Is it weird that I haven't watched your videos for about a year now and just before I clicked the video I could already hear your voice in my head ... I was like addicted to your videos at one point
Oh man, i know exactly what u mean. I started in the hobbie in 2016, and just discovered brian last year. I'm still addicted to these videos lol, goulet pens is just amazing
is true... I will play all the podcast like episodes in the background or actually fully watch them all the time... Brian has a really nice voice. Like its cheerful and friendly without being too happy
Thanks, Brian… appreciate this video… now you need to do a next-next level video that highlights 6-7 next-next level fountain pens with gold nibs in the $150-$250 range. Thanks again!
I just purchased the Montblanc Dostoevsky Med Nib. I only started collecting fountain pens last week and now I have 6. This was my family heirloom level purchase.
YES. I like to compare potential fountain pen purchases to the BiC ballpoint, which can be had for 19¢. Is this $19 pen a hundred times better than a BiC? If not, I think twice before buyng it. Or three times.
@@ichirofakename I get your point, but to me the simple fact that a fountain pen offers a more personal writing experience through different models, nibs and bottled inks adds to the value and makes the comparison to a disposable plastic pen difficult.
@@HezzaGamer Good point. Maybe a better comparison is with your favorite low-end fountain pen instead. Actually now I see the problem with this approach: you can't compare till you use them both, so you've probably already bought them both. Nevermind. I'm gonna start over: You can't assume that a more expensive pen will objectively write better, or that the way it writes will suit you personally better. If you are happy with your current pen, maybe you don't need a different, more expensive pen. If you need another pen at all, maybe it is one SIMILAR TO THE ONE YOU ALREADY LIKE.
For me, that jump from $2 pen to $30+ pen was worth the money I spent. I started writing and it was worth it. It helped me a lot with anxiety and stress. I simply watch fountain pen videos when I feel stressed nowadays. I do want to buy an extremely wet pen which have bigger grip section around 13mm range. This means that I need to spent some money to buy some like that. I am saving up to buy from goulet pens. I m thinking of getting a pelikan, sailor or TWSBI. I can't wait to splurge from gouletpens
1. This is a particularly well-written and informative video. It's nice to hear from a pro. 2. Another good choice in this range is Faber-Castell. Regardless of external concerns, they make the best writing steel nibs in the world, according to me and many others. 3. Some, like me, who consider pens as tools, will discover that higher priced pens do not provide concomitant higher value. Low end pens nowadays just write too well to necessarily require replacement. Not unlike cars: if you think a Honda will get you where you want to go just as well as a BMW, then perhaps a pen that writes problem-free is enough. Me, I drive a Honda.
I disagree completely with your third point. I spent twenty years writing with a fountain pen for a living, and even though I'm now officially "retired, I still use a fountain pen at least five hours per day. There's simply no comparison between a steel nib and a quality SOFT gold nib, assuming you learn how to properly use the soft gold nib. It takes about two hours of using a steel nib to wear out my hand, but I've written as much as sixteen hours per day with a soft gold nib, and had no fatigue or cramping. Contrary to popular belief, a heavier pen works better for long writing sessions because, with a soft gold nib, you can let the pen do all the work. Just let it rest on the paper, and guide it. The soft gold nib absorbs all the little tremors and jerks we all have when we write long enough, and in doing so, it also absorbs fatigue and cramping. Again, if you use it properly. But I see a big difference between steel nibs and soft gold nibs, even in short writing sessions. There is, obviously, a limit where price and better writing transpose. A three to four hundred dollar pen will usually write as well as a ten thousand dollar pen, but the pen itself, independent of the nib, is going to get better and better as the price increases. To me, that also means better, longer lasting pens. Cheap pens have cheap material and cheap parts. A Honda doesn't. Neither do expensive pens. I believe pen quality starts at about five hundred dollars, though my favorite cheap pen is the Homo Sapiens Bronze Age, which is, I think, about seven hundred dollars. I bought mine a few years ago for six hundred. There is, and probably never will be, a pen like this on the cheap. Also, to me, Maki-e pens, while expensive by almost anyone's definition, give more than what they cost. Particularly Namiki pens. That asiide, I know from long experience that a soft gold nib on a good, well balanced pen, is simply far, far better than any steel nib pen, if you really do consider a fountain pen a tool, which I do. But there is no reason a tool can't also be high quality and beautiful.
@@jamesaritchie1 1. I cede all commentary on what it's like to use a pen for 16 hours in one day. 2. We are speaking past each other since you consider a $700 pen cheap, while I consider a $7 pen cheap. 3. Sounds like you know exactly what you like. So do I. Life is good.
These days, I drive either a Toyota Prius or a hybrid Honda Accord. Both cars "will get you where you want to go". Having owned and driven BMWs in the past, I'll declare that there is absolutely no fair comparison between the Honda and the BMW. The Honda is an off-the-rack suit while a BMW is tailor-made. While most of the pens Mr. Goulet chose for this video are good pens, well worth the price, there is no comparison between them and the *next* next level. I like my Preppys, Metropolitans and TWSBIs but I love my gold-nibbed vintage Parker, Pilots, Platinum and Bexley.
On your controversial third point: I find it varies a LOT. There are great and meh pens in every price point. It's so much easier to trial and error your way into the $50 pen that is ideal for you than the $500 pen that is ideal for you, though. My most comfortable pen that I'm happiest with for long term writing sessions is an Aurora with a gold nib, but I hyperventilate taking it outside my house, so that's a trade off as well.
Alternate suggestions in the $50-100 range: Lamy Aion - Metal body, but much bigger than the pocket pens for those with trouble gripping tiny pens. Platinum Curidas - Interesting deployment mechanism, great for quick notes. Diplomat Traveller - For something that would look a bit more at home in an office setting.
