Top 5 Mid Range fountain pens!

[@qwertz314159]

Lamy 2000 Platimun century 3776 Pilot custom 74 Pelikan m200 Esterbrook estie

[@barrylevitt1170]

I would have had a Sailor 1911S with a 14k nib instead of the Pelikan 200 with a steel nib. I have not had the chance to handle the Esterbrook but I think the pens are made in China and I would have preferred a Edison or Franklin Christoph which are made in the U.S. THANK YOU for a excellent review.

[@NeutralGrounder]

Shows Pelikan M200. "This is the demonstrator version. Clearly" And you didn't even intend that pun Keri.

[@PensandTea]

Omg lol no I didn’t 🤣

[@nosuchname247]

Current production: Pelikan M200 Out of production: Visconti Pericle (amazing clip, so loved by men who wear their pens in their shirt pockets!), Elysee Caprice (amazing butter smooth nib made by Reform company from Heidelberg which used to make nibs for Dunhill and Cartier pens). I bought both pens around 25 years ago :-) and the both work without any problems. PS Still no Parker? ;-) PPS I think that mosquitoes in Canada are as active as in Poland (your left palm!). Greetings from Poland! Pozdrowienia z Polski!

[@nathanhuxtable5758]

I love my vanishing point. Also, a Parker 51 is one of life's great pleasures and you can get a restored one in this price point

[@dorotheemackenbach4808]

Where?

[@gregchristopher1961]

I have both the Pilot Custom 74 and the Pelikan M200. The Pilot is superb, with its gold nib, but from my experience, the steel nibbed Pelikan is just as nice a writer.

[@yuklimka7251]

Pineider Avatar sells for around 80 Euros. Steel nib, magnetic cap closure, Italian design, scratch-resistant Ultra Resin, nice range of colors. I love Pelikan pens. I just wish their nib units weren't almost as expensive as a pen! As for the 3776, I bought one with a SF nib after trying out a tester at a brick and mortar store. Mine doesn't perform like this out of the box. I'm not giving up on it, because I have other pre-owned ones that I get on swimmingly with. Funnily enough, I also own two Natami with mini fude nibs that I just love - and they would be nice candidates for the beginner pen category imo.

[@Addwrite]

I've changed my mind about fps: I went off them for about a week...now I've discovered I still love them! Crazy though it is, I still have the urge to buy more! Great video.

[@gents6379]

Totally agree on the Lamy 2000! I also love my two Decimos and my Estie. Great choices!

[@wittwittwer1043]

The modern Esterbrooks (Esties) are made in Tiawan. They are well-made, decent pens; I have one of them. I also have the "MV" (modern/vintage) adaptor, as well as many vintage nibs. Although the adaptor is a straight-forward design, it does not work well in my pen.

[@pat412pear]

I too appreciate Pilot pens and I almost never by another Japanese brand. Nothing against them but Pilots suit me to a tee (or should I say tea?)

[@presto511]

Gotta love Pilot Pens... Their awesome to behold....

[@kapirk2244]

The Pilot Con 70 can easily be cleaned with an ink syringe. Just shoot the water up inside the converter and that it. I love the Esties, I have 2, one is set up with a vintage nib and they are some of my favorites.

[@TheJazzHog]

Great group! The diplomat aero and the pilot E95S could work also.

[@JohnDerrickson]

My second favorite pen is the VP which fits in my pocket schedule. My first is the the larger diameter VP (Decimo, etc.). Mine is a blue with gold metal parts. Beautiful. Both were hard starters and skippers (I use the fine point, which is extra fine point in US and EU, notorious for hard starting) - but that problem is solved with Noodler's Eel series inks. And, most important feature is the clip which helps me with position of the nib perfectly - get used to it, becomes natural, I love it.

[@gesa5187]

The Lamy 2000 is the real Meisterstück!

