Jinhao x159 Fountain Pen Review

[@raytheron]

I recently received my X159 (V2) in blue-black with gold trim. What a stunning writer! Filled it and straight off it wrote beautifully. No feedback to speak off, great flow and the pen fits perfectly in my rather large hand. Definitely a pen I would recommmend.

[@ChrisSaenz13]

I'm so happy to hear your opinions on this pen!!! My nib wrote very similar to yours ... so I spent quite a bit of time tuning it and now it's a good writer which is great because I love the weight and size of the pen!!!

[@brucebourne737]

Appreciate the review. A few things: 1. Jinhao immediately came out with a V2 of the X159 to address the number of cap turns, as well as adding the O ring to the barrel as people (including me with my V1 X159) were quickly getting cracked barrels. My blue X159 V2 is fantastic! 2. I wish more companies would take the "You know what..." approach that Jinhao apparently did! ;-) 3. Why would people complain about your rambling? It's history, it's fountain pens, what do people want??!

[@danmagoo]

THANKS for pointing out an easy way (the O-ring) to identify the V2 pens. I have 4 of the x159 pens, from when they first came through until just last week, with a range of writing between great and not so much, and I look forward to getting them sorted by Version.

[@JeffreyAmanTampa]

Bruce where did you source the v2? eBay and Amazon don't say whether it's v2 / has o-ring ...

[@Jifflan]

How easy is it to know when you buy it?

[@brucebourne737]

@@JeffreyAmanTampa The V1s only came in black, but the V2s are multiple colors. Also I think the new black V2 has gold trim

[@greyareaRK1]

I'm a big fan of this pen; comfortable, reliable, and a little bouncy. I had to widen the nib feed a bit, but that took all of 30 seconds. It embodies what a big pen company could/should do with at least one of their pens. In this way, it's a thoroughly modern daily driver.

[@tor2162]

Love the ramble and exposition, vs. a walk and an exhibition.

[@pensandboots3960]

Fyi, if you are curious. The barrel is two piece and the finial on barrel is tightly screw on to barrel on Version 2. The metal ring on the barrel is not expose from inside. The cap has two layer. If you remove the finial on the cap and the clip (by drilling out), the outer jacket on the cap slides out (too bad cap finial is not screwed on). Then you can slide out the centre band on the cap off the inner layer. I think the cap has another layer inside sealing the nib. The nib unit has separate collar and the collar is screwed on the barrel. The nib and feed are friction fit to the nib collar. The plastic nib feed looks very much look alike to the modern 149 feed. I've replaced the the nib with my spare 149 nib and it works like a dream. I can take it every where without worrying getting damage to the body. Btw, I a fan of your channel especially the old ones. I assume you had a bit more time in those days and pull everything apart.

[@thebeansandtoddshow]

This was the review I’ve been waiting for! Bought this pen when Azizah said she liked it, mine is not as dry as yours seemed in the video but then again I have the best ink in the world in mine-SBREBROWN!! Great review Stephen, Jude

[@hiltonprice2625]

I have two of these and they both write wet and smooth out of the box. Suppose it is a bit of hit or miss. The nib also has a bit of bounce and the pen is very comfortable to write with. Absolute bargain in my opinion.

[@JC-bu1zj]

Yeah I just got this for my dad and had problems writing with it.. turns out it works better with wetter inks... the end of the barrel does screw off and on the other colour variations the nib is two tone in colour and the screwy part on the section is plastic... love the feel of it.. looks pretty..... I may get myself one

[@osirisgolad]

I think it would be a smart decision for the Chinese OEMs to start producing nibs with tipping similar to Japanese coarse nibs. A $20-25 #8 coarse nib would be a very good starting point for a nibmeister to grind any nib shape you could possibly desire.

[@March22012]

Mine writes much more like what I consider a medium. That also means it doesn’t dry out. I haven’t written with it for several weeks and it just wrote, without any hesitation.

