Jinhao X159 - the pen survived Omicron

February 21

This is ecstasy. This is the best 5 dollar ever spent.

For those of you received the first of batch of pen in Sept 2022, the first launch of this pen went much earlier. The delay was due to the epic Shanghai Lockdown 2022 Apr - May

early Mar - the launch of X159 (Gen I, only in black with silver trim, three turns to open the cap) in Taobao. Initial batch was sold out quick

mid Mar - outbreak of Omicron all over the cities

1st April - Lockdown of the city. Commercial entities like Jinhao plant in Shanghai was no exception.

1st Jun - release of the lockdown.

mid Jun - X159 back to shelf in Taobao

Jul - X159 (Gen II/ two more colours of maroon and red wine red/ golden trim available/ two turns to open the cap/ a complete switch of nib collector, which was shared with later 9019) was found in the market, while Jinhao was simply too shy to talk about it.

back to the pen.

I bought 9019 and 9016 first, then X159. 9019 was said to be an update to the X159. But, while I was holding my copy of X159, the details and finishing is on par with 9019. Maybe a X159 Gen III? who knows.

The one with red barrel and cap is 159, nothing resemblant to the X159.

Pro:

1. It got to be kidding for a No.8 steel nib + pen for 5 dollars. This pen will still sell at $50.

2. the acrylic material feels as good as my MontBlanc, honestly.

Con:

1. 1 ml ink capacity, which was quite standard in 2022. But with the monster cartridge of 2ml in 9019 9016 (Jul, 2023), I was spoiled. I expect the next version of X159 coming with a 2ml tank.

2. high ink intake position, which is up in the feed butting the section. I was using Lamy 30ml 100% full bottle for demonstration. Once the ink below 70% of the bottle, this pen will die of dehydration.