The Best Parker 51 Low Cost Alternative Fountain Pens

[@avishekchakrabarty2560]

Jinhao 911 is one best of both worlds because it has a snap cap, smooth nib beautiful flow of ink!

[@gristlevonraben]

Great video! I am so glad you joined the fountain pen community! You have added so much to it!

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a smoke grey cracked ice version of the Jinhao 51a with a fine nib. Wrote perfectly out of the box. I love it.

[@dashsunil]

I can get a Parker 51 in good condition for around 40 to 50 dollars in secondary market. If I have to buy, will go for the original for sure.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Wing Sung 601 with the pump draw filler is the best Parker 51 clone, in my book. Best build quality, fun and efficient filling system, and a very good writer (at least the pair I own). I have the same Parker 51 Special (but slate grey with golden striated cap) and with that special steel nib and aerometric filler. And I have another P51 with the 14k nib and the vacumatic filler. I also bought the new 2021 Parker 51 (burgundy and chrome). It’s a fine pen in its own right. I like it quite a lot. I’m not calling the new pen a ‘clone’ though. 😀

[@Doodlebud]

Build quality on the WS601 is the best of the "clones" I have, but think the nib needs more work to get it writing better.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@Doodlebud …That could even be generally true of the 601, given it’s another inexpensive Chinese pen, after all. And a clone, at that. But I recall many other commenters elsewhere previously saying that they were very pleased and satisfied with their 601 pens and the way they write. I really like the pair I own. Even the 601A with the nib a clear nod to Sheaffer’s conical Triumph nibs of old. Alas, my 601A wrote poorly. Later, the nib often leaked ink as well. A sorry let-down for an otherwise pretty well made pen. At any rate, I think the pump draw filler of the 601 pens is a superior, more efficient and reliable (so far) filling mechanism than the old vacumatic fillers in the original 51. So, the clone is an obvious improvement on that count, at least.

[@meshzzizk]

@@sajjadhusain4146 My 601A also leaks into the cap and skips quite a bit, even with wetter inks, unless I really push the nib (I suppose this is baby’s bottom but haven’t tried micromeshing it yet). Shame since it’s a really nice looking/feeling pen

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@meshzzizk ..True. Because I otherwise really like the pen in all other respects. Especially enjoy the filling system and the conical nib.

[@stefanhnavetsea1588]

i like jinhao 85, since I'm used to rapidograph, i don't mind 3 turns at all😀 if that helps to better seal the nib from drying out

[@MSSmith1022]

I got a Jinhao 51A in the Demonstrator style in a smoke color. I like this pen as it's a plastic on plastic thread and with adding a touch of silicon grease it makes a wonderful eye-dropper pen with a large ink capacity (about 4.5ml). I got mine for about $3 USD. The Parker 51 used to be called "The Accountants Pen" in the 1950s through the early 1970s because of the extra-fine nib (Between a .25 and a .4 mm).

[@jamesjacocks6221]

When the Parker 51 is compared to its contemporaries it comes off a little unfinished and unrefined, so it's interesting to see Doodle's take on these latter day releases. I have a Wing Sung 601 which I admit buying for its vacuum filling feature and it's an ok pen. Has a gold (10K) nib and it writes fine, never dries and when filled should be good for a month of Sundays. The real decision should be between the 601 and the pump and the aerometric original. That's because I can't understand why anyone would make a '51 with a screw cap. The pen was designed to go anywhere and write on demand and to my mind that means snap cap. Threads are so unimaginative. A lasting snap cap is not easily made. You can take the soap box now. Very good video.

[@Doodlebud]

A good snap cap isn't hard to make when doing injection molding but requires good thought and design on these types of pens. Yup, basic thread caps are good but not unique. Creating a cool system that works very well to pop the cap on & off is really nice. I love looking for the detail and the "how they did it"

[@mrussoart]

wait, isn't Parker 51 a SLIP cap?

