Top Rated Fountain Pens

Based on the ratings of our customers we have compiled a list of the Top Rated Fountain Pens. This list has been created with the fountain pens that have at least 5 or more reviews and are ordered by the top rated. Browse the selection below for Pen Chalet’s top rated fountain pens.

A comparison reveals that the Pilot Metropolitan and Lamy Safari emerge as the top contenders for beginner fountain pens. While the Platinum Plaisir encountered several issues under typical usage scenarios, both the Metropolitan and Safari excel in performance. These two pens are excellent choices for newcomers to the fountain pen world. Although each has distinct advantages, the Metropolitan stands out due to its versatile design, making it the most broadly recommendable option.

Smoothness & Ink Flow

The Pilot Metropolitan pen excelled in writing smoothness, delivering a consistently smooth experience with its F nib. Even on lower-quality paper such as basic Staples notepads, it avoided any feedback or snagging. Its ink flow was generous yet controlled, preventing pooling during normal writing.

In comparison, the Lamy Safari also offered a smooth writing experience, though it had minor feedback that never crossed into scratchiness. Its European-style F nib provided a reliable flow, slightly less wet than the Metropolitan, but sufficient to maintain a consistent line. On lower-quality paper, this lower flow and blue-black ink produced a lighter but still professional appearance.

The Platinum Plaisir, on the other hand, had the most feedback, feeling almost like a pencil with its scratchiness. This made it challenging on lower-quality papers, where it felt like it was dragging and could have caused tearing without a hard surface underneath. The ink flow was notably dry, and even on high-quality Kokuyo paper, the smoothness and depth difference was clear. Writing on Leuchtturm paper with the Plaisir resulted in significantly lighter coloration compared to the other pens.

Maintenance

The maintenance test for the three pens revealed some interesting findings. All three pens demonstrated low maintenance needs and required no special tools for thorough cleaning. The Platinum Plaisir, thanks to its special sealing mechanism inside the cap, exhibited the least maintenance demands, especially if left unused for extended periods while filled.

Impressively, all three pens are able to be left for days without drying. The Metropolitan comes with a CON-B squeeze converter, which was the hardest to clean due to its simple eye-dropper-like design. However, cleaning becomes equally straightforward for all pens if you opt for the CON-40 twist converter.

For optimal maintenance, it is highly recommended that a blunt-tip syringe and a bulb syringe be used. These tools significantly reduce cleaning time, making the process nearly identical for all base pens. Additionally, the blunt-tip syringe can refill the CON-B converter directly, enhancing the Metropolitan’s performance by maximizing its ink capacity.

Ease of Carry

The Lamy Safari pen scores high on ease of carry due to its solid construction, rounded edges, and tightly secured threads, which ensure it stays intact even when placed in a pocket. The snap-in converter adds an extra layer of security, making it a reliable option for on-the-go use.

The Pilot Metropolitan also performs well in this aspect. Its smooth design, including the rounded and smoothed clip edges, contributes to its overall durability. Although the snap cap doesn't initially seem very strong, it remains securely in place, even during drop tests, making it dependable for pocket carry.

On the other hand, the Platinum Plaisir has some drawbacks that affect its ease of carry. The sharp edges, particularly at the end of the clip, can be problematic. Moreover, the threading between the body and the grip section appears loose, causing the pen to unscrew both in pockets and during drop tests, thereby compromising its reliability.

The aesthetics of each pen significantly influence people's decisions. Customers find that the Metropolitan and Safari lines have a more appealing range of colors, especially with their frequent special and limited editions, giving them an edge over the Plaisir.

When it comes to design, the Metropolitan and Safari exhibit a clear, cohesive design language. In contrast, the Plaisir appears disjointed to him. The cap band on the Plaisir makes it much brighter than the rest of the pen's metallic finish. This imbalance may detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the Plaisir.

Staff Picks

We recommend the Pilot Metropolitan for new fountain pen enthusiasts for its exceptional writing experience, which features both smooth ink flow and comfortable grip. The pen stands out with its mid-range price, solid construction, and variety of color options. Additionally, its high ink capacity—especially when used with the included CON-B converter and a separate blunt-tip syringe—makes it a practical choice. Even after factoring in the cost of the syringe, the Metropolitan remains more affordable than the Lamy Safari, which requires a separately purchased converter.

The Lamy Safari stands out as an excellent choice under several specific conditions. If you prioritize a lightweight writing instrument, the Safari is unmatched in its class, offering an exceptionally effortless writing experience. This pen is particularly suitable for those who don't mind a smaller grip area, as its minimalist design emphasizes ease of handling and comfort during extended writing sessions.

Another compelling reason to opt for the Safari is its unparalleled variety in color options. If having a pen that reflects your personal style is important to you, the Safari's broad spectrum of vibrant hues will undoubtedly meet your needs. This extensive color selection not only makes it a visually appealing accessory but also allows for easy customization and distinction.

Conclusion

The physical characteristics of the Pilot Metropolitan, Lamy Safari, and Platinum Plaisir pens encompass a range of detailed specifications. Measurements such as length, weight when full, and section diameter have been meticulously gathered. The Pilot Metropolitan stands out with its sleek metal body and balanced weight distribution, offering a comfortable writing experience. The Lamy Safari boasts a unique, ergonomic grip and a robust plastic design, making it suitable for long writing sessions. Lastly, the Platinum Plaisir features an elegant aluminum construction, combining durability with a lightweight feel.

Additionally, the ink capacity and prices for these pens were sourced from reputable retailers like JetPens.com. Each pen's distinct design and measurements cater to different preferences, ensuring a tailored writing experience for every user.

It's worth noting that discussing the diameter is irrelevant for pens with ergonomic grips, such as the Lamy Safari.