[@claes-berend]

Thanks for your review Stephen! I bought a few of the really, REALLY cheap X159's, because I love it so much. The nib is not only large but also smooth and STURDY. For that reason it is a great nib to experiment with grinding (I made them a broad). I have bought a dark blue and dark red X159 - that feels lesser as a rip-off - and it matches with resp. a dark blue indigo and dragon's red ink. After many purchases these and the Jinao x89 are my favorite pens now, so cheap a can play and experiment with the pens, nibs and different inks and that makes the hobby even more enjoyable.

[@littletweeter1327]

i got a first batch one. mine was actually incredibly well built. i’d say that of a $50 pen. the nib was perfect . i don’t use it that much as i prefer vintage pens, but this thing is really dang good for under $10 i would recommend it to starters. this cheap #8 nib has lots of potential and i’m interested to see what else jinhao does with it.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

This pen feels a lot like the oversized Sheaffer balance.

[@littletweeter1327]

@@sistergoldenhair0727 interesting! i have a normal sheaffer balance but not an oversized

[@therealjenso]

I purchased mine a while back and I'm very much enjoying it. I have also heard mixed reviews on the nib, but I got luck with mine because it writes quite well. Thanks for the review.

[@crouserm]

I got one a few months ago, and liked it well enough that I've gotten one for a friend and fellow enthusiast for Christmas. I did not run into dryness issues myself. I do find that the nib writes with a little more line variation with little encouragement than do the No. 6 nibs. Nice review, thanks!

[@divinewind88]

The name Jinhao essentially means Golden Luxury (a gaudy name which is typical of Chinese brands) with Jin meaning Gold and Hao meaning Luxury. I just checked it out and saw that they have an "Avocado Gold" trim which I might just get.

[@eddiecandelaria8691]

Another well thought and informative video. In this economy with a #8 sized nib this pen can't be beat. I have all colors and yes Doctor it does come in a coffee variant which is currently inked with SBRE brown and a perfect match I might add. I have a 149 and also all colors of the 159 and I am quite satisfied with this size especially the grip section on account of arthritis. Another fountain pen that comes to mind is the Sailor KOP. eBay has a orange variant kop for $961. I bought my orange x159 for $7.88 Some hits and misses, apply the video tutorials and get your desired result. Doctor Brown, you do not ramble... This is rambling.

[@Rabixter]

Thanks for the (free) video! Several years on and I still enjoy your videos. Actually you inspired me to get into fountain pens (for better or worse :D) I tried the 159 few years ago and tuned the nib to make it buttery smooth. It was great until the lacquer started flaking off and the threads got damaged somehow through normal use so the cap would not screw on. I did salvage the nib though. I'm going to try the X159 and see if it's better than the previous model.

[@jesusdiezgrijalvo6036]

I think it is very interesting your review. I use to llike every review you make, but most of the times it is about expensive pens I can t get. So I appreciate you show a pen everyone around the world can afford and enjoy. I wiill try to increase the inkflow watching videos as you recommends. Grettings from Spain. 🇪🇦 And merry Christmas.

[@JoseCid_24]

another great review ... as usual, thx for the time you spend making those videos, they are absolutely amazing and I absolutely love them.

[@barbarajloriordan2697]

I also had difficulty removing the nib and feed. I was finally able to accomplish that by wrapping Gorilla Tape around the nib/feed. (IMO, everybody can benefit from having Gorilla Tape in their tool chest, as it serves innumerable lifesaving purposes.) My nib was skippy enough on the diagonal upstrokes to be annoying, and, yes, the pen wrote very dry. After I removed the nib/feed, I was able to separate the tines using two brass strips. I then re-assembled the pen and gave it a few strokes on Mylar paper. Now, the pen writes very well. I would say, though, that the nib now writes like a medium verging on broad. I don’t mind that because I like using all sorts of nibs. I am thinking that this would be a great pain for testing out/using colored inks. I don’t like to use ink that stains a lot in my more expensive pens, but I am thinking that I might like to buy a few of these Jinhao x159 pens and dedicate each one to a particular color. I could see using one for Baystate Blue, for example. I also think that, with the nib now broader and flowing and more wetly, I could use a dry ink like Diamine Pumpkin or Autumn Oak and the ink might flow pretty well.