[@Doodlebud]

@@mrussoart the vintage 51s are a slip cap, the new release is a screw cap

[@mrussoart]

@@Doodlebud yes I've seen a number of reviews disappointed in the new incarnation of the 51. I got a little confused as to why the snap cap was mentioned since neither parker 51 (old and new) and WS 601 are both slip caps. I guess the best would have been for the new 51 to be slip cap. Never thought about it being snap cap but maybe still better than screw cap.

[@Doodlebud]

Ahhh I see, guess I was a little loose with my mixing of the terms slip & snap cap

[@eliasragi7472]

Excellent demonstrations. The threaded cap, especially on the Parker 51 replica, is a problem. One may pull out the cap - with some force - stripping the thread. This applies to many pens, where the "convention" of push-on versus threaded caps is neither uniform, nor visibly recognised, and where habit pf pulling out the cap may at the wrong instances dominates.

[@lukeszatmary1840]

Late to the party but I just fount a vintage Schaeffer's which I believe is a "Cartridge Pen" which is sometimes labeled a "school pen". Difficult to find examples of it online but it has similar stylings. Blue body, silver cap, similar size. Difference is it has an ancient cartridge in it and a traditional unhooded nib. The body is also translucent which is neat and the cap and body have that sort of diamond/cone shaped end. Not sure it's much of an alternative because I don't know how likely you are to find one of these, but I've seen em on ebay for 30-ish. Got mine for 5 bucks!

[@SusanneMBarrett]

I have a Jinhao 51A in wood, and it's a lovely, smooth writer!! My only complaint is that it doesn't seal well so it tends to dry out. I really love this pen!! :D

[@seanmarshall2559]

I’ve got a few imitations, I love my wing sung flighter with the push button with the spring and swapped out the plastic section for a metal one, a great pen for about $35 CAD all in

[@psychophipps]

While I also had to tweak the nibs, my Wing Sung 601 and 601A have been real workhorses for me. Write immediately every time, quick access with the clutch caps, and the filling mechanism is quick and easy to use.

[@Doodlebud]

Super reliable in one as well

[@kokolexx]

Whats the difference of 601 and 601A?

[@psychophipps]

@@kokolexx The older 601a has a "wrap around" nib that often suffers from quality control issues because it's hard to get the tines correct when punching them out that way. The new style 601a have a standard #5 nib.

[@mikafoxx2717]

My 601 never dried out for 2+years until I completely emptied the pen and didn't run out in the years following until I dropped it and cracked off the blind cap. Bought another, this time in stainless. Nibs in them are really crap though compared to the jinhao's factory QA and need adjustment. I bought a pack of 4 Bobby/microfude nibs to replace them as it makes it into a nice medium to broad which I much prefer.

[@robbiemer8178]

A bit late to this party but I will say that I'm happy to have found your channel! Of these pens, for me, I have owned a vintage Parker 51 and it was OK. Not amazing but fine. I just do not like aerometric fillers. Jin Hao is a brand I have mixed feelings about. I think they make generally decent pens and I like how a lot of their different models look. But. For me, I just haven't had especially good luck with the ones I have owned. So now I tend to avoid the brand. Wing Sung, on the other hand, is a brand I have had much better luck with. I have several different models of theirs and those have been very good pens for me. I have a 601a that also has a Triumph style nib and that one is my current favorite 51 knock off. I bought a demonstrator version and that combined with the plunger filling and that the one I have writes well enough as it came make it a winner for me. It is not the smoothest pen I own but it is smooth enough and it is just a pretty and functional pen. For the 15 or 20 bucks it cost me I am very pleased with it. Nice overview and I appreciate your take on all these pens! I have watched a couple of your other videos and am now subscribed. Thanks for sharing these with us!

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks for following my channel, glad you found a pen that suits you and you're enjoying!

[@Doodlebud]

Don't know what happened to the music during the writing sample 🤔 Will See if I can fix it!

