I'm astonished at the quality of this fountain pen the Chinese manufacturer Jinhao released mid-2022. I've owned it for two days and can't stop fondling it.
Left:
Jinhao Acrylic X159 - $10.
Right:
Montblanc Meisterstück 149 - $1,700.
The Jinhao is the best approximation of a Meisterstück 149 I've encountered. In comparison:
• The size #8 Steel nib is superb but not the calibre of -and slightly smaller than- the Montblanc size #9 18 carat Gold nib.
• The filling system is a Cartridge/Converter as opposed to the Piston in the Montblanc and there isn't an ink window.
• It's noticeably lighter in the hand than the Montblanc which is heavier on the back end where the metal components of the piston mechanism are housed.
• Screwing the cap requires approximately 3.2 revolutions compared to approximately 1.75 revolutions on the Montblanc.
• The acrylic material is opaque whereas Montblanc's resin is slightly translucent, glowing red when a light is shone through it.
The Montblanc is a better pen but not 170 times better. The Jinhao now sits at the very top of my
Inexpensive and
Best Value fountain pen recommendation categories as I'm absolutely blown away by the quality of this ten dollar pen. The primary deficiency for me is it's currently available only with a fine (F) nib: hopefully Jinhao will cash in on the growing popularity of this model by offering alternative nib options.
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