Pilot Prera first impression | comparison

[@MarshaLove0723]

I have 16 colors of Pilot Prera fountain pens - 9 solid and 7 clear. Wonderful pens. I always use refilled cartridges for the Elite/E95s, so I can see when my ink gets low; I can't see the ink in the CON-40 converter because of the length of the pen grip. When you really don't like an ink, like the supplied cartridges, go ahead and empty the pen and rinse out the cartridge/converter. Life is too short to write with ink you don't like. 😀

[@MarcellHobbs]

Wow! What a wonderful collection of Prera pens. I’m so glad I ordered to experience. Yes, I’ve flushed the black ink today. I haven’t decided on a refill color. I appreciate your comments and advice! Thanks for watching. 🖋❤️

[@KitchenCounterCrafts]

WOW! Love the Prera - I have just a couple, but I love Pilot pens!!!

[@xatakalinux.wordpress]

I have 5, two solid color and 2 transparent. Although the silver ring that has the converter makes it impossible for me to load converter. If it's not for that reason they are a good design pocket fountain pen for me. Recently in the Pilot Prera I reloaded the converter and in a little more than half an hour the converter was empty, any idea why?

[@MarcellHobbs]

Oh my! Did you discover where the ink went? Did you have a full fill? If you didn’t find a leak or excess ink anywhere, I assume you didn’t fill the converted all the way. Any chance you wrote more than you thought and your ink is actually on the page? Enjoy your Preras!

[@xatakalinux.wordpress]

@@MarcellHobbs excess ink in feeder

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Hey Marcy. I just subscribed to your very nice channel. I have a dark brown Pilot Prera in a medium nib. My pen is extremely consistent. It never hard starts, leaks, or skips. I can't say that about my pricier pens. I prefer the solid colors vs. the demonstrator versions.

[@MarcellHobbs]

That’s good to hear. I haven’t had them long enough to gain that experience, but no issues so far. Welcome to my channel. I hope you enjoy! 🖋

[@lindaanderson9008]

Hi Marcy! I have been looking at the Prera for a while. Thanks for this review.

[@MarcellHobbs]

You are quite welcome! I’m anxious to see which nib size and color you choose. I’m glad I purchased. Thanks for watching! 🖋️♥️

[@stationery.shenanigans]

Great video! I really like how the Preras look, they're like a combination of classic and modern (the marriage of a Sailor and LAMY?!). Thanks for sharing!

[@MarcellHobbs]

You are so welcome! I also considered similarities between Sailor and Pelikan. Thanks for watching!

[@theartesana]

I have a brown Prera in fine nib and it writes so smooth. Watching this is making me want to purchase the calligraphy one. 😍🖋

[@MarcellHobbs]

Great! I hope you enjoy 🖋❤️

[@pamelahermano9298]

I had tried a few fountain pens before getting a Prera. I will say, this is the first fountain pen I fell in love with. The way it glided on the paper and how the ink never skipped and how it took my handwriting to the next level. After I experienced this pen for the first time I went ahead and bought all the available colors.

[@MarcellHobbs]

I also enjoy the lightweight and compact size. I’m tempted to still purchase the brown and slate blue. Enjoy your pens!

[@KitchenCounterCrafts]

Look at all your lovely Pilots!!! The ivory is beautiful and shows up nicely on the video. I'm still in love with my Prera with CM nib. So beautiful for writing and drawing! I also have the same metropolitan in purple -- so beautiful!

[@MarcellHobbs]

Thank you!! I enjoy each one. I wrote the Prera dry yesterday and need to decide on which ink to refill with to try a variety. 🖋️♥️

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you for the detailed review, learned quite a bit.

[@MarcellHobbs]

You are so welcome. I’m always glad to help. Thanks for watching. 🖋️♥️

[@mollymollie6048]

I’ve been looking for a nice pen under $50 with a converter included and a calligraphy/stub nib. I was leaning toward the TWSBI, but not a fan of the weight of them (too heavy for me) or the price for wanting a smaller, lighter pen (really, needing a smaller lighter pen…I have small hands with some nerve damage, and even the Kaweco AL Sport feels too heavy for me.) I stumbled on this Prera, and have been researching it…and I am SOLD! Thank you for the great demonstration! I’d love to know how you’re enjoying it after a year.

[@MarcellHobbs]

With the information you have shared, I think the size and weight of the Prera would be perfect for you. I love the Preras so much, I now have five in total. They are the perfect size, weight, price, and quality. I have shared the brown, blue, and pink additions on my channel. Thanks for sharing your story, comments, and questions.