[@derekdavis5720]

Hi Doodlebud really never sure about copies of original pens or anything else for that matter. Love my Parker 51 wouldn’t want to have a copy. That said a 3 dollar pen or even $20. Pen sure has it’s merits. E.G -playing around with less pen friendly inks. On a different note which pens have you got new or old that have massively exceeded expectations? Two recent not massively expensive vintage acquisitions have wildly exceeded my expectations. Got really lucky with these 2. Great video. D

[@tomshult3044]

good review. If I have to throw it in a bag or backback the 3 turns would not bother me at all.

[@SusanneMBarrett]

Question: I have looked at the major pen retailers and Amazon, and I have yet to come across a Jinhao 86. Do you know where I can purchase one online? Thanks!

[@Doodlebud]

Another place to buy pens would be Aliexpress

[@lamarrharding4776]

I have two Parker 51's from 50 years ago, didn't like them then either, prefered my Sheaffer snorkel and inlaid pens !

[@damutoob]

One of the newer iterations of the 601A has a piston instead of a diaphragm and uses #5 nibs. I ordered the demonstrator and the full stainless, the nibs need a little work, but I can always just pull them and replace with a better nib.

[@ichirofakename]

Gotta go with the Wing Sung, based on the arrow alone.

[@HaberfieldchiropracticAu]

The lousiest feeling is taking your 51 with you and leaving it on the bus stop . With the 51a 85 and 86 jinhaos you don't mind losing them. I went through a period of buying jinhaos...anyone notice the nibs are nearly all the same?

[@ichirofakename]

And now there's the Jinhao 82. Mine have fude nibs, and behavior/performance is indistinguishable from Sailor fude. @@HaberfieldchiropracticAu

[@nikilauda2187]

Hi doodlebud.. im a fan of your analysis of the engineering quality of a fp. I have 3 P51s... and im wondering hows the build quality of a WS601 compared to the P51? Looking for one to use daily..

[@Doodlebud]

The WS is a pretty good build quality. I've had issues with WS nibs, but usually can be adjusted to be not too bad

[@deanandreoli1975]

i am a fan of the 51A, with the gray gradient (Niangao) resin and a Bobby nib, from his ebay store. under 10 bux with a fantastic nib. i own a whole bunch of them.

[@samyg123]

Not sure if you’ve checked out the revamped WS 601, they changed from a sack vacumatic to a spring loaded piston and added ink windows. Also they introduced 2 601A models (one with a fully exposed nib and one with a tubular nib)

[@Doodlebud]

Haven't ordered one as of yet

[@robdunn2029]

I would love to see a review of your collection! Which are your favourites?

[@Doodlebud]

Was thinking of doing that around Christmas time when I have some down time :)

[@gazzar67]

If you're bored one day, maybe you could look into modding the Jinhao 86 to fix the problems you identified. That would make a fun video.

[@Doodlebud]

Hmmmmm not a terrible idea 🤔. A serious pen hack 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@MechFrankaTLieu]

If I want a good low cost aerometric Parker 51 alternative I will get myself the Hero 100 ; and if I want a Vacumetic I will get the Wing Sung 601 ; and if it's C/C then it's no longer a Parker 51 alternative , it's more like a styling decedent with a more modern filling mechanism. The Jinhao certainly worth it but there are others.

[@Zulgurub]

actually the Parker 51 Special Edition from 2002 is a real 51 imho- and it's C/C, I believes comes default with the piston converter. But the rest of the pen is classic 51, unlike the "remake" with it's awful threaded cap, "pretend-hood" nib, and holes in the cap that make it dry out within hours.

[@gabemadorma2933]

I haven’t heard of a good stock nib on the WS, but there are Chinese mini fude nibs you can put on them that are very nice.

