I have two x159s with EF and F nibs and they are very nice. I was surprised by its low weight compared to the 159. I think its classic cigar shape that several brands have in their catalogue gives it a certain elegance. The converter is very good and the nib surprised me how well it writes, although in EF it feels a bit scratchy as usually happens to many pens of that point.
Thank you for spending a bit of time reviewing this pen and comparing it to the MB 149. I already own the X159 and am very pleased with it. I don't have a Montblanc 149. Despite having larger than average hands I do find the Jinhao a little bit too big. I'm glad I found this out with an inexpensive X159 and not after buying a 149. The original 159 with the metal body was also too heavy for me. I'm guessing my real preference would be a Jinhao X156 (if such a thing existed) based on the dimensions of the Montblanc 146. In other words, just a little less girthy. The nib on my X159 performs very well, in my opinion. I would like more choice in nibs, a Jinhao broad nib would be nice. Again, I don't know if such a nib exists. None of the eBay sellers I've seen offers a great choice in nibs. What does interest me is that Jinhao have started making this pen in a choice of colours, a dark blue and a sort of burgundy red I believe. I think the X159 is a big improvement over the old model 159 mainly due to reducing the weight but also re-modelling the clip. I think most people disliked the odd looking shield on the old clip design. Thanks again for a good review.
I have a Sailor KOP ebonite and Hinze pen fitted with Bock #8 titanium nib, but I still got excited with this pen. I bought 2 both performed well. I agreed with your comment on the converter, excellent fit and better made than many more expensive pens. I am also impressed with the section, very well-made with screw-in nib unit. Great design. You can argue this a clone of MB149, but in many aspects, it is unique, price not withstanding.
Bought yesterday (15 dec 2022) two Jinhau X159 fine colour black and burundy. This pen has a large width. Hope they fit well in my hand with repeated string indurry stiffness to write smoothly again. Have to wait serveral weeks schipment from Asia to Europe. Thanks for de Video
Nice review. I was curious what a pen the size of a MB149 would be like so I ordered one of these but in the blue with gold trim and two tone nib a week or so ago. I’m looking forward to trying it out once it arrives and comparing the size to the biggest pens and nibs I’ve got (Pilot Custom 743/823).
It depends on what you need tuning wise? If its scratchiness, look closely at the nib with a 5-10x loupe. I would suspect the problem to be misaligned tines and it can be solved quite easily sometimes even by removing and reinserting the nib
I got the pen from amazon in burgundy color. It looks really classy and nice. But, the nib is not as smooth as all the reviewers point out in videos. How much and what sort of tuning you have done to the nib, please tell me. Thanks.
I just got mine, because so many people were raving about it, and while I'm satisfied with the look and feel of the pen body, the nib is a deal breaker. Literally the ink is bone dry as soon as it makes contact with the page. You can't smudge it. It also dry starts, and it takes a while for the ink to start flowing consistently, but as soon as you take a pause, it disrupts the ink flow again, and you're back to a dry start. Even when the ink is flowing, it writes like one of those terrible number 2 pencils that have that shiny lacquer on the lead, so even when you sharpen it, it feels blunt and the writing comes out very pale. It's just not a pleasant writing experience. I wish I can replace the nib with the nib on my Pilot Kakuno
You seem skilled with ink quills! I dream of a Jinhao X159 (similar to the Montblanc 149) because I want to use it to sign my books at my book readings. BUT: it has a #8 nib in fine and I want a wider one, M or B. Do you know where to buy a #8 nib? That would be awesome, right? Regards from Roland, germany
Hi Roland I am not sure sorry, you will have to look around. Chinese nibs typically don't have a lot of choice nib-wise. Alternatively get a nibmeister to help (or DIY). It is relatively easy to convert an F to M.
I have the chrome X159 and I have installed a noodlers flexible nib, but I do prefer my Jinhao 450 with an ultra flex nib from fountain pen revolution.
Thank you for your video review. Personally, I have mixed feelings about these clone or replica fountain pens that are attempting to mimic vastly more expensive pens. In this case, Montblanc. All my pens (Pilot, Lamy, Kaweco, Montblanc) are authentic and original. I can't see myself buying one of these replica pens. I'd hate people to say, hey nice Montblanc, in an important board meeting. Only to tell them that it's not, but a replica. Akin in my opinion to a fake Rolex.
Thanks for your comment. I also have mixed emotions on buying clone pens but as this is not an exact copy e.g. labelling it a 149, with the MB star, I think I am fine with it.