Cool! Just what I was looking for. It’s time to update the beginner pens too!!! Gotta have a video to link to friends I bring into the rabbit hole with me…
I’ve written with fountain pens since primary school. 25 years after leaving I’m finding out it’s considered a hobby 😁and recently getting into pen inks. Had a lamy as a kid. Using a safari now. But definitely looking for a step up
I’m pretty impressed with Safaris. The grip fits my fingers well, the width suits my hand size (medium), the clip I think is one of the best in the market as it folds material to secure it in place (rather than crushing material like the single prong clips do). To step up, what do you think of a gold nib for your Safari? Or if you want a different pen, the Lamy 2000, or something else in their range?
This is outstanding and very informative. Not just a list of the "Top 7 Next-Level Pens" themselves, but the WHY. Learning about the additional features and offerings provided by a manufacture makes it even more tempting to reach for the wallet. It's videos like these, along with the endless laughs, that keep me coming back to The Goulet Pen Company. Thank you to the Goulet family, and to the entire staff at GP!
I love my traveller's brass pen! I did use a kaweco converter, just not filled all the way, and that does fit in there, you'll just have to refill a little more often lol! I need to use up a cartridge so I can syringe fill it with a more fun color.
Getting back into fountain pens after 50-plus years of ballpoints, lol. Love my TWSBIs, etc., and am now saving up for my grail pen, the Pilot Custom 823. Sigh. Don’t know how long I can wait!
You nailed it with this video. Coming from someone who is not a beginner with fountain pens but not all that experienced. Experienced enough to know that I love fountain pens. And know pens I do like and what pens I don’t really care for. So this video is actually perfect for someone like me. Let me just say that over the past weekend I ordered my first TWSBI MINI VAC. Because I 💜 love my TWSBI ECOS. And I don’t own any Sailors, but the one you talked about in this video is on my list and the Benu Euphoria is also. I just can’t decide on one I like the best. From one pen lover to another good job 👍🏻
The Monteverde Ritma is probably on of my favorites in the 40-60 range. It's weighty and smooth writing, and the magnetic cap is fun(I got mine in a medium nib.) Gonna get another in orange next month.
Great information, Brian! Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting the TWSBI Vac, Conklin All American, and Benu Euphoria (Vodka on the Rocks is stunning).
Wow. I just got the all-american Courage after being into fountain pens and getting mostly cheapos for a few years. Hilarious to me that you put out this vid so soon after. What a coincidence
My first next-level pen was an Otto Hutt Design 01, which ran $140 -- it was also one of my first slimmer, lighter pens, whereas I normally prefer things with a little weight. It's got a really nice, simple aesthetic and is one of the smoother writing pens in my small collection.
Great review and list! I recently acquired a Lamy studio that I liked a lot and was under the $150 mark. Will try the Conklin now, too. Thanks for the recommendations!
Brian, nice overview on the pens. As for the Sailor Compass, I think it's a great writing pen especially for the price and to top it off Sailor includes a converter.
Must admit, the Cool definitely got hard and harder to find as time went one. Thankfully tracked one down. A very good writer. Just took some effort to find.
Great video. I like the explanation of what makes each candidates tick. I have the TWSBI 700R and another nice thing about it is that it takes a #6 nib, great for switching nibs.
A little grey in the sideburns these days, Brian. I mention this not to give you a hard time, but because I think it's actually a really good look. You look freaking great, dude! Anyway, I love the content and while all of these are great pens, I cannot say enough good things about TWSBI pens, especially their flagship stuff like the Vac or the Classic. Just incredible writers for the money!
My favorite go to next level is the Lamy Studio. A beautiful pen that sits very nicely in my hand and writes near flawlessly. Just a few grams or so heavier than what I would ideally like but certainly not a showstopper.
Benu is the brand that lured me into the world of fountain pen collecting XD Prior to discovering them I had a few starter pens (Varsity, Preppy, Monami Olika) that I used sporadically and liked well enough, but once I saw those sparkles I was done for. Thankfully I've never had cause to regret taking a chance on what (at the time) seemed like an insane amount to spend on a pen! I have three now, and keep them all in regular rotation. I appreciate the fact that they have such a wildly distinctive aesthetic AND are reliably solid writers. Surprised to see so many unfavorable comments about the Conklin All-American, I have a couple and (unlike the Duragraph/Duraflex) they've never given me any trouble.
These are very good picks. For a little bit more variety, I would switch the Travelers pen for a Lamy Studio. It’s also metal, but available in more colors and nib options.
I really like my Lamy Studio! It's got a heft and shape I really like, and suits me better than the Safari/AL-star series do. The shape of the clip is also really unique.
"You not gonna find basically any other pen that's gonna be a solid machined brass like this anywhere near this price point." Well, Traveler's Company Brass Fountain Pen - 57 euro. Fine nib only. Kaweco Brass Sport Fountain Pen - 65 euro. Wide range of nib sizes from EF to 2.3 mm stub, nibs are easy to swap, there is a converter that fits in it.
