146 Vs 149

[SaviOr]

Hello,

 

I'm pretty much decided that my next major purchase will be a Meisterstuck, but I'm having some trouble deciding between 146 and 149 size. I currently have a 145 Platinum which, when not posted, goes to the end of my hand. I can reach a 9th on a piano, to give an idea about my hand size, but I want a nice, big Montblanc. The 145 is nice and light and comfortable, but I want something where I can feel some more of the weight in my hand. I have tried a 149 in a store before, but I can't quite remember the experience as it was actually my first introduction to modern montblancs (my first being my grandfather's vintage, unknown model probably from 200 series). I've heard that the 149 is very large and bulky, but that's all very general, relative talk. If I could please get some feedback on the decision, that would be great.

[Chrissy]

The 149 is fatter and bigger overall than the 146. It has a big nib, and is a heavier pen.

 

It doesn't make it more comfortable though, and some people really prefer the 146 size. That's bigger than the 145.

 

I would go to a boutique and try both of them in your hand before making your decision

[cnjackson]

Hello,

 

I'm pretty much decided that my next major purchase will be a Meisterstuck, but I'm having some trouble deciding between 146 and 149 size. I currently have a 145 Platinum which, when not posted, goes to the end of my hand. I can reach a 9th on a piano, to give an idea about my hand size, but I want a nice, big Montblanc. The 145 is nice and light and comfortable, but I want something where I can feel some more of the weight in my hand. I have tried a 149 in a store before, but I can't quite remember the experience as it was actually my first introduction to modern montblancs (my first being my grandfather's vintage, unknown model probably from 200 series). I've heard that the 149 is very large and bulky, but that's all very general, relative talk. If I could please get some feedback on the decision, that would be great.

Hi SaviOr--

 

My first thought was to suggest the 146, which is for many people the perfect size--not small by any metric. But when you write that you want a "nice, big MB," it sounds like you might be looking for something extra-substantial. The 149 fits that bill.

 

That being said, like many others here on FPN, I will reach for my 146 7 out of 10 times over my 149. Partly that's because my 146 has a medium nib and my 149 is a BB. But it's also just about writing comfort.

 

Anyhow--you really can't go wrong with either. But if perhaps you're looking for a statement pen (even if the statement is just to yourself!), maybe go with the 149.

 

Let us know what you decide!

 

Chris

[etzbseder]

I recently had that exact issue. I chose neither. I went with the Johannes Brahms which was pricewise between the 146 and 149. I LOVE my 146 celluloid with a flexi nib, but I wanted a 149 as I already have 2 146s, but the 149 was just too big to comfortably write with and I wanted it as a daily writer not a desk pen just for signing things.

 

I guess what it boils to most is what do you want the pen for? Will it be going in a pocket? Pen Pouch? Shirt button? Desk Drawer?

[FredRydr]

I'm pretty much decided that my next major purchase will be a Meisterstuck, but I'm having some trouble deciding between 146 and 149 size...If I could please get some feedback on the decision, that would be great.

 

IMHO, the only advantage of the 149 is increased girth if needed, increased gold if wanted and increased prestige if perceived. I have three, but hardly ever use them. After all, they hold the same amount of ink as a 146.

 

Why not simply try before you buy? Your attention should be directed at the nib stroke (EF, F, M, B, BB, etc.).

 

Fred

[Russ]

Buy them both. If you don't now, you probably will in the future. You may get a discount if you buy both now . . . spoken like a true retailer.

[playtime]

I of course own one myself....

 

IMHO, the only advantage of the 149 is increased girth if needed, increased gold if wanted and increased prestige if perceived.

Edited March 13, 2015 by playtime

[Trebor]

I think the biggest factor is the girth / circumference of the pen. For me, the 146 is a really perfect size. I've tried out the 149 in stores before, and while it's not uncomfortable and I would probably buy one in the future, it really is a large pen. It's much bigger than you might imagine, if you are not familiar with Montblancs at all, and even if you've used many fountain pens, I'm not sure of any pen with a wider girth than the 149.

 

I agree with FredRydr; unless you have some compelling need for girth or prestige, I think the 146 is a better general-purpose pen, and the one you should get as a starter if you can't make up your mind.

[Jeff_H]

146 is the perfect size for me. I want to use and love my MB's, so they need to be comfortable. I found the 149 just not comfortable for any long period of writing. Still, something makes me want one every now and then.

[Medsen Fey]

The 149 is substantially thicker than a 146, which I appreciate, but the 149 is still very light and does not have the heft of something like a Yard-o-led Grand Viceroy. I like heavy metal.

[Hector67]

For me, the 146 is better for long writting sessions. Plus for the price of a 149, you could purchase a better 146 (UNICEF, 90 years).

[SteveE]

The ONLY appropriate advice here is to try them both. Only you can decide which feels best to you.

 

I have both, and I use my 149 far more than my 146. And it has been so for decades.

 

It is purely personal preference.

[jsolares]

I prefer the 146 to the 149 although i have 2 149s and 1 146 (UNICEF 2013), although i'm looking for a user grade solitaire pinstripe 146, but man the prices are if they're made of solid silver , perhaps a UNICEF 2009 or 90th years will be the 2nd 146

[SaviOr]

For me, the 146 is better for long writting sessions. Plus for the price of a 149, you could purchase a better 146 (UNICEF, 90 years).

 

Well, I actually was looking more specifically for a used 90 years, which I found a 149 model of on this site's classifieds at just 550 USD. However, I can't seem to find a 146 used 90 years and if I want one new, that's an extra 200 or so USD out of my pocket.

[canibanoglu]

I think you should look overseas to get a new 146. USD is getting stronger and it is almost at the same value as the Euro, that gives you a good incentive to buy from overseas. USD550 for a used 149 is no longer a good price because you can get a new one for pretty much the same price. I see that Appelboompennen.nl is selling the 90th year 146 for 461 Euros (without tax), which comes to around UDS 480.

 

But there's always the risk of customs when buying from abroad. I don't live in the US so I can't say anything about the customs over there but here in Turkey I only had to pay customs twice, both of them because there were too many items in the package (was buying ink).

[SaviOr]

Well, the used 149 I was looking at was also tuned by Mr. Masuyama to a wet F nib. I also went on appelboompennen and found that the 90 years 146 size is 560 euros at list price with some sort of note indicating 462, which I don't quite understand. Also, are there a lot of positive feedback and credentials for this site? And how much is shipping? Because it's international, it's got to be a lot, right?

[jsolares]

Well, the used 149 I was looking at was also tuned by Mr. Masuyama to a wet F nib. I also went on appelboompennen and found that the 90 years 146 size is 560 euros at list price with some sort of note indicating 462, which I don't quite understand. Also, are there a lot of positive feedback and credentials for this site? And how much is shipping? Because it's international, it's got to be a lot, right?

 

The 560 is with tax, the 462 is without tax since you're outside the EU you can buy from them without tax, as for shipping no idea.

[canibanoglu]

I believe all orders over 100 euros are eligible for free shipping.

[SaviOr]

But is the site a trustworthy site to purchase from? I'm rather cautious when it comes to internet shopping and if I get a bad product, returns are exceedingly difficult because it is international shipping.

[zaddick]

But is the site a trustworthy site to purchase from? I'm rather cautious when it comes to internet shopping and if I get a bad product, returns are exceedingly difficult because it is international shipping.

Yes. The owner is a member here. I just bought 10 bottles of ink from them. They also ship FedEx.

 

I have not tried returns.