Top 5 Next Level Non-Luxury Fountain Pens

In this video, we are raising the bar on every metric, including price, but not getting into what I consider the luxury pen realm. These pens vary in price a bit and are a little more expensive, but they all have a next-level writing experience. These pens are special to me and tens of thousands of other fountain pen lovers.

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Pens mentioned in this video:

Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro
0:59 Pilot Custom 74
2:04 Pilot Custom 823
3:16 LAMY 2000
4:00 Sailor Pro Gear
4:55 Sailor 1911 Large

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Follow along:

[Mumwillyou]

Great overview. And great to see a “best pens” list that doesn’t lead to financial ruin!

[Jorloc]

It is all fun and games, until someone gets their first fountain pen!

[brochite]

Gold nibs are really special. I bought a Parker Sonnet for about $50 in Staples over 30 years ago. When Staples first opened, they sold had a really nice variety of fine pens. It's still my favorite!

[dombar]

Thanks for the great video. Would be very happy to learn about your take on Platinum 3776 and the Pelikan Souveran series as well. In the Pilot line up the Prera is also a decent pick.

[quinncampbell]

I've really been wanting that LAMY 2000 for a while now and it is definitely one of my dream pens

[Mywalkingblog]

I've held and written with that beautiful 823 in New Orleans and it's one of those pens that makes you realize that great things can come from inconspicuous packages.

[zachmmullis]

I'm intrigued by vac fillers, so I'd love to try out a Pilot 823!

[tinalux]

Looking into learning more about a variety of pens. Thanks.

[ztienapm]

I'm leaning Sailor, but don't understand gold nib with gold plate. very new to pens.

[soapingirl]

My first InkredibleBox has me well on the way to being an enthusiast. I also have to add that I love listening to you - your enjoyment of fountain pens is ooses(sp) out all over the screen! I know you love this. Made me look at these pens a little closer.

[jacobhannan]

Lamy 2000 is iconic! The brushed Makrolon is a very creative and intuitive material for a pen.

[jennysimons]

I really like my Lamy 2000. I am really intrigued by the vacuum filler. I need to look into that. 😊

[LivNoTByLyes]

Very informative. Helps in making future purchases

[MsPixelatedPaint]

I dream of sailor pro gear. That finial!!!! Rawr. The 1911 is beautiful as well ! I just love the look 10x more! I’m cautious of the 2000 .

[susanthompson]

Great video. I would love to try a Sailor Pro Gear! I love my Pilot Prera and Metropolitan and would like to try their next level pens too.

[khud]

The Lamy 2000 is my favorite pen! Though now I am going to have to look into the Custom 823!

[arachnoid]

The TWSBI eco was my first fountain pen (it was a gift) and I keep finding myself going back to it as my EDC. Thanks for putting this video out, I’ve been burned by so many other “next level” pens I’ve made the leap for that have kept me going back to the eco!

[wilsonpaladin]

Both the Lamy 2000 and Custom 823 are fantastic writers - great workhorse daily pens too

[EvanMaxYouTube]

Great video. I really need to try a higher end Pilot one of these days.

[TheRealJanKafka]

I suggest the Pilot Custom Heritage 92. The same nib, I believe, as the Custom 74 but it's a piston filler with a decent capacity. The nibs are great, there's a fairly wide selection of nib sizes and they can still be found for less than $150 US.