[@mollymollie6048]

@ Fantastic! I’ll definitely go and check out your other reviews on the Prera. Appreciate the feedback as well! I did notice that some of them come with the Con-40 and some with the Con-50, and every time I hear someone mention the Con-40 they say they hate it…any thoughts? (Or, maybe I should just watch your other videos and you address it there…going to watch them anyway. I enjoy how you present the pens and review them.)

[@MarcellHobbs]

@mollymollie6048 It’s the ink capacity of the Con 40. In a recent video I showed it in a Pilot E95s and another E95s using a cartridge for comparison’s sake. I’ll try to link it for you. I think it was the Gold Inlaid Nibs video.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Yes, here is the link. The con 40 and cartridge is shown starting at 8:50 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naW1lXp5f9ppnNEsi=rgP460wJBF6CvKt-

[@ma3xiu1]

Pilot Preras are my daily carry -- fit nicely in my pocket; the medium nibs are very smooth, yet fine enough for my bullet journal. The con40 converters are not great, but nevertheless get the job done.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Yes, I carry them at work as well. The size and cost works well as I don’t fear losing one as I would a premium pen. Having the small ink capacity allows me to change and experience new inks often. Enjoy your Preras!

[@courtney9212]

Thanks, I have been trying to decide between the Ivory Prera and the Platinum Plaisir. Gonna be a while before I order, but today Prera wins😊 that Ivory is just lovely!

[@MarcellHobbs]

You’re quite welcome! So glad to help. The ivory Prera happens to be in my EDC set right now. I’m really enjoying it. Love the satisfying cap click. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobling2119]

You mentioned that the prera M nib (the ivory colour pen) is smoother than you expected. How would you compare the smoothness / writing pleasure to the M200's steel nib? I know they're different price point. I've a m200 but don't have prera yet.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Sorry for the delay. I’ve had an ER visit and not able to do a test comparison for you. This would make a great video, but for now I can share my side-by-side comparison with you. My m200s are EF, F, and B. My Pelikan M101 is a M nib. The Pelikan is much smoother, glides on the Rhodia paper. The M Prera has noticeable feedback, but not as much as a F. Being a Japanese nib, that is to be expected. Japanese nibs tend to be finer than German nibs. That being said, I was surprised at the smooth performance of the M Prera nib.

[@HADESPAYLOAD]

Kakuno can use a con70 and give you much more ink capacity since you use for drawing. I bought the Con70 on a bad data on Amazon and looked for a pen for it finding the Kakuno. Wish pilot had a more business looking pen that takes the con70 at a low cost point as pens can walk away. I have a TWSBI vac mini I like except its not small enough EF on mine feels like a very wet medium(I need to try other inks). Your going to make me try out that CM now that is interesting and I need a Bold Headline pen.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Thanks for the tip. I do hope you are satisfied with the CM nib. I agree that TWSBI nibs are not as fine as Japanese nibs. I do love the sleek look of my Pilot Vanishing Point, Decimo, and E95S, but they need the Con40 converter. Please do experiment with other inks. I’m always discovering new and perfect pairings amongst my pens and inks.

[@SmasherBunny]

Wow! Where did you get the Kakuno with converter for $9??!!! :)

[@MarcellHobbs]

I ordered the converter separately. It’s a con-40.

[@kanck7909]

The Prera has the same nib as the Kakuno, right? If so, is the body worth the upgrade?

[@MarcellHobbs]

Yes, the structure of the nibs are the same in a visual comparison. Each nib has different logo engraving. Another plus to the Prera would be nib variety. The Kakuno is limited to EF, F, and M at the time of purchase. One of my Preras is CM (calligraphy medium) but I’m not sure of the spectrum of nib choices. It’s worth looking in to as a video topic. 👍🏻 Thanks for pointing that out.

[@kanck7909]

@@MarcellHobbs I think the explorer and the metropolitan also have the same nib. I think it would be interesting to do a comparison if you have some of them👍

[@MarcellHobbs]

@kanck7909 I would absolutely love to do a comparison. I do not have the Explorer, but I do have the Metropolitan, again with a CM nib. I plan to do a comparison between it and the Pelikan Jazz. Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate you!

[@kellydavis6954]

You can easily swap the nibs between the Prera and Kakuna. 🙂

[@MarcellHobbs]

Interesting. I broke my hand and do not currently have strength or dexterity in my fingers for such a task, but I will be mindful of the option.

[@zenosama3214]

How is the writing experience compared to the Metropolitan?

[@MarcellHobbs]

I’m going to post a comparison video soon, now that I have had the opportunity to use in the same capacity at work. The Pelikan Jazz is smoother and better in my opinion. Details coming soon!

[@zenosama3214]

@@MarcellHobbs Ohh really..! I'll order the Pelikan Jazz right away then.

