Goulet for $1.97. I predict the dark-blue demo Sharks will become rare collectibles. You could probably triple your purchase price. Yeah,only $6 or so but bragging rights!
Recently picked up a Diplomat Esteem which I really enjoy. It's about $85. Great writer/snap-cap.
Thanks for this video! What are your thoughts on the twsbi vac mini if you had the opportunity to check it in person?
Wonderful information a great video thank you for sharing!
05:20 TWSBY
07:18 Gravitas (Kaweco alternate)
09:46 Lamy Studio (same nib as Safari)
12:40 Beni Briolet (hacked the name).
14:50 Conklin Duragraf (ph?) - quality with nibs - so swap nib if you don’t like it???? =/
hello i from your 2% audiance from India 🇮🇳thank you for your videos ⭐
Hello from Portugal. Love your channel.
I have tried the Platinum Curidas, and the design is novel, and the fine nib is really well tuned, but it’s honestly a half baked, over design and under engineered pen. It’s not very comfortable to grip, and the protrusions on the body get in the way of my fingers. The nib assembly has too many little parts and places for it to fail. I would instead recommend the Pilot Capless Special Alloy with the Medium nib. Mine has been an amazing pen to own.
Roller chair dance 😀😘❤
Yes platinum curidas is great
I can attest to the TWSBI and the Benu 👍.
In the thumbnail, you look like a TV evangelist caught in mid-sentence.
Really nice video
My experience with higher priced pens has been quite different. IMO, they do deliver a much better wring performance.
Care to share which ones you are referring to.
Many use the same components of their cheaper series, but they are just more ornate.
Also - there are some $20-$100 FPs that are excellent writers and would more than suffice as an “end game” type writer pen.
I just got what I would consider my first grail pen, but probably most people wouldn't consider it anything crazy. It's not super expensive, but it was the first pen I saw that really drew me in and I thought, "wow, I'd really love to get one of those," and I LOVE IT. It is the Leonardo Momento Zero.
I really don't want any pens far beyond the $200 range (besides Pelikan M800 or M1000 but I'd be okay if I never got one). I just want a Pilot 912, Pilot 742, and a custom Edison pen. These are next level, but my goal pens!
If you paid $7 or $8 for a Jinhao Shark, you vastly overpaid.... still a great pen.
I forgot to mention that I got a few of them for $7 or $8 lol
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