Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Unboxing and Review: Explorer vs Metropolitan

[@chazmena]

Catching up with past videos this morning, as I clean my BBQ grill ('thoroughly,' as my wife demanded). I bought it. Damn it Doug, thanks to your videos I've spent my budget for heroin this week!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Keeps ya off the streets!

[@TroubledCarOwner]

On a whim I bought an Explorer just today when I was looking at a Kakuno. I'm a beginner and it's only my 3rd fountain pen. The first is the Parker IM Vibrant Blue and the second is a Lamy Safari. This is the cheapest of the 3 and feels the cheapest but writes like a more expensive pen. VERY smooth. Smoother than the Safari (Fine), very close to the Parker (also Fine). It's a Medium but writes like the Safari's Fine nib, which is fine since my handwriting is small. I've only used the standard Pilot Black cartridge it came with, but I will be getting the Iroshizuku cartridges. It's twice as expensive as the Kakuno where I am but I think I made the right choice. Still thinking about that Kakuno though. Might be fun to let friends at the office borrow a fountain pen with a smiley face. My only gripe is the narrow sweet spot, but only a minor inconvenience that I got a handle of in minutes writing with it. But Pilot will now be in my radar. What would be the best next step up from the Explorer?

[@MrAndrew1953]

I like the way you can fit a con 70 converter. This makes it a standout entry point fountain pen you can try out some Iroshuzuku inks with.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree!

[@misswoodhouse5720]

Thanks for a great look at the Explorer. I consider this as a great pen for a starter, they are pretty available, kind of cheap, best bit a new fountain pen user doesn't need to wait 6 weeks to get one haha. My first pens were Lamy Al-star and Metropolitan's then moved on to eBay Chinese pens now I'm into next level Chinese pens :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Totally agree! IF not for the barrel step on the Metro, I'd recommend the Metro over the Explorer. But the Explorer - especially with a Con70 - is an excellent workhorse pen. We'll have to see if that finish comes off.

[@agradoville]

Another nice detailed review on a nice looking pen. I might have to look into this pen a little closer. I am really enjoying my TWSBI eco at the moment though. I thought you might have gone with a nice smoke grey ink on this one Doug! ( I do like the ink when seeing it written) As always you actually get a great review with a few LOL moments . Thanks Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Andy! I'm glad you're enjoying the Eco - it is hugely popular. The only grey I have that I was thinking of putting in the pen is Take-Sumi. I'm not a huge fan of the grey scale.

[@JoelTurrell]

Thanks for another engaging review. My own take on the matter of objectivity is borne out of decades of photo magazine camera reviews: what matters is not neutrality, but consistency and honesty in your biases. A truly neutral stance would amount to 5 lbs of rug fluff. (Other than James Dyson, who could use 5 lbs of rug fluff.) Because you give us your standards and they remain constant, we can judge whether or not we will enjoy the lab specimen you are dissecting.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Joel! Your support has meant a lot to me and my channel.

[@bill_jennings]

This was a good review. I was leaning toward the Metro, but I think you may have swayed me toward the Explorer instead. Time to go shopping! Thanks

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad I could help!

[@jeffroberts532]

Thank you, Doug, for another Super Quality review!

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure! Thank you, Jeff!

[@stampinsan]

It does have a nice sleek look. I love the Rober Oster Fire and Ice! 😊

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you!! 😊 I'm glad I have a full bottle of the Fire and Ice!

[@bikkies]

I've always given the Explorer a miss so far, as it looks ...."cheap". However finding out it takes the CON-70 makes this a different proposal. I have a boatload of Kakunos all with CON-70s and love them all. So I actually just might actually have to actually check this out. Actually.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The addition of the cursive italic nib (from the Plumix) and a Con70 has made the Explorer an awesome pen.

[@scribemike]

It says "Japan" on the side of the cap's metal clip, and even a quick internet search would have shown that the pens and nibs are made in Japan.

[@bikerjon8934]

@5:55 you can clearly see "JAPAN" stamped on the clip

[@joseparada4430]

Great review I have enjoyed it a lot. Thank you. My only wish is Explorer cap could be inserted more deeply. All the rest is fine in referenece to design.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joseparada4430]

@@InkquiringMinds You are the best reviewer for me, sir. I bought a CON-70 for my P. Explorer but those sold in Europian Union take international cartidge holder. They do not say anything and you have to learn the hard way those details. Very bad. Regards from Ibiza.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@joseparada4430 Perhaps you can sell the Con70 on eBay? They are very popular. I had no idea the specifications were different in the EU. Thanks for the information.