[@edwinbeta2806]

I also ended up spreading the tines a bit too far for my liking. I didn't mind the dryness so much as the scratchiness and particularly the skipping. Its a wonderful writer now but it's so wet now 😅

[@barbarajloriordan2697]

I find that this method works better with large nibs than with small ones..

[@mellow-jello]

Jinhao manufactures for Shanghai Qiangu Stationary Co. 金豪 translated to Golden Luxury. I can see how (no pun intended,) you would take Hao as 好, or good, they both have the same translation in English.

[@peterhofmann8292]

To my mind this is an excellent pen to get someone into the hobby, it is inexpensive, reasonable build quality and looks good. What I like most is how things "trend" in this hobby, I believe that last year it "flex" nibs, and this year number 8 nibs. Thanks for the review, very informative as always.

[@elf6460]

I’ve always wondered your thoughts on this pen. I’ve never encountered a number 8 nib. It’s always been size 6 or smaller. This is interesting to say the least. Thank you for posting! And don’t mind the rambling, I actually love it.

[@annamarielewis7078]

The #8 nib is HUGE 😂

[@korax67]

Well, the rambling sometimes is better than the review:-) I have 2 x159, they are both a bit dry, the second was drier than the first, but this is something you can easily fix. Jinhao can do marvels with this nib. I imagine already a BB and a stub ! Thank you for the review !

[@RobertMaguire67]

These are wonderful pens for a value price. They model for anyone a reasonable sense of writing with a large barrel pen prior to investing in a high value pen. They are easy to clean and maintain and can be considered useful for use with inks that are potentially appealing but may harm a pen. Considering the Baystate Blue colour being hard to match and its ink quirkiness with cleaning making it prohibitive for long term use in many pens….this is a must have priced pen. Anyhow again thanks Stephen for the reviews and video’s.

[@RosarioDiRubbo]

Jin Hao, (Chinese: 金号; pinyin: Jīnhào), which translates to "Gold Number", is a group of radio stations in Shaanxi, China serving Xi'an, China and the greater provincial area.

[@drezdogge]

I love mine, it's a solid performer, so gratifying to work with

[@wilberfloss832]

Hi, Steve. Nice review.👍 I think the thread on the grip section is plastic made to look like metal, though.

[@randy-9842]

Interesting and tempting. I have no #8 nibs currently in my remuda. I have their 159 but not their x159. I wish they offered it with a #8 medium nib. Oh, and I remember watching your Jinhao 159 review video shortly after it came out. We're both getting a bit older! :) --- Merry Christmas Stephen and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

[@frankbruno7122]

Enjoyed your review Stephen! Agreed with your points; always enjoyed my black metal version from 2012.. be well in 2023; I just got home from a 7 day hospital stay following a massive and 8th spinal surgery.. likely that 10 years of pain is on the run.. Thank you for offering some fun and interesting videos over the same general timeframe--i want you to know that they helped! Frank in Colorado

[@christinearmington]

Hope you’re doing well. 😁

[@focusers1]

No problem with making this an eyedropper. First, stuff silicon putty into the top of the barrel because the blind cap unscrews and you need the putty to stop any ink from getting to the line where the cap screws onto the barrel. Next, cut the standard converter so 1/8 inch sticks out from the section, forming a tube. Finally, put some silicon grease around the metal. Done. I did this months ago to a few X159 pens, and all write without leaks or corrosion. In fact, I have a few Jinhou pens I converted to eyedroppers several years ago following the same method, and not one has shown any corrosion. Maybe the idea that metal will disqualify a pen from being used as an eyedropper is for specific pens or inks, but it does not apply to the Jinhao models with metal threads and a plastic barrel.

