Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Review in Copper Orange

Product Review of the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens

One of the most recognizable fountain pens in the world is the Lamy Safari and Lamy Al-Star. Their simplistic yet functional design has made them both two of the top selling pens at Pen Chalet.

This review is about the Lamy Al-Star fountain pen with a fine nib in Copper Orange, which is new for 2015. I personally prefer the Al-Star to the Safari because of the aluminum barrel and cap over the plastic Safari. Both fountain pens come in a wide range of different colors, which Lamy continues adjust with a new limited edition color each year, making each pen a potential collector’s item.

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Review

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Cap ReviewAdded to the Lamy Al-Star line up this year is the super cool copper orange color as well as bringing back the popular traditional black color. I personally use my Lamy Al-Star in Copper Orange with a fine nib daily and it has become one of my favorite go to pens. The Copper Orange color Lamy has produced is nothing short of cool! It’s a truly unique dull orange/copper color that stands out, yet is neither feminine nor masculine making it an ideal color for any pen user. The Lamy Al-Star/Safari design is top notch, with its distinctive dual sided ink window and large functional clip. Throw in the relatively inexpensive price (under $50.00) and the Lamy Al-Star is absolutely a top 5 must have inexpensive pen that every pen lover must have. Because of the low price tag you may need multiple colors and variations in your collection.

I have been using the Lamy Al-Star for about a month now. I chose a Fine nib, which has performed beautifully and at the level of much more costly pens. I personally use an LZ-24 converter with my Al-Star, so that I able to use multiple ink colors and variations. For the past month or so, I have been using J. Herbin, Series 1670, Stormy Gray ink, which has performed wonderfully and has become a favorite of mine.

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Size

The Lamy Al-Star Copper Orange pen comes in one size, which is a full sized well balanced pen. Capped, the Lamy Al-Star measures at 5 3/8 inches in length, posted is 6 5/8 inches in length and un-posted 5 1/8 inches. It’s long enough to use un-posted, which is my preference, but not un-naturally long or heavy when posted if that is your preference.

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Color

The Lamy Al-Star comes in a wide variety of colors, including black, purple, ocean blue, aluminum, graphite and copper orange(new for 2015). There have also been other colors, which have been discontinued by Lamy and are no longer available.

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Nib

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Nib ReviewThe nib on the Lamy AL-Star fountain pen is a stainless steel nib, which is easily exchangeable to any size one may want. Nib swapping is easy enough that it can be done in less than 30 seconds, with very little mess. You do not even have to remove the ink from the pen. Spare nibs are also available or you can exchange the nib with other Lamy pens such as the Safari, Studio, CP1, and Logo fountain pens.
I have found that my Al-Star Fine Lamy Nib has performed as well as any stainless steel nib I have come across and is wet and has not skipped at all, when properly inked. The Lamy Lamy Al-Star pens are available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and Broad. However, at Pen Chalet, we also offer a 1.1 calligraphy and a 1.5 calligraphy nibs for purchase as a nib swap. Each Lamy Al-Star fountain pen with one cartridge, but not a converter. I highly recommend purchasing a Lamy LZ-24 converter for use with either your Lamy Al-Star or Safari fountain pens.

Pros of the Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen
  • Cost, $47 retail for this pen is an outstanding value and is a top 5 must have inexpensive pen (especially with Pen Chalet’s additional 20% off retail discount).
  • Quality of the stainless steel Nib.
  • Ability to easily swap nibs from one pen to another or with spare nibs to change size.
  • Multiple options with color and nib size.
  • Ink flow has been super.
  • Recognizable distinctive look.
  • Weight and balance is great.
  • Converter fill system (LZ-24) works flawlessly.

Cons of the Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen
  • Cost. Some people may feel that the cost at $47 retail is too expensive for this pen, which is why Lamy has the Safari at a lower price point.
  • Packaging. Very Simple presentation box(remember it keeps the cost down).
  • As this is one of my top 5 must have inexpensive pens, I can’t think of any real con’s to owning this pen. In my opinion, it is a must have in a color and nib size of your choice.

Lamy Al-Star Fountain Pen Review Conclusion

My Overall grade for the Lamy Al-Star (grade 1-10, with ten being the highest, grading value, ink flow, options and overall experience) is a 10. I would highly recommend this pen to any beginning or experienced fountain pen lover.

Buy the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens


Specs of the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens

Length: 6.600 in.
Posted Length: 6.875 in.
Diameter: 0.500 in.
Weight: 0.770 oz.
Body/Trim: Aluminm
FillType: Cartridge



Lamy AL-Star Reviews from our Customers

See what our customers have to say about the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens. Don't just take our word for it, read actual customer reviews of the product and see what they think.
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Overall rating:
4.8
out of 5
(30 reviews)

 
I own several of these, this one was gifted to my daughter. Her and her husband both love it. Zero complaints, great basic pen.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Excellent writer. My only comparison is a Pilot Metropolitan. It writes a little "wetter" than the Metropolitan. It is reassuring to know I can replace the nibs if damaged without replacing the rest of the pen.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Cannot recommend this pen enough. Love the colour. A wonderful starter pen. The various nibs available makes exploring fountain pens do much easier
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
At first, thought it would feel too light for my hand, but this pen is well balanced and sits sure, providing a lovely writing experience. The shape of the section allows for fine control from both index finger and thumb in a relaxed position. Was initially thinking black but happy I chose purple--the byzantium hue is sensuous, warm, and draws your fingers to it. A good beginning to every writing adventure!
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
My new favorite pen! And my new favorite pen seller! Y’all were so nice in the pre-Christmas rush!
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
My go to. Love it
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
A super pen. I have 8 or 9 Lamy pens and I'll buy more from Pen Chalet.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
As a starter pen, this Lamy is perfect. It writes well and the inks I have so far flow really well through the nib.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Love the pen, although I'm not sure what the difference is between this pen and Safari.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
I prefer Lamy's AL-Star over the Safari because I find the AL-Star's section to be easier to grip. The fact that the nibs can be switched out easily is also a bonus.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 4 out of 5
function:
function rating 4 out of 5
style:
style rating 4 out of 5
value:
value value 4 out of 5


Pictures of the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens

Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens
Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens in BlackLamy AL-Star Fountain Pens in Blue GreenLamy AL-Star Fountain Pens in GraphiteLamy AL-Star Fountain Pens in Ocean BlueLamy AL-Star Fountain Pens in Purpleplay video


Prices for the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens start at:
Retail: $47.00
Sale: $37.60
buy the Lamy AL-Star Fountain Pens
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