New from CA with A question

[Bell_Shell]

Hi, nice to virtually meet y'all.

I am somewhat new to the fountain pen world but now that I've found it I'm totally obsessed. I got a Pilot Retro about a year ago as a gift and I'm looking to upgrade to a nicer one. I'm torn between the Pilot Pera and the Pilot Custom 74. I've never spent more than $20 on a pen before so I want to make sure I'm getting the right thing for me. My biggest worry is that I'll buy to Pera and then in a few months want to get the Custom 74. I guess my question is is the 74 worth the money at the point I'm at or would it be better to get the Pera first? Also is it better to get it from the company or dose getting it off Amazon just a well? I sort of figure it's less expensive on Amazon for a reason...right? 

Thanks in advance for the help! 

~Bell

[mizgeorge]

Hello Bell and welcome

 

I'm not going to try to answer your question because although I have a couple of Preras that I use for ink testing, I don't have a custom 74. It's on my list though, for when I decide to get into Japanese pens...

 

I think it's really about whether you want to move up to a gold nib or stick with steel for now. 

 

My gut reaction, though, would be to go for the 74

 

There. That was no real help at all!

[Madeline]

Welcome Bell!   I've had both pens and really liked the Custom 74.  More $ of course but it did seem worth it.  Eventually I gave it to my husband (can a fountain pen really be too smooth?).  He really loves it and finds that it's a lot tougher than it looks (it's a blue demonstrator).

 

 

[northstar]

Hello and welcome to FPN.

[OCArt]

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! So glad to have you as a member!!

[Bell_Shell]

haha. That was a bit helpful. Thank you. 😆

 

3 hours ago, mizgeorge said:

Hello Bell and welcome

 

I'm not going to try to answer your question because although I have a couple of Preras that I use for ink testing, I don't have a custom 74. It's on my list though, for when I decide to get into Japanese pens...

 

I think it's really about whether you want to move up to a gold nib or stick with steel for now. 

 

My gut reaction, though, would be to go for the 74

 

There. That was no real help at all!

Thank you. I figured getting the more $$ one would be a better bet. 

2 hours ago, Madeline said:

Welcome Bell!   I've had both pens and really liked the Custom 74.  More $ of course but it did seem worth it.  Eventually I gave it to my husband (can a fountain pen really be too smooth?).  He really loves it and finds that it's a lot tougher than it looks (it's a blue demonstrator).

 

 

 

[Wahl]