Fountain Pen Shootout #31: Montblanc 149 vs. Pelikan M1000

[@ruadhagainagaidheal9398]

OMG ! finding this video in october 2023 and you look so young !

[@arnauuu1]

There is no question for me that the Pelikan M1000 is the best nib produced nowadays; it offers a balance between smoothness and flexibility which is just perfect in my opinion.

[@TheRiz52]

Dr., another great shootout. This was like putting a Mercedes 500 SL AMG package up against a BMW 750i M series... Both are serious machines and won't disappoint. Great Job!

[@steveconquest6684]

Hello Stephen, I have two of each. Both are great pens, however, for build quality and ease of maintenance (disassembly/assembly primarily) the Pelikan wins hands down. If Pelikan can get their nib quality control issues fixed (ink flow and nib sizing) there would be no comparison IMHO. Cheers, Steve

[@Crimson_626]

I own both MB 149 and M100, this is a tough comparison indeed. Two iconic pens and perfect in every regard, it all comes down to preference at this point. Soo hard to choose a favorite amongst these two.

[@Avinash1943]

I am a person who loves to write, these pens represent what civilization can do today. There is no objective way to select one over the other, they are ultimate pens. Thanks for sharing the experience with us.

[@Wolverine3660]

Steve- you know, I am in agreement with you. I have used the Pelikan M 1000 and the MB 149 since about 2002. And as the days go by, I find myself prefering the Pelikan M1000. If the MB 149 pens I have were not gifted to me, with sentimental value, I would have sold off both the MB 149s and would have used the money to buy 2 new M-1000 pens, my fourth and fifth!!!! And best of luck to you

[@paulirineomontano5074]

Wolverine3660 Can you cite your reasons for preferring the M1000? Thank you

[@j.g.l7524]

Pelikan wins here undoubtedly

[@fossilimprint2954]

Brilliant shoot out. Thank you.

[@Joehand87]

"I'm not going to write that dow-OK I AM going to write that down." hahahahaha

[@mayankverma4084]

So for 1000$ you get a M1000 which give you smooth writing,no hard starts,effortless line variation and a fairly wet nib And for the same amount you get a MB149 which gives you smooth but stiff nib,a plenty of hard starts[6:39 ,8:30 ,9:15 , 10:37],and so hard to press for a little variation{even less than a baoer 373 steel nib pen} So if you want to waste 1000$ on a brands reputation and get a piece to plastic go for the 149 But if you really want a writing instrument that performs according to the price it charge and is worth spending hard earned money go fot the M1000

[@Egnatius]

If I had to choose between the the two I would buy the M1000

[@Proj8ct]

Yes !!! A churchmens and m1000 shoot out if the statement "one of the smpothest nibs I've ever tried " still holds true

[@robert_wigh]

Thank you for this pen shootout! It's a real classic! :D I just wanted to point out that, as the looks of it, the Pelikan M1000 is a lot wetter than the MB 149. Although, I'm not sure, it might just have been the lighting in the video.

[@SuperRondone]

Hi, that typical sound you hear on the Pelikan is the same I heard on my little M200, greetings from Italy.

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Just stumbled onto your excellent channel and immediately subscribed. Greetings from Greece!

[@klt479]

I fall further in love with the m800 and m1000 the more I use them. I used to think the m800 was back weighted but no longer feel this. The build quality of the m800 and m1000 is certainly better than the 149. There is just something about the entire writing experience with the m800 and m1000.

[@glencashmore9100]

Thank you for the review, Stephen; both pens are quality items but I'm not sure if either really deserve their high prices when viewed purely as writing instruments. Exclusivity, however, inherently comes at a cost. I would suggest that when demonstrating line variation as a function of tine flexibility it might be helpful to describe this more in terms of practicality rather than what the nib can be forced to do. No one is going to use a pen requiring extreme pressure on downstrokes.

[@pennfootball71]

The Epicness of this Epic Shootout is unheralded with it's Epic Proportions and is quite A LOT of Epic going on here!

[@smithraymondearl]

I have been waffling between these two pens for some time now. I have a 40th wedding anniversary coming up this year and my wife would like to add to either my Montblanc collection with a new fountain pen or a new Pelikan. Since she loves pelicans anyway she loves the thought of the Pelikan. Your video help me get over the hump on the decision- the Pelikan won out. Thanks for the help.

[@WMH98296]

Nice review! Like some others here, I have two of each pen also. However, one of my M1000s is all black rather than the usual green-striped configuration. All four pens are excellent writers, but in terms of appearance, I personally prefer the old-school look of the 149. Perhaps that's because a 149 was my first "serious nibbage," purchased in 1981, and I still own it. In fact, it's still like new and I recently began writing with it again.