Really interesting to see your pics for this list Brian, especially since I feel a bit “meh” about some of your choices and even strongly opposed to a couple of them! First off, Kaweco Supra, Twsbi Vacs - yeah, I absolutely agree! I probably would have even lumped in the 580ALR too as that pen is hard to beat even when up against pens 10x its price! I can’t believe you didn’t mention the inkwells as an added bonus feature for these! I don’t own a Benu or a travellers pen, so I’ve not got any strong opinion on these, however the lack of nib options and needing to refill cartridges would probably rule out the Travellers for me. Procyon is pretty “meh” for me, it’s ok and decently solid, but I might have swapped this for a Curidas as that would have a lot more wow-factor for a similar price. I just think there may be better choices to go for, which I’ll get to at the end. As for the picks I really strongly disagree with, that would be the Conklin All American and the Sailor Compass. I don’t own the Conklin and this is mainly because of the huge number of horror stories I’ve read about on Goulet Nation, both pre and post the switch to JoWo nibs. The quality control on the nibs and feeds just doesn’t seem reliable enough to recommend and problems with cap sealing, particularly on the wood pen options you mentioned lead to the nib drying out, even overnight! I just can’t recommend such problematic pens (or brand) to relatively new users in the hobby. As for the Sailor Compass, I bought one from you a few months back and it was a miserable writer with a sharp and very disappointing nib. The rest of the pen was decent, but at the non-discounted price point especially, there’s just no way I could recommend this even over a Lamy Al-star let alone a Twsbi Eco. For me the Compass is an over-priced starter pen, and while some elements are cool like the clear feed and matching converter, it’s just not worth the dollar as a whole. So, given I’ve complained about some of your choices, what might I include instead? > Lamy Studio - Excellent build quality, really feels premium compared to a safari/al-star at only a small price uplift. > Pelikan M200/M205 - Piston fill, extremely smooth nibs, some even have a nice bit of bounce, beautifully made and despite being resin pens really feel great quality. Granted at the higher end of our target budget, but still short of gold nib prices. Can be had for as little as 115€ from reputable sellers like Appelboom in the EU, but upon further research they seems much more pricey in the US. (I’m in Spain!) > Platinum Curidas (see above) > Twsbi Diamond 580ALR (also see above) > Faber-Castell Ambition / Essentio / Loom - While I personally went straight in at the GvFC Bentley Ebony II LE because I’m a nutter, I know people typically give glowing praise to Faber-Castell’s steel nibs as basically up there with the best! Thanks for the video all the same, even if I have slightly different picks, it was still a decent overview of some good options.
@@daggy1234 Some pen brands vary a lot in price depending on where you’re based, but just because the US has a crappy deal on them does’t make it a premium pen! It’s the bottom level pen on Pelikan’s main line of writing instruments and is a small pen with a fairly small steel nib. You can hardly call their bottom of the range a premium pen! Sure Pelikan is generally a “premium brand” but no more so than many old school brands like Parker, Waterman, Cross etc. Even a plain black resin Montegrappa Elmo which is a c/c and has a JoWo nib and is Monty’s budget friendly line is way more expensive than the Peli M200/205!
The Lamy Studio and the TWSBI 580 were on the previous list and it wouldn't make sense to include Faber-Castell because they no longer carry the brand. Not to mention that was on the previous list as well.
@@daggy1234 As mentioned, Appelboom sells Pelikan for much lower prices than US retailers. Even Rachel recommends buying Pelikans from European vendors. Appelboom lists the Pelikan M200/205 marbled at $110 (free shipping if total order is over 100 euro and no VAT/tax for US)
Cool video with some facts I wasn't aware of, thank you! I have a few pens in this price range that I either bought myself or got as a gift, but I'm hesitant to spend more money than that, for the exact reason you stated in the beginning of your video: I'm just not sure, which particular pens offer the best price-value balance. So, that range from about 120 to 300 $ would be very interesting, too! : )
The Pilot Falcon, formerly the Namiki Falcon, is on the high end of such a list, but is a plastic FP with a gold nib in three grades: XF, F, and M, all classified as "soft", i.e., with some give to them. Also, they are cartridge/converter, which makes them exceptionally easy to clean. I have three of them; one has a B nib, no longer available. Cost sans shipping/tax is as low as $172. There is also a metal version at around $240. I have a number of models of Benu pens. I pronounce the name "BEN-oo," supposedly derived from the Egyptian bennu god-bird, associated with the mythical phoenix. The steel nibs write well. They are sturdy, well-made pens, and I especially enjoy my Euphorias.
@@Gouletpens Drew Really I thought it was standard information Perhaps I should bundle them all up and send them all back to Twsbi to get replacements No problem with the ECO series
@@Gouletpens Drew Brian did a video about how there were no problems with Twsbi He got creamed in all the comments of how people had major problems Check it out
Just dropping in to heartily endorse the inclusion of the Platinum Procyon on the list. I've had mine for about a year and a half and it's such a good pen that I probably won't be upgrading to a gold nib pen for some time.
This may be the push I need to get the Sailor Compass which I've been eyeing for the exact reason you noted (Sailor name and prestige) for a steal of $30 😍
For longer letters I really like my big fat All Americans, I switched to Goulet nibs. I can write longer and with less cramping than with skimmer pens.
Hi Brian, I bought the Supra brass with an extra fine steel nib. But I had to return it because it was too heavy for comfortably writing over long a long writing session. I wonder why there are not many people complaining about it. Also the hard starts with the extra fine nib was crazy. It didn’t write too well on a Rhodia dot pad either. Used a pilot Iroshizuku ink,
Could you do a video on hacking ink cartridges like you mentioned with the Travelers Brass fountain pen? There are numerous pens that are cartridge only that I'd love to try, but I'm far too attached to my bottled inks
Use the cartridge. Then when its empty, clean it out with water. Then take a syringe, fill a small bit with your bottled ink of choice, and inject the cartridge from the opening (it will already be open since it was punctured from first use). Then instead of pressing the cartridge into the pen, you have to press the pen onto the cartridge to avoide spilling.
@@endtimestruthrevelation1407 Agreed. Adding to this in case it is not obvious...you can also use the same syringe to clean out the used cartridge. The syringe makes it easier to shoot water in there and get all the residual ink out.
Me realizing I completely skipped this step... I started with pilot metro, then went to lamy safari and studio, then twsbis (not the vac though) and then jumped straight to pilot decimos (the burgundy was my first one!)... and now recently i purchased a twsbi vac iris and a conklin black rainbow! But going in my order, I have tried sailors and pelikans and the higher end stuff before experiencing the "next level" but I will say the twsbi vac writes on par with them, if not better actually. The Conklin can be slightly iffy with drying out or needing the converted to be twisted to get a good ink flow sometimes.