[@focusers1]

Also, I made a video showing how to do this (not polished like your videos). kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6vYYYFmd6ufjMk

[@RobertMaguire67]

Thanks Professor Brown.

[@smithraymondearl]

I have the red X159 as well as the old 159. Both are good all around pens. Thanks for another great review and video. Have a good Christmas break and a Happy New Year.

[@DaedalusGage]

I got one for myself, had a good experience, and decided to get them (with good inks and a fountain pen friendly notebook) for some friends at work so I could introduce them to fountain pens. Figured its similarity to a Montblanc 149 would be useful so they could anticipate what that would feel like to write with (at least size and shape), should they want one in the future.

[@philnaunton7181]

This review is 3 months old, so no one is going to read this. I finally received a Jinhao X159 today 4/8/2023, and I was somewhat shocked at the size of this pen, even though you were explicit about it's girth and length, not to forget mentioning the enormous #8 nib. I ordered a MEDIUM sized nib as well so this took some time to get across the Pacific and 2000 miles of North America to get here. Actually the shipping was quick but the pen was obviously not a stock item, but had to be built I suppose. Looks nice, the medium tipping looks as big as a basketball under my loupe. Now after some cleaning I'll have to see how it performs.

[@TheRealOfficialGator]

Another reason why a size 8 nib is a really good idea for a chinese company is that larger metal pieces are a LOT easier to work with than smaller metal pieces. It will be much easier for them to provide higher quality nibs more consistently.

[@annamarielewis7078]

I just got my first Jinhao X159 today. I’m shocked at how much I love the weight and size of this pen. It came with a fine nib, but I’m ordering some medium and Fude to switch out, although it is probably more rational just to buy several different pens with different nib sizes, since they are so very inexpensive. I am a first time subscriber and I’m enjoying you tremendously. I’m trying to place your accent. Where might you be from. HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉

[@canalwest]

There is a new upgraded version of the X159 that has gold trim and the cap comes off in one and a half turns. The nib also has gold accents on the new batch.

[@Ybalrid]

Recently bought one on Amazon, I had a few 159 in the past (like them but they are way too heavy). Interestingly, very old Jinhao 159 used to have the center band stamped, more recent ones have them engraved/etched like in the x159 I have one with the EF nib, and it's not *particulary dry*, but for the price, I can understand how people are getting inconsistent results. Only used Diamine Writer's Blood in the thing, and that ink seems wetter than the usual (to me at least). Also, I was surprised when cleaning the brand new x159 to find the feed had some blue ink in there. Are they actually QA-ing these pens individually now?

[@AtomicElf1]

Interesting and good to know. Another reason to flush new pens before use, even inexpensive models.

[@Ybalrid]

@@AtomicElf1 always do that. You do not know what state a pen you just go is in. 😉

[@annamarielewis7078]

Mine had blue ink too

[@luckyoleary9626]

Would be great so see a follow up if you decide to widen the tines.

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

I just ordered this pen for the #8 nib. My expectation is that it will be fun.

[@Will-jd2br]

Its far better to get a nib too dry than too wet. Penbbs is known to do that also and it gives people options. A few down strokes with extra pressure fixes it quickly.

[@kierangoddard2198]

I purchased a pack of four with different colours and fine nibs. I love them but there is inconsistency with the ink flows between the various pens.

[@jacobblumin4260]

My x159 works fine but has one problem: when I uncap it there is always a little ink at the end of the section where it meets the nib, just enough to get ink on my fingers. Other than that I really like the pen. Writes well and you can't beat the price.

[@Vermiliontea]

Resin? I think it's a fairly cheap thermoplastic. And that it's injection molded. But pity it's not available in 'M'. The ink variation with pressure is typical for Jinhao and possibly intended for writing Chinese characters?

[@arunabhalahiri1592]

I have 2 and have problems with both nibs. One is unusable and the other works well with a cartridge. But still the nib is really hit or miss.

