Pilot V Pen Disposable Fountain Pen - Black, Box of 12

Product Information

I did have a problem with one pink one – it would not write consistently. I solved the problem by storing it nib-down for two days. These pens tend to write with a very wet line. On some paper the Varsity will feather just a little bit, but on most paper you’ll just get a nice line of ink. Of all the pens in this roundup, I think the Varsity has the most saturated ink (at least the two blues that I tested).

9 Best Fountain Pens for Beginners and Professionals 9 Best Fountain Pens for Beginners and Professionals

Searching for the smoothest-writing fountain pen is a lifelong journey for some people. Chris Elfering, the founder of Lochby, a store that supplies journals and accessories specifically for fountain pens, says that the features most important to people shopping for fountain pens are the writing experience and materials. “For [the] writing experience, it's usually about how smooth the nib is and how heavy or balanced the pen is," he says. In regards to materials, he adds that certain items command a higher price—“for example, gold nibs over steel and arco celluloid bodies over acrylic.” The Pilot Falcon is a more opulent version of the Pilot Metropolitan. While the design is similar, the Falcon features a heavier metal barrel and a 14-carat gold nib that enhances the flow of ink. A pre-filled fountain pen is a simple and convenient way to explore this type of writing instrument. Many students start with this type of disposable fountain pen, rather than starting with the challenge of learning to appropriately fill the pen with ink. One of the most popular options for students is the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen.The V-PEN is ideal as a first pen for those learning to write with ink because if you make a mistake, the ink erases using standard ink eradicators. In a world of fountain pens that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the term “disposable fountain pen” might seem like an oxymoron. Indeed, they may go against everything that fountain pens seem to stand for… quality, permanence and luxury. Don’t let the term fool you, though. Disposable fountain pens are actually quite capable little pens! Surprisingly, there are actually quite a few different models to choose from, so let’s try to figure out which one is the best disposable fountain pen. Why Would You Want A Disposable Fountain Pen? The medium nib included with the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen is stainless steel. It has a reputation for laying down lines that are slightly thinner than other medium-sized nibs, but in the eyes of many, this is an advantage. It leads to crisp letters, whether you’re writing in cursive or print. It’s worth noting that the nib is technically not interchangeable and Pilot doesn’t sell the nibs separately, but many people have replaced it with a nib from another Pilot Metropolitan pen. Pilot's V-PEN combines the comfort and convenience of a rollerball with the fine-writing stroke of a fountain pen. So, now that we’ve figured out why you might want a disposable fountain pen in the first place, let’s take a look at the contenders for the title of Best Disposable Fountain Pen. The Pens

Choosing The Best Disposable Fountain Pen

The material of the fountain pen barrel and its nib will have a big impact on the feel and functionality of the pen. In fact, Chris says that the nib “has the most impact over writing performance.” He explains that the finish will determine how smooth it writes, noting that “gold nibs are softer and bouncier compared to steel nibs.” A fountain pen with a gold nib is often considered one of the smoothest writing fountain pens, but it should be noted that a stainless steel nib is very long-lasting when compared to the softer metal of gold, which can bend or wear more easily. The Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen, our top overall choice, has a stainless steel nib that is widely known for being reliable in ink output and durability. You must use a specific category of liquid inks designed for fountain pens. Chris cautions that dip pen or India inks shouldn't be used in fountain pens. “They dry up and turn into a glue and will ruin a fountain pen.” NOTE: does NOT work with Platinum Preppy or Plaisir fountain pens. While the converter will fit perfectly well inside the pens, ink is only drawn into the feed, not into the converter. Can be used with these pens if you fill the converter outside the pen, then fit it pre-filled. Works normally with other Platinum pens.” Unlike most other disposable fountain pens, the Vpen nib has real tipping, making for a smooth, rounded writing point, and a much more enjoyable writing experience. The rounded shape of the tip makes the Vpen more forgiving of angle, so it's great for left-handed people, and those new to fountain pens, but also a great casual-use pen for people who love fountain pens.One other benefit is that you can refill a Pilot Varsity. By gripping the nib and pulling it out of the barrel (you’ll want to use something to grip it without damaging it), you’ll be able to fill the pen with ink like you would an eyedropper. Now you can use any color of ink you want! Finally, I wouldn’t recommend the Thornton’s Novice. While they aren’t bad pens, there is the illusion of value with the number of pens you get for the price. Unfortunately, they just don’t hold up when compared to a set of Varsity, Preppy or even Petit1 pens. They’re not bad pens, by any means, but the Novice are truly the only disposable pens of the bunch, as they are impossible to easily refill.