[@Mike-LitorisSoBig]

The day has come, since yesterday I own both. Amazing pens

[@Wolverine3660]

Great review of two iconic pens. I use my Pelikan M1000s and the MB 149 everyday.

[@paulirineomontano5074]

Which of these do you prefer?

[@SuperDeckard2019]

I think the M1000 has a much better nib!

[@austinmalone5197]

If you had a channel of just inking up pens. I would watch it, all day, and I would love it. Your dose of creepy youtuber for the day.

[@sbrebrown]

:-).

[@michalrezler]

Both pens are great, but nib of M1000 looks wetter. Many thanks for this review.

[@markos741]

Congrats for the great shootout! I bought a pre-owned MB 149 and I must say that it has the best nib I've ever used, even better than the 146. Both pens are classics and the interesting part is that both brands make their own nibs. So, you won't find the great, but usual Bock or Jowo nibs that most brands use. You expect amazing craftsmanship and that's what you get. For that reason, a high price is to be expected, and it is not just the result of advertising and marketing.

[@profpudwick]

Masterful. Very well done. Fair, balanced, could not be improved. Outstanding in every respect. Of course, the only pen to have is a Pelikan 100N or a 400.

[@groundmoves0318]

Decided to go for a m800, I am looking for an everydaywriter and as you suggested in another video the m1000 is not always as practical because of its size. thanks for the amazing videos keep them coming!

[@krunalthehell]

Great work doc. You have made my dream come true. I bet, you were not aware how much I adore the pelican for obvious reasons. Comparing Mont Blank with Pelikan is like comparing the proud, super rich Bugatti Veyron Grandsport with koenigsegg Agera. Two huge pillars of human brilliance were compared here, on this day. This is a very historic comparison and I could just go on and on about it. Such a great comparison. Take care doctor, you have witnessed quite a moment.

[@Tulipsaki]

Much prefer the richer ink flow from the Pelikan. And I like its looks more.

[@Klaus-d9n]

Have the 149 as well as the m1000 and i have to say the Montblanc is by far more reliable in providing inc

[@Shostakovichforever]

very nice was expecting such a shootout for a while.Thanks!

[@Kyodaikuma]

one day I shall own both pens as well!

[@himurakenshin6053]

Kyodaikuma Since it has been four years now, I hope you have already had that day and bought the pens👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@jonghosuh2620]

Has the day came after 7 years?

[@Kyodaikuma]

@@himurakenshin6053 lol it has I believe it was 2017 when I got the montblanc and less than a year later I got the Pelikan

[@Kyodaikuma]

@@jonghosuh2620 yeah back in 2017-18 I got both.

[@Srinivasan.Answers]

You gave beautiful comparision

[@seversebastian]

Hey man, I have a suggestion: review a Diplomat Excellence. I remember it actually won a prize back in '08 or '09 for best value for money. All I can say is that it's a sturdy, reliable writer and it looks nice too.

[@ronaldspencer547]

At the Freud museum you can see that he had a red montblanc pen from 1910 at his desk.

[@kroywen4601]

In reply to retro51fan's comment, I guess that meant no one even care to counterfeit/clone Pelikan pens.

[@criscavi19]

Just try the ST DUPONT models Atelier, Windsor, Lacquer, Diamond Guilloche, Firehead Guilloche!

[@Remington1875]

For A Few Dollars More. Top five on the list of my favorite westerns.

[@LordStormwind]

Random suggestion but those swords in the background would be an interesting review to see

[@mmmcosta]

Thank you for such a nice video! I almost picked up my smartphone at the beginning, since I use the Few Dollars More theme as its ringtone. :)

[@alaavn]

Here is my 2 cents. I personally prefer MB 149 to the M1000. I got both 149 and M1000 at about the same price by the way. M1000 is a little bit smoother but has no feedback at all. It's like a super large size, super smooth ball pen with line variation, and for me, the nib is too springy for daily use. MB 149 on the other hand, is also very smooth, but it offers a little bit feedback. The current version is stiffer and very wet, I prefer the early version, which is modestly springy and modestly wet.

[@sbrebrown]

Yes, those are good arguments: I understand what you mean.

[@doboloax]

If I had to say classic or classical, I would say classic.

[@arkubus]

Thank you for another great review. Watching this I can't help but think that adopting a single "Review Ink" would be a very sensible thing, As in this shootout for example - Demonstrating subtle differences between two pens, that couldn't have been as apparent using different inks. Also, as in some of your other reviews, it would be much easier to establish a baseline performance parameter for pen nibs, in respect of their traits - such as Saturation, Skipping, Wetness etc.

