I want to buy a Pelikan but can't decide on nib size

[Jon1944]

I am looking to buy a Pelikan 150. I really like the look of it, plus the fact that it is a piston fill pen. However I can't decide between the fine and medium nib. I was hoping some of you may have some reference as to the size of Pelikan nibs. I have heard that they run a bit wide, and that people ordered the medium only to find it to bold or fat, so I'm thinking the fine, may be for me. But at the same time, I like a little bolder print, so I'm thinking the fine may be too small. I just can't decide :001_huh:. The pens I usually use at work are papermate gel pens that are 1.0 size. I like the look and size of the writing from these. What would that be comparable to in a Pelikan? I hope some of you guys can lend some advice.

[Doc4]

Partial answer ... I don't know about the papermate pens you mentioned, so can only say that for me, the fine tip works just fine (haha) as a daily writer with black ink, and the medium works well with a blue ink medium (haha again) as an 'autograph pen' ... well, for signing stuff, not that anyone asks me for my autograph except for sales clerks trying to be funny with credit card receipts.

I think that the nibs are interchangeable, so if you don't like the F or the M, you can order the other without buying a new pen ... check with your supplier to make sure I'm right, though.

[Groat]

I don't have a Pelikan and I'm brand new at fountain pens to boot, but I found this chart. I suppose it doesn't give you a great understanding about how each tip would write on a piece of paper, it at least gives you a relative scale.

http://www.swisherpens.com/Newpens/Pelikan/Nib_Chart.jpg

[Gruder]

My Pelikan M is somewhere between M and B on the chart above, if that helps.

Whichever you choose, you're getting a fantastically reliable pen!

[pal]

I am looking to buy a Pelikan 150. I really like the look of it, plus the fact that it is a piston fill pen. However I can't decide between the fine and medium nib. I was hoping some of you may have some reference as to the size of Pelikan nibs. I have heard that they run a bit wide, and that people ordered the medium only to find it to bold or fat, so I'm thinking the fine, may be for me. But at the same time, I like a little bolder print, so I'm thinking the fine may be too small. I just can't decide :001_huh:. The pens I usually use at work are papermate gel pens that are 1.0 size. I like the look and size of the writing from these. What would that be comparable to in a Pelikan? I hope some of you guys can lend some advice.

1.0 is fairly wide. But really, my M600 is a fine nib and I love it. I find that I use all different widths of nibs according to my fancy. In other words, I like all widths.

[Jwolf24601]

You can adjust the line width a bit by using wetter or dryer inks too. Good question for fountainpennetwork.com

Personally I like the Fine with a wet saturated ink like most Noodler's or Private Reserve.

[LouieGrandie]

Not all inks are equal. Some are "wet" or rather free-flowing, while others dry pretty quickly. Noodler's would be considered a "wet" ink because you sometimes get a lot of nib "creep" where the ink will creep out of the slit in the middle. Aurora and Waterman, especially the Florida Blue are great inks that are fairly quick drying and not too "wet". My personal favorite right now is the Iroshizuku from Japan. They have some wonderful colors and behave very well.

As for the nib my suggestion is to find a place locally that stocks them if possible and try out the nibs before purchasing. A lot of times companies will allow you to swap out nibs. Say you buy a Fine and decide quickly you want a medium or OB, some companies will allow you to send the pen back and they will swap out the nib a low to no cost. I have swapped out Waterman, Cross and Visconti with no problems. Mont blanc gets a bit fussy and charges.

[Jon1944]

Thanks for all the info guys, I think I will go with a fine point.

[wintermute2]

Thanks for all the info guys, I think I will go with a fine point.

Wise choice. The M looks great, but it's a little too wide for everyday writing in my honest. Either way, you'll be happy. Pelikans have great nibs.