Pilot Custom 823 vs Lamy AL-star

I also have the Custom 74 which is also a fantastic pen in its own right. I have developed a lot of respect for Pilot and realize that their pens are every bit as good as many of the pricier brands. This is my opinion but after reading many many reviews, other seem to agree. The quality of construction is superb

Likewise, the aluminum casing gives it a modern finish and leaves it feeling light in the hand. Likewise, the inside of the pen is well made and feels solid. Some people might not like the angled grip but I happen to like the fact that it directs your fingers exactly where to go. It's also so easy to fill/re-fill that anyone can learn how in a few minutes

I Think a lot of people consider it to be a workhorse pen. We've even seen celebrities like Neil Gaiman are fans of using this pen on a regular basis ...

The graphite is not as dark as a gun metal color, more of a light gray. The pen is simple, but it is also visually appealing, reliable, and fun to write with. It is not the perfect fit in the hand, but it is not uncomfortable. I probably would not use this pen to write a 10 page letter, but it has served the purpose of jotting notes, editing, and general correspondence admirably

The only time I'll tighten it is if I'm traveling with it. Otherwise - Just leave it loose and ink won't flow out of it when it's being stored. Overall - it does exactly what I wanted it to do - which is to sign checks at my desk. It's weight is perfect and it looks rich and beautiful

While it definitely feels good and i love the pen i do wish it was a bit heftier. It just feels too light it my hands it’s kinda odd. For my next pen i really want a clear one but i don’t want it to be super light plastic. i love the clear twsbi but i’m not sure which is the heaviest

This design is known as the plunger or vacuum filler, while Visconti refers to their design as the double reservoir power filler, it's the same thing ...

I tried out the one in the store and immediately fell in love with how that medium nib Al-Star model behave when I pressed down on the trial paper pad. I bought that one in gold color for $47 in store plus sales tax. After expensed a box of the cartridge ink in a few days and piles of ink filled paper I practiced on, I found that the design with the two flat holding areas really let me write without causing discomfort in my hand and on my finger tips. I wanted to try one with fine nib, and at the cost of $27 for this purchase I was sold

And here in the U.s. kind of. the going retail price for these is two hundred and eighty-eight dollars now

We're looking here at a surprisingly cheap ($27 in November 2017) Lamy Al-Star. This is a good price for an Al-Star, which usually start around $32. I suspect the cheaper price is due to the rather unremarkable color.