[@Proj8ct]

What if it hard starts on both cheap and quality paper ?

[@VYBGSS]

My choise is the Pelikan M1000, but M or B nib.

[@victorgyulnazaryan2265]

Hi there! I spent all night wantching your extremely interesting videos. I always enjoy the parts when you give us some insights from THE BOOK. As many of us are trying to figure out which pen best suits him, I have a simple and yet probably very diffcult question. If you were to pick just one pen, of all the pens you have evere tried, based only on one factor - smoothness, which one would that be? Is it the Fabra Castelle E-Motion Croco as you praised its smoothness a lot. Or any other?

[@j.g.l7524]

Pelikan M1000 wins obviously

[@FahadMahmood1986]

What an epic contest. 2 truly great pens with much in common. I tend to use my 149 a lot more....but if I had to pick a favorite oversize fountain pen it would easily be the Omas Paragon new style. What a nib! How about it Stephen, the ultimate 4-way shoot-out between the 149, M1000, Delta Dolce Vita and the Paragon .... Hehe

[@samsowden]

The two pens that between them define what most people think a fountain pen should look like. Maybe along with the Duofold. For me it's the Pel, for sure.

[@masudashizue777]

Wonder which is more comfortable to hold for a long time?

[@antonc108]

Are those swords in the background? Is the pen mightier?

[@sbrebrown]

The pen is mightier but those are swords.

[@dannzeman]

I can't think of a better excuse for buying one!

[@robbiebluck]

I have a Mont Blanc Meisterstuck 149 that has the plastic ring around its nib cime away. I can send a good macro picture of this problem to any who request it. I believe this is a common recurring fault. How to DIY the repair would be FANTASTIC to learn how! If you know how please inform me.

[@MiadHoque]

Nice comparison, what notebook do you use for these videos?

[@erhanmuco]

Greetings from Turkey! I love your reviews. I would like to buy a pre-owned Montblanc 146 or 149 in good condition. Any reliable sites you would recommend? I am also considering buying a Sailor King of Pens Ebonite. Never used a fountain pen before so any recommendation would be appreciated!

[@sbrebrown]

The best thing is to go to a pen show. no website that sells used lens can be trusted 100%

[@GoranPlaysTV]

i ever tought double broad would be extremly wide but i think for my handwriting its perfect

[@yominrak7975]

I got a 146,and pelikan m800, m805 and m1000, all my Pelikan gold nibs are smooth and wet and never skips I do not need to worry about wet or dry ink pelikan just writes. Not the montblanc, I am lucky I did not pay the full price of it as I bought a preowned which currently is sent to montblanc for servicing, montblanc 146 medium nib, very dry and skips on every first stroke, I must use Iroshizuku Asa Gao ink in order to have lesser skips, come on its montblanc it is pricey despite a preowned.

[@retro51fan]

I've used both pens and the Pelikan M1000 feels more substantial and let's face it, there are a ton of MB 149 clones but I can't think of a single Pel M1000 clone out there (someone correct me if I'm wrong). The M1000 is a beautifully-crafted writing instrument---those stripes are stunning....

[@panhayou]

Interesting comparison of two excellent pens. I have a Souveran M805 on its way right now and cannot wait to try it out. I did quite a bit of research on the M800 and Montblanc 146 (I ruled out the M1000 and the 149 because of their impractical size) but decided on an M805 because of its blue stripes (which I like a lot better than green) and silver trims (which in my opinion is less flashy and more sophisticated than gold) and because I personally don't care for MB's design.

[@ItachiUchiha-ps6mk]

can you plz make a shootout between the parker urban and parker im, i herd the use the same nib, i want to see which one feels better to you

[@OhrmuzdAhriman]

Hey Stevemeister! I am looking online for a used montblanc meisterstuck under $250, I was wondering whether a 146 or 149 is better for me. I have comparably large hands like yourself. If you know any good sites to find said Montblanc I would appreciate it! Also you should make a video or two about those beautiful swords you have there :-).

[@christitanfighter]

Just need to review the Waterman Edson now! Then and only then will the trilogy be complete.

[@mybigrattler]

love watching you.

[@criscavi19]

Both pens have difficult start ink flow, both skip a little, neither seem quite wet. Just try ST DUPONT sir!

[@AleksGutierrez]

haha! Mr. Freud would surely say something like: "So son, what exactly are you trying to compensate for? Those two phallic-looking pens are rather big arent they?" lol :D *w/German accent*

[@emilehogan5819]

Have you done a video on the Mont Blanc Meisterstuck Legrand 146

[@matthewrammig]

Ha I came here because I searched for the m1000 firework. However just bought a mb 149 last week!

