80 dollars limit

[Waterman]

Just recieved my 80 dollar limit fo buying a FP for christmas today. Any suggestions on pens that are good writers for 80?

 

Thanks

Brad

[RyanL27]

Well, my recommendations aren't very original, but if I had $80 to spend on pens, it would either be a Vanishing Point or a Parker 51. They very popular because they're very good.

[Hawk]

Just recieved my 80 dollar limit fo buying a FP for christmas today. Any suggestions on pens that are good writers for 80?

 

Thanks

Brad

Two wonderful pen brands come to mind, the Pelikan, and Cross, both are excellent writers. The Pelikan has the added advantage of having a piston filler (No cartridges or converters needed).

 

That said there are plenty of nice pens in that price range. You might think about what brand and style you prefer (And size).

 

Also it may be a good idea to post on this request at the Market Place section of this forum.

Hawk

[Waterman]

Thanks for that advice guys. Well I just checked out the cross site and the ATX and century II's look very nice for the price but which one writes better?

 

Thanks

Brad

[Hawk]

Thanks for that advice guys. Well I just checked out the cross site and the ATX and century II's look very nice for the price but which one writes better?

 

Thanks

Brad

Go to the Pen review section of this forum for reviews on pens. Also

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...?showtopic=8177

Also do a search for the pen you are interested in both there and on the web. The Cross's are excellent writers, I have one that works perfectly and always has, has no faults that I am able to detect. In addition I would suggest that you buy a brand new pen.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...1577&hl=century

Hawk

Edited December 19, 2006 by Hawk

[obmike]

Thanks for that advice guys. Well I just checked out the cross site and the ATX and century II's look very nice for the price but which one writes better?

if you have a home goods store close, they had a bunch of atxs for $15.

 

the lamy 2000 is a great pen. someone just had one in the marketplace for $65.

[Hawk]

To see a large selection of cross pens go to Pen hero.com

http://www.penherostore.com/servlet/the-Cr...l/29/Categories

Click on the small pen images for an enlarged view.

Hawk

Edited December 19, 2006 by Hawk

[Taki]

I think all the recommendations above are very good. I've never had Cross pens myself but Ron Zorn has brand new Townsend and ATX for sale on Market Place in page 2. I like the white ATX but I cannot buy any pens right now <_<

[sonia_simone]

For $80 I would get another of Richard's custom Pelikan nibs and fit it into one of the somewhat numerous Pelikan bodies I have at the moment.

[DavidM1]

If you can find a Parker 51 then that would be well worth the money. For a new pen try the Pelikan m215 - a great pen, it feels substantial and if ever you want to try custom nibs it will give you that option.

[amh210]

I've got an extra user "51", black barrel, lustralloy cap, fine nib, reliable writer. It is under your limit, PM me if you are interested.

 

Andy

[Ink Stained Wretch]

Just recieved my 80 dollar limit fo buying a FP for christmas today. Any suggestions on pens that are good writers for 80?

Well, you could buy 7 or 8 Pelikano Jrs. Or you could try to score ten of the BIC version of the Stypen Ergo-Plume.

[marklavar]

Just recieved my 80 dollar limit fo buying a FP for christmas today. Any suggestions on pens that are good writers for 80?

 

Thanks

Brad

$80! How old are you?

[jsonewald]

Parker Sonnet with steel nib.

[Hawk]

Parker Sonnet with steel nib.

I thought the Parker Sonnets were above that price. On Ebay, when I was looking at Parker Sonnets, it's hard to tell if you are buying just a copy or the real thing.

 

If, on the other hand you do decide on a Pelikan or Cross, you can be assured that you will receive the 'Real' thing.

Hawk.

[jsonewald]

Parker Sonnet with steel nib.

I thought the Parker Sonnets were above that price. On Ebay, when I was looking at Parker Sonnets, it's hard to tell if you are buying just a copy or the real thing.

 

If, on the other hand you do decide on a Pelikan or Cross, you can be assured that you will receive the 'Real' thing.

