What is the most underrated pen brand?

[Escribiente]

I'd propose to include Marlen. Every single Marlen pen I used wrote flawlesly out of the box. The fact that Marlen is not even in the list is very telling.

[BillTheEditor]

I just realized one of the things about this poll that confuses me is that the subject line asks, "What is the most underrated pen brand?' while the poll caption and the first sentence of the message itself ask, "What is the most undervalued pen brand?" (emphasis mine)

 

"Underrated" and "undervalued" are, to my mind, different concepts. The former has to do with expectations, and the latter has to do with what people are willing to pay. Unfortunately, none of the brands that I would associate with either tag are in the list of choices.

 

"Underrated" might include Wallity and (on reconsideration and reclassification) Wearever. Maybe Lamys, too, or at least the Safaris, but if I go to individual models within a brand it would be hard to decide whether the Parker 180 is more underrated than the Rotring Core.

 

"Undervalued" might include recent production Conklins and (considering the comments made by others) Stipulas. Going to models within brands, it seems to me the Rotring Core fits here too, and so does the Parker Premier and possibly the Lamy 2000.

 

Most of the rest of the pen brands on the list seem to me to be "premium" and are neither underrated nor undervalued (though some may well be overrated and overpriced -- probably why Mont Blanc isn't on the list).

[corniche]

Greetings all,

 

Sheaffer- without a doubt. I think the overall problem with Sheaffers was/is their narrow choice of somewhat bland designs and colors/trims, (I know there are exceptions- please don't all jump on me at once ). However, for overall long-term reliability and ease of maintenance- you can't beat a Sheaffer.

 

All the best,

 

Sean

 

[jpolaski]

I had to cast my vote for Cross. I have yet to meet one that didn't write wonderfully, and come off with a wonderfully understated elegance. Oddly enough, they almost seem to be pendoms dirty little secret...

[KCat]

If going for "undervalued" per Bill's discussion, then of the list I would say the only one in that category is Cross. I rarely hear much about them in the general forums.

 

When I first got mine, the nib seemed odd to me. I've adjusted to it and view it as rather like using an "Arabic" nib (though not a sharp one) and for that I enjoy it. It is not a cheap pen - but it doesn't get as much press as the other brands.

 

Though it's hard for me to choose a pen brand that has its own forum. That seems to go against the concept. But you know whaddamean.

[johnr55]

Had Esterbrook been on the list, it would've had my vote.

[marklavar]

Had Esterbrook been on the list, it would've had my vote.

Easterbrook no longer exists. I'm only interested in current brands.

[marklavar]

If going for "undervalued" per Bill's discussion, then of the list I would say the only one in that category is Cross. I rarely hear much about them in the general forums.

 

When I first got mine, the nib seemed odd to me. I've adjusted to it and view it as rather like using an "Arabic" nib (though not a sharp one) and for that I enjoy it. It is not a cheap pen - but it doesn't get as much press as the other brands.

 

Though it's hard for me to choose a pen brand that has its own forum. That seems to go against the concept. But you know whaddamean.

I would agree with you. Cross pens are actually very nice writers, though rater dull, and this is what counts against them.

[marklavar]

I just realized one of the things about this poll that confuses me is that the subject line asks, "What is the most underrated pen brand?' while the poll caption and the first sentence of the message itself ask, "What is the most undervalued pen brand?" (emphasis mine)

 

"Underrated" and "undervalued" are, to my mind, different concepts. The former has to do with expectations, and the latter has to do with what people are willing to pay. Unfortunately, none of the brands that I would associate with either tag are in the list of choices.

 

"Underrated" might include Wallity and (on reconsideration and reclassification) Wearever. Maybe Lamys, too, or at least the Safaris, but if I go to individual models within a brand it would be hard to decide whether the Parker 180 is more underrated than the Rotring Core.

 

"Undervalued" might include recent production Conklins and (considering the comments made by others) Stipulas. Going to models within brands, it seems to me the Rotring Core fits here too, and so does the Parker Premier and possibly the Lamy 2000.

