Parker 51 versus Hero 100

[Sparky]

Although I own a HERO 100 pen I really like it, I am curious is there are users who use the HERO 100 and a Parker 51 (original), and would like to compare their expereince in writing with them.

 

Since I am told that the HERO 100 is being made out of the same factory as the previous Parkers, I am curious if writing with it is very similar to the Parker 51?

 

Thoughts?

[LapsangS]

Although I own a HERO 100 pen I really like it, I am curious is there are users who use the HERO 100 and a Parker 51 (original), and would like to compare their expereince in writing with them.

 

Since I am told that the HERO 100 is being made out of the same factory as the previous Parkers, I am curious if writing with it is very similar to the Parker 51?

 

Thoughts?

Hero Pen Factory was established after the nationalization of Parker Shanghai factory. So, at least initially, they used the old Parker equipment to make pens there. The "real thing" Parker "51" has been discontinued several decades ago, but the Shanghai Hero factory has been continuing to produce their version of "Hero 100" until today. It must be one of their best selling models because it is rather faithful to the original design. The size and shape of the pen is not 100% original anymore, though. But the filling system is aerometric and nib is 14k hooded. Some people like hooded nibs and some don't. I just bought a Hero 100 and I like it. I have no experience in the original "51", but I would assume that most of these older "51" pens need some restoration or adjustment before they write nicely. When bought new, Hero 100 is a brand new pen with a brand new sac. The price is lower, too.

 

But you get what you pay for. You can't go wrong with a professionally restored and adjusted "51".

[macthemaths]

Whilst you might get similar enjoyment out of the nib (maybe), you won't get anything near the quality of build or materials IMHO.

 

I have two P51s and a just bought a Hero 100 - you can definitely tell which is which and the Hero feels very much like the cheap pen it is.

 

In fact, if anyone wants mine, they can have it for the cost of postage.

 

Regards,

 

Chris

[fountainbel]

Hi Chris,

I'm interested in the Hero 100, please specify shipping cost & your E-mail address for payment.

I never have seen a Hero in Belgium, so I am very curious.

Will paypal you the shipping cost by return.

Please contact my directly at : francis.goossens2@skynet.be.

 

Thanks & regards, Francis

Edited August 21, 2006 by fountainbel

[LapsangS]

There are mixed opinions about the Hero 100. But I like it very much and it certainly is better than modern genuine Parker productions in this price range. Parker 45 flighter (in the same price range) feels much cheaper in my opinion. We should remember that these are $20-40 pens.

[Richard]

FWIW, the Hero 100 is one of only three truly aerometric pens ever made; the other two are the Parker "51" Mark I and the Parker "51" Mark II. Other pens with squeeze fillers are not really aerometric; and no converter ever made is aerometric, either.

 

I have three Hero 100s, and I like them. The design internally resembles that of the Parker 61, not the "51", and the nib is 14K. I don't think the 100 is cheaply made; in fact, in some ways such as the metal threads for the barrel, it's better than a "51". The way it's held together is a little different, quite innovative in fact; it's very positive, and the 100's sac guard can't work loose the way the sac guard in a "51" can (unless it's one of the very early threaded ones). The sac guard in a 100 is thinner than that in a Mark I "51" but it's not flimsy -- for that you need to look at a Hero 329! For me, the choice between a Hero 100 and a Parker Frontier would be a no-brainer.

 

And for the heavy-pen crowd, you ain't gonna find a "51" like this:

 

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/zoomed/hero100chrome.jpg

[Visoflex]

I have a 51 and had a couple of "flighter" Hero 100's. I was impressed with the build quality for such a reasonably priced pen, but they just didn't write like a 51 and didn't feel right for me. It was probably spoilt by the new nib in the 51.

 

I ended up giving them to my nephew and niece together with a bottle of ink each, as they had never used a "proper" pen before.

 

Apparently, judging by the stains in the bathroom sink, they have now been filled.

 

Ian.

Edited August 23, 2006 by Visoflex

[Bradley]

I purchased a Hero 100 in green. At first, I liked it. Soon thereafter, I did not. It never did fill well, only partially, and when I tried to remove the cap once, it stuck and the entire "innerds" of the pen fell out, and I was unable to put the pen back together after great effort. Also, the plastic cracked easily. It was a complete waste of the $27 that I paid for it.

 

Maybe I just had bad luck, but I doubt it. I would recommend that you not purchase this cheap imitation. A quality working Parker "51" can be had at the same price if you are patient and thoughtful.

 

I liked the idea of buying a "new" hooded nib pen, but this is not the answer. Also, I did not like the fine nib, more like extra-fine.

 

This is my experience.

 

Bradley