Montblanc 149 From A Montblanc Cynic

[Bisquitlips]

Excellent. Welcome to the Cult of the White Star!

[Tom Kellie]

I took the baby home, cleaned her up, realigned the tines, and found that she was indeed in spectacular condition (save for the chip, which may have happened en route given the terrible packaging). The upside is that the chap in Europe was in fact a stand up guy and issued me a partial refund to compensate for the small defect.

 

 

 

- It has swiftly become one of my very favorite writers, if not the very favorite. Not because it has a white snowflake on the cap. Not because of its retail price. Not even because it has a big beautiful nib. But because of how it feels in the hand, and writes on the paper.

 

- This pen is still overpriced at retail prices. Once all was said and done, I paid a little under $300 for this pen. I feel that this was a good deal and it was worth every penny. Now that I have held this pen in my hand, i would say its value is between $300-400, even if it were new.

 

- The size is what really sets it apart. I don't think I would ever buy a 146. At that "standard" pen size there are so many wonderful options. But to me, the 149 stands out as a shining star, because of its uniquely large size and the overall impressiveness of the pen.

 

- Don't knock it 'til you tried it. Yes, I am eating humble pie for all my criticisms of the brand in the past. I suggest for you fellow cynics, to try one of these pens before you knock it. And, as always, BUY USED!!

 

~ Betweenthelines:

 

This review is so well-written that I'm sharing the link with several others.

The series of photos is especially effective, bringing out the best aspects of the pen.

Thank you for having prepared and posted such a fine review.

Tom K.

[James4226c]

 

This Cynic's Conclusions:

 

 

- This pen is still overpriced at retail prices. Once all was said and done, I paid a little under $300 for this pen. I feel that this was a good deal and it was worth every penny. Now that I have held this pen in my hand, i would say its value is between $300-400, even if it were new.

 

- Don't knock it 'til you tried it. Yes, I am eating humble pie for all my criticisms of the brand in the past. I suggest for you fellow cynics, to try one of these pens before you knock it. And, as always, BUY USED!!

 

fin

 

 

Thanks for the review I really have to look into getting a 149

 

(warning idiot logic ahead)

 

Although I purchased 2 used 146s & purchased 2 LE pens brand new I could never bring myself to get a 149 because of the price (< there is the idiot logic).

How can I spend more on the LE but not think the 149 is not of value at its price point?

[AL01]

Are MBs tuned for some feedback?

 

I have used a 149 from the 80s and it most definitely had more feedback than a Pelikan...

 

Just wonderin'...

[praxim]

My 1990 MB 149 has more feedback than my 1980s Pelikan M400, which is glassy. However, I do not think of the MB as a "feedback" pen, not compared with Auroras older and newer.

[AL01]

It's feedback-y compared to other German made pens, (in my experience.)

 

... But that's good to know.

 

I could care less for glassy smooth nibs.

 

I write too fast, so I do need some "grip" in order to write in a controlled manner.

[siamackz]

Praxim and AL01, its interesting that you say that because I was confused about mine. I only have one 149 and no experience using another. I did put some effort into smoothening it but it does give me some feedback, unlike me Moder Pelikans

[AL01]

I mean, it's up to the manufacturer.

 

Vintage Sheaffers have a WONDERFUL grip to the page.

 

"Smooth" is just a type of polishing on the nib.

 

... Or is your MB an exception?

 

(I don't own a MB, but I had a great chance to use and adjust a MB 149. )

 

Modern Pelikans are TOO smooth for me. I can't really enjoy writing with them.

 

(My .02...)

 

- AL

[praxim]

One source of the glassiness in the 80s M400 I mentioned is that it is a medium hose into which I put a wet ink. That will be corrected next time. I will still prefer the 149 over that particular pen, while retaining the Pelikan. They are different.