[@greatlakescruiser5720]

Great review....as always! Happy Father's Day!!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks so much! :) (got your second letter)

[@paulopacheco3944]

Hello. I enjoyed the video as alway. Yet it and several other of your past videos left me with a question. Why do most people make the writing sample only draw vertical and horizontal lines not diagonal?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I do the vertical/horizontal to measure the lines for thickness. The other strokes (alphabet and cursive writing) determine how well the nib performs on the paper.

[@deanandreoli1975]

i can vouch for the Plumix italic nib fitting beautifully into the Explorer. So much fun. I got a pack of 3 Plumix pens for under 20 bux and had a nib swapping party. *Brown-chicken-brown-cow*

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Plumix nib in an Explorer with a Con-70 converter is a great upgrade.

[@deanandreoli1975]

@@InkquiringMinds It is! And that pen body is really comfortable for long sketch sessions. Such a pleasure.

[@willtato8778]

I have the plumix. I like the cap. In my family, we call it the squid pen (especially the pluminix). Because of the italic nib, it is a bit finicky. You can't write with an angle close to perpendicular to the page and you have to write flat. I write with a low angle, so the experience for me is better than for others. However, when I have the specific spot, it's really smooth (since it's just basically a nib with the tip cut off). It might also be me, but I found the metal to be soft, since there's no iridium etc tip for example. Soft being it wears down easily (nib will overall change shape /angle the more you write), and not about springiness. The pensmanship is the standard variant of the plumix, but with a more 'rocket' cap than a 'squid' (still more subtle than the 993 though lol). I wanted a pilot EF, but I opted for the kakuno rather than the penmanship for no bigger reason than the smiley face on the nib. If you don't feel like reviewing the plumix, then I'm sure no-one here's going to force you to. ; )

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm going to look for a Plumix, Willtato! Even if just to swap the nib in the Explorer to an italic.

[@robertreid7221]

Love this pen Doug and thankyou for yet another great review. Add the Con 70 converter, and the whole pen takes on an erotic quality (but that may just be me)? Peace and love as always✌❤

[@InkquiringMinds]

Erotic!? You've been inside with your paracord way too long my friend! LOL

[@countduckula9977]

Hi Doug, Great video. I am glad you thought that the Platinum Plaisir is better than this pen. What was the name of the Ice Hockey film in this video? I have a Pilot "White Tiger" Metropolitan which I bought from a bricks & mortar shop here in the UK. The strange thing is that it takes standard international cartridges, so I stuck in a Pelikan extra long cartridge [they only sell medium nibs in the shop].

[@InkquiringMinds]

The film is "Slap Shot" with Paul Newman. Fantastic film!

[@countduckula9977]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for the reply & reminding me of that brilliant film.

[@tbayless8324]

Which pen would you recommend? This pen or the Diplomat Magnum. I am torn. Even though the magnum does come in a broad Nib

[@InkquiringMinds]

I've not used a Diplomat Magnum, but the Pilot Explorer is a different animal completely - both in the hand and in cost. The Explorer is better than the Metro in my opinion.

[@tbayless8324]

Thanks for your answer. It's a guessing game, isn't it ? @@InkquiringMinds

[@jacobus57]

Those mixable inks are far and away the worst ink I've ever used. It feathered on everything, so I dumped four cartridges and refilled them for my parallels, and they now write beautifully. I'll look forward to hearing what your experience is!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'll have to give them a shot. Perhaps once I've swapped the nib to an italic from a Plumix.

[@ichirofakename]

Reminds me how much I like my Preppys.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Preppy writes okay, I just don't like the white paint that chips off and the horrible cap.

[@geomancer6371]

There are now Iroshizuku inks available with Pilot cartridges. They heard you. At least here in Asia...

[@InkquiringMinds]

I've seen that!

[@gurtana]

Hello, great review! Does the CON-70 fit into the Plaisir OK? I watched your Plaisir review and that was great too - with excellent suggestions on how to interchange parts and inks, so wondering whether the CON-70 fits it well if the CON-40 is universally hated.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Con70 and Con40 converters are from Pilot and don’t fit Platinum pens.

[@gurtana]

@@InkquiringMinds Oh I'm sorry - I am getting the "P"s - mixed up, Pilot, Platinum... 😓 Many apologies - and good to know!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@gurtana No worries!