[@breeeeeee]

Mr.Brown coffee! Omg I used to buy that by the case😅

[@danielgoncalves2928]

I've being searching for a Jinhao 86 review in English for months, thank you for being the first to do so. Is the cap of the 86 held by a screw like the 51a? I wonder if it is possible to change the clips, so my acrylic 51a could look a lot nicer.

[@Doodlebud]

Glad you enjoyed my review. The 86 is a screw cap while the 51a is a slip cap, so unable to switch caps.

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

It looked like the Parker 51 rerelease was an imitation of the Jinhao, so that’s the clear winner.

[@philnaunton7181]

The Jinhao 51a that I acquired 8 or 9 months ago, I either ordered with or swapped with a Bobby Mini-Fude Nib. The best thing I ever did. I never noticed the slop in the slide-on cap. Now it's obvious. Oh, well....

[@Doodlebud]

Its a good little pen especially when considering the price tag; in fact they all are. I'm super critical with details as that was my job. At the end of the day, if a pen works well, and someone enjoys it, thats a win regardless of price point or build quality. I just inherently analyze products though the engineering/manufacturing/quality check lens. Don't know if that's a good or bad quality I have... but its there nonetheless.

[@santauxia]

Nice review. I love that Diamine Sargasso Sea ink. Notice that I call it, "Diamine" not "Diamine", sounds better that way, in my opinion!!! LOL

[@Doodlebud]

Ahhh yes it sounds more sophisticated that way 😋

[@AlChemicalLife]

Yay , a new doodlebud video! I like my 51a but the writing experience for me iffy as it feels kind of scratchy and its finicky on how I hold it to weather ink flows or not. I'm currently looking at getting a Platinum Maki-e or a Pilot E95s. My dream pen is a Pilot Namiki Nippon Maki-e Chinese Phoenix but I don't think I can really bite that bullet right now. You should try Maki-e art on a pen or something similar. A custom pen would make a cool video

[@SirIsaacTheRed]

Don’t know about the Maki-e (i.e. what nib they’ve put on it) but can vouch for both the Pilot E95s and the Platinum #3776. Both great writers.

[@Doodlebud]

Im good at making things but not at making beautiful free hand art

[@mrN3w7]

There are a few nice Hero pens that could make the list here as well. Especially the Hero 100... I know is a little more expensive, but the finish is beautiful (and gold nib). I'm on the same page with Wing Sun version, well built, not so great nib. Used it once and that's about it. And if you buy the 51a, get the non hooded version - the barrel actually threads into a plastic section, not metal. Also better nib choices if you want to change it! :).

[@Doodlebud]

I'll check heros as well

[@andrewdaydreamer5209]

I have a wing sung 601and wing sung 613 and the nibs are really scratchy. I have a jinhao 51a not hooded and the nib is smoother but drys out. My best pens are the hero 616 and hero 366. The nibs are wet and much smoother than the wing. sung.

[@za_luc]

I have old polish Zenith2 - it is also copy of 51, they get them to Poland from Hero factory.

[@ginopagnani7286]

I’m still using my Hero 616 after quite a few years of everyday use.

[@Doodlebud]

Nice!

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Thanks. A very interesting vlog. A minor request. Sometimes you do things really fast and I don't get a chance to see. So for example you whip the top off the Jinhao 51 and wave the pen around a bit before quickly pushing the cap back on. I really wanted to see the nib and get an image of the uncapped pen. Yes, for a second you hold it still on your hand, but I have to be really quick with the pause button! Less pen waving please. I hope you don't mind me saying this. The Jinhao Parker look alike / rip off needs calling out as the rip off it is. Otherwise we condone that sort of thing. Be well and again thanks for a great vlog.