Hawk.

There are other place to buy than eBay:

 

http://shop.avalonpens.com/Avalon-Pens/1088.html

http://shop.avalonpens.com/Avalon-Pens/1089.html

 

http://www.fountainpenhospital.com

(has two under $80 on the Parker Sonnet page)

 

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...nt_pr_1881.html

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...nt_pr_1867.html

(technically, not acceptable choices because they are $81, but a good deal since ithey have an 18K nib)

 

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...Pen_pr_527.html

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...nt_pr_1871.html

[Hawk]

Parker Sonnet with steel nib.

I thought the Parker Sonnets were above that price. On Ebay, when I was looking at Parker Sonnets, it's hard to tell if you are buying just a copy or the real thing.

 

If, on the other hand you do decide on a Pelikan or Cross, you can be assured that you will receive the 'Real' thing.

Hawk.

There are other place to buy than eBay:

 

http://shop.avalonpens.com/Avalon-Pens/1088.html

http://shop.avalonpens.com/Avalon-Pens/1089.html

 

http://www.fountainpenhospital.com

(has two under $80 on the Parker Sonnet page)

 

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...nt_pr_1881.html

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...nt_pr_1867.html

(technically, not acceptable choices because they are $81, but a good deal since ithey have an 18K nib)

 

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...Pen_pr_527.html

http://www.montgomerypens.com/Pens/Parker_...nt_pr_1871.html

Thanks for the Parker Sonnet links, however I do believe the Montgomery Sonnet could not have a gold nib, if it does that's a really good price.

Hawk

[rroossinck]

I would respectfully disagree with the idea of ONLY buying a new pen. While I can see the benefits of having something new (packaging, warranty, blah blah blah), I think that you'll find that you'll be able to get a higher quality instrument if you do a little looking here in the Marketplace. With very rare exception, most of the pens that end up on the Marketplace section have been extremely well cared for, and you'll be able to find something that fits your fancy, typically at a better price than you'll pay for something new.

 

However, if you DO decide to look for a new pen, I'd give the Levenger brick and mortar stores a phone call. They were recently clearing out their fountain pen stock at some great prices, and you may be able to find something of interest at a great price. I recently purchased a Conklin Mark Twain Signature series that was specially made for Levenger with a 14k nib and sterling silver trim for $37 from the Memphis store. For a pen that retailed in their catalog somewhere north of $160-175 (I don't recall the original retail price), $37 is a terrific bargain! The nib is probably the smoothest one that I've ever written with. I'm not sure if they have anything left, but it's at least worth a phone call to see.

 

I would wholeheartedly second the recommendations for a good condition Parker 51, or nearly any of the Pelikan lineup that falls under this price range. I can't speak to the quality of a Cross fountain pen, but if their ball points and other models are any indication, you'll be very safe in Cross country.

 

The 51 is a terrific pen. If you can find a good user-grade 51 Aerometric Filler, you'll have a pen that will serve you for years to come. They are terrific writers; an added bonus is that you get to write another chapter in that pen's life. It's seen a lot of chapters already written, and it's always fun to let your mind wander and imagine where it's been. I've got a Vacumatic filler in my pocket right now. Manufactured in the second quarter of 1945, the same year that my father-in-law was born. I've often found myself wondering who carried this pen before me...what did it sign? Where was it when the Cuban Missile Crisis was happening? Where was it on November 22, 1963, or April 4, 1968? Was it in someone's pocket the day that Jackie Robinson played at Ebbetts Field for the first time?

 

As far as the Pelikans go, I can't wax nearly as nostalgic, but from experience, I can tell you that they're typically excellent writers, and very comfortable to hold and use. As an added bonus, Pelikan's service through Chartpak is second to none. If you should ever have a problem with it, just send it in to their service team and they'll turn it back around to you typically the same day. Also, don't worry about the nib size. If you're looking for something different than what's on the pen, but the price is right, you can almost always swap nibs out free of charge just by sending it in.

