The Pilot Varsity is my first foray into the world of fountain pens. While at the local grocery store, I went down the aisle for school supplies, and I noticed they had this fountain pen available for a mere $2.48. I figured this was a great price point for dipping my toe into the fountain pen waters. In this review, Ill comment on the packaging, the look and feel, the nib, my first writing specimen, and overall impression.
The Packaging
Pilot streamlined the packaging on this fountain pen with a simple paper backing and a clear plastic bubble so potential customers can observe the pen. They also clearly indicate the pen is intended to be disposable and maintenance free.
The Look and Feel
Pilot adversities the Varsity as The Everyday Fountain Pen. It features a sleek, lightweight design with gray/silver diamonds in a checkered pattern, which give the pen a little character for the relatively low price.
The cap pops off easily, and stays firmly in place when posted. The cap also features a sturdy clip in case you want to put it in a pocket, notebook, etc. Once you uncap the pen, you can see the inkwell to get an idea of how much ink you have left.
The Nib
The Varsity features a genuine stainless steel nib. If you zoom in on the nib pic you will notice an < M >, which I assume is an indication of a medium-sized NIB.
I am curious how the Varsity medium nib compares to other Pilot pens. If this is similar, then Im thinking I would prefer a fine nib for my next pen if I stay in the Pilot family.
My First Writing Specimen
Students of the Palmer Method of Business Writing will likely recognize the First Specimen exercise for new students. I used a low-quality, wide-lined composition notebook I found on the bookshelf. I suspect some of the scratchiness I felt when writing was due to the poor quality of the paper. I also noticed a fair amount of bleed through, which I think is a result of the paper I used.
I also have a small Moleskin Cashiers Ruled Journal (not pictured) that I use to jot notes on, and I found the Varsity wrote a lot smoother on this type of page, although it still had a fair amount of bleed through on the page in comparison to the ballpoint pen I normally use. The bleed through I suspect is a combination of the paper, nib, and ink because the Varsity seemed much bolder/brighter in comparison to the cheap ballpoint pen I normally use.
Overall Impression
At $2.48, I think the Varsity was a good initial adventure into the world of fountain pens for a newbie like me. I clearly don't think it would be worthwhile for experienced fountain pen users, other than a novelty, or perhaps to gift to a young person and/or someone that thinks they might want to try fountain pens out.
As mentioned, I knew Pilot intended the Varsity to be a disposable pen, although I did find some links where people have pulled the nib off, washed it out, and used an eyedropper to refill the pen. I do not plan to go to that trouble, as I will just use the pen until it wears out and switch to a different pen.
I have no other fountain pen point of comparison, but the Varsity was more than adequate for what Im wanting to do, which is get started with a fountain pen, improve my handwriting, and have fun at the same time!
The Packaging
Pilot streamlined the packaging on this fountain pen with a simple paper backing and a clear plastic bubble so potential customers can observe the pen. They also clearly indicate the pen is intended to be disposable and maintenance free.
The Look and Feel
Pilot adversities the Varsity as The Everyday Fountain Pen. It features a sleek, lightweight design with gray/silver diamonds in a checkered pattern, which give the pen a little character for the relatively low price.
The cap pops off easily, and stays firmly in place when posted. The cap also features a sturdy clip in case you want to put it in a pocket, notebook, etc. Once you uncap the pen, you can see the inkwell to get an idea of how much ink you have left.
The Nib
The Varsity features a genuine stainless steel nib. If you zoom in on the nib pic you will notice an < M >, which I assume is an indication of a medium-sized NIB.
I am curious how the Varsity medium nib compares to other Pilot pens. If this is similar, then Im thinking I would prefer a fine nib for my next pen if I stay in the Pilot family.
My First Writing Specimen
Students of the Palmer Method of Business Writing will likely recognize the First Specimen exercise for new students. I used a low-quality, wide-lined composition notebook I found on the bookshelf. I suspect some of the scratchiness I felt when writing was due to the poor quality of the paper. I also noticed a fair amount of bleed through, which I think is a result of the paper I used.
I also have a small Moleskin Cashiers Ruled Journal (not pictured) that I use to jot notes on, and I found the Varsity wrote a lot smoother on this type of page, although it still had a fair amount of bleed through on the page in comparison to the ballpoint pen I normally use. The bleed through I suspect is a combination of the paper, nib, and ink because the Varsity seemed much bolder/brighter in comparison to the cheap ballpoint pen I normally use.
Overall Impression
At $2.48, I think the Varsity was a good initial adventure into the world of fountain pens for a newbie like me. I clearly don't think it would be worthwhile for experienced fountain pen users, other than a novelty, or perhaps to gift to a young person and/or someone that thinks they might want to try fountain pens out.
As mentioned, I knew Pilot intended the Varsity to be a disposable pen, although I did find some links where people have pulled the nib off, washed it out, and used an eyedropper to refill the pen. I do not plan to go to that trouble, as I will just use the pen until it wears out and switch to a different pen.
I have no other fountain pen point of comparison, but the Varsity was more than adequate for what Im wanting to do, which is get started with a fountain pen, improve my handwriting, and have fun at the same time!
