Platinum Preppy vs Lamy AL-star

Again, though, not going for pretty or sexy. I just want a decent writer that won't break the bank if it has to be replaced. The price of the converter was more than the pen, but because it allows me to use whatever ink I want I have no complaints about that. My total cost for pen and converter was less than $15

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

Due to an incident in class where the ink exploded over my hand, I've been wary to bring it with me back to the lecture hall. I've read also that Noodler's Black writes dry (in my limited experience, this is the case) paired with the Lamy Safari. I use the Safari mostly for penning long writings in my notebook, but since I do it infrequently, I find myself needing to change out the ink in the Safari since it's dried out since last use. Platinum's slip and seal mechanism is a useful tool since it keeps away ink evaporation

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

Otherwise, go back to ballpoint, but know that you really didn’t engage with fountain pen in the way that’s intended.

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 Safari, AL Star, and LX all have a triangular section grip; the Aion is circular. The TWISBI is triangular, too. The Platinum Plaisir is a nice one - very light in weight, but looks elegant. Satisfying snap when it's capped

The Lamy Al- Star and Safari have a triangular grip, and for those who do not wish their pen to tell them how to grip it, might be a problem, especially left handed people. Also , the Aluminum body is more prone to dents and scratches than the matte finished plastic ones, even though the price and construction materials might suggest otherwise.

Cheap. So, why just three stars--especially when I'm a fan of cheap fountain pens? Because this pen is so utilitarian in appearance and handling, it removes all romance from the writing experience. If Jinhao and Gullor and a bunch of Indian (even Pakistani) pen companies weren't putting out gorgeous pens for the same price, this would be a five-star pen. But you can get luscious pens that feel like fine tools and write, honestly, like Meisterstucks, for the same price

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.

Personally I find the low weight makes me prone to twist it in my fingers a bit, which is bad when it comes to a precise fountain pen with a small sweet-spot.

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