Monteblanc 149:

[BEAR DEN]

I have ventured full throttle into the world of Fountain Pens...and I love it so far and have had no regrets thus far. Here's my question: Is the Monteblanc 149 worth the money...will I notice a difference between it and say my Pelican 800 or even my Cross Townsend. Yes the darn snowflake plays some part in my desire...also the very large size...I just don't want to drop the coin and start having regrets. Input needed before I go off the deep end!

 

[Austin]

I have one and don't use it very often. I find it too big for extensive writing. I use my 146 which I find more comfortable. Is it worth it? Probably not but it sure looks pretty.

 

[TimmyBoston]

Too big, the 146 is a better size, but IMO your Pelikan 800 will be a much better pen.

 

[BEAR DEN]

Hey thank you for the quick responses and input...you guys probably saved me alot of money!

 

[Mandrake]

If you buy one be sure you like BIG pens. I do use it, mostly for signatures or just for the sake of it, it is really one of the best pens you can use (if you get used to the sheer size of it).

 

[BEAR DEN]

Temptation is still there...how do they write. Do they write well right out of the box...is there a break in period...I've heard (rumor) that most Monteblancs need to be tweeked a bit...that would leave me a bit sour.

 

[mmack66]

The obvious answer would be to go to a store that sells fountain pens and try one out, but that is not always an option in some areas. The Fountain Pen Network might be a place to get an answer as well.

 

[Austin]

Temptation is still there...how do they write. Do they write well right out of the box...is there a break in period...I've heard (rumor) that most Monteblancs need to be tweeked a bit...that would leave me a bit sour.

Mine was a medium nib new out of the box and wrote wonderfully. No tweeking necessary. Just get the right nib for your tastes. If you have a Pen Paradise in your mall, stop by and take one for a ride.

 

[dwestenk]

... IMO your Pelikan 800 will be a much better pen.

Yep! A big +1. Nothing to the MBs, IMO.

 

[Tewdric]

I had a 149. It was a lovely piece of jewellery.

For writing, you can't beat a Pelikan M800. Mine has an oblique broad nib, which suits my handwriting perfectly.

 

[BEAR DEN]

Unfortunately there is no place where I live that sells FP's. All I have to go on is what people here recomend. In the last couple of months I have spent quite a bit of the BEAR DEN income on pens...considering that I didn't even know what a nib was 8 weeks ago. In that period of time I have bought 2 Waterman's, 2 Pelikan's, 1 Parker, 1 Pilot and 1 Cross.(2 rollerballs also) I'm not wealthy and I am married...still (21 years). Mrs. BEAR DEN has let me enjoy this adventure thus far...I may be pressing my luck with her if I get the Monteblanc...even if I tell her it will only go up in value.
I have learned the hard way...If Mrs. BEAR DEN isn't happy...well...BEAR DEN can be made VERY uncomfortable...to put it nicely. I really would like the Monteblanc but you gentlemen have convinced me that my Pelikan 800 is plenty good enough...for right now. Thank you.

 

[LeverTime]

So everyone else beat me to it, but I just wanted to add another confirmation that you are better off with your Pelikan. My first pen was a modern MB, and I bought a few more. I thought they were great. Then I tried other pens.

One exception to this is vintage MBs, which are reasonably nice. However, for less money you could buy many vintage pens that are just as nice, such as Sheaffer and Parker pens.

 

[lamina]

MB's are over rated these days.Do they have better writing quality than a Pelikan or a Dunhill?No...Best material? Nope...Heft? Yes...Does it helps to write?For my taste, no...Snowflake is beautiful?It is, but just propaganda...What they made well, was a massive ad. campaign dislocating their mass market or mid-range customers (where Parker Vectors and Jotters are kings...) to a high range niche or jewel market, but the quality didn't followed and prices are exagerated for such a medium quality. It's a case study in some marketing universities.If i'm being partial let me know, i'm accepting preuves du contraire!!

If you have a vintage MB, well that's another question.30s and 40s are great but rare!!

 

[goby]

So everyone else beat me to it, but I just wanted to add another confirmation that you are better off with your Pelikan. My first pen was a modern MB, and I bought a few more. I thought they were great. Then I tried other pens.

One exception to this is vintage MBs, which are reasonably nice. However, for less money you could buy many vintage pens that are just as nice, such as Sheaffer and Parker pens.

+1

I have two MB's and I really like them. Both were gifts.

But if I was spending my hard earned cash on a FP, I would go the vintage route. I have close to 50 pens, and probably 5 or less were purchased new.

IMHO, new FP's are just too expensive. You can get 2-6 great vintage pens for the price of one 149.

 

[GarageBoy]

Love the size and lack of weight. For whatever grief the pen gets, its a great writer when you get a decent one.