Pilot Mr Vs Lamy Safari Vs Monteverde Limonada

[Alphaleo]

Im new to fountain pens and I want to get a fountain pen. After some research I kind of narrowed my options to Pilot MR, lamy safari and monteverde limonada. The thing is I dont really know the difference between these three other than the looks and in the Pilot Mr the nib, I really dont know anything about the monteverde limonada though. Im going to use this pen for sketching, but not only for that. I dont really like too much the pilot MR and the Lamy safari, but I've heard a lot of great things about both. The question would be what would be the best of these pens? and what are the pros and cons of each?

thanks a lot!

[Bluey]

I would choose the Pilot above the Lamy Safari and definitely above the Monteverde.

 

The Lamy Safari, although ugly enough to rival Medusa and primarily designed for kids, it does have the advantage of the ability to change nibs easily, and which can be bought inexpensively on ebay for around $5. I would definitely choose this if this is your primary reason for wanting the pen because it's good for trying out different nib sizes.

A converter is often not provided so you will have to buy this separately unless you want to stick with cartridges.

It's made of ABS so it's rather light and is claimed to be unbreakable (although I've heard quite a few reports of them breaking).

 

The nib on the Pilot MR is the best of all 3, and tends to be slightly finer than both of the other 2. The pen is made of brass so it has a little heft to it.

The nib on the Lamy is often wetter than dry, and it's recommended to get a medium or below because broads and above frequently have flow issues. Getting a working Monteverde that writes is always a big bonus, and I can't think of anything to recommend it over either the Lamy or the Pilot.

Edited February 19, 2017 by Bluey

[cattar]

If you don't like the Pilot MR or the Lamy Safari, don't get them.

You will want reliable pens that start and write well. Consider these pens in the $10-30 range.
Platinum Plaiser (it's the preppy with a sturdy aluminum body). Stiff nib. Comes in .2, or .3 or .5 nib.
Platinum Cool. Soft nib (not flex, just soft). Comes in .3 or .5 nib.
Pilot Plumix. Stiff M italic nib.
Sailer de - fude. Nib angles from broad to fine.

[max dog]

Check out the TWSBI ECO. I think the most bang for the buck in the $30 range.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi there,

 

Of the three; I'd recommend the Safari. WHY? Because it's lightweight, which will encumber your hand the least when drawing; the spectrum of nibs; the lifetime warranty and for me.... the grip.

 

I like the Limonada the least, it's the heaviest of the bunch and Monteverde feeds are either spectacular or suicide inducing... so you got a 50/50 chance there.

 

Outside your box, you may want to consider cattar's Sailor Fude - that nib is designed for creative efforts.

 

- Anthony

Edited February 19, 2017 by ParkerDuofold

[Witsius]

Also consider the Pilot Prera. They can be had for around the same price as a Safari if you look around a bit. It has the same nib and feed as the MR, but I like the overall pen better. The Safari is a decent enough pen. Honestly, you can't go wrong with it.

[cattar]

Pilot Prera is stiff nib in F M or in the same italic as the Pilot Plumix.

[Astronymus]

If you like the grip section of the Safari, which I find extremly comfortable, and are fond of good design you will be more than satisfied. Nib change is also very easy if you want to vary or try styles later.

[Flippy]

Safari. They come in a bunch of colors, and come in many limited edition colors as well. It's triangular grip is aesthetically good for beginner users, and best of all, it's seriously durable.

[johnsi02]

Of the three you mention, I would only recommend the Pilot. I have a Monteverde Denali and really like it, but have heard mixed things about quality control from them. I have owned 5 different Safaris and AL-stars with about 12 nibs between them and found the experience to range from bad to meh. My Pilot is a reliable workhorse and their qc is exceptional.

I might add another option that I don't see come up in beginner pen posts, but should. Consider a Nemosine Singularity. They're 20 bucks, write well, and are generally reliable. There are lots of colors and nibs to choose from and they have classic looks. They also accept international cartridges, an advantage over the Pilot and Lamy.

JS

[langere]

Yes, definitely either the Safari or the Metropolitan. Either one would be a good match - get it in a neat color that you like!

 

Erick

[Miriel]

I bought the Safari for myself and Pilot MR for my brother. Although Safari writes very smooth on Rhodia the Pilot is more smoother in general. Moreover, high quality variance of Lamy's nibs are known, thus you should take this into account. I love design of Lamy by the way.