Best Pilot Fountain Pen Review (Top 7 Picks)

Pilot fountain pens are some of the best fountain pens on the market. You would think that, as technology advances, old-school writing equipment is going out of style. But that’s not the case.

Pilot pens give something as simple as a grocery list, or everyday schoolwork notes a sense of heightened importance.

Whether you’re an author, pen collector, or just in search of a gift, and you’re looking for the best Pilot fountain pen then you’ve come to the right place.

7 Best Pilot Fountain Pens (Our Review)

Pilot is a Japanese pen brand. Its fountain pens have a finer nib than Western competitors, which gives your handwriting a feeling of lightness.

Pilot fountain pens come in all sorts of sizes and colours. They can be customized with different patterns or text for a more personalized look, making every pen a one-of-a-kind collector’s item. They even come in a beautiful box.

The effortless glide of fountain pens on paper is enough to make any writer or pen enthusiast happy. 

No one likes a messy pen. Pilot makes pens that write neater than most competitors.

Pilot Kakuno

Pilot Kakuno fountain pens are made of recycled plastic with a stainless steel nib.

The colorful pen caps and the smiley face on the nib add a little extra joy to your experience. When the smiley face on the nibs points upward, you know you’re using the pen properly. This is an excellent way to keep your handwriting on form, especially if you’re new to using fountain pens.

These pens are perfect for beginner writers of any age.

Pros

• Affordable
• Good quality
• Comfortable grip

Cons

• No converter included

Pilot Varsity

The Pilot Varsity fountain pen is the best Pilot fountain pen for everyday use. These are lightweight fountain pens, made mostly of plastic, with a stainless-steel nib. If you’re a beginner, a Pilot Varsity fountain pen is a good pen to use.

The plastic body makes the Pilot Varsity lighter than most fountain pens, which could turn away anyone who’s used to using something heavier. However, if you’re new to using fountain pens, the lightweight design prevents your hand from cramping. 

After getting a feel for the pen, you can transition to something more advanced, like the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Maintenance-free
• Inexpensive
• Disposable

Cons

• Sensitive to position
• Ink bleeds occasionally
• Broad nib

Pilot Explorer

If you’re looking for an affordable pen that still looks swanky, the Explorer Fountain Pen is for you. A fine nib Pilot Explorer is great if you are new to writing too. These pens are made with plastic and have a metallic finish. It writes well and is an excellent pen for drawing.

One downside is that the pen has a distinctly cheap feel. The plastic is thin and some of the screw threads don’t run smoothly. While we didn’t have any issues testing it, it probably won’t last more than a year or two.

These are lightweight, easy to hold and are refillable. The pen barrel’s metallic finish also makes it look more refined than most plastic fountain pens.

Pros

• Light
• Inexpensive
• Visually appealing

Cons

• Scratches paper
• No ink converter 

Pilot Metropolitan

The Pilot Metropolitan has a contemporary look and consistent ink flow. Although the pen looks impressive, it’s also inexpensive, making it a good option for the cost-conscious and cash-strapped.

The pens are made of brass and come in different colors, you so can pick one that fits your style.

The small ink converters in Pilot Metropolitan pens only allow you to write about 12 pages before it’s time for a refill.

Pros

• Low-cost
• Good for beginners
• Refillable

Cons

•  Small ink converter
•  Doesn’t write long

Pilot Prera 

When pens come with a user care guide, you know they’re a little special. Prera fountain pens are impressive but not too pricey. The clear acrylic body makes it easy to see when your pen’s ink needs a refill.

These fountain pens only weigh 14g and can be fitted with a fine or medium steel nib. Being able to choose your nib size makes it a versatile option, and you can always change tips as you see fit.

They are packaged beautifully and make great gifts.

Pros

• Outstanding design
• Includes refill cartridges

Cons

•  Small
• Awkward to write with

Pilot Vanishing Point Collection

Vanishing Point fountain pen nibs retract like ballpoint pens. The ink of these pens can be replaced, unlike most retractable ballpoint pens. Retractable fountain pens are usually manufactured to screw and unscrew to reveal and retract the nib. Vanishing Point nibs retract with a click.

They are trimmed with an 18-carat gold nib and silver or gold-colored accents. This gives the pen a luxurious feel that most Pilot pens lack. That’s why we’ve dubbed this pen the most comfortable on our best Pilot fountain pen round-up. 

You can purchase fine, medium or broad nibs with these pens, making them good for a variety of uses.

Vanishing Point fountain pens are a great addition to a fountain pen collection or as a gift. The pens are impressive but aren’t practical for calligraphy since the nib is slightly unbalanced.

Pros

• Durable
• Doesn’t leak
• Sold in different colours

Cons

• Pricey
• Ink gets dry
• Only lasts for 2-3 days

Pilot Custom Urushi

The Custom Urushi fountain pen is a collector’s dream pen, known for its rarity and appearance. 

It’s a large pen fitted with an 18-carat gold nib. The Urushi red lacquer finish and decorative gold-coloured rings complement each other well and look almost royal.

Even though they’re big, these pens are still easy to use and glide smoothly over the paper.

Pros

• Writes for longer
• Attractive 
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive

Conclusion

All Pilot fountain pens are made with pride. The number one reason to get these pens is simply that they’re better to write with than ballpoint pens. They have quality nibs and promise a first-class experience.

Choosing the best Pilot fountain pen is more than just a status symbol, it’s a unique writing instrument made of high-quality material. Not only are they inexpensive, but the company also offers worldwide shipping for any customer.

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