Body Material: Aluminum
Trim: Chrome
Length (capped): 6.1"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 5.28"
Length (posted): 6.7"
Barrel Diameter: 0.46 - 0.50" (flat surface to round surface)
Section Diameter: 0.36 - 0.48" (flat surface at smallest point to widest point)
Nib material: Steel
Weight: 22g
Fill type: Cartridge/converter
Price: €26.90 (excl. VAT €22.23)
Where to buy: Appelboom - use code "friend" for 10% off
Fontoplumo - use code "GourmetPens" if you're a new customer for 10% off and "GourmetPens2" if you're a returning customer
APPEARANCE
I'm not going to do a huge review on this pen, because it's the same pen model as the Lamy Al-Star Blue-Green I reviewed last year. Same structure, shape, and goods going on.
IN HAND
As I mentioned in my Blue-Green review,
The pen is heavier wherever the cap is - so capped, it's heavy to the front, and posted, it's heavy to the back. It's a light pen, even posted, it isn't top heavy and it remains comfortable to write with. I can use the pen either unposted or posted, and when posted, it posts deeply and comfortably. It feels very nice in hand, so long as the grip isn't an issue for you. I love the balance and weight of this pen, and I think these are so popular because this design works for so many people. The body is smooth to the touch and warms nicely when held, though the material can scratch. The clip is not too tight, but if you pull too hard, there is some give where it attaches into the cap so be careful with it.
- No exposed threads.
- Interchangeable nibs (and affordable nibs).
- Ink window - so you can see your ink level.
- Very fun copperorange!
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Great pen for beginners and experienced users alike.
- With so many colours to choose from, it's easy to find one for anyone you're trying to turn into a fountain pen addict.
- I love this 1.1 mm nib! Offers expressive writing but still perfect for everyday use.
CONS
- Converter is a separate purchase (~$5).
- If the grip doesn't work for you, the pen is not going to be comfortable.
It's hard to go wrong with an Al-Star, unless you hate the shape of the grip. They're pretty solid pens with interchangeable nibs. They're tough, hardy, and workhorse pens. Give it a go! It's a slippery slope though, because the colors are very collectible...
I received this pen free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion. There are no affiliate links in this review.
Posts
3 comments:
Sums up my issue. I find the triangular grip uncomfortable so I know to avoid them. And the nib on my Lamy is very scratchy. Love the design otherwise, love the fact you can pull it apart etc but the grip stops it being good for me.
Yeah.. I understand. That's a total bummer, isn't it? They have such fun colors otherwise! What nib do you have? You could probably smooth it out pretty easily with some micro mesh :)
It might, but the grip is the issue. I have another pen with a similar grip and the same problem so for me it's the shape of the grip.
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