 

Most of the rest of the pen brands on the list seem to me to be "premium" and are neither underrated nor undervalued (though some may well be overrated and overpriced -- probably why Mont Blanc isn't on the list).

Sorry for not making this clear, but I really meant underrated. I used the word 'undervalued' in a generic, not monetary sense.

 

I wish I could have added Lamy, but I am restricted to a maximum of 20 selections. Undervalued can also apply to expensive brands like Krone - it's not just a question of money, but what value the user places on a writing instrument of one brand as opposed to that of others.

[marklavar]

I'd propose to include Marlen. Every single Marlen pen I used wrote flawlesly out of the box. The fact that Marlen is not even in the list is very telling.

Again, this is a brand that I would like to have added if space allowed.

[marklavar]

Lamy.  They make great fountain pens priced as writing instruments rather than jewelry.  Although highly utilitarian, Lamys are designed by artists, and Lamy generally doesn't participate in the hawking of Limited Edition blingy diamond encrusted DNA embedded maki-e urushi semi-functional collectors items that almost every other manufacturer seems to see as their mission.  Just MHO.

 

Doug

I agree that Lamy produces good, functional pens at cheap prices, but not everyone necessarily looks only for functionality. Style and visual impression matters to many people, whether you like it or not, so please don't mock this. I actually believe Lamys are neither underrated nor undervalued - they are pitched pretty accurately in the market for what they are.

Edited November 10, 2006 by marklavar

[Altdachs]

I agree. Lamys have ultra high style at a reasonable price.

[Altdachs]

Add Aroura to my list. They are also styl'n and reasonably priced (some of them).

[HDoug]

Lamy.  They make great fountain pens priced as writing instruments rather than jewelry.  Although highly utilitarian, Lamys are designed by artists, and Lamy generally doesn't participate in the hawking of Limited Edition blingy diamond encrusted DNA embedded maki-e urushi semi-functional collectors items that almost every other manufacturer seems to see as their mission.  Just MHO.

 

Doug

I agree that Lamy produces good, functional pens at cheap prices, but not everyone necessarily looks only for functionality. Style and visual impression matters to many people, whether you like it or not, so please don't mock this. I actually believe Lamys are neither underrated nor undervalued - they are pitched pretty accurately in the market for what they are.

One man's Bling is another man's Kaching!

 

Doug

[Calv]

Stupid question from the new guy.......why has Montblanc been left out and why "obviously"?

 

Since owning one myself i must admit i have been suprised at the amount of people dissapointed with them, is this why?

 

Calv.

[RSVP]

Stupid question from the new guy.......why has Montblanc been left out and why "obviously"?

 

Since owning one myself i must admit i have been suprised at the amount of people dissapointed with them, is this why?

 

Calv.

Montblanc is the Marmite of pendom.

[Catsmelt]

Stupid question from the new guy.......why has Montblanc been left out and why "obviously"?

 

Since owning one myself i must admit i have been suprised at the amount of people dissapointed with them, is this why?

 

Calv.

Montblanc is the Marmite of pendom.

spoken like a true vegemite fan...

 

R

[journo]

why has Montblanc been left out and why "obviously"?

Hear, hear.

 

Now, back to my Vegemite on toast.

[marklavar]

Stupid question from the new guy.......why has Montblanc been left out and why "obviously"?

 

Since owning one myself i must admit i have been suprised at the amount of people dissapointed with them, is this why?

 

Calv.

Montblanc has been left out simply because it is not a generally underrated or undervalued brand - that is pretty obvious I'd say! No brand has a higher profile than Montblanc. This is not meant as a criticism, but my question is about which brands deserve more attention and consideration, not which is the best - that's another question altogether.

[Lloyd]

Montblanc has been left out simply because it is not a generally underrated or undervalued brand - that is pretty obvious I'd say! No brand has a higher profile than Montblanc. This is not meant as a criticism, but my question is about which brands deserve more attention and consideration, not which is the best - that's another question altogether.

Considering that you were asking " I really meant underrated", I'd say Montblanc, too. Many FP fans poo-poo MB as mediocrely performing pocket jewelry when, in fact, there is a modest contingent that think they're worth their costs (or close)based soley on their performance.