[@billclockwell]

Pilot does sell iroshzuku cartridges, not in America I guess

[@InkquiringMinds]

They do now. But not when I made this video.

[@March22012]

I like the Plumix. It lends to an elegant hand. But I like finer nibs and lighter pens so this one may be ideal to throw in my bag. Thanks, Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, J. Where did you get yours? Kensington?

[@March22012]

@@InkquiringMinds, yes.

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

My favourite cheap Pilot is the Kakuno! I have a bunch...love them...especially to use at work. I also love the 1.0 stub. I replaced all my Metropolitans with the CM nib from either Plumixes (found cheap on Amazon or Stylo.ca in Montreal sells the nib/feed separately).

[@InkquiringMinds]

Right on! I'm expecting a medium italic Plumix in the mail any day now and anxious to try the nib in my Explorer!

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

@@InkquiringMinds Super! 😊

[@Dobj319]

I got one of these when they were first available. I had a Con-70 converter. I tried it and it wouldn’t stay in place in the section. I hope you have better luck.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It surprises me the tolerance differences, Darold! The Con70 should fit snugly inside any Pilot pen that accepts a Pilot cartridge (even if the barrel won't close on it). My Con70 won't stay in place on the section of my Metro but it does fine on the Explorer.

[@Dobj319]

I bought another explorer- one with the squeeze converter. I tried the con-70 in it and it wouldn’t fit (too small). So maybe it is the converter. Nevertheless I tried something: I put a small strip of paper medical tape around the opening of the con-70 and now it fits. I suppose I’ll have to wait to see how long term this fix is.

[@davidmcguigan5497]

You have chosen well, grasshopper. Thanks, Doug! The Explorer looks nice enough, appears to be a kid/ student pen, which is fine. I am waiting for a pen that I am eager to measure against the lot of them. But, it is from China, sshhh. Another fun ride in your basement. Cheers!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Right on!

[@bikerjon8934]

Japan(@5:55)

[@beemrb]

Thanks Doug, good video

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mGARANDEUR1]

My prera ivory color has a super quality nib. Even the american demonstrator versions at $50 have it. I’m not sure it indicates chinese manufacturing because you will see both nibs at different price points. They’re both good but i find the nib on my prera to be nicer with its “super quality” nib. Maybe it’s just normal variability though. What’s really frustrating is how inconsistent fountain pen nibs are in general. Everyone who uses fountain pens has got one with mis-aligned tines. By the way i love the quotes. It’s more interesting than everyones favorite lazy dog.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Oooh I want a Prera ivory! They look so small though. I might have to go to my pen shop and try one out posted. It if is good in my hand posted, then I'll get one. The difference in nibs is quality control. Any nib can be misaligned or need a little micromesh polish. Mass produced pens will not get that individual attention.

[@amjadali-tv3si]

Highly impressed. For signature on documents what brand you suggest. By the way I have also purchases this today see how it will write.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Pelikan M800!

[@amjadali-tv3si]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks dear 😘

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@amjadali-tv3si you’re welcome sweetheart!

[@amjadali-tv3si]

@@InkquiringMinds just ordered

[@Raul1971xxx]

Saludos Dough, Greetings Dough. That Pilot explorer is a very good looking pen. ¿It have number 6 size nib?. 🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@InkquiringMinds]

No it is a #5 size identical to the Metro.

[@Raul1971xxx]

@@InkquiringMinds Aha, good.. 👍

[@thatfluffeebunneh]

I've only gotten into fountain pens for about a year now, and I agree that my Metropolitan is my least favourite pen. Too heavy, and I can't get over the horrible step-down. I much prefer the Kakuno which is a similar situation to the Explorer. Same nib, but with a cute plastic body and about $10 cheaper (looks cheap too IMO). That being said, I'll take my preppy over any of these Pilot pens. We'll see how these compare to my PENBBS 355 and 500, when they arrive...

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Platinum P's write better than the Pilots do in my opinion. It is unfair to compare the Penbbs 355/500 to the Metro/Explorer or the Platinum P's. They are in a different class.

[@thatfluffeebunneh]

@@InkquiringMinds For sure! I'm expecting them to outperform my Twsbi Eco - which they already do in aesthetics

[@luciuszha4057]

It seems there’s some variation among “Pilot Super Quality Japan” nibs. My 78G Medium from 2012 writes like a western medium.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Interesting. I"m surprised at the variation. Not so surprised if they are indeed made in China. I would expect a Chinese made Pilot to have a bit less QC than one made in Japan.

