When it comes to high-quality writing instruments, two popular options stand out among fountain pen enthusiasts: the Pilot Metropolitan Collection and the Lamy Safari. Both of these renowned brands have been producing exceptional fountain pens for decades, and their respective models have garnered a loyal following. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, design, and performance of these two esteemed fountain pens to help you decide which one suits your writing needs.
Design and Build
The Pilot Metropolitan Collection boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, with a focus on minimalist elegance. The pen's body is crafted from durable brass, providing a substantial feel in the hand. The Metropolitan's slim profile and balanced weight make it comfortable to hold and maneuver, allowing for extended writing sessions without fatigue. The pen's clip is discreetly integrated into the cap, adding to its streamlined appearance.
In contrast, the Lamy Safari has a more avant-garde design, characterized by its distinctive triangular shape and vibrant color schemes. The pen's body is made from sturdy ABS plastic, which provides a lightweight yet robust feel. The Safari's ergonomic design ensures a secure grip, making it an excellent choice for writers with larger hands or those who prefer a more substantial hold.
Nib Performance
Both the Pilot Metropolitan Collection and the Lamy Safari feature high-quality nibs that deliver smooth writing experiences. The Pilot Metropolitan comes equipped with a stainless steel nib, available in a range of tip sizes (Fine, Medium, Broad), which glides effortlessly across paper, producing consistent lines and minimal hard starts.
The Lamy Safari, on the other hand, boasts a proprietary Z50 stainless steel nib, designed specifically for optimal performance. The nib is available in several tip sizes (Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad), and its unique shape allows for precise line variation, making it an excellent choice for calligraphy and artistic applications.
Ink Flow and Maintenance
Both fountain pens feature reliable ink flow systems, ensuring a consistent supply of ink to the nib. The Pilot Metropolitan uses a convenient cartridge/converter system, allowing users to easily switch between bottled ink and cartridges. The pen's ink capacity is moderate, holding approximately 0.5ml of ink.
The Lamy Safari also employs a cartridge/converter system, with a slightly larger ink capacity of around 0.7ml. However, the Safari's proprietary T10 ink converter can be more finicky to clean and maintain compared to the Pilot Metropolitan's converter.
Price Point
One significant difference between the two fountain pens lies in their price point. The Pilot Metropolitan Collection is generally more affordable, with prices starting around $20-$30 for the base model. In contrast, the Lamy Safari typically retails for $30-$60, depending on the specific model and color scheme.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Pilot Metropolitan Collection and the Lamy Safari depends on your personal writing preferences and style. If you value a more traditional, elegant design and a smooth writing experience, the Pilot Metropolitan may be the better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern, ergonomic design and a nib that excels at line variation, the Lamy Safari is an excellent choice.
As with any fountain pen, it's essential to consider factors such as ink flow, maintenance, and overall build quality when making your decision. Both of these exceptional fountain pens have earned their places in the hearts of writing enthusiasts, and we're confident that either one will provide you with a satisfying writing experience.
