Why the $23 Pilot Explorer is an underrated fountain pen and better than the Metropolitan

[@laurielyon7740]

I never use the Metropolitan for the very reason you mentioned…….the sharp step-down where I grip the pen.

[@Fortnite87463]

I have been using a metropolitan for ages and its great but having an even lighter pen and one that I am not afraid to drop or throw around at work is so much better. The explorer is a real underrated work horse

[@felixunger3408]

Excellent review, as always. The Explorer didn’t disappoint me. The nib is smoother than some premium marques - so much so I ended up buying 3 Explorers (only wish Pilot marketed a broad nib). No matter - a joy to write with in all 2 grades. As for the recessed circles in the cap, I find them to have a functional purpose in allowing my fingers to grip the ultra smooth surface (which can be a little slippery [especially in dry climates]) when removing the pen from a shirt pocket or pen sleeve. They’re aesthetically pleasing too.

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Another superb review. Thank you. This pen puts me in mind of the Pelikan Stolla III. A fairly inexpensive pen with a lacquered brass body and grip. It has a superb steel nib. I bought one for someone and was quite taken aback at how nicely it wrote. They now carry it everywhere. As you say, it is not necessary to spend a fortune to get a good writer.

[@mellow-jello]

I currently have 3 Explorers, and got them precisely the same reasons: light weight, smooth nib, Con-70 compatible. My one, only Metropolitan is my first FP, and only wished it was more available in Canada when I got into the hobby.

[@jondowee]

The Explorer is uniquely singular in many respects, completely underappreciated.

[@licheenut]

I agree with you on the Metropolitan! I'll have to give the Explorer a try. And yes, a 'what's in my pen pouch,' would be great!

[@jannahlyon]

Very helpful review, thank you!

[@mariangroeneveld7401]

Thanks for your review, you paint a good picture of the pilot explorer

[@liselottefrejdig1112]

I had the blue and red Explorer. But, sadly, I lost them when I moved (together with an Epson).

[@Rgc571]

Would Ike to see a comparison video of the Kakuno, Explorer and Metro. I have the Kakuno and Metro and enjoy them. Fortunately for me, the feature you find less than desirable are not a concern to me. Great video, thanks.

[@seattlepenclub]

good idea! I'll keep that one in mind!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Just ordered my first to go with a Pilot Ageless. Main point of interest with the Explorer is the Con 70 converter which I'm keen to try. Converters with Pilots are an issue on Vanishing Points, E95s. Same with Kaweco Sports pens. Often cartridges are far better.

[@michaelreed649]

It is a a shame that Pilot Lucina is discontinued. They are now going for $97. The Explorer looks like a good option. It reminds my a bit of my Pilot Knight pen

[@JuankM1050]

I can't tell between (pilot explorer,fabercastell hexo, Lamy safari) you help me ?

[@radiofreealbemuth]

I love Pilot but I think the Explorer and Metropolitan are their worst looking pens. Explorer looks like Logitech's foray into fountain pens. Metro makes no sense from an aesthetic or ergonomoc standpoint. Capped, it looks as generic as generic can be. Uncapped, it has a huge step down and a grip narrower than Kakuno, which is designed for toddlers.

[@buck-pucker]

The Explorer got a face lift. The Pilot LIGHTIVE seems to be a demonstrator Explorer without the big PILOT imprint in the cap.

[@seattlepenclub]

I like it better without that big Pilot imprint haha. It's less expensive now too!

[@catchacoolbreeze]

I dislike the metro as well and would either get the Kokuno or Prera instead. Metro's step down is awfil, section is too thin, and I got a crazy suction with uncapoing and got tons of ink just hanging out in the cap. My Prera and Kokuno do not do that.

[@AoKajii]

I'm curious about what's in the pouch 👌 What kind of ball pen do you use and like most ?

[@seattlepenclub]

A few wood case pencils from Mitsubishi and Tombow, a couple mechanical pencils and lead holders (I use the Pentel Orenz Nero 0.5 mostly), and some gel pens with Pilot Juice refills. I'll try to do a rapid fire video to go through the pouch soon

[@darkchocolate4643]

@@seattlepenclub I'm curious about the pouch itself. Can you tell me the brand and model, please? Thanks!

[@seattlepenclub]

@@darkchocolate4643 Hi! It's a Lihit Lab case - not sure what the model is called.

[@geslinam9703]

I thought Pilot used the same nibs on all of their pens in this price range?

[@seattlepenclub]

I think so - the only difference is in the color / plating and the stamping. For example, the Kakuno nib design looks different than that of the Prera. Pens more expensive than the Prera have different nibs

[@rickyang1749]

Can you please review the pilot prera

[@genaishivatov1737]

Since the end of the 90s, Pilot 78G has been discontinued in Japan - therefore, it has long been a purely Chinese pen (produced at Pilot's subsidiary factories in China), - inferior in quality to Japanese counterparts and sometimes with "surprises". Kakuno and MR, she is 88G (in Japan this is Cocoon) are also produced in China - they took it more than once from Ali and feathers are slightly worse than purely Japanese pens. Explorer is not yet released in China ))

[@seattlepenclub]

Interesting - I didn't know that. The ones I purchased recently still say "Pilot Japan" on them - not sure if that means they are still made in Japan or not. Cheers.

[@MisterNiles]

Why are you whispering? It's not a secret that some people love Pilot pens. Be proud about your love of Pilot pens.

[@jamesaritchie1]

The Explorer was introduced at far too high a price. It made no sense at all for this pen to cost more than the Metropolitan. The Explorer is simply too light, too cheaply made, and simply doesn't have the feel of a quality pen. The Metropolitan is made of brass, looks and feels like a much more expensive pen, and is very popular. Pricing the Explorer above the Metropolitan, well above, guaranteed the pen would not attract the sales or get the attention Pilot wanted it to have. It was a very poor business decision on the part of Pilot. Pilot has now, FINALLY, made the Explorer cheaper than the Metropolitan, but I'm afraid it's too little, too late. On a personal level, I see nothing at all about the Explorer that makes it worth even twenty dollars. It's cheap plastic, too light, and ne better than the Kakuno. It certainly isn't in the same class as the Metropolitan.

[@seattlepenclub]

Thanks for the comment. I personally like the Explorer and don't find it cheaply made at all. It is VERY light though, so if weight is important, this isn't for you. I come from a product design background and appreciate the manufacturing processes in play here (vs. a Kakuno for example). In terms of pricing, I seem to recall this was introduced when Pilot increased the price on the Metropolitan. I think the $30 retail is a bit steep but I'm happy with $23 which seems to be what you can get it for. It has several meaningful upgrades compared to the $10-15 Kakuno and is better quality than something like a Twsbi Go or Swipe. Just my 2 cents :)

[@KKTHINKER25]

Apart from the clip what are the upgrades thie explorer brings in over a kakuno