[@meshzzizk]

💯

[@davidmolloy126]

I've looked at The Conklin Stylograph for a step up pen, however, there doesn't seem to be any Conklin's in the 'best of' videos for any price range or anything else for that matter! Are they not popular for a reason that I am missing? Thanks and best wishes.x

[@Sonicman415]

I just purchased a Lamy 2000 w a M nib, and I’m very happy w it. About to buy a Pilot custom 74. One day I will own an Aurora in their high end category.. If they started making the Lamy 2000 in colors I’d be in trouble 😂 I can’t wait til mine has a patina from use.

[@TemplarAce]

Great list, the only changes I would make would be to switch out the Pilot 74 for the custom 823 and the Estie for an Opus 88. I guess I'm a fan of large ink reservoirs and the Opus 88's piston can be adjusted which is good if you like a juicy nib.

[@s2seltaeb]

TemplarAce those are all great pens. The Pilot C823 is a bit expensive for this price range. But I know Pens and Tea likes the C823. It was her that had the great idea to fill an Amber one with J. Herbin’s Lie de The. A great combo!

[@TemplarAce]

@s2seltaeb Oh yeah, I guess the 823 would be in the next tier of pens. I got a bit carried away. Other than my CONID Regular and Visconti Homo Sapiens I wouldn't go higher than this for a pen. I guess I'll have to try J. Herbin's Lie de Thé. I just stick to Noodler's Bad Black Mocassin for writing but if i were to match it up that would sure be a nice ink choice.

[@BlueMel_MH]

The M200 fine nib is amazing for a steel, and I have the clear/goldtone model. Another steel nib in this range that surprised me was the Diplomat Aero. So jealous you have the VP Twilight!

[@bryanmacam6127]

You have me sold on the Diplomat Magnum (last video). Fantastic list. Pelikans are my dream pens. Gotta save up.

[@BarrettSonntag]

Did you see the one on sale for 12.50? I would buy it myself but I'd like a Fine nib. www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/diplomat_magnum_fountain_pen.html

[@bryanmacam6127]

@@BarrettSonntag wow thats a steal. Goulet has some on sale but not as steep like that.

[@Roughdraft214]

Wish all my pens were snap cap. It's so awkward when I buy something and go to sign the receipt and stand there for what seems like an eternity unscrewing a cap and the cashier kind of raises an eyebrow wondering what the heck I'm doing.

[@justinpurvis7449]

You’re embarrassed because you are NOT a laymen?

[@carlatae48]

Since you have 4 3776s I am wondering if any of the sections have cracks. I have 2 3776s and my Chart res Blue one has multiple section cracks that weep ink onto my fingers, and my 4 month old Chenonceau White just spring its first crack. I am so bummed as I love these pens and nibs.

[@glennkelley6096]

Could you do something on the pros and cons of buying from Japan and other countries on ebay . You mentioned looking around for better pricing .

[@SArthur221]

Might be cheaper....... Import taxes & customs

[@maxwells789]

The Special Edition Twilight VP is so rare at this point that if you can find one, the seller is asking at least $500 for it. So maybe this finish isn’t a fair example for this list even though you may have only paid under $200 for it when it first came out. I have two VP”s which are both great pens... a dark blue dodecahedron (I think it has 12 sides) from the mid-90’s and the Raden Galaxy which is gorgeous. I’ve been using the Raden one as a daily writer for at least 3 months now and it is a joy to use. Again, the Raden Galaxy is a special finish that doesn’t belong on this list because of cost. But a regular VP definitely belongs. Love the Lamy 2K. And the Diplomat Aero. And Visconti Rembrandt. And Aurora Ipsilon. You are right, there are a ton of great choices in this price range. I haven’t tried the Visconti Breeze or Mirage... wondering if other YT viewers will chime in on these models.

[@barbarawest1205]

Love love love my Lamy 2K but I hadn't heard spare nibs are available, nor have I ever tried to take it apart for cleaning! Must search for a video on that. Also love my Pilot 74's, which have B and BB nibs. I have been intimidated by Platinum and Pelikan prices, but I've been eyeing the new Essies. Thanks again - I'm enjoying this series!