I would love to see a video where you get the maximum value for the money before the diminishing return. Like a preppy vs a plaisir. Or lamy safari vs dialog kind of stuff
Thanks for this Brian! I have been lusting for the Travelers brass pen for a while, even more so after your review on the pen cast. My next level ended up being a Lamy Studio, as it felt like a safe bet coming from a Safari. And I do love it. But that brass pen.. guess I need a "same level but branching out" pen as my next one :]
I am both surprised and not surprised about Pineider Avatar not on this list. The price point is starting to complete with gold nibs but is my favorite steel nib. The components are gorgeous, magnetic cap, and the clip spring was remarkable compared to many. When introducing pens to friends I always bring out the Pineider! Again the price point might just be too high?
A good list. More ‘’entry level’’ in my opinion, though. If you have a modest income, wait some more (not that much) and the satisfaction you will get from these will be worth your while.
I’m not at all happy with my Traveler’s Company brass fountain pen… it always gives me hard starts and I can’t figure out why. I have given up on it - all my Kawecos write so much more reliably… :-/
I ran into problems with fountain pens, like a “Ted Baker” brass pen shipped from the UK, but made in China, some of the shorter “Online” pens from Germany and some “Ystudio” pens from Taiwan where traditional converters did not fit. The converters were either too long or not narrow enough to fit into the barrel. Oddly, the Kaweco soft rubber converter fits all of these pens. I have this specific Kaweco converter (it’s designed to fit the Liliput) in my brass Ted Baker at the moment and it works great. I like the Ted Baker because the cap is almost the entire length of the barrel. I think I have an Online fountain pen like that as well. I find the style interesting + it’s small when closed & much larger when posted, thus the need for a mini-converter. The YStudio pen is too narrow for a standard converter & if there is one designed for it, I am unaware. I purchased this pen from a seller in Taiwan, then at a later date a few sellers began selling them in the United States with cartridges only. I was surprised that little squishy rubber Kaweco converter fit all 3 pens really well. It’s a small converter, but it is an option if one gets tired of cleaning out cartridges. I know I choose to purchase some off the wall fountain pens, but I also purchase fountain pens everyone has heard of as well. Anything that catches my fancy I usually give it a try… I’m relatively new at this whole fountain pen thing, so I am having fun with older models and new too…
Is it weird that I haven't watched your videos for about a year now and just before I clicked the video I could already hear your voice in my head ... I was like addicted to your videos at one point
Eyo same
Oh man, i know exactly what u mean. I started in the hobbie in 2016, and just discovered brian last year. I'm still addicted to these videos lol, goulet pens is just amazing
One of us
is true... I will play all the podcast like episodes in the background or actually fully watch them all the time... Brian has a really nice voice. Like its cheerful and friendly without being too happy
It is incredible. Watching these videos is one of my main forms of relaxation
I appreciate the updated version of this list. I would love to see updated versions of your other lists (best entry-level gold nib pens, etc.)
Make sure you're subscribed 😏
Its great to see Brian back in the office and behind the camera, its like we're back to 2012.
Thanks, Brian… appreciate this video… now you need to do a next-next level video that highlights 6-7 next-next level fountain pens with gold nibs in the $150-$250 range. Thanks again!
250 sounds a bit low to be called "next - next lv".
He already had a video
Pilot 74
Pilot Capless
Pilot E95
Platinum 3776
Lamy 2000
Glad to see the Procyon get a shout out. Terrific value and a consistently excellent writer.
I just purchased the Montblanc Dostoevsky Med Nib. I only started collecting fountain pens last week and now I have 6. This was my family heirloom level purchase.
I went to next level by upgrading from $2 pen to $30 pen and even that was expensive for me
YES. I like to compare potential fountain pen purchases to the BiC ballpoint, which can be had for 19¢. Is this $19 pen a hundred times better than a BiC? If not, I think twice before buyng it. Or three times.
@@ichirofakename I get your point, but to me the simple fact that a fountain pen offers a more personal writing experience through different models, nibs and bottled inks adds to the value and makes the comparison to a disposable plastic pen difficult.
@@HezzaGamer Good point. Maybe a better comparison is with your favorite low-end fountain pen instead.
Actually now I see the problem with this approach: you can't compare till you use them both, so you've probably already bought them both. Nevermind. I'm gonna start over:
You can't assume that a more expensive pen will objectively write better, or that the way it writes will suit you personally better. If you are happy with your current pen, maybe you don't need a different, more expensive pen. If you need another pen at all, maybe it is one SIMILAR TO THE ONE YOU ALREADY LIKE.
For me, that jump from $2 pen to $30+ pen was worth the money I spent. I started writing and it was worth it. It helped me a lot with anxiety and stress. I simply watch fountain pen videos when I feel stressed nowadays. I do want to buy an extremely wet pen which have bigger grip section around 13mm range. This means that I need to spent some money to buy some like that. I am saving up to buy from goulet pens. I m thinking of getting a pelikan, sailor or TWSBI. I can't wait to splurge from gouletpens
I jump from $40 fountain pen to a $200 and am a newbie but you can tell the quality and how professional they make you look
You had me at 'Japanese fine nib' 🤣 Travelers brass pen going on the wish list!
Same!
1. This is a particularly well-written and informative video. It's nice to hear from a pro.
2. Another good choice in this range is Faber-Castell. Regardless of external concerns, they make the best writing steel nibs in the world, according to me and many others.
3. Some, like me, who consider pens as tools, will discover that higher priced pens do not provide concomitant higher value. Low end pens nowadays just write too well to necessarily require replacement. Not unlike cars: if you think a Honda will get you where you want to go just as well as a BMW, then perhaps a pen that writes problem-free is enough. Me, I drive a Honda.