[@Doodlebud]

I went quickly through the Jinhao 51a, Wing Sung, and Parker 51 as I already have a few videos on those one. You can have a look on my channel for more detailed review of those pens. Here's a comparison of the P51 & 51a: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3yYimeCa66go9k Wingsung VS P51: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZS6qGCDfa6il7c

[@derekdavis5720]

My last comment made me sound snobby. But I’m not. I think that there are some excellent really cheap pens out there and they are really useful. They don’t need to be nurtured for starters. I just think that copying an original seems wrong especially the Parker 51. Sorry

[@Doodlebud]

No worries buddy, we are all entitled to our own views, opinions, expectations, etc. Its all good.

[@mrcharon6197]

Thanks for the comparison. I have several P51s I almost never use. I wish the clones had a medium nib. Most of them are decent but I can't use fine nibs.

[@Doodlebud]

You can get ones with different nib options. I know you can get a fude nib, but not sure about a medium. Have a look around some more, I feel I've seen the odd one where you can get a wider nib.

[@josephaziz1731]

These tend to be either scratchy or too wet. Hard to improve penmanship. But the wet fine nibs are not too bad--very reminiscent of actual Parker 51 which I bought in the '60's--not a great pen either--super smooth but had problems--I don't think they held enough ink.

[@cjpsmachado]

I've got them all. No they are not Parker but still love to write with them. Yes got to tweak them all a bit but all are excellent writers now. Still not a Parker. And yes the 3 turns to uncap are a bit to much, I actually use her to write for longer periods rather than cap uncap, even thou sometimes the capping uncapping is a relaxing thing... go figure. Also have a Jinhao 911, all metal, brush finish, and it as sliding cap, love to use that pen, t as a slightly sleeker body that is so much comfortable to draw with it, the line really fine, even finer in reverse writing, excellent, really love that pen. I had to tweak her a bit also on receiving her but now it's wonderful. From the Jinhao 91 I really can say bad things, even from materials they are nicely finished, only thing is probably the treads on the body, the plastic on metal thing, but until now haven't had a problem with it, I only open the body to refill her anyway so hoping it will survive for some years,. Will probably use some soft gridding on the treads just to smooth them a bit.

[@OriginalFinnish22]

Got lucky sometime ago and scored Parker 51 free with gold nib and all XDXDX Far from perfect condition but usable.

[@roberthelpus]

Original Parker 21 for the win. With Aerometric. I've got two more that are long term restoration/complete overhaul/rebuild projects. I probably will wind up making one good one from them. Mismatched colors be damned.

[@Doodlebud]

Yup, a P21 would win that for sure, but for this one was thinking for non parker options. I have a P51 vaccumatic that I picked up super cheap to restore... gold nib too!

[@roberthelpus]

@@Doodlebud My 21 writes a treat. That's for sure.

[@SirIsaacTheRed]

I wish the two Parker 51 aerometrics I bought on eBay more than a decade ago would actually write. Can’t remember everything I did then in my attempt to clean them, but my efforts included an ultrasonic cleaner. After watching some of your videos I might pick up the courage and try to give them another shot. Yeah, I know that such purchases of old used pens on auction sites are hit and miss. Overall not complaining though because of that wonderful Pilot Mu90 I landed.

[@Doodlebud]

Are you certain the p51s were serviced & resaced?

[@SirIsaacTheRed]

@@Doodlebud No, not really. I think the sellers at the time claimed that they were in good condition, meaning they would write.

[@Doodlebud]

Ahhh big difference. Could mean they write via dip test. Sounds like they need a service

[@SirIsaacTheRed]

@@Doodlebud Thank for your reply. Yeah, I think so too. I will try the dip test though. A good place to start re-assessing them since I haven't touched them for so long. I like hooded nibs. I think they look cool and perform just fine in many models:) How's that pen design you were thinking about going?

[@Doodlebud]

Designing a pen is a project way way way down the road. Barely have time to make videos for the channel. Sounds like your pens probably need a full servicing. Once they are working, they should be very reliable. Can try to tackle it yourself with all the DIY vids on KZbin, or get them serviced by someone else. Usually pretty reasonable to get a pen done up.