[@gertahnstrom784]

Here's the best video for how to take apart the Lamy 2000. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmingoaAfbiUfqc (sbrebrown Disassembly line video). But for regular cleaning: Screw off the section and take a ball syringe and just push water through. Then use the built in piston to draw up some water into the barrel part, but draw in some air too. Then just hold a finger over the hole and shake. Expell and repeat. Mine had been inked up since January with Lamy Black ink, never dried out and wrote smoothly to the last drop! Did three of these shakes and it was clean as a whistle. Dried it out using a cotton top and it came out completely clean. I just love that pen.

[@alextaplin7354]

Actually I find that my Lamy 2000 is one of the easiest pens to clean I have, you take the section off by unscrewing it and rinse off the capping spring put it somewhere safe then take the nib unit out and rinse the section then pass water through the feed and nib and mayby soak for a bit and then just suck water up into the barrel and shake it like normal cleaning of a piston but I have found that this piston clears out far quicker than others for some reason. You can take apart the piston mechanism by further unscrewing as is common on other pens but there is no need to so I haven't tried it.

[@chrislj2890]

I would suggest the Leonardo Momento Zero and Furore models; lovely materials and nice writing steel nibs. Also some of the Edison and Franklin-Christoph pens, and the Montegrappa Elmo and Visconti Rembrandt.

[@FaithfulFarm]

That Pilot Vanishing Point Twilight is my “unicorn” pen (is that the correct terminology?). I got into pens after its release and it is still the “one that got away”. If you would ever consider selling it please let me know. I would be elated to give it a loving home with daily use. 😊 Great video and I totally agree with you on the Lamy 2000 - amazing design and wonderful pen.

[@maxwells789]

Lori Bauer Yes, my unicorn pen, too. In a previous video, she showed the Twilight, and I had the same reaction as you (I.e., please let me know if you decide to sell. 😀)

[@gertahnstrom784]

I missed the Lamy Safari Dark Lilac and was considering picking one up... As well as the clear or amethyst M200... So many pens, so little money. #studentlife (Having my eyes on the red Aion at the moment...)

[@maxwells789]

You can preorder the Lamy Studio Aquamarine Special Edition on EndlessPens for a great price. Just ordered one yesterday. Probably will receive by the end of the summer.

[@maxwells789]

You can preorder the Lamy Studio Aquamarine Special Edition on EndlessPens for a great price. Just ordered one yesterday. Probably will receive by the end of the summer.

[@adurtyjeep9497]

I was just introduced to fountain pens. My first purchase was S.T. Dupont D with a fine nib. Any thoughts about the brand?

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

Happy Canada Day...from a fellow Canadian! Thank you for a great video. I still have beginner range pens and looking to get my next level one or ones...LOL! So it was a very helpful video and not sure which one to get first! If you ever plan to sell your VP I would be interested! Have a great day!

[@BrandochGarage]

I love your videos because you are such a fan. Keep on doing what you are doing!

[@SArthur221]

5:03 Pilot MR. A very good non-plastic made pen. Would definitely recommend!

[@fountainpenfanatic]

For the price that Kenro charges for a Chinese made Estie, the pen should come with the vintage nib adapter rather than charging an extra $40.

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Some of the 3776s are available on amazon for under 100.00 USD

[@erikasilva8693]

Please, make a video talking about fountain pen in movies! The literary society and the potato peel pie uses at least 4 fountains pens in the movie =)

[@LuvsSno]

It wld have been great if you had a shared a link to your lower-price pen review.. I never could find it 😥

[@PensandTea]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6WuioekdquUeZo

[@dannydontgoin237]

Interesting list. Thanks for all the info. I only have two mid-level pens so far, the Lamy Studio (Imperial Blue, M) and the Pilot Vanishing Point (Matte Ble, F). I love then both, though I love the Studio just a tiny bit more. I got a chance to try a 2000 in a store and I was not too impressed. I'm thinking I might upgrade my Studio to a gold nib instead of going for the 2000. If I love it this much with a steel nib, maybe I'll REALLY love it with gold.