[@frankbruno7122]

Nice work Stephen! Frank in Colorado

[@neilpiper9889]

I have 2 of these, one blue and one black. Both write beautifully, more like a medium line.

[@East_Anglian]

My X159 arrived 1 day ago and I really like it; I have a dark green resin, but the F nib is really smooth, and wet . the balance is great and the wider section really works for me. I prefer it to my TWSBI classic and an AL-STAR, all with replaced F nibs - because of the wider section and the smooth feel of the nib ( I am left-handed). Oddly, It did cost me 18 GBP which is twice what you paid in CAD but I still think it represents good value for the enjoyment it gives .

[@ryokan9120]

Is it really made from resin? Looking at my X159, I thought it was made from cheap plastic. But the design and nib are brilliant for the price and you could easily write for hours on end very comfortably. Quite possibly the most comfortable pen I've ever used. However, the clip is rubbish and I only use it to prevent the pen from rolling off the table.

[@MathewTitus]

There are actually TWO versions of this pen - one with a three turn cap - and another with a two and a half turn cap. I have both. I prefer the pen with the three turn cap since I think the two and a half turn cap has a skipping issue. I suspect that the nibs on the newer models are a tad over-polished and MAY have a baby's-bottom issue. Having said that - it isn't really a BIG issue. It still writes.

[@thepenman357]

Regarding the dryness, I wonder if making the ink channel slightly wider with a razor knife (e.g. X-Acto) might help too? I'm waiting for them to come out with a medium nib before I buy and review.

[@impish22]

can wait to watch..

[@fornierlaw2106]

I gifted these after tuning the nibs. I replaced them with regular 159's which I actually prefer. How do I get replacement caps?

[@hannessmulfsson1484]

Well, I have a very limited knowledge of chinese so take this with a pinch of salt. The chinese chariot is called 战车 zhànchē = war vehicle. Yes, 好 hǎo means good but Jīnháo is written like this: 金豪 金 Jīn means gold and 豪 háo means hair or drawing brush so considering Jīn probably means good and not literally gold, I would translate Jīnháo as "good pen".

[@sbrebrown]

Thank you!

[@MightyChoctaw]

I think 豪 here means something more like 'grand', or 'heroic', or perhaps a person of extraordinary gifts or powers. Everything else is spot on though.

[@Jezee213]

I have the old 159 and this version fixes everything I didn't like about the original. The nib was too small, the section tapered weirdly, the cap threads were metal, If you want it to look like the 149 the clip wasn't close however, I actually like the old clip personally. I'm gonna order one for sure. Does anyone know what the old one is made of, it seems like just painted metal but I'm not sure??

[@neemancallender9092]

I have one in EF A very smooth nib An excellent writer, no problem with flow and writes well with a light touch I find the pen too big and girthy for my hand for writing I now use it as a drawing pen where I can hold it loosely Just $6 it is an insane price for such a quality pen I recommend this pen (it comes in different colors)

[@webbdelasteve]

I had always hated Jinhao nibs until I tried the hooded nibs in the Parker 51 knockoffs. They are great. Marking with one atm. But, until Jinhao stops pumping out OK-looking pens with "fine" nibs that are really M or B but never EF or F, I'll stay away except for the aforementioned hoodies, which I love.

[@annamarielewis7078]

What is the Parker 51 knock off.? I love hooded nibs, but they tend to be so scratchy. I prefer a thicker, wetter line for writing.

[@webbdelasteve]

@@annamarielewis7078 It is the Jinhao 86. I have bought 4 in EF, and they all write very smoothly with more of an F-sized line. I'm not a fan of Jinhao, but I love these particular pens. They are 2-3 dollars a piece.

[@MightyChoctaw]

My x159 was an absolute hose, almost too wet for me with most inks. With a PenBBS ink or maybe a Pelikan 4001 it's a beautiful writer though. Just too chunky in the hand for me.