[@raytheron]

The O-ring on the Jinhao 86 is not meant to slide over the thread, but to but up against the barrel to both ensure a leakproof fit and enable the barrel to screw more securely onto the section. The WingSung Lorelei 9133 has a similar O-ring arrangement. As regards the number of turns to screw on the cap -- well, that's a very minor thing in my book. The truly remarkable Jinhao X159 takes two and a quarter turns (and also has the O-ring), but in my book the number of turns has no impact at all. I'm more concerned with value for money and the actual writing quality of the pen.

[@tr4nscend]

can you swap the snap on to the 51 from JH?

[@InnerSyncMusic]

But the original Parker 51 its still to be found?

[@sathishrao7926]

I didn’t see any Gold filled cap versions of 51 Clones - probably they’re not made ? I don’t know why 51s got such an iconic status. Probably due to hooded nibs ? Ironically, hooded nib is the reason I don’t feel like buying a 51 even though vintage 51s with gold filled cap are available in plenty for around $70 here in India..

[@Doodlebud]

Haven't looked hard enough for a gold filled clone, don't think they'd put in that much effort one as the cost would have to go up drastically. It might not look as good visually as a nice big nib, but my P51 performs so well. One of, if not the most, dependable pen I have.

[@brettsmith1655]

Great workup on the Parker 51 clones. I am surprised that you didn't include the JinHao 85. The experience is, of course, largely the same as the 86 but the metal body gives it a nicer, more premium feel. I bought the JinHao 85 in February as an early "test drive" of the Parker 51 reissue. It was so good, and the Parker reviews have been so disappointing, that I just stuck with the JinHao 85 and never bought the Parker. I picked up an 86 a week or so ago, but it just felt cheap next to the 85. I also have a couple of 51a's and a 601a. All of them are very good. The 51a's needed nib adjustments and seem to dry out pretty quickly if they sit unused for a couple of days. The 85/86 and 601a don't seem to have that issue for me and the nibs were all great upon arrival. Like you, I felt that the nibs are just a bit better on the 85/86. If I didn't like the acrylic (and wood) on the 51a so much, they would be landslide losers in this battle. 1 - JinHao 85 2 - Wing Sung 601a 3 - JinHao 86 4 - JinHao 51a

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks for referencing some other options. Only included the pens I have. There are endless pens that fall under the P51 "clone/alternatives" umbrella so tough to include them all.

[@tgfflynn]

I have used a dab of silicone on the threads going from plastic to plastic or metal.

[@gadgetymouse4390]

It's a bit funny to listen to you say, "Oh yeah, there's some burrs..." like it's no big deal. What I hear is, "Oh yeah, you may want to pick up some bandaids..." But I suppose for an engineer, de-burring isn't difficult.

[@Doodlebud]

When a pen is $3 and has metal parts, burrs are to be expected. Deburring is an extra step & at this price point savings have to be made.

[@Lowkster]

for me functionally 601 is better than the Og

[@richardgaddy8091]

The Wing Sung pens are far superior as far as the "homage" pens, but the Jinhao 85 outdoes the new Parker 51 by a mile! The Jinhao 86, however... Not worth the money, even for a Jinhao.

[@wilsonshen7737]

jinhao 85/86，hero 100，wing sung 601

[@KGatLC]

That's weird. My Jinhao 86 has a pull cap.

[@Doodlebud]

Very odd indeed

[@houghwhite411]

@@Doodlebud For me it's a pull cap, but only if I do it with a lot of strength weird, it can't be capped again after that

[@KGatLC]

@@houghwhite411 Turns out that's what I did. Finally noticed the threads from the cap was still on my pen. Cap posted deeper, though😆. Screwed the threads off and popped them back in the cap. Working fine now that I made an idiot of myself. Yeeesh.

[@leebalmforth2269]

I wonder why the parker 51 is expensive. In good condition anyway. When older pens are less expensive 🤔.