You’ve been in the fountain pen hobby for a while now, and you may feel like you’re ready to graduate from beginner pens to the next level. Selecting a pen of this caliber takes a little more discernment, especially given the cost as well as determining what features you want in a writing instrument. Are you looking for something more balanced? A springier or softer nib with a smoother writing experience, perhaps?
Here, we’ll talk about what next level pens are and how you can choose the right one for you.
What is a next level pen?
Next level fountain pens are those that first-time fountain pen users would not typically purchase. They are usually a little more expensive than beginner fountain pens because they are made of finer materials. They also have more unique features that can be appreciated by someone who has been writing with fountain pens for some time and wishes to delve deeper into the hobby.
Best next level fountain pens to use
There are some excellent next level fountain pens you can look into in the $100 to $300 price range. Here are a few great options:
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen
The Vanishing Point from Pilot is a retractable fountain pen with a brilliant and creative design. It comes in a larger, durable metal body and has an 18 karat gold Namiki nib that writes an extremely smooth line. You can choose from a variety of colors with matching accents for a contemporary look. If you have not used Japanese pens before, it is best to buy a nib size larger than you normally would since Japanese nibs run small. This is a wonderful addition to your collection if you want something that is quick, easy, and reliable to use, especially for everyday or on the go.
LAMY 2000 Fountain Pen
The design of the LAMY 2000 stands out as a mix between a mid-century modern Bauhaus design. It was popular in the 1960s and is considered to be a beautiful, minimalist piece of art today. Made of steel and polycarbonate, the LAMY 2000 is well-balanced and has a matte texture. The tapered front section also makes it easier to hold and write with. The semi-hooded 14 karat gold nib is plated with platinum and writes smoothly while being a bit on the wetter side. It also comes with a piston filling mechanism. This next level pen is perfect for those who like a more minimalist look to their pens. It’s also great for writers to prefer medium to lightweight fountain pens for daily use.
Platinum 3776 Century Fountain Pen
Named after the height of Mount Fuji (in meters), the Platinum 3776 Century fountain pen comes in an extremely lightweight design. This makes it an excellent choice for fountain pen users who enjoy long writing sessions. It also offers quite a unique writing experience. The 14 karat gold nib is a bit stiffer than other gold-nibbed pens, and it has a pleasant bit of feedback, almost like expensive pencils with quality graphite. Another great feature from Platinum is the Slip and Seal cap, which prevents the pen from drying out in the nib for several months. However, if you prefer smooth pens that feel almost glassy when you write with them, then this may not be the next level fountain pen for you. This pen is best for those who prefer to write thinner lines with a little bit of texture on the nib.
Pilot Custom Heritage 823 Fountain Pen
If you’re looking for a larger, juicier, smoother nib, then the Pilot Custom Heritage 823 fountain pen is for you. It is one of the smoothest writers out on the market, and it is well worth spending a bit more on your fountain pen to experience how smooth the nib is. Most pens in this price range offer larger barrels with wider grips, but the Custom Heritage is more of a standard-sized pen and is well suited for small to medium hands. The pen has a vacuum-filling mechanism, which may or may not work for you depending on your preferences. It also has a translucent resin body, so if you aren’t a fan of this look, then it may be best to try other pens on this list. Still, the smooth writing experience of the Custom Heritage stands out, and it is worth trying simply because of that feature.
Sailor 1911 Fountain Pen
The Sailor 1911 line is known for having a classic look, whether you choose the standard or the large size. You get a very comfortable and smooth writing experience with just a touch of feedback and bounce from the 14 karat or 21 karat gold nib. It’s a pen with a cartrirdge-converter filling system, making it more convenient for most writers and suitable for those who like to change inks often. Similar to other Japanese pens, Sailor nibs tend to write finer, so choose accordingly. This pen is an excellent choice if you want a classic-looking and understated cigar design in a good size with a high-quality gold nib. It is also suited for those who want just a bit of feedback with their smooth writing experience.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to buying next level pens in the $100 to $300 range, it’s difficult to go wrong with the popular brands like Pilot, Platinum, and Sailor. If you’re looking for your next level fountain pen, try starting with the best gold-nibbed fountain pens under $200 and see what strikes your fancy.
However, the best thing to do with next level pens is to test them out in-store or during pen meets, if possible. There are nuances to each pen model that you might not see or feel if you simply blind buy a pen. It all comes down to the details when choosing pens at this point in the fountain pen hobby. It may take a little more time and patience, but it will be well worth it to find the perfect match.
Happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