I disagree completely with your third point. I spent twenty years writing with a fountain pen for a living, and even though I'm now officially "retired, I still use a fountain pen at least five hours per day. There's simply no comparison between a steel nib and a quality SOFT gold nib, assuming you learn how to properly use the soft gold nib.
It takes about two hours of using a steel nib to wear out my hand, but I've written as much as sixteen hours per day with a soft gold nib, and had no fatigue or cramping. Contrary to popular belief, a heavier pen works better for long writing sessions because, with a soft gold nib, you can let the pen do all the work. Just let it rest on the paper, and guide it. The soft gold nib absorbs all the little tremors and jerks we all have when we write long enough, and in doing so, it also absorbs fatigue and cramping. Again, if you use it properly.
But I see a big difference between steel nibs and soft gold nibs, even in short writing sessions.
There is, obviously, a limit where price and better writing transpose. A three to four hundred dollar pen will usually write as well as a ten thousand dollar pen, but the pen itself, independent of the nib, is going to get better and better as the price increases. To me, that also means better, longer lasting pens. Cheap pens have cheap material and cheap parts. A Honda doesn't. Neither do expensive pens. I believe pen quality starts at about five hundred dollars, though my favorite cheap pen is the Homo Sapiens Bronze Age, which is, I think, about seven hundred dollars. I bought mine a few years ago for six hundred. There is, and probably never will be, a pen like this on the cheap.
Also, to me, Maki-e pens, while expensive by almost anyone's definition, give more than what they cost. Particularly Namiki pens.
That asiide, I know from long experience that a soft gold nib on a good, well balanced pen, is simply far, far better than any steel nib pen, if you really do consider a fountain pen a tool, which I do. But there is no reason a tool can't also be high quality and beautiful.
@@jamesaritchie1 1. I cede all commentary on what it's like to use a pen for 16 hours in one day.
2. We are speaking past each other since you consider a $700 pen cheap, while I consider a $7 pen cheap.
3. Sounds like you know exactly what you like. So do I. Life is good.
These days, I drive either a Toyota Prius or a hybrid Honda Accord. Both cars "will get you where you want to go". Having owned and driven BMWs in the past, I'll declare that there is absolutely no fair comparison between the Honda and the BMW. The Honda is an off-the-rack suit while a BMW is tailor-made.
While most of the pens Mr. Goulet chose for this video are good pens, well worth the price, there is no comparison between them and the *next* next level. I like my Preppys, Metropolitans and TWSBIs but I love my gold-nibbed vintage Parker, Pilots, Platinum and Bexley.
@@jankafka7330 Seems like you are not like me. You enjoy your Bexley and I will enjoy my Petit1 and all's well in the world.
On your controversial third point: I find it varies a LOT. There are great and meh pens in every price point. It's so much easier to trial and error your way into the $50 pen that is ideal for you than the $500 pen that is ideal for you, though. My most comfortable pen that I'm happiest with for long term writing sessions is an Aurora with a gold nib, but I hyperventilate taking it outside my house, so that's a trade off as well.
Alternate suggestions in the $50-100 range:
Lamy Aion - Metal body, but much bigger than the pocket pens for those with trouble gripping tiny pens.
Platinum Curidas - Interesting deployment mechanism, great for quick notes.
Diplomat Traveller - For something that would look a bit more at home in an office setting.
And I guess the Monteverde Innova if you really like the design of Pelikan pens but can't afford one.
Cool! Just what I was looking for. It’s time to update the beginner pens too!!! Gotta have a video to link to friends I bring into the rabbit hole with me…
I’ve written with fountain pens since primary school. 25 years after leaving I’m finding out it’s considered a hobby 😁and recently getting into pen inks. Had a lamy as a kid. Using a safari now. But definitely looking for a step up
Nice.The “hobby” part always seems strange to me also.
I’m pretty impressed with Safaris. The grip fits my fingers well, the width suits my hand size (medium), the clip I think is one of the best in the market as it folds material to secure it in place (rather than crushing material like the single prong clips do). To step up, what do you think of a gold nib for your Safari? Or if you want a different pen, the Lamy 2000, or something else in their range?
This is outstanding and very informative. Not just a list of the "Top 7 Next-Level Pens" themselves, but the WHY. Learning about the additional features and offerings provided by a manufacture makes it even more tempting to reach for the wallet. It's videos like these, along with the endless laughs, that keep me coming back to The Goulet Pen Company. Thank you to the Goulet family, and to the entire staff at GP!
Would love to see a comparison between the traveler brass pen and the kaweco sport brass version
I love my traveller's brass pen! I did use a kaweco converter, just not filled all the way, and that does fit in there, you'll just have to refill a little more often lol! I need to use up a cartridge so I can syringe fill it with a more fun color.
Getting back into fountain pens after 50-plus years of ballpoints, lol. Love my TWSBIs, etc., and am now saving up for my grail pen, the Pilot Custom 823. Sigh. Don’t know how long I can wait!
Twsbis are my favourite as well! They are what got me into fountain pens in the first place.
I bought the Compass a while back. At $30 it's a great value. Writes really smoothly.
Ahhh I need a Benu Euphoria... but I also don't, because my pen collection is plenty big enough as it is xD Dang it Benu.
This was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for putting this together 💖
My first pen was the TWSBI 580 which I would consider to fall into this category. Best buy ever. Glad I didn't limit myself to starter pens.
Thanks for the updated list. I think updating the older vids is a great idea for new people just getting into the hobby.