[@luciuszha4057]

Douglas Rathbun I think it’s the difference between old and new. The tipping material is significantly bigger than that on the other Pilot steel nibs I have used.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Lucius Zha Interesting. I would think bigger tipping material would mean a thicker line.

[@luciuszha4057]

Douglas Rathbun And that’s what happened.

[@luciuszha4057]

Douglas Rathbun I should clarify that it is the old 78G that has a bigger tipping than the other Pilot steel nibs.

[@koskey06]

I like that ink.

[@jamerelbe]

Thanks Doug, for sparing me the expense: This is another pen I'd considered trying (though I was a bit hesitant) - on the strength of your review, I think I'll pass!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad to help!

[@calebkiller97]

he said "does not", not "doesn't", so don't put that in quotations, quotations are for EXACT quotes. excellent review, subscribed.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'll speak to the powers that be at BrainyQuote.com! Thanks!

[@meh8982]

Ugh, looks like a disposable rollerball that should be sold in packs of 12. If it feels better than it looks, I guess that helps, but it's hard to take it seriously as a real pen. That Metro style packaging seems like overkill for this thing. I prefer the Kakuno - at least it isn't pretending to be better than it is, and it's a comfortable size and shape, and certainly less generic in appearance. The Plumix is good though for a cheap crappy pen. Funny-looking perhaps - I think it's meant to vaguely suggest a feather, and it is a calligraphy pen after all - but to me, it is comfortable in the hand and well-balanced. The Pluminix (a Plumix with a tiny tail) cursive italic F has a wonderful nib that can be switched onto other steel-nib Pilots (and has the identical section to the Plumix). But I like fine nibs. The tiny cap is the result of the unusual design of the section, which is not covered by the cap as in most fountain pens They are cheap pens and don't last forever, but the nibs are often very pleasant.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It DOES feel much better than it looks, although I like the way it looks. I'm going to get a Plumix to review and swap the italic nib to the Explorer. The extra weight of the Con70 makes a big difference as well.

[@donseglio]

A Japanese Medium nib is like a Western Fine nib,

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very much so.

[@ArtistWizardry]

Ahh.. Fire and Ice is a beautiful ink.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Isn't it though! I have a full bottle of this stuff. It will go as fast as my Kon-Peki.

[@jose831117]

Nice

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks

[@archivist17]

I love my Metropolitan/MR/Cocoon. Sure, it would be great if it would take the larger converter, but I can live with it. Explorer seems OK, but, as you say, boring. Oh - as for 'boring' inks *checks shelves* I have black, black, black, black, black, audacious red and Beautyberry (purple). Guess I'm boring, too ;)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Some blacks are more interesting than others. And what is the "beautyberry"? Have you tried Diamine Bilberry? It is a deep purple that dries almost black. Love it.

[@archivist17]

@@InkquiringMinds It's Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki-Shikibu. Gorgeous deep purple. I've been meaning to investigate Diamine inks, so I'll have a go at that when my stocks of the Iroshizuku run out (which is soon).

[@warblerab2955]

To the reviewer: Japan nibs are different from American/European nibs. Usually a Japanese medium = American/European fine, and a Japanese fine = American/European extra fine.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I am very aware of this thank you. That's why I show line widths using Richard Binder's line width chart showing the differences between Western and Japanese lines.

[@warblerab2955]

@@InkquiringMinds Okay then. Question: when you said the nib writes too thin for a medium, did you mean too thin for a a American/European medium or too thin for a Japanese medium?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@warblerab2955 A Japanese medium is supposed to be between 0.5 and 0.6mm and this is almost 0.5mm.

[@warblerab2955]

@@InkquiringMinds Okay.

[@stargazer1359]

Oh, good old Honest Abe.

[@stargazer1359]

Educating Rita, love this film...

[@InkquiringMinds]

As a university professor, I've watched this over and over again Stacy. I love when she runs across town like it is an emergency to tell her teacher that she "Get's it". Those moments of insight are beautiful to watch and happen so rarely in front of you.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think Abe would be shocked at the his party in 2020.

[@stargazer1359]

@@InkquiringMinds It's truly an excellent film and a favorite.... I can only imagine, that !must be a lovely thing to witness Doug. As for Abe, and the rest of our forefathers.... Well, .....

[@stargazer1359]

We live at nearly complete opposite ends of North America...A shame we live so far...I like shooting the breeze with you.