[@COMB0RICO]

Seems like there should be another category between $30 and $150.

[@bradleysmith7542]

Sailor Pro Gear Slim is the 1st pen that came to mind in this category. Mine has the Music nib and it’s a dream. BTW, if you get a chance try an Italic nib on your Pelikan M205, it’s fantastic

[@KB-cx2dr]

Great review, thanks. Platinum make quality pens, in my opinion. Their inks are good, their cartridges have a little metal ball, which supports ink flow.

[@Lumpy_Peter]

I am eyeballing Pilot Custom 823, but Lamy 2000 seems to have a strong following too. I know they're not in the same price category, but which one is a better pen in your opinion? Thank you!

[@alextaplin7354]

Lamy 2000 wins hands down for me, it is my absolute favourite pen and what you get for the price is great value in comparison to other gold nibed fountain pens.

[@alextaplin7354]

If you want to see if you like the style and vacuum filler on the 823 I recommend buying a Wing Sung 699, I have a couple and they don't have great quality nibs out of the box but I have reground and adjusted both of mine and my results have been excellent. If you can fix a bad nib then I would actually recommend this over buying an 823.

[@gadgetstop321]

I was going to add Sailor Pro Gear Slim or the 1911, but I see that you have said they are coming up in the next video...I can't wait!

[@yuklimka7251]

I bought most of my Sailor pens pre-owned in fountain pen buy and sell groups that are local to me. They're all black with gold trim and I don't mind that very no-nonsense look, but there are so many pretty special editions that are limited to certain stores in Japan... I'm in a Sailor fan group on FB where people share pen porn and info where to buy special edition pens.

[@michaelelliot3532]

Cary, when available can you film at the Toronto Pen show? Would love it to see it! Former TO resident

[@PensandTea]

I have some from the past that you could check out, if I ever got to go again then I absolutely will!

[@NEM24780]

the Pilot Decimo does not have that much of a clip problem (like the Vanishing point does), it is slimmer and more comfortable. You forgot to mention the amazing Kaweco Dia2, probably one of the best pens ever

[@yuklimka7251]

@Pens and Tea: Hey Kerry, would you be interested in attending the Tainan Pen Show 2021 or 2022 in Taiwan (depending on the status of the pandemic. It's sometime in November). I know a guy who occasionally gets his hands on the 3776 in celluloid. I could introduce you, if you're still looking for that finish.

[@PensandTea]

I would love too but travel is not in the works for me yet, too many uncertainties and financially just not the right time

[@yuklimka7251]

@@PensandTea Maybe next year... =^_^=

[@sailcat9]

Another excellent video! Thank you!

[@BarrettSonntag]

How do you get over the anxiety of ordering a fountain pen in this range? I've only ordered inexpensive pens and it is honestly hit or miss with the performance and feel of the pens. I'd hate to order $75+ pen and not love it.

[@CaptainWumbo]

Barrett Sonntag Unfortunately the 100 to 200 CAD range, and really any price level, can have dud nibs that don't work well out of the box. The odds are probably not much better than 80% even from reputable companies, and can be worse. So if you can't take the hit, don't order overseas and order from someone who accepts returns no questions asked. You will pay more, but you'll be able to get your money back if it sucks, so if you can handle that disappointment, go for it. If you buy many pens at this range, the extra 100 or so dollars you pay for a local retailer will cost more in the long run, at least for Japanese pens. I think that I've never had a problem with a pen ships from and sold by Amazon, maybe they ask for some extra QC before it goes overseas, to mitigate returns. No idea. But the price is usually something like double or nearly double.

[@bluesteelbass]

Buy a half dozen cheap Jinhao pens from ebay, and learn how to smooth them out and tune the ink flow to your liking. After you become comfortable doing this, buy Japanese pens directly from that country. If you get a less than stellar performer, the know how and experience of tuning it will be with you, and you save at least $50, if not more.