 

This question probably should have been asked first, but I'll ask it now. What are you looking for, specifically, other than a "good writer"? Colors? Nib sizes? Gold or silver/chrome trim? Big? Little?

 

We may be able to provide better recommendations based on your inputs.

[Hawk]

I would respectfully disagree with the idea of ONLY buying a new pen. While I can see the benefits of having something new (packaging, warranty, blah blah blah), I think that you'll find that you'll be able to get a higher quality instrument if you do a little looking here in the Marketplace. With very rare exception, most of the pens that end up on the Marketplace section have been extremely well cared for, and you'll be able to find something that fits your fancy, typically at a better price than you'll pay for something new.

 

However, if you DO decide to look for a new pen, I'd give the Levenger brick and mortar stores a phone call. They were recently clearing out their fountain pen stock at some great prices, and you may be able to find something of interest at a great price. I recently purchased a Conklin Mark Twain Signature series that was specially made for Levenger with a 14k nib and sterling silver trim for $37 from the Memphis store. For a pen that retailed in their catalog somewhere north of $160-175 (I don't recall the original retail price), $37 is a terrific bargain! The nib is probably the smoothest one that I've ever written with. I'm not sure if they have anything left, but it's at least worth a phone call to see.

 

I would wholeheartedly second the recommendations for a good condition Parker 51, or nearly any of the Pelikan lineup that falls under this price range. I can't speak to the quality of a Cross fountain pen, but if their ball points and other models are any indication, you'll be very safe in Cross country.

 

The 51 is a terrific pen. If you can find a good user-grade 51 Aerometric Filler, you'll have a pen that will serve you for years to come. They are terrific writers; an added bonus is that you get to write another chapter in that pen's life. It's seen a lot of chapters already written, and it's always fun to let your mind wander and imagine where it's been. I've got a Vacumatic filler in my pocket right now. Manufactured in the second quarter of 1945, the same year that my father-in-law was born. I've often found myself wondering who carried this pen before me...what did it sign? Where was it when the Cuban Missile Crisis was happening? Where was it on November 22, 1963, or April 4, 1968? Was it in someone's pocket the day that Jackie Robinson played at Ebbetts Field for the first time?

 

As far as the Pelikans go, I can't wax nearly as nostalgic, but from experience, I can tell you that they're typically excellent writers, and very comfortable to hold and use. As an added bonus, Pelikan's service through Chartpak is second to none. If you should ever have a problem with it, just send it in to their service team and they'll turn it back around to you typically the same day. Also, don't worry about the nib size. If you're looking for something different than what's on the pen, but the price is right, you can almost always swap nibs out free of charge just by sending it in.

 

This question probably should have been asked first, but I'll ask it now. What are you looking for, specifically, other than a "good writer"? Colors? Nib sizes? Gold or silver/chrome trim? Big? Little?

 

We may be able to provide better recommendations based on your inputs.

Thanks Ryan for your useful input.

The reason I suggested a new pen, was, first off he wanted the pen as a Christmas present, secondly if a fountain pen has been used a great by another person the nib will change shape (Slightly) to suit that persons writing style, of course if he is set on a vintage pen, a new nib could be had, however this will again add to the overall cost of the pen. Those are the main reasons that I suggested he stay with a brand new pen.

Hawk.

[JohnS-MI]

Thanks for the Parker Sonnet links, however I do believe the Montgomery Sonnet could not have a gold nib, if it does that's a really good price.

Hawk

 

I bought two Sonnets from Montgomery via eBay auction, and beat the $81 price. They both came in Parker boxes, full Parker papers, converter and cartridge, and had the 18K gold nibs. But read the auction carefully. If it has that nib, he says it loud and clear. If not explicitly mentioned, it's steel.

 

I've received the pens, compared them to a much older Sonnet (10 years?) from Levenger. I'm convinced they are the real thing. One was about $70, one about $45, luck of the auction, and popularity of barrel color (I was looking for particular colors to color code with ink).