There is are new colours and they all have a gold trim with a 2 tone silver and gold bib which looks gorgeous so I think they are very worth it even if it costs more than 10 usd
Quality control is not the worst problem. Cheap materials is the problem. A friend of mine in China who is in the fountain pen manufacturing business told me something he said they're proud of. "We create beautiful children's toys and sell them to outsiders as adult tools." It's true. The plastic is as cheap as it can get. Even Chinese "resin:, while very pretty, shouldn't be called resin. It's just more plastic they make look like quality resin. The nibs are thing, and made out of very cheap, low-grade stainless steel. Even the tipping is made from this steel, and you can, with daily use, wear a nasty flat spot on it in six months. The pens made of "brass" are a joke. China doesn't meet the same standards for metal as the rest of the world, even though they use the same name or designation. The Chinese "brass" used in fountain pens doesn't even qualify as brass in the west. Scrape the cheap shrink wrap off an x75 and compare the "brass" with a Kaweco Brass Sport. Bigger isn't always better, and this big nib is just the same cheap, thin, soft metal found on all other Jinhao pens. It's pure junk. Even saying "149" in the same sentence as the 159 is an insult. Too many people think oif a pen is pretty, and it it has a smooth nib, it must be a good pen. Nothing could be further from the truth. Crappy materials remain crappy, regardless of how pretty the cheap material is, or how smooth the nib is. It is, as my friend bragged, "A beautiful children's toy sold to outsiders as an adult tool." It's a smooth, wet nib made of an unbelievably cheap, soft stainless steel. It has bounce because the metal is so thin, and so cheap. You can EASILY bounce it to death.
I do like the look of the pen, I mean, it's hard to argue with looks that are similar to one of the most classic of all pens, the MB 149. The quality of the pen itself is quite good too. Yes, it's injection molded plastic, but at this price point, that's expected. I'm also glad that Jinhao got rid of that gawd awful clip of the 159. But that's where my admiration stops. I really should have ceased buying Jinhao pens years ago, because I really don't like their nibs. Part of that is due to the fact that the older I get, the more I lean towards fine and extra fine nibs. And this F writes broader than most medium nibs in my collection. But I can live with the width of the nib. What I dislike is the fact that Jinhao overpolishes their nibs. They're sooooooo freaking bland. I guess that appeals to the masses, but I like some personality to my nibs. Some feedback too. I do hope that Jinhao releases #8 replacement nibs, but knowing them, if they do, it'll likely be an M nib.
Hopefully, Jinhao is revolutionizing the pen industry. Imagine what can be done in the $100 range.
I have two x159s with EF and F nibs and they are very nice. I was surprised by its low weight compared to the 159. I think its classic cigar shape that several brands have in their catalogue gives it a certain elegance. The converter is very good and the nib surprised me how well it writes, although in EF it feels a bit scratchy as usually happens to many pens of that point.
They just came out with new range now as they listened to their customers. There are three colours now and much better improvements!
Thank you for spending a bit of time reviewing this pen and comparing it to the MB 149. I already own the X159 and am very pleased with it. I don't have a Montblanc 149. Despite having larger than average hands I do find the Jinhao a little bit too big. I'm glad I found this out with an inexpensive X159 and not after buying a 149. The original 159 with the metal body was also too heavy for me. I'm guessing my real preference would be a Jinhao X156 (if such a thing existed) based on the dimensions of the Montblanc 146. In other words, just a little less girthy. The nib on my X159 performs very well, in my opinion. I would like more choice in nibs, a Jinhao broad nib would be nice. Again, I don't know if such a nib exists. None of the eBay sellers I've seen offers a great choice in nibs. What does interest me is that Jinhao have started making this pen in a choice of colours, a dark blue and a sort of burgundy red I believe. I think the X159 is a big improvement over the old model 159 mainly due to reducing the weight but also re-modelling the clip. I think most people disliked the odd looking shield on the old clip design. Thanks again for a good review.
I think the Jinhao x850 is getting close to a MB 146.
I have a Sailor KOP ebonite and Hinze pen fitted with Bock #8 titanium nib, but I still got excited with this pen. I bought 2 both performed well. I agreed with your comment on the converter, excellent fit and better made than many more expensive pens. I am also impressed with the section, very well-made with screw-in nib unit. Great design. You can argue this a clone of MB149, but in many aspects, it is unique, price not withstanding.
Thank you for the very thorough and comprehensive review!
Bought yesterday (15 dec 2022) two Jinhau X159 fine colour black and burundy. This pen has a large width. Hope they fit well in my hand with repeated string indurry stiffness to write smoothly again. Have to wait serveral weeks schipment from Asia to Europe. Thanks for de Video
Nice review. I was curious what a pen the size of a MB149 would be like so I ordered one of these but in the blue with gold trim and two tone nib a week or so ago. I’m looking forward to trying it out once it arrives and comparing the size to the biggest pens and nibs I’ve got (Pilot Custom 743/823).
Thank you for your interesting video !
I have both from X159 and one needs tuning. How do you do that ?
It depends on what you need tuning wise? If its scratchiness, look closely at the nib with a 5-10x loupe. I would suspect the problem to be misaligned tines and it can be solved quite easily sometimes even by removing and reinserting the nib
I got the pen from amazon in burgundy color. It looks really classy and nice. But, the nib is not as smooth as all the reviewers point out in videos. How much and what sort of tuning you have done to the nib, please tell me. Thanks.
