Inexpensive fountain pen recommendations

I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

How do the Cross ATX and/or Faber-Castell Ambition lines fare? Joon
has both in the sub-$50 range.

(Alternately, are there *good* roller balls that folks like? I have
and love a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Classique roller, but it has
sentimental value and I don't think I'd be travelling to Barbri on my
motorcycle with it in my pocket.

Thanks!

On 1 Jun 2005 09:43:52 -0700, wrote:

I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

Pelikan 200 or Waterman Phileas fit the bill! The pelikan has the
advantage of being a piston fill.

--
Cordially,

Sonam Dasara
6/1/2005 1:16:31 PM

On 2005-06-01, wrote:
I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

How do the Cross ATX and/or Faber-Castell Ambition lines fare? Joon
has both in the sub-$50 range.

(Alternately, are there *good* roller balls that folks like? I have
and love a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Classique roller, but it has
sentimental value and I don't think I'd be travelling to Barbri on my
motorcycle with it in my pocket.

Thanks!


The Sheaffer Javelin medium (metal bodied ones) is quite decent also.
It takes standard Sheaffer cartridges, but unfortunately doesn't come
with a converter. You'll have to buy t sepearately.

They often go on sale, I picked up mine for CAN$ 23.


Nic

On 2005-06-01 09:43:52 -0700, said:

I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

A day or two ago, Dov posted here a private offer of Pelikan Go pens.
Very good pens, excellent value for money, mid-twenty-dollar range. You
could see if he has any left. Several times I've seen him selling pens
here, and I haven't heard anybody complain of bad deals afterwards.

I have no connection with him, other than I'm buying one of his pens myself.

David

I don't know much about the two lines you asked about...

there are a number of very good, sturdy pens with reliable nibs/fillers that
are reasonably priced. David already mentioned the Pelikan Go. I don't
know if an integrated piston-filler is what you are really looking for or
not. some folks feel like cartridges are more convenient (especially
students I imagine.)

anyway - top of my list for reasonably priced FPs

WM Phileas/Kultur
WM Allure
Lamy Safari
Pelikan Pelikano
Kaweco Sport
Rotring Core (has an odd grip that doesn't suit everyone but holds a ton of
ink in its section/feed.)

Vintage:
Esterbrooks - lever-fillers because the carts are hard to find and most of
them won't take standard cartridges. The CA 101 will take a Sheaffer
cartridge. But not sure how common they are. They're pretty cheap when you
do find them and a standard 2668 nib will serve you very well. The lever
fillers don't hold as much ink as I would like but are more common and of
course, don't rely on a special filler.

Pelikan 120. Great little pen can be found for $30 or less. These were
"school pens" when they were made and as such are quite sturdy with good
steel nibs. IMO, of course. Piston-filler like most Pelikans.

i'm probably missing some but those are the pens that come to mind off the
bat. Currently I'm addicted to the Sport. This is one snazzy little pen.
but it's cartridge only.
--

KCat

For Pen Talk, Images, Trading and Reviews: The Fountain Pen Network
http://pagesperso.laposte.net/fpnet

For Lupus Support and Info
http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/ASLFAQ/

wrote in message
ups.com...
I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

How do the Cross ATX and/or Faber-Castell Ambition lines fare? Joon
has both in the sub-$50 range.

(Alternately, are there *good* roller balls that folks like? I have
and love a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Classique roller, but it has
sentimental value and I don't think I'd be travelling to Barbri on my
motorcycle with it in my pocket.

Thanks!

wrote in message
ups.com...
I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

How do the Cross ATX and/or Faber-Castell Ambition lines fare? Joon
has both in the sub-$50 range.

(Alternately, are there *good* roller balls that folks like? I have
and love a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Classique roller, but it has
sentimental value and I don't think I'd be travelling to Barbri on my
motorcycle with it in my pocket.