[@MarcellHobbs]

@@zenosama3214 I know you will enjoy. Metro has many color choices. The Jazz only comes in black or white. I am considering ordering the black as well. The nibs are tipped and more comfortable.

[@zenosama3214]

@@MarcellHobbs I'm in love with my metropolitans, this pen made me a fountain pen enthusiast..!!

[@zenosama3214]

@@MarcellHobbs Here in India it comes in beautiful rose gold, gold, saphire, carbon black, rose gold with white and silver color's as well.

[@Lorvina1]

Where did you buy these? They are getting hard to find in Europe.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Amazon US.

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

I think I need to try a sample of the Alexander Hamilton…💜

[@MarcellHobbs]

I can send you a sample. I have new, empty vials and a full bottle. I’ll IG message you.

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

Oh wow! Thank you!!! 💜✒️

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

Btw, do you have a video on your vanishing points? It’s possible I’ve watched it already if you do…but I don’t remember! Lol! I just bought one and am trying to watch a few videos on them before it arrives.

[@MarcellHobbs]

The only one I can recall is when I did a comparison between the Pilots Vanishing Points and Elites nib sizes. Let me check.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Here’s one: Comparing Pilot nibs EF and M on Vanishing Point and Elite 95s kzbin.info/www/bejne/mneVqqVmm6qYY80

[@tbayless8324]

That is exactly the way I fill my converters with a syringe, it is so much easier than sticking the nib in the ink. For me it's frustrating.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Yes, and you can get more ink into the converter. Enjoy your pens and thanks for watching! 🖋️♥️

[@tbayless8324]

I just discovered your channel and will--Thank You.@@MarcellHobbs

[@tbayless8324]

Marcy, I am loving my little green demonstrator. It writes so well for what some call a cheap pen. I like it better than my Metropolitan fine nib, (not a fan of fine nib) I like Medium and up.@@MarcellHobbs

[@Addwrite]

Is the CM nib tipped?

[@MarcellHobbs]

No, it is flat.

[@med017784]

“Cheap” are your commentaries the pens are “available”. Is that clear ?

[@MarcellHobbs]

Thank you for viewing and commenting. Have a blessed day.

[@CEO_FADeD]

I swear, filling the Pilot converter "CON-40" without a syringe is ridiculous. Air takes up half of it... (Currently using the Prera clear red, fine nib)

[@MarcellHobbs]

Yes, I get more ink into the converter using a syringe. The Pilot experience is better using cartridges… more ink capacity and visible ink window.

[@CEO_FADeD]

@@MarcellHobbs Would you recommend just refilling an empty cartridge? I mean, I use Noodler's and De Atramentis, and I haven't come across cartridges for them (found Carbon cartridges though).

[@MarcellHobbs]

@@CEO_FADeD Absolutely! I syringe fill cartridges often. Even though the cartridge may be available for the pen, not all bottled inks are. I find cartridges work best in my Pilot E95s and Metropolitan. Although I have a box of cartridges for the Metropolitan, I choose to flush and syringe fill bottled ink colors.

[@MarcellHobbs]

@ I do have videos on my channel showing how to flush and fill cartridges. I do it often as cartridges hold more ink than some converters.

[@CEO_FADeD]

@@MarcellHobbs Will look. Thank you, ma'am.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

Pilot should redesign the con-40, seriously.

[@MarcellHobbs]

Yes, I agree. It should have a larger ink capacity and longer window with a shorter twist knob mechanism. Thanks so much for contributing to the conversation.

[@virginialemmons8878]

❤

[@sushanart]

So there's really no difference between the opaque and clear models, besides the higher price for the clear ones (at least where I buy pens)? Maybe the demonstrators are somewhat more difficult to produce. Thank you for the comparison since I'm trying to choose between the models. 😇🩷🙏🙌

[@MarcellHobbs]

That is correct. The demonstrator pens are more expensive. I recently added a gray and a brown pen to my collection. They are great quality at an affordable price.

[@sushanart]

Oh, I discovered that a converter is included with the demonstrators but not with the opaque ones. A little strange but I have noticed that when converters are included in the US it's not always included in Europe.

[@MarcellHobbs]

@sushanart I have discovered the same issue with some Sailors. The $30 Compass from Goulet Pens came with a converter, but the $90 Four Seasons from Amazon Japan did not. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@shaaron5488]

I love the Prera! Great writers. I have three. 🤎🤎. Meant to say that I have been binge watching your videos. Really appreciate you!

[@MarcellHobbs]

Excellent! I enjoy the slide on cap. It’s so similar to the Elite 95s - very gratifying. ♥️