[@fornierlaw2106]

Two of the caps on my Jinhao X159's broke off at the joint of the clip when it was inserted in a shirt pocket. Will not happen with a brass-bodied 159.

[@nyanmhong162]

Oh man I cracked up when I heard this pen only costs 10 bucks plus shipping😂. This is crazy! A schmidt or bock nib unit would cost more than that. And it WORKS?!?!

[@omeryehezkely3096]

I probably wrote with 6 or 7 Jinhao x159 and all of them wrote beautifuly. A "wet" ink is probably important as the nibs are F (or EF). The biggest drawback of this pen is that you can't get an M or (even better) a B nibs. Hopefully someone from Jinhao will read my comment and decide to produce M and B nibs...

[@BillPorter1456]

Amazon now has a Jinhao X159 with an "M" nib.

[@ultramaxpro8537]

I love my Jinhao x159 and it has been a consistent writer for me.

[@Izolacija]

It's not #8 nib, diameter is smaller and it's a bit shorter.

[@theProf_01]

I have three x159’s, and they have all written very well close to what I would consider a medium line. They don’t dry out. I guess they vary from batch to batch. Luck of the draw??

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I am happy to see you review this pen! I have two of them and may get more. I have a black one and a coffee colored one both with EF nibs! I LOVE them! They are amazing writers and with the EF nibs I can actually use them in my moleskine notebooks which are pretty much useless for anything else but EFs or ballpoints. I’m surprised how much I love these pens! I don’t find myself ever using my 159 anymore as it is too heavy with all that metal. This x159 is perfectly balanced in my opinion. I’m also quite delighted with their version of an XF nib!

[@buck-pucker]

The good thing is that the feed is well designed and can easily supply ink to an adjusted nib

[@JohnGMeadows]

My copy had a pretty dry nib, but after opening it up it is quite a decent writer.

[@paulmchugh1430]

Excellent review. I have 2 of these pens and think it is one of the best releases by Jinhao this year. The price makes this pen a great value. Is it cheap in construction? Well, I think is it fine and perhaps better than some that costs more. Lastly, if they made this pen with a piton filler it would be fabulous.

[@BigHenFor]

Same on the Jinhao 80 released this year. Come on Jinhao, give us a piston filler version of these pens, so we can use them all day without refilling.

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@BigHenFor that would be awesome! But Jinhao hasn't made any pen with a piston filler.

[@ArjanD78]

Mine is VERY dry as well

[@bruce502]

Thanks for this review. I have the dark green and the burgundy color pens. Both wrote well out of the package. Probably more on the medium side. The nib and feed are contained in a nib unit, which is screwed into the section. So far, even with much effort, I have been unsuccessful in removing just the nib. If you figure out how, please post a video of the technique. I suspect that the o-ring is to help keep the 'Renaissance Resin' from splitting when tightening the barrel. Thank you for sharing.🙏

[@Mercy_Pants]

So moral of the story, the MB149 should only be $10. But since it has a gold size 8 it starts at $900.

[@silverghost5752]

Welcome to the X159 Party, though a tad late.

[@thomasdoukakis7180]

I never liked my metal 159. It is too heavy for me. I have mixed feelings for the x159 as it is too big for my hands .

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Mind boggling to me that this pen sels for under $10. I now have 5 of them.

[@davidmcguigan5497]

I think Jinhao could have charged $20 or $25 bucks and still sold bushels of them. Interesting--and I'm certainly pleased about it since I have 3 of them--that they priced them so low. If so inclined, one could send one, or more, off to a nib grinder and have a nice pen, #8, custom-ground nib for what? $70? Even less? Thanks, Dr. Brown!

[@pmccord9]

A hair in your mouth? Hope it's your moustache, not moustache riding... Great review. Thanks.

[@TheRacerRich]

One way to look at this is look how cheap, good for the money. I just see a thing that wasn't made with good QC, is devoid of original ideas, and is simply future refuse rather than a joy forever. Why bother? Instead abhor items that are future refuse and you will be able to save for what is actually a durable good.