I have two ATXs, one with the regular nib and the other with the
rhodium-plated nib. I like them very much and include them in the group of
my favorite pens. However, the smooth metal section is slippery compared to
my other pens which makes it a tad difficult for fast note-taking, IMO, but
YMMV. Also, I had to change my nibs from a medium and a fine down to XF to
get a line that's more like my other pens w/ fine nibs.

The only rb I have other than Uni-ball disposables is a Parker Sonnet. It's
very comfortable and writes very nicely overall, but because I'm into fps, I
prefer the fp version.

Other inexpensive but reliable fps I've used are, in order of cost:
Parker Reflex - These are among my favorites. I got fine nibs from the
Parker service center.
Sheaffer Javelin - Uncomfortable for me for any length of time, I don't even
use it, but YMMV.
rOtring Core - Discontinued but still available, the weird grip, not for
everyone, is great for me.
Lamy Safari - The grip is uncomfortable for me for long sessions, but may be
perfect for you.
Waterman Phileas - I've found that the weight of the brass-lined barrel
contributes to hand-fatigue faster than the ATX, Core, Reflex, and Sonnet.
Again, YMMV. Try a Kultur instead, if you can get one. It's the same pen w/o
the brass.


--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

Nic writes:

The Sheaffer Javelin medium (metal bodied ones) is quite decent also.

I have one Sheaffer Javelin, too. It has just one drawback: Rubber in
its gripping section becomes loose and then it moves kinda easily. But
at least it stays in its place during writing.


--
Juhapekka "naula" Tolvanen * http colon slash slash iki dot fi slash juhtolv
"Lennän taas. Olen juppihippipunkkari ja vaihdan paikkaa. Lennän taas. Turha
meikäläistä yrittääkään kategoriin laittaa. Hei mä lennän taas. Olen
juppihippipunkkari ja vaihdan paikkaa. Lennän taas." Neljä Ruusua

If you don't mind plastic barrels and steel nibs, consider either the
Pelikanos
(http://www.pelikan.de/en/docs/pro_vi...&fid=2&sid=126)

or Pelikano Juniors
(http://www.pelikan.de/en/docs/pro_vi...&fid=2&sid=126)

Both are cartridge fills and come in a variety of nib widths. I use
them for work when I travel as they are no great issue if they are
lost.

Pilot makes a reasonably decent disposable fountain pen as well with
numerous colors of ink available.

Cheap decent pens are a fascinating discussion all their own, though I
still prefer my vintage fine point Duofold and Namiki Vanishing point
pens most of all. *g*

Best of luck with your bar exam and remember: Non Carborundum
Illegitimus.

dtr.

wrote:
I've been using an Aurora Ipsilon fountain pen (fine nib) that I'm not
exactly satisfied with -- no matter the ink used, it doesn't flow well,
and I'm constantly disassembling it to "recharge" the converter,
pushing the ink down to get decent flow from it.

I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take fast
notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent, reliable
fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

How do the Cross ATX and/or Faber-Castell Ambition lines fare? Joon
has both in the sub-$50 range.

(Alternately, are there *good* roller balls that folks like? I have
and love a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Classique roller, but it has
sentimental value and I don't think I'd be travelling to Barbri on my
motorcycle with it in my pocket.

Thanks!

Rotring Skynn or Pelikan Go.

wrote in part:

| I'm currently in starving-student mode, but need to reliably take
fast
| notes during a Bar prep course, so I'd love to find a decent,
reliable
| fountain pen in the = $50 range, if such a beast exists.

| (Alternately, are there *good* roller balls that folks like? I have
| and love a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck Classique roller, but it has
| sentimental value and I don't think I'd be travelling to Barbri on my
| motorcycle with it in my pocket.

Ah yes, bar review days, though my "class" was Nord!

May I recommend anything by LAMY or a nice Pelikano (of all things!)?

john cline ii, who: (a) took all his notes for bar purposes in green
Jotter ink and (b) hopes this helps