The Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari are two popular choices often mentioned in discussions among fountain pen enthusiasts. Both pens offer excellent value for their price, making them attractive options for those looking to try a quality, beginner-friendly fountain pen or expand their collection. Here, we’ll look at each pen's key features and characteristics to help you decide which is the best fit for your writing style and preferences.
Overview
Before we compare specific aspects of the two fountain pens, let’s first have an overview of each one.
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
The Pilot Metropolitan is a classic fountain pen known for its sleek design and reliable performance. It features a sturdy brass body and a comfortable grip section that provides a secure hold. The pen comes with a Pilot cartridge/converter system, allowing you to use both bottled ink and standard cartridges. One of the standout features of the Metropolitan is its smooth-writing nibs, which are known for their excellent flow and consistency. The pen is available in several classic colors and finishes, including black, silver, and gold. There are also limited edition versions with more fun colors to choose from.
LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
The LAMY Safari is another popular fountain pen choice, renowned for its modern and ergonomic design. It features a well-built ASA plastic body that is available in a wide range of colors. The pen's grip section is triangular-shaped and provides a comfortable and secure grip for both right-handed and left-handed writers. The Safari comes with a LAMY cartridge/converter system, making it compatible with both bottled ink and standard cartridges. The pen's nibs are known for their smooth writing experience and are available in a variety of sizes, including fine, medium, and broad.
Comparing Nibs
Both the Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari offer excellent nib performance, but there are some subtle differences. The Pilot Metropolitan nibs are generally considered to be slightly smoother and wetter than the LAMY Safari nibs. The Safari nibs are often described as being a bit firmer and drier, providing more feedback to the writer. Ultimately, the choice of nib will depend on your personal preference and writing style.
Beyond the nibs, the two pens also differ in terms of their writing experience. The Pilot Metropolitan's brass body provides a more traditional feel, while the LAMY Safari's ABS plastic body offers a lighter and more modern experience. The Safari's triangular grip section also provides a unique and ergonomic writing experience that some may prefer.
Design and Aesthetics
The Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari have distinct design aesthetics. The Metropolitan is a more traditional-looking pen with a classic cigar barrel shape, which gives it a simple and understated design.
The Safari, on the other hand, has a more modern and playful design with a triangular grip section and a variety of vibrant colors. The choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the style of pen that you find most appealing.
Price and Value
Both the Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari offer excellent value for their price. Here on EndlessPens, the Safari is slightly more affordable at about $20, making it a great option for those on a budget. The Metropolitan, on the other hand, is priced at around $22 to $24. However, both pens provide exceptional quality and performance, making them excellent choices for both novice and experienced pen enthusiasts.
Other Considerations
When choosing between the Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari, it's also worth considering your personal preferences and writing style. If you prefer a more traditional-looking pen with a smoother and wetter nib, Pilot may be a better fit. Since Pilot is a Japanese brand, their nibs also tend to write finer than their Western counterparts.
If you're looking for a modern and ergonomic pen with a firmer and drier nib, the LAMY Safari may be a better choice. Their nibs generally lay down a thicker line than Pilot nibs. Lastly, if you prefer a lighter pen, the Safari's ABA plastic body may be more appealing.
The Bottom Line
The Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari are both outstanding fountain pens that offer excellent value for their price. They are also among the top five beginner fountain pens on the market. Your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, writing style, and budget. By carefully considering the key features and characteristics of each pen, you can make an informed decision and select the perfect fountain pen for your needs.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