You nailed it with this video. Coming from someone who is not a beginner with fountain pens but not all that experienced. Experienced enough to know that I love fountain pens. And know pens I do like and what pens I don’t really care for. So this video is actually perfect for someone like me. Let me just say that over the past weekend I ordered my first TWSBI MINI VAC. Because I 💜 love my TWSBI ECOS. And I don’t own any Sailors, but the one you talked about in this video is on my list and the Benu Euphoria is also. I just can’t decide on one I like the best. From one pen lover to another good job 👍🏻
❤️ TWISBI’s what a smooth pen
OMG, the Brass pen, I bought it like a week ago. Nice to see it here!!!
Another option for the traveler brass pen is the kaweco al sport brass
I have the Traveler's Brass Pen, and I use the Kaweco squeeze converter (the one that fits the Kaweco Sport and Liliput) with it. Works fine.
The Monteverde Ritma is probably on of my favorites in the 40-60 range. It's weighty and smooth writing, and the magnetic cap is fun(I got mine in a medium nib.) Gonna get another in orange next month.
I bought an Osprey Milano last month. Nice pen at the just over $50 price point.
I just jumped into it with the Pilot 823 per ur recommendation and now I'm addicted LOL
You probably saved a lot of time, aggravation, and money by jumping directly to a good pen.
@@thomashardy9994 Yea now that I think about it you are probably right. I really enjoy this pen so far. I do need to get some more tho lol
I recently got a Vac 700R Iris and I love it way more than my only gold nib pen.
Great information, Brian! Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting the TWSBI Vac, Conklin All American, and Benu Euphoria (Vodka on the Rocks is stunning).
Dern you guys! I've gone too long without buying a new pen and that Kaweco Supra looks just to attractive to resist ha ha.
I know - I want one too! - Drew
It’s my current fav pen! I really recommend it. Beautiful balance
Exactly what I needed when I needed it.
Wow. I just got the all-american Courage after being into fountain pens and getting mostly cheapos for a few years. Hilarious to me that you put out this vid so soon after. What a coincidence
My first next-level pen was an Otto Hutt Design 01, which ran $140 -- it was also one of my first slimmer, lighter pens, whereas I normally prefer things with a little weight. It's got a really nice, simple aesthetic and is one of the smoother writing pens in my small collection.
Brass, just cannot deal with that copper smell.
This was excellent. However, I think the Pilot Prera deserves to make that list.
Perhaps! -Drew
Great review and list! I recently acquired a Lamy studio that I liked a lot and was under the $150 mark. Will try the Conklin now, too. Thanks for the recommendations!
Brian, nice overview on the pens. As for the Sailor Compass, I think it's a great writing pen especially for the price and to top it off Sailor includes a converter.
Must admit, the Cool definitely got hard and harder to find as time went one. Thankfully tracked one down. A very good writer. Just took some effort to find.
Great video. I like the explanation of what makes each candidates tick. I have the TWSBI 700R and another nice thing about it is that it takes a #6 nib, great for switching nibs.
A little grey in the sideburns these days, Brian. I mention this not to give you a hard time, but because I think it's actually a really good look. You look freaking great, dude!
Anyway, I love the content and while all of these are great pens, I cannot say enough good things about TWSBI pens, especially their flagship stuff like the Vac or the Classic. Just incredible writers for the money!
My favorite go to next level is the Lamy Studio. A beautiful pen that sits very nicely in my hand and writes near flawlessly. Just a few grams or so heavier than what I would ideally like but certainly not a showstopper.
Seconded. I switched out my F nib for an EF and it’s great over a wide range of inks.
What camera was used to record this video?
Well balanced and saturated colors , overall amazing video. 👍🎥
Thanks Haru! This was shot on the Canon C70!
Great list, I did not know that the Kaweco Supra even existed.
I wish you could do an updated version once a year.
Benu is the brand that lured me into the world of fountain pen collecting XD Prior to discovering them I had a few starter pens (Varsity, Preppy, Monami Olika) that I used sporadically and liked well enough, but once I saw those sparkles I was done for. Thankfully I've never had cause to regret taking a chance on what (at the time) seemed like an insane amount to spend on a pen! I have three now, and keep them all in regular rotation. I appreciate the fact that they have such a wildly distinctive aesthetic AND are reliably solid writers.
Surprised to see so many unfavorable comments about the Conklin All-American, I have a couple and (unlike the Duragraph/Duraflex) they've never given me any trouble.
Thanks for sharing, Megan! - Drew
Thanks for the video! I was out of the fountain pen world for quite a while and it's great to catch up :)
I really love updated list videos like this! Super helpful.
These are very good picks. For a little bit more variety, I would switch the Travelers pen for a Lamy Studio. It’s also metal, but available in more colors and nib options.
I really like my Lamy Studio! It's got a heft and shape I really like, and suits me better than the Safari/AL-star series do. The shape of the clip is also really unique.
Great content, thanks Brian!
Does anyone take notes with a fountain pen like me
Sure since 1976
I do. I started taking notes for school classes back in 1981. I now use fountain pens for my grocery lists. 🙂
Thanks. Also please do a next-next level pens video. As one might save a bit but get an amazing grail ish pen...
That's a fun idea! Perhaps we should redo the "pens to last a lifetime" video! :) - Drew
"You not gonna find basically any other pen that's gonna be a solid machined brass like this anywhere near this price point."
Well,
Traveler's Company Brass Fountain Pen - 57 euro. Fine nib only.
Kaweco Brass Sport Fountain Pen - 65 euro. Wide range of nib sizes from EF to 2.3 mm stub, nibs are easy to swap, there is a converter that fits in it.
Really interesting to see your pics for this list Brian, especially since I feel a bit “meh” about some of your choices and even strongly opposed to a couple of them!
First off, Kaweco Supra, Twsbi Vacs - yeah, I absolutely agree! I probably would have even lumped in the 580ALR too as that pen is hard to beat even when up against pens 10x its price! I can’t believe you didn’t mention the inkwells as an added bonus feature for these!