[@alextaplin7354]

At higher prices manufacturers take alot more care and use better materials and methods than they do on a low budget pen. But you can get a more expensive pen and not like it of course, I got a good deal on a Platinum 3776 which I was really excited to recieve but I couldn't stand the feeling of the nib and how dry and inconsistent it was and how the pen rattled like a cheap bic ballpoint so I just cleaned it well and sent it back and got a full refund, not need to worry.

[@korax67]

Great video, great choices, but .... no Sailor fountain pen in the list ? ? ? I think a Pro Gear Slim or a 1911 Standard would fit nicely in this top 5 list of mid range fountain pens ;-)

[@PensandTea]

Just wait until the next one!

[@reubenk1615]

2 sailors where my first two high end pens

[@korax67]

@@reubenk1615 I've got a Sailor pro gear slim on my short list ;-)

[@GirlGeekLovesStampin]

Love that watch band ;) great video!

[@trxmpg70]

Waiting for the next..don't keep us hanging.

[@basicdose.9872]

I like Lamy 2000. Thanks.

[@Winzrful]

I have no idea why Waterman pens are ignored in this price bracket, especially Expert and Perspective which are definitely better than all mentioned in this video......except Lamy 2000 thats a whole different league.

[@barbaras.7442]

These are over my budget. :-( How about a Top 5 for the pens over $30 but below these? Something I can actually afford! Many thanks!

[@danlevene5478]

Good choices. But I would definitely have a Sailor in there. 🧐

[@Biber0315]

Can you give some insight regarding the size of the Lamy 2000 compared to the Pelikan m200? I keep thinking I want to get a Lamy 2000 but am reluctant because it might be larger (body girth) than I prefer.

[@PensandTea]

The m200 is physically smaller than the Lamy 2000 overall. Because the grip section of the Lamy is undefined so if you hold it closer to the nib then it’s not going to be too big. If you hold it closer to the black portion of the pen like I do then the grip section is definitely bigger.

[@Biber0315]

Thank you for your insight. I'm just going to have to get a hold of a 2000 one of these days and see for myself.

[@gertahnstrom784]

I was surprised how small it was when I got my Lamy 2000. It has such a presence on camera that one think it's really big! But it is a really comfortable size. I have medium sized hands.

[@johnbryce8267]

kinda sad my Carene didnt make Your list...

[@ameliabuns4058]

do you have one for 100$ or less :O? I love a good nib the most! Cheap for me is 20$ under, mid range is 20-50$ expensive is 50-80$, 80$+ is luxury to me xD 200$+ is to me

[@zukzworld]

Waterman? Cross? VGFC?

[@neilpiper9889]

I never get the Lamy 2000 love it's just... Ugly to me. I'm not into Piston fillers. I have Pilot Decimo Pearlescent white with a Medium nib and a spare stub nib unit. I also have a Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the fa nib. Great Con 70 converter. I want to get one with a SF gold nib now. I have a Waterman's 515 lever filler from the 1940s which is in this price range. That's it. All my other pens are in the lower price range and mostly Jinhao X750 and X450. I enjoy the ability to swap nibs using mostly Bock. I would rather spend money on nibs than pens now. Tinanium Bock nibs put those cheap pens up in the higher price section so I could have included them. I use dip pens too with vintage Esterbrook slightly stub nibs from the 1950s made in England. I bought 6 of these wonderful nibs for £8. Nibs are at the centre of my small life and I love it. Don't tell anyone though!

[@highqualitywritinginstrument]

$30-$70 pens: am I a joke to you?

[@Agbabee]

TFS

[@donnylama]

Hi!! loved the effort you have put in, the video is very informative. Just one thing though, I feel you are influenced by '#Peter McKinnon' a little too much, especially your intro. Would love to see you being you, not how you impersonate him. ( in your previous videos you were so much more real) this is just a constructive point of view. Please don't take it in a negative way. And keep making these wonderful videos that give us a glimpse of the world of fountain pens. take care.

[@DDixon-kk1kf]

Wow. Quite an audacious remark.

[@nisarhussainmastoi8562]

please give some as a give away .....