I just got mine, because so many people were raving about it, and while I'm satisfied with the look and feel of the pen body, the nib is a deal breaker. Literally the ink is bone dry as soon as it makes contact with the page. You can't smudge it. It also dry starts, and it takes a while for the ink to start flowing consistently, but as soon as you take a pause, it disrupts the ink flow again, and you're back to a dry start. Even when the ink is flowing, it writes like one of those terrible number 2 pencils that have that shiny lacquer on the lead, so even when you sharpen it, it feels blunt and the writing comes out very pale. It's just not a pleasant writing experience. I wish I can replace the nib with the nib on my Pilot Kakuno
I have this pen and love it..!!
The diameter of the feeds of the x159 and mb149 are both 7mm. You can easily see it's not interchangable with a #8 Bock, which is 8mm.
You seem skilled with ink quills!
I dream of a Jinhao X159 (similar to the Montblanc 149) because I want to use it to sign my books at my book readings. BUT: it has a #8 nib in fine and I want a wider one, M or B. Do you know where to buy a #8 nib? That would be awesome, right?
Regards from Roland, germany
Hi Roland I am not sure sorry, you will have to look around. Chinese nibs typically don't have a lot of choice nib-wise. Alternatively get a nibmeister to help (or DIY). It is relatively easy to convert an F to M.
@@WrexelsWorld Thank you for that tip!
Do a video review of Cross Bailey light fountain pen in burgundy and gold
Thanks! I take it one should search for "X159" vs "159" to get the #8, upgraded model?
That is correct
I have the chrome X159 and I have installed a noodlers flexible nib, but I do prefer my Jinhao 450 with an ultra flex nib from fountain pen revolution.
Thank you for your video review. Personally, I have mixed feelings about these clone or replica fountain pens that are attempting to mimic vastly more expensive pens. In this case, Montblanc. All my pens (Pilot, Lamy, Kaweco, Montblanc) are authentic and original. I can't see myself buying one of these replica pens. I'd hate people to say, hey nice Montblanc, in an important board meeting. Only to tell them that it's not, but a replica. Akin in my opinion to a fake Rolex.
Thanks for your comment. I also have mixed emotions on buying clone pens but as this is not an exact copy e.g. labelling it a 149, with the MB star, I think I am fine with it.
I guess it’s not available in Gold trim which is a bummer for me..
Also, It costs more than 10 USD here in India, so may not buy one..
There is are new colours and they all have a gold trim with a 2 tone silver and gold bib which looks gorgeous so I think they are very worth it even if it costs more than 10 usd
@@cozygoat1273 Thanks.. These new colors with GT aren’t yet available in India though..
@@sathishrao7926 oh that’s sucks! Hopefully they release soon though!
Quality control is not the worst problem. Cheap materials is the problem. A friend of mine in China who is in the fountain pen manufacturing business told me something he said they're proud of. "We create beautiful children's toys and sell them to outsiders as adult tools."
It's true. The plastic is as cheap as it can get. Even Chinese "resin:, while very pretty, shouldn't be called resin. It's just more plastic they make look like quality resin. The nibs are thing, and made out of very cheap, low-grade stainless steel. Even the tipping is made from this steel, and you can, with daily use, wear a nasty flat spot on it in six months.
The pens made of "brass" are a joke. China doesn't meet the same standards for metal as the rest of the world, even though they use the same name or designation. The Chinese "brass" used in fountain pens doesn't even qualify as brass in the west. Scrape the cheap shrink wrap off an x75 and compare the "brass" with a Kaweco Brass Sport.
Bigger isn't always better, and this big nib is just the same cheap, thin, soft metal found on all other Jinhao pens. It's pure junk. Even saying "149" in the same sentence as the 159 is an insult.
Too many people think oif a pen is pretty, and it it has a smooth nib, it must be a good pen. Nothing could be further from the truth. Crappy materials remain crappy, regardless of how pretty the cheap material is, or how smooth the nib is. It is, as my friend bragged, "A beautiful children's toy sold to outsiders as an adult tool."
It's a smooth, wet nib made of an unbelievably cheap, soft stainless steel. It has bounce because the metal is so thin, and so cheap. You can EASILY bounce it to death.
I do like the look of the pen, I mean, it's hard to argue with looks that are similar to one of the most classic of all pens, the MB 149. The quality of the pen itself is quite good too. Yes, it's injection molded plastic, but at this price point, that's expected. I'm also glad that Jinhao got rid of that gawd awful clip of the 159. But that's where my admiration stops. I really should have ceased buying Jinhao pens years ago, because I really don't like their nibs. Part of that is due to the fact that the older I get, the more I lean towards fine and extra fine nibs. And this F writes broader than most medium nibs in my collection. But I can live with the width of the nib. What I dislike is the fact that Jinhao overpolishes their nibs. They're sooooooo freaking bland. I guess that appeals to the masses, but I like some personality to my nibs. Some feedback too. I do hope that Jinhao releases #8 replacement nibs, but knowing them, if they do, it'll likely be an M nib.
I told myself as well never to get another Jinhao however my thoughts are that the X159 nib feel is better (and ink flow) is better than old Jinhaos.