I don’t own a Benu or a travellers pen, so I’ve not got any strong opinion on these, however the lack of nib options and needing to refill cartridges would probably rule out the Travellers for me.
Procyon is pretty “meh” for me, it’s ok and decently solid, but I might have swapped this for a Curidas as that would have a lot more wow-factor for a similar price. I just think there may be better choices to go for, which I’ll get to at the end.
As for the picks I really strongly disagree with, that would be the Conklin All American and the Sailor Compass. I don’t own the Conklin and this is mainly because of the huge number of horror stories I’ve read about on Goulet Nation, both pre and post the switch to JoWo nibs. The quality control on the nibs and feeds just doesn’t seem reliable enough to recommend and problems with cap sealing, particularly on the wood pen options you mentioned lead to the nib drying out, even overnight! I just can’t recommend such problematic pens (or brand) to relatively new users in the hobby.
As for the Sailor Compass, I bought one from you a few months back and it was a miserable writer with a sharp and very disappointing nib. The rest of the pen was decent, but at the non-discounted price point especially, there’s just no way I could recommend this even over a Lamy Al-star let alone a Twsbi Eco. For me the Compass is an over-priced starter pen, and while some elements are cool like the clear feed and matching converter, it’s just not worth the dollar as a whole.
So, given I’ve complained about some of your choices, what might I include instead?
> Lamy Studio - Excellent build quality, really feels premium compared to a safari/al-star at only a small price uplift.
> Pelikan M200/M205 - Piston fill, extremely smooth nibs, some even have a nice bit of bounce, beautifully made and despite being resin pens really feel great quality. Granted at the higher end of our target budget, but still short of gold nib prices. Can be had for as little as 115€ from reputable sellers like Appelboom in the EU, but upon further research they seems much more pricey in the US. (I’m in Spain!)
> Platinum Curidas (see above)
> Twsbi Diamond 580ALR (also see above)
> Faber-Castell Ambition / Essentio / Loom - While I personally went straight in at the GvFC Bentley Ebony II LE because I’m a nutter, I know people typically give glowing praise to Faber-Castell’s steel nibs as basically up there with the best!
Thanks for the video all the same, even if I have slightly different picks, it was still a decent overview of some good options.
I'd disagree with the M200/205, on goulet and p much everywhere thats a high 200$ pen. That isn't a next level , but rather a premium pen
@@daggy1234 Some pen brands vary a lot in price depending on where you’re based, but just because the US has a crappy deal on them does’t make it a premium pen!
It’s the bottom level pen on Pelikan’s main line of writing instruments and is a small pen with a fairly small steel nib. You can hardly call their bottom of the range a premium pen! Sure Pelikan is generally a “premium brand” but no more so than many old school brands like Parker, Waterman, Cross etc. Even a plain black resin Montegrappa Elmo which is a c/c and has a JoWo nib and is Monty’s budget friendly line is way more expensive than the Peli M200/205!
The Lamy Studio and the TWSBI 580 were on the previous list and it wouldn't make sense to include Faber-Castell because they no longer carry the brand. Not to mention that was on the previous list as well.
@@daggy1234 As mentioned, Appelboom sells Pelikan for much lower prices than US retailers. Even Rachel recommends buying Pelikans from European vendors. Appelboom lists the Pelikan M200/205 marbled at $110 (free shipping if total order is over 100 euro and no VAT/tax for US)
Your solo videos get more likes and love.I also like ur vids more when u r solo.
I love the TWSBI Vac700r. I have three of them in different nib sizes and two of them are the Iris version. They are fantastic pens.
Cool video with some facts I wasn't aware of, thank you! I have a few pens in this price range that I either bought myself or got as a gift, but I'm hesitant to spend more money than that, for the exact reason you stated in the beginning of your video: I'm just not sure, which particular pens offer the best price-value balance. So, that range from about 120 to 300 $ would be very interesting, too! : )
Thank you for the list! I appreciate you posting things like this :) Also, you’re instructional videos are great!
The Pilot Falcon, formerly the Namiki Falcon, is on the high end of such a list, but is a plastic FP with a gold nib in three grades: XF, F, and M, all classified as "soft", i.e., with some give to them. Also, they are cartridge/converter, which makes them exceptionally easy to clean. I have three of them; one has a B nib, no longer available. Cost sans shipping/tax is as low as $172. There is also a metal version at around $240.
I have a number of models of Benu pens. I pronounce the name "BEN-oo," supposedly derived from the Egyptian bennu god-bird, associated with the mythical phoenix. The steel nibs write well. They are sturdy, well-made pens, and I especially enjoy my Euphorias.
Twsbi self destructs
I have six Twsbi Vac, Vac mini, Classic, and Mini
All of them have cracked feeds, bodies or some catastrophic defect
That's really surprising! We rarely hear about anything like that happening to our customers! Have you contacted TWSBI? - Drew
@@Gouletpens Drew
Really
I thought it was standard information
Perhaps I should bundle them all up and send them all back to Twsbi to get replacements
No problem with the ECO series
@@Gouletpens Drew
Brian did a video about how there were no problems with Twsbi
He got creamed in all the comments of how people had major problems
Check it out
Just dropping in to heartily endorse the inclusion of the Platinum Procyon on the list. I've had mine for about a year and a half and it's such a good pen that I probably won't be upgrading to a gold nib pen for some time.
I agree. The Platinum Procyon is a great writer and an underrated pen.
This may be the push I need to get the Sailor Compass which I've been eyeing for the exact reason you noted (Sailor name and prestige) for a steal of $30 😍
It really is a great deal! - Drew
I have the Conklin in walnut. Love it!!
I was looking at the VAC700R but the travelers brass looks nice too
Fabulous content. Thank you.