[@kato2395]

DAWG :D

[@indra112xj]

i have some pelikan pen, same nib size (medium), but my pelikan signum p520 (ss) write wetter and have more line variation than my pelikan m491 (18ct)

[@founink]

Dr Brown: Can you elaborate on how you compensated for ink accumulations on the m1000?

[@sbrebrown]

I don't think I have.

[@founink]

I have heard of the term nib creep. Is there something that can be done to minimize it on the m1000 or any other nib of significant cost?

[@sbrebrown]

Not really. Some inks are more prone to it than others.

[@robp.7769]

Well, since I am in no way in a position to purchase either of these these pens I will ask a question out of curiosity. In comparison to the Ahab how much larger are these beasts?

[@sbrebrown]

I don't think they're that much larger: the Ahab is a very big pen.

[@derrickm5548]

This is an excellent review and I must say I'm very pleased that I've acquired a lot of learning points about the different fountain pens from many of your videos here. There are two particular reviews of the Zoom and Music nibs from Sailor, which in my opinion are particularly helpful. The quality of the sailor fountain pens cannot be understated. The feedback from the sailor pens could be a very good feature but the ability of the Pelikan M1000 to 'sing' can be also quite a bonus to the ear as well. I wonder how the King of pens stand up to the M1000. Any idea? Personally, I prefer the quality of the Japanese maker but I am impressed with the Pelikan's dedication to excellence as well. For me, Montblanc 149 might be an excellent pen but it might just not work for me, at least for now.

[@sbrebrown]

I'm glad you found this useful. I have never used the King of Pens.

[@evipingleihe9552]

sbrebrown now you do.

[@gabrielgonzalez1993]

Which would you say would be a good first fountain pen, the Montblanc 146 or Pelikan M1000?

[@sbrebrown]

Gabriel Both are great pens, but the M1000 is a pretty large pen

[@gabrielgonzalez1993]

Thank you for your reply. In general, it seems as if the peoples tone towards the size of the M1000 is not as accepting as it is for the Montblancs; the people who do like the size of an M1000 are few and far between. I just needed some info from an -- expert fountain pen collector, so thank you. P.S. I just watched your shootout #77 :-) and it is good. Also, thanks for reminded me how beautiful "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss. I think the beautiful flowing legato of this waltz matches the relaxing flow of the dance between pen, paper, and ink.

[@glencashmore9100]

Thanks for responding, Stephen. I was simply trying to make a point that in extremis demonstrations do have their place but it might be far more useful for the viewer to gain an understanding of what might be useful in practice. I know that this will remain a very subjective evaluation but never the less it would provide the viewer with a more valid expectation.

[@Durandal999]

Thank you sir

[@glencashmore9100]

Just to elucidate; I have several pens which you have reviewed and some of these, as we both have observed, can be pressed into line variation with sufficient force applied to the tines but seldom is this to any useful degree, and I suspect that repeated attempts to do so will ultimately fatigue and deform/spring the nib.

[@Boerje69]

Epic.

[@founink]

On the m1000 broad nib I meant

[@Durandal999]

I got the 146 and the M800, the younger brothers of this two pens. I'm not into so big pens (I have no problems, i just prefer big pens, not super big, is just more confortable for me). BTW, i just sent a friend request on facebook ;)

[@paulirineomontano5074]

So which of these do you prefer?

[@gihanzohdy3284]

Pelikan.

[@kshirsagar45]

Wow

[@TheAtl0001]

Great review. Maybe a pet peeve, but you pronounce the Montblanc correctly not like Americans who always completely "rape" names. Yet, you pronounce Pelikan like the typical American.

[@sbrebrown]

You are right.

[@groundmoves0318]

I wish I could buy one for under 300 euros sigh...

[@seversebastian]

Come on, man! Spoiler alert! (Not to say I did't expect you would prefer the M1000, but still...)

[@Proj8ct]

Smoothest*

[@kroyweb4140]

Montblanc is the clear winner!

[@707PW]

Meine Pelikan Federn "singen" auch alle, kann den Gesang sogar unterscheiden, Pelikan>>all :)

[@anirbanchakraborty3589]

A very interesting fountain pen MB 149 , it has a nice gold finished if you can give it to me, I can give you a lovely fountain pen

[@nookrmk]

Sacrilege!!!

[@emilehogan5819]

I love your pens, just as much as I love your very posh British accent. Slightly creepy....

[@kshirsagar45]

Wow