Learn About Pelikan Pens

Pelikan pens have long been a revered name in luxury writing instruments. With their impeccable design and craftsmanship, Pelikan pens perfectly balance aesthetic appeal and practicality. Pelikan offers a pen for every style, purpose, and preference.

Let’s explore Pelikan as a fountain pen brand, help you identify the best Pelikan pen for your needs, compare Pelikan with other prestigious brands, and answer some commonly asked questions about Pelikan pens.

Is Pelikan a Good Fountain Pen Brand?

Yes, Pelikan is a good fountain pen brand for both new and experienced collectors. German-made Pelikan pens have earned a legendary reputation for their consistency, quality, and innovation, particularly regarding their piston-filling system. Pelikan fountain pens appeal to both seasoned collectors and new collectors, offering both quality and prestige, along with pens at a lower price point for new collectors.

Each pen in Pelikan’s lineup has a classic and recognizable design, from the entry-level M200 to the prestigious M1000. The consistent style across its products reflects Pelikan’s deep commitment to its roots. Even Pelikan limited-edition pens stay true to this iconic design ethos, featuring thoughtful artistic elements like paint or metal inlays.

Pelikan’s famously reliable piston fillers

One of the standout features of Pelikan fountain pens is their trusted piston fillers. These fillers are highly durable, easy to maintain, and set a new standard for smooth ink flow. The nibs’ easy unscrewing also makes cleaning effortless.

Alternatively, Pelikan cartridge pens maintain the same standard of quality but have a pre-filled cartridge, offering flexibility in what Pelikan pens can offer.

Pelikan combines appeal for the everyday user with value for luxury collectors. For instance:

• New collectors can start small with the M200 series, which is priced around $100–$200.
• High-end collectors may gravitate toward pens like the M1000 or the intricately detailed Toledo and Raden editions.

How Does Pelikan Compare to Other Luxury Brands?

Pelikan has unparalleled functionality and elegant designs that stand the test of time compared to other luxury pen brands. Below are some comparisons:

• Pelikan vs. Montblanc: Montblanc pens feature resin-made cap threads and nib housings, which make them more fragile than Pelikan pens.
• Pelikan vs. Visconti: Despite being in a similar price range as Visconti, Pelikan has a larger user base due to its piston-fill mechanism and superior build quality.
• Pelikan vs. Aurora: Aurora is narrower in size than Pelikan and may not be as comfortable for those with bigger hands.
• Pelikan vs. Parker vs. Waterman: There’s little competition between Pelikan, Parker, and Waterman. Pelikan pens exhibit much higher quality all around.

Which Pelikan Pen is Right for Me?

Selecting the perfect Pelikan pen depends on three main factors: your budget, the size of the pen, and your intended use.

1. Budget
   • The M200 and M400 series offer a great entry point at a more affordable price for newcomers. These pens maintain high-quality craftsmanship while being less expensive.
   • If you’re looking to invest in a premium or collectible pen, consider the M1000 series, Toledo editions, or limited releases like the Pelikan Radens.
2. Size
   • Pelikan pen names correspond to nib and pen sizes. For example, the M400 has a 4mm nib, and the larger M800 has an 8mm nib. This sizing also impacts the overall pen structure—smaller nib sizes equal more compact pens and vice versa.
   • If you prefer a larger pen for long writing sessions or a more pronounced grip, the higher-number series, such as the M600, M800, or M1000, may be best for you.
3. Purpose
   • Everyday Writers: The M200 or M400 are lightweight and excellent for daily use. Their compact size and smooth nibs make them superb casual writing or journaling tools.
   • Collectors: For those who value artistry and exclusivity, look no further than Pelikan’s limited-edition pens, such as the Toledo or Raden. These are premium works of art designed to impress. Vintage Pelikan fountain pens may also be a good fit for collectors or anyone interested in classic craftsmanship.

The Iconic Vintage Pelikan Fountain Pens

Vintage Pelikan fountain pens are timeless pieces of art cherished by collectors worldwide. Pelikan introduced its first fountain pen, the Pelikan 100, in 1929, which became an instant classic. These vintage pens utilize the innovative differential piston-filling system, often allow for interchangeable nibs, and maintain Pelikan’s durability and quality.

Pelikan Ballpoint Pens & Pelikan Rollerball Pens

Pelikan ballpoint pens and Pelikan rollerball pens also offer unique attributes. Pelikan ballpoint pens are prized for their smooth writing experience because of their high-quality ink refills that deliver consistent performance. Pelikan rollerball pens bridge the gap between ballpoint precision and fountain pen fluidity. They feature water-based ink for a seamless writing experience, ergonomic comfort for enhanced control, and refillable designs for sustainability.

FAQs About Pelikan Pens

How wet are the nibs?

Pelikan nibs are some of the wettest nibs out there. They have stayed true to the European style. If you’re used to Japanese nibs or Aurora, go down a nib size because of the wetness of the nib.

With an M1000, the nib is softer and provides a really unique writing experience.

Which nib size should I get?

The right nib size is essential for an optimal writing experience. Pelikan nibs typically come in sizes ranging from EF (Extra Fine) to BB (Double Broad). Your choice depends on your writing style:

• Extra Fine (EF) and Fine (F) nibs are great for detailed writing or note-taking.
• Medium (M) nibs are ideal for general-purpose writing and journaling.
• Broad (B) and Double Broad (BB) nibs are excellent for creating bold, artistic strokes, such as calligraphy or sketching.