Help Deciding on Moderately-Cheap Pen

[NeoTiger]

Hi, well the topic says it really. I'm new to the field of fountain pens but got sucked in recently (thanks to this forum and other pen enthusiast sites), so now I want to buy a pen.

 

I want something that looks nice and upper class, but not too mature (ie, don't really want gold trim). I'm an Engineering PhD student, so I also want something that looks nice and high tech as well.

 

So I've looked through the forums at reviews and also on various pen selling websites, and come up with a few finalists that I can't decide between, so it would be great if you could give me a few recommendations.

 

My current choices are: Lamy Studio, Rotring Initial, or the Pelikan Level 5.

 

These pens are all in roughly same price bracket (well the Level5 a little bit more), and are of similar design. Would there be any considerations I should make before choosing one?

 

Thanks

 

 

edit:

Ooh, I just found a place selling the ATX for a comparable price too. So add that to the list for comparison please

Edited March 22, 2006 by NeoTiger

[Glenn-SC]

I have a Rotring Initial; firm fine nib that writes very well.

[southpaw]

Well, the engineering geek factor of the Studio is pretty high. The form-follows-function design, the high-tech material. Plus, it holds a ton of ink being a piston-filler.

 

--Roy

IIRC the Studio is a c/c filler. I think Roy was thinking of the 2000 which is a piston filler.

[NeoTiger]

Yeah the Lamy 2000 looks awesome too, I like the sound of their "high durability fibreglass reinforced polycarbonate material" (off the top of my head... don't remember exactly what they said).

 

But unfortunately it's a little bit expensive, and I'm not particularly keen on spending that amount of money at this stage. I also have a theory where if I buy a nice expensive pen later, I won't look at cheaper pens again (cos people tend to progress upwards). Therefore it's worthwhile to look at these cheaper pens before I consider the 2000

[Sean Mac]

Rather than spending a bit less money, and running the rise of not being terribly satisfied, I think you are better off to spend a bit more now. Doing so, in my rather humble opinion will help you be more satisfied in the long run.

 

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Sean

[NeoTiger]

Well your thinking is quite logical too Sean, but the thing is, I want to waste more money

 

Therefore I need to start cheap and slowly go into the more expensive territory.

[jthole]

The Lamy Studio is very nice! Maybe you should look at the Accent pens as well. I personally like the Accent Brilliant pens.

 

I was disappointed in my Rotring Initial. Slippery section and too heavy (even the plastic version). The nib is smooth and ink flow is good, but I was still not happy to used it for anything more than a few lines.

[NeoTiger]

Thanks for that. Sounds like the Lamy Studio is the best choice so far. No comments on the Pelikan Level 5?

 

I should also consider the Pilot Knight I think, a little bit cheaper, and everyone says it writes great (something to expect from Pilot I guess).

 

I looked at the accent, but it seems to be a bit more expensive. I can almost get a Lamy 2000 for that price. And still prefer the look of Studio to be honest, but thanks for the pointer.

[NeoTiger]

OK, I've waited long enough. I've decided to go for the Lamy Studio in Stainless finish. Now for the wait...

[Larry T]

Good choice. I have a Studio in the brushed SS finish. One of the most dependable writers I have. I got mine from Pam at Oscar Braun's. She has the best prices around.

 

Larry

[vision35]

I have the Initial and the Studio. Go with the Studio (the SS nib). Don't be surprised if the clip scratches the paint off the cap, however (I have the black version).

 

The Initial is an interesting pen. It's geekier because it looks like a 50's spaceship to me. I agree the weight isn't right and it doesn't feel just right when you hold it. I love the nib, it's rounded and removable by the user. The Studio is also user replacable. You should find good deals on the Initial since Rotring is being discontinued in the US.

 

Also have been happy with prices and service at Oscar Braun Pens.

[LeoUK]

I have just got the Lamy Studio, 2 version, one is brushed stainless, the other is black, however, I suggester you buy the former, 'cause the latter, when you hold the chrome section for a long time, you may find it is not very clean, and also I found it is a little bit of heavier to hold, when you write for a long time, you may get tired...