Review: Lamy Safari LE 2015 Neon Lime Fountain Pen @Fontoplum0 @Lamy @LamyUSA

Thank you Fontoplumo for sending this vibrant pen over! This year, Lamy has settled upon Neon Lime for their limited edition Safari. Yes, two years ago, it was Neon Yellow. And there was also the apple green... I'm still waiting for purple. However, if you want a seriously bright pen, this is bright, fun, and solid.

ABOUT

Body Material: ABS Plastic
Trim: Chrome
Length (capped): 6.1''
Length (uncapped nib-end): 5.28''
Length (posted): 6.7''
Barrel Diameter: 0.46'' - 0.50''
Section Diameter: 0.36'' - 0.48''
Nib material: Steel
Weight (all): 17 g
Fill type: Cartridge/Converter
Price: € 19,50
Where to buy: Fontoplumo (and matching ink)

PACKAGING

This Safari came packaged in a black cardboard box with Lamy written on it in silver. The elastic holds two thin flaps closed. Inside, the pen sits in a folded cardboard bed. Like all Safaris, the pen came supplied with a Lamy blue ink cartridge (and I hate it). Simple packaging.

APPEARANCE

The Safari is a good sized pen - the ends are blunt with black end plugs. The cap is completely round, whereas the rest of the body has two flat surfaces - one with LAMY engraved on it, and the other sides are rounded like the cap. There is a window through the pen that allows you to see the ink cartridge or converter inside, which is a great touch. The clip is built into the cap, long, sleek and curved outwards at the end of the cap so it will slide easily on to papers or on to shirts. The section is a neon lime, with two flat surfaces and a rounded bottom.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

The steel 1.5 mm nib is the standard nib for the Safaris - a single slit, and no breather hole. The nib is marked with 1.5 and Lamy. This one wrote well, and is really nice for calligraphy and expressive writing. Drying times were pretty fast, but there is very little line variation possible, in terms of pressure. There is certainly natural line variation. 

IN HAND

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.

I actually prefer the Safari to write with than Al-Stars because I love the feeling of the plastic bodies. Both unposted or posted, the Safari works. It posts deeply and comfortably and it's great to write with. It is comfortable in hand; good balance, good weight. The body is smooth to the touch and warms nicely when held, though the material can scratch.

PROS

• Affordable.
• Many colors to choose from.
• Interchangeable nibs.
• Ink window.
• Can be taken apart to clean.
• Great for beginners and experienced users.
• A reliable, dependable writer. 
• This particular nib is expressive and fun to write with. 
• Comfortable in hand, if the grip works for you. Nice weight and balance.

CONS

• Converter is a separate purchase (~$5).
• Grip is a turn off for some people.
• It's a BRIGHT color!

OVERALL

I really like the Safari - it's comfortable, the nibs are easy to change and there's a selection of them, they're tough, reliable, write well, and come in fun colors. Still hoping for a great purple though!

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.