[Uncial]

Many will claim that MB nibs are glassy smooth and often claim in the same breath that this is boring and presents an unexciting nib. Personally that isn't my experience. There are one or two of the Writer's Editions and special editions that have an unusual nib (in terms of other MB's) that will write very 'glassy' with some softness, but overall I am in the camp that feels MB nibs have a peculiar uniqueness. I know many will dismiss that as nonsense (and many have) but being very difficult to quantify it's not easily explained. The nibs to me are smooth, but have an unusual grip to the page. I wouldn't call it feedback in the same sense that you get with some Sailor nibs, but neither is it 'glassy'. The ink flow feels very tightly controlled when compared with the wetness of Pelikan nibs for instance (some really dislike the wetness of the Pelikan nibs) and the nib never grips too firmly or staggers. For me, it is just right and makes for a very, very pleasing writing experience. Contrary to popular belief they really are writers pens designed to be used. Comparing it to Aurora nibs is a whole different ball game. I polish Aurora nibs because I find the feedback unpleasant.

[Chrissy]

My Aurora has much more feedback than any of my Montblancs

[siamackz]

Many will claim that MB nibs are glassy smooth and often claim in the same breath that this is boring and presents an unexciting nib. Personally that isn't my experience. There are one or two of the Writer's Editions and special editions that have an unusual nib (in terms of other MB's) that will write very 'glassy' with some softness, but overall I am in the camp that feels MB nibs have a peculiar uniqueness. I know many will dismiss that as nonsense (and many have) but being very difficult to quantify it's not easily explained. The nibs to me are smooth, but have an unusual grip to the page. I wouldn't call it feedback in the same sense that you get with some Sailor nibs, but neither is it 'glassy'. The ink flow feels very tightly controlled when compared with the wetness of Pelikan nibs for instance (some really dislike the wetness of the Pelikan nibs) and the nib never grips too firmly or staggers. For me, it is just right and makes for a very, very pleasing writing experience. Contrary to popular belief they really are writers pens designed to be used. Comparing it to Aurora nibs is a whole different ball game. I polish Aurora nibs because I find the feedback unpleasant.

Your description matches my current experience with the 149.

Edited April 9, 2018 by siamackz

[gerigo]

While this is a great review, the starting premise of the cynic reviewing a 149, turned out to be unfulfilled, thus is very disappointing. It turns out the reviewer was not a cynic after all, just uninformed. As was confirmed by other uninformed enthusiasts who were so easily converted once they have pen in hand. I was expecting a much more comprehensive argument on why this pen is overpriced and not worthy of the brand and reputation. Instead, what I got was just a fanboy's drivel of how great the pen is.

 

I have many Montblancs, including 3 149s. I love the brand because all their pens are very well put together pens, write very well, and each pen is supported by quite a robust warranty program. However, the 149 has never been my favorite pen because of its strong flavor of nostalgia and it's highly recognizable visual association with prestige, wealth and power.

Edited April 9, 2018 by gerigo

[siamackz]

While this is a great review, the starting premise of the cynic reviewing a 149 is very disappointing. It turns out the reviewer was not a cynic after all, just uninformed. As was confirmed by other uninformed enthusiasts who were so easily converted once they have pen in hand. I was expecting a much more comprehensive argument on why this pen is overpriced and not worthy of the brand and reputation. Instead, what I got was just a fanboy's drivel of how great the pen is.

 

I have many Montblancs, including 3 149s. I love the brand because all their pens are very well put together pens, write very well, and each pen is supported by quite a robust warranty program. However, the 149 has never been my favorite pen because of its strong flavor of nostalgia and it's highly recognizable visual association with prestige, wealth and power.

I feel like a lack of knowledge/first hand experience/empathy is what drives cynicism often. For example, I disliked MBs and could never imagine owning one myself. I was repelled by its status symbol brand image. Then I purchased one (because I was getting a good deal) and experienced it first hand. Now my collection is dominated by vintage MBs. I still think they are too expensive or inadequate in value to buy new, and so I have not bought one new MB in my collection of 20. Also, I dont enjoy the brand image. But, my cynicism about MBs as writing instruments was overturned once I experienced the Pens firsthand.

[AL01]

One source of the glassiness in the 80s M400 I mentioned is that it is a medium hose into which I put a wet ink. That will be corrected next time. I will still prefer the 149 over that particular pen, while retaining the Pelikan. They are different.

 

My 140 is glassy smooth...

 

but has a whisper of feedback.

 

The modern Pelikans have hushed that feedback even more...

 

But that is the beauty of fountain pens....

 

They all write differently.

 

(Most.)