Gourmet Pens: Review: @MonteverdePens Giant Sequoia Fountain Pen

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Review: @MonteverdePens Giant Sequoia Fountain Pen - Fine @GouletPens @BrianGoulet_

Thank you to Goulet Pens for sending the Monteverde Giant Sequoia fountain pen for a review!

ABOUT

Body material: Resin
Trim: Metal
Cap: Screw on
Posts: Yes, friction
Nib material: #6 stainless steel
Filling system: Standard international cartridge/converter
Length (capped): 143.8 mm/5.7"
Length (uncapped):126.1 mm/4.96"
Length (posted): 171 mm/6.7"
Length (section): 26.6 mm/1.04"
Diameter (barrel): 15.4 mm/0.6"
Diameter (section): 10.8 mm/0.4"
Weight (all): 33 g
Weight (cap): 14 g
Weight (body): 19 g
Price: $ 76.00 USD
Where to buy: Goulet Pens

PACKAGING

I really used to dislike Monteverde's packaging. They used to be green clamshell boxes with flimsy interiors that looked and felt cheap to me, and they were excessively large. The new packaging is a leather-like clamshell box with a green sleeve. It is still much larger than needed but it looks much better. The dark green material is complemented by dark green stitching around the edges. The Monteverde logo is printed on the top in silver. The inside is soft, creamy leather-like material, which looks really nice. The bed that holds the pen can be removed. Under it, you will find two blue ink cartridges in a plastic bag, a card with fountain pen refill instructions, and a warranty card. Overall, the packaging is decent and I much prefer this to the older style boxes.

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APPEARANCE

The Giant Sequoia in green is a large, pretty pen. It has a round cap and barrel, and blunt, flat ends. There is nothing on the finial. The clip is attached to a small metal flange that is connected through a snug and clean cut out in the cap. The clip is unmarked and is arched. There is a wide metal cap band near the end of the cap, which is laser engraved with Monteverde USA and SEQUOIA. There is no other trim. The section is smooth and round with a slight pinch and it ends in a ridge before the nib. There is a small step up to the barrel behind the cap threads. The pen is made of a pretty resin - grey, silver, and green with chatoyance that is eye-catching. It's a simple design that I think is pretty. I am more attracted to the color than the shape.

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NIB & PERFORMANCE

The nib is a #6 steel in fine. It has a single slit, a round breather hole, and is engraved with the Monteverde logo. My experience with Monteverde nibs has not been the greatest so I was surprised when this one was quite pleasant. It's not my absolute favorite - I like juicy, soft writers and this one is firm and on the dry side. Previous nibs I have used were excessively dry and unpleasant to use. This one does not skip or hard start and drying times are fast. It is quite a decent daily user. Nibs can be swapped with others as this is a #6 size. It's a pretty standard writer but that's not a bad thing.

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Unlike the Monteverde Monza and its weird converter fit, the Sequoia cartridge/converter system works well and is easy to use and maintain.

IN HAND

The clip is snug and can be used with one hand. It is a little difficult to slide on/off pockets, papers, and pouches because of the shape, but it can be lifted on/off.

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The section is comfortable and does not feel slippery. The step up to the barrel is on the sharp side, which may bother some people. It's far back enough that I don't notice it much.

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Unposted, the pen is a full size but it is not too heavy and I find it comfortable and well-balanced. The cap can be posted snugly by friction but I don't care much for the pen this way - it's unbalanced and top-heavy. I prefer to use it unposted and that works best for me for longer writing sessions.

PROS & CONS

OVERALL

The Sequoia is a large, pretty pen. The green is kind of on the cool side but the brown looks extra yummy and warm. It works well and this experience was much more positive when compared to my past Monteverde nib experiences. In addition, it's easy to maintain. A nice option if you are looking for a larger pen, especially if you like interchangeable nibs.

I received this item 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.