For longer letters I really like my big fat All Americans, I switched to Goulet nibs. I can write longer and with less cramping than with skimmer pens.
I might throw in some of the Waterman pens that are under $100. They are certainly metal. You are always so informative and interesting
Delightful options for me to spend my money!
A great next level pen is Opus 88 demonstrator. Large ink capacity and great smooth nib
Hello Brian. Great video. I would appreciate a video featuring fountain pens in the $350 to $600 range. Please!
Thank you. This is a good list & tips for a newbie like me.🧡
I have Procyon (also our dog’s name) and it’s my most expensive pen and never dries out.
Can y’all revisit the entry level gold nib pens?
All I can say is, make sure you're subscribed 😏
I found the Conklin flex nib quite stiff. Odd...
Twsbi Vac, Lilliput and Traveler's brass on my radar
Don't know when you upgraded your camera setup, but it's looking great!
Thanks man. Nice explanation.
Nice set. Thank you.
Hi Brian, I bought the Supra brass with an extra fine steel nib. But I had to return it because it was too heavy for comfortably writing over long a long writing session. I wonder why there are not many people complaining about it. Also the hard starts with the extra fine nib was crazy. It didn’t write too well on a Rhodia dot pad either. Used a pilot Iroshizuku ink,
Could you do a video on hacking ink cartridges like you mentioned with the Travelers Brass fountain pen? There are numerous pens that are cartridge only that I'd love to try, but I'm far too attached to my bottled inks
Use the cartridge. Then when its empty, clean it out with water. Then take a syringe, fill a small bit with your bottled ink of choice, and inject the cartridge from the opening (it will already be open since it was punctured from first use). Then instead of pressing the cartridge into the pen, you have to press the pen onto the cartridge to avoide spilling.
@@endtimestruthrevelation1407 Agreed. Adding to this in case it is not obvious...you can also use the same syringe to clean out the used cartridge. The syringe makes it easier to shoot water in there and get all the residual ink out.
That's wild to not even have the pens in hand or even write with them
Me realizing I completely skipped this step... I started with pilot metro, then went to lamy safari and studio, then twsbis (not the vac though) and then jumped straight to pilot decimos (the burgundy was my first one!)... and now recently i purchased a twsbi vac iris and a conklin black rainbow! But going in my order, I have tried sailors and pelikans and the higher end stuff before experiencing the "next level" but I will say the twsbi vac writes on par with them, if not better actually. The Conklin can be slightly iffy with drying out or needing the converted to be twisted to get a good ink flow sometimes.
Hey, no problem! That still works! - Drew
why do the opus 88 pens not make this list?
I love everything Twsbi
Lamy Studio is IMHO severely underrated. Metal and aluminum finish; good steel nib and under $100
I would love to see a video where you get the maximum value for the money before the diminishing return. Like a preppy vs a plaisir. Or lamy safari vs dialog kind of stuff
I use kanwrite pen it's best nib which never dries strong body .
Until when will the Lamy safari dark green pen be available for?
Ensso Italia solid titanium pen with Bock Size 6 nib & cartridge converter included, should be well within this bracket
Damn, you got the good Kwality!
Thanks for this Brian! I have been lusting for the Travelers brass pen for a while, even more so after your review on the pen cast.
My next level ended up being a Lamy Studio, as it felt like a safe bet coming from a Safari. And I do love it.
But that brass pen.. guess I need a "same level but branching out" pen as my next one :]
Shocked you picked the Procyon over the Curidas, but I get why you did.
Thank you
awesome
I am both surprised and not surprised about Pineider Avatar not on this list. The price point is starting to complete with gold nibs but is my favorite steel nib. The components are gorgeous, magnetic cap, and the clip spring was remarkable compared to many. When introducing pens to friends I always bring out the Pineider! Again the price point might just be too high?
A great pen, for sure! The price might just be a tad high, as you said. - Drew
@@Gouletpens just combining retail experience with all your videos!!! ☺️ Love the videos!!!
A good list. More ‘’entry level’’ in my opinion, though. If you have a modest income, wait some more (not that much) and the satisfaction you will get from these will be worth your while.
Hey Brian, does the brass make your hands smell funny after using it? That’s the concern that keeeps me away from brass and copper pens.
I’m not at all happy with my Traveler’s Company brass fountain pen… it always gives me hard starts and I can’t figure out why. I have given up on it - all my Kawecos write so much more reliably… :-/
Do you know much about Pelican pens. I found one in the house I moved into and its quite nice looking just need to get some cartridges.
So what exactly makes something a "next-level" pen instead of a beginner one?
I ran into problems with fountain pens, like a “Ted Baker” brass pen shipped from the UK, but made in China, some of the shorter “Online” pens from Germany and some “Ystudio” pens from Taiwan where traditional converters did not fit. The converters were either too long or not narrow enough to fit into the barrel. Oddly, the Kaweco soft rubber converter fits all of these pens. I have this specific Kaweco converter (it’s designed to fit the Liliput) in my brass Ted Baker at the moment and it works great. I like the Ted Baker because the cap is almost the entire length of the barrel. I think I have an Online fountain pen like that as well. I find the style interesting + it’s small when closed & much larger when posted, thus the need for a mini-converter. The YStudio pen is too narrow for a standard converter & if there is one designed for it, I am unaware. I purchased this pen from a seller in Taiwan, then at a later date a few sellers began selling them in the United States with cartridges only. I was surprised that little squishy rubber Kaweco converter fit all 3 pens really well. It’s a small converter, but it is an option if one gets tired of cleaning out cartridges.
I know I choose to purchase some off the wall fountain pens, but I also purchase fountain pens everyone has heard of as well. Anything that catches my fancy I usually give it a try… I’m relatively new at this whole fountain pen thing, so I am having fun with older models and new too…