Platinum Preppy vs Pelikan Souverän M1000

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

Having said that, the quality and construction of this pen is up there with the MB 149 with some exceptions. The resin (plastic) of the barrel feels harder, colder, but it is extremely well machined. The piston filling mechanism is the best that I have encountered on any pen, even Montblanc. The piston turning knob is smooth, silky, and properly damped

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

My benchmark reference on this is a fine Montblanc 14 from the 60s that really does sound and feel just like writing with a good sharp pencil. To give a bit of backstory on that, at a previous workplace I had a co-worker who was a pencil nut, and she got me hooked on Blackwings. When I use a pencil, I use a Blackwing 602. The MB 14 reminds me of writing with a sharp 602, and that pen convinced my coworker to try fountain pens

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.

Amazing looks, glorious nib, superb craftsmanship, wonderful finish with a solid heft to the pen. The ink filling piston system is smooth and has high capacity.