Waterman Exception -- Is It Comfortable?

[StrawberryJam]

Question for those of you who have a waterman exception -- i've read reviews on FPN and other places that caution that these pens are heavy and have a square/blockish feel to them, which can be uncomfortable for some. Can anyone provide more insight on the types of grips that work well with this type of pen vs. those that do not, or whether the weight (slim or standard) is of concern? Thanks!

[adyf]

The weight of the standard was too heavy for me, comfortable to hold but too heavy. I sold mine because of this, although it was a super smooth writer.

[esteroids]

I carry an Exception Slim fairly often. After a few seconds I really liked the square barrel. It is heavier than I normally carry (resin pens) but not overly so. The oversize version is too heavy for me.

The medium nib example I have is about as smooth a writer as can be. And it has the incredible Waterman lacquer finish.

[Harlequin]

So, is the "slim" a normal size and the standard Exception the "oversize"? Or, more specifically, is that the best way to view them from a user's standpoint?

[Simius]

So, is the "slim" a normal size and the standard Exception the "oversize"? Or, more specifically, is that the best way to view them from a user's standpoint?

The slim is similar to MB 145 in dimension, but quite a bit heavier.

[georges zaslavsky]

They are nothing exceptional in terms of nib which is stiff and the baionet cap opening system is a crappy one, I have tried several of them but better get a man 100

[Simius]

They are nothing exceptional in terms of nib which is stiff and the baionet cap opening system is a crappy one, I have tried several of them but better get a man 100

 

I agree. The Exception Slim is perhaps the most disappointing pen I've bought in a while.

[rochester21]

I once took a good look at an exception slim. Now, the slim version is actually a full size pen, the normal size is too big for me. Didn`t seem that hefty in my hand, and the nib didn`t impress me. It`s pretty to look at, but i would say it`s overpriced.

 

Overall, i think low(er)-end pens from waterman are actually better than their top of the line pens. Although i personally have lost confidence in this brand altogether, they have been the least reliable pens i come across. Granted, i buy them used- but all my pens are like that.

Edited July 26, 2013 by rochester21

[Tancred]

 

I agree. The Exception Slim is perhaps the most disappointing pen I've bought in a while.

 

Why?

[Tancred]

They are nothing exceptional in terms of nib which is stiff and the baionet cap opening system is a crappy one, I have tried several of them but better get a man 100

 

Wrong. They are great pens with superb nibs - the nibs are practically identical to the Man 100, which has long been discontinued, so your argument is bogus.

 

You can read a good review here: http://glennspens.com/pensofnote/Waterman-Exception.html

[Left FPN]

They do have an excellent design aspect, they will not roll off the desk.

 

I could not get on with the feel of the slim so sold it on....for profit.

[georges zaslavsky]

 

Wrong. They are great pens with superb nibs - the nibs are practically identical to the Man 100, which has long been discontinued, so your argument is bogus.

 

You can read a good review here: http://glennspens.com/pensofnote/Waterman-Exception.html

I don't take any consideration of glennspens's review, I have been a user of fps for 29 years and I know that the nibs on the man 100s were running from flexible to semi flexible for the two generation of man 100 nibs. absolutely not the case on the exception on which the nib is stiff. When glennpens will have the experience I have with flex nibs, then perhaps I will take his reviews in account.

Edited November 11, 2014 by georges zaslavsky

[torstar]

I haven't gotten to the point where I don't feel the square edge of it.

 

I don't use it that much.