Lamy gives us... Charged Green!
ABOUT
Body Material: Aluminum
Trim: Chrome
Nib material: Steel
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:
Lamy cartridges/
Lamy Z24 Converter
Price: € 26,90 (VAT included)
Where to buy:
Fontplumo
FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS: GOURMETPENS
RETURNING CUSTOMERS: GOURMETPENS2
10% off
PACKAGING
Lamy offers straight forward, simple, low-waste packaging for the AL-star fountain pens - small, grey, cardboard boxes that keep the pen safe from scratches, but doesn't take up too much space. I like it.
APPEARANCE
The Al-Star is a good sized pen - it's nice for many users because it's not a small pocket pen, but it's not oversize - it's just right in between. A proper, full size pen! The ends are blunt, but slightly rounded off, with black end plugs. The finial is a cross on this AL-Star, indicating at a glance that this is a fountain pen. 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. The clip is built into the cap, long, sleek and curved outwards at the end.
The shape and design of the AL-Star is unmistakable - and a bunch of these look really good all lined up. Just saying. In case you're considering collecting these.
There is an ink window through the pen, near the section, that allows you to see the ink cartridge or converter inside. This is quite useful, and is a simple feature that is missing on many pens. It doesn't work on all pens, but it works here! As a result of this open space, you can see your ink level, but you cannot turn this pen into an eyedropper. The section is a translucent grey plastic so you can see the black feed through it. There are no exposed threads - something that is likely overlooked by a lot of people, but is a great thing for those who are bothered by sharp threads!
What's different about this AL-Star? Well, this is the 2016 color - Charged Green. It's a bright, intense green that makes me think of an energy drink or Mountain Dew! It's very interesting, with a matte finish. It sort of glows, without being neon. I don't think it's a color that will appeal to everyone, but hey, we love choice, right?
\
NIB & PERFORMANCE
The steel Lamy nib is small and simple, with a single breather hole and slit, engraved with Lamy and the nib size. These are interchangeable nibs, so you can slide the nib off and put a different size on your pen - very convenient!
The Lamy nib is aesthetically simple, but in general, they are reliable, easy to work with nibs. I have used
a lot of these steel nibs now, and have not had any real issues with them. Sometimes an extra-fine may be more of a fine than extra-fine, but other than that, they've never been a problem. If you don't like the feeling, you can quickly and easy smooth your nib out with some micro mesh.
This broad nib is really pleasant to use - nice, generous ink flow, smooth writer, average drying times, and a great nib all around. The nib is very stiff, as all steel Lamy nibs are. You can apply pressure, but not much will happen. However, the wetness of the nib offers some shading if you use the right ink. It keeps up well with fast writing and long writing sessions, not running dry at all. Perfect for every day writing or long note taking sessions!
IN HAND
The shape of the clip with the curve at the end of the cap allows it to slide easily on to papers or on to shirts. It's not very snug, but it's not a heavy pen either, so it doesn't really need much tension to stay in place.
The AL-Star shape is one of those triangular type that may bother you. The seams are a little sharp if you get one that was roughly done, but it works for me. I don't have issues gripping the section, but I know some people hate it.
Unposted, the pen is comfortable, well-balanced, and a good size. I think many users would find this comfortable unposted. If you like to post, the cap does post by friction. It sits securely on the back of the pen, and it doesn't wiggle or around or fall off. It doesn't feel top heavy when posted and it's still comfortable to write with, but I prefer to use it unposted.
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.
PROS & CONS
OVERALL
I certainly would recommend the AL-Star to those interested in fountain pens - they're pretty easy to find, quite robust, have interchangeable nibs, and are comfortable to use. The advantages of the pen outweigh any disadvantages. If you don't like this particular color, there are several others to choose from, or you can wait until next year to see if Lamy will offer something you can't resist!
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
0 comments:
Post a Comment