First, I have to acknowledge that I stole the review format from Dave258. Also, I included a handwriting sample, but my writing is terrible. The pen is better than I am. Also, my experience with fountain pens is not extensive, so I am starting with a somewhat limited perspective. Anyway, on with the review:
Pen Review: Libelle Chromatic
The Libelle Chromatic isn't a pen that was on my radar at all. In fact, I had given up buying pens for a while. My wife and daughter bought it for me as a surprise gift, and I wasn't too sure of it. Until I tried it out....
Appearance and Design
The Chromatic comes in several colors, and is on closeout in many places. It has an automotive feel to it. Mine is in brushed metal, and has silver screens over the cutouts. The pen is very similar in shape to a Jinhao X750.
Construction and Quality
The barrel and cap of the Chromatic are constructed of metal which gives the pen a significant weight. It is the heaviest pen that I own. More on that later. It is a push close cap that is secure, and I don't suspect that it will come loose unless I am wanting it to. The clip is firm, but slightly springy, and will hold the pen secure in your pocket or pen case.
Nib Performance
The Chromatic only comes in a stock medium, stainless steel nib with an iridium point, but it writes a finer than my Metropolitan. The nib is made in Germany. It doesn't seem to be any flex to the nib at all. I have it loaded with Private Reserve avacado, and it seems to write fairly wet, and very smooth.
Weight and Dimensions
The Chromatic is a heavy pen. It is the heaviest I own by a full 10 g. That's right, 10g heavier than any pen I own. It weighs in at 46 g with ink in the converter, and the next closest pen is the X750 at 36 g.
The cap is postable but I probably won't post just to reduce some weight. I was able to use this pen for a good writing session but my hand started getting tired. I don't really write much yet, so in this, YMMV.
Total weight: 47g 1.65 oz.
Weight uncapped: 34g 1.15 oz.
Length capped: 138mm 5.45 inches
Length posted: 160mm 6.30 inches
Diameter of body: 13.2mm .52 inches
Filling System and Maintenance
The Libelle comes with a cartridge and converter included in the box. The converter is a twist filler type. The cartridge is a shorty.
Cost and Value
The Chromatic retails for $75 and up, but the speed version (with black screen and red or yellow paint) can be found on closeout right now for $30 while the silver screen versions can be found for $50 or so. It is a nice writer, and is one of my top performers.
Conclusion
If heavy pens are your thing, get one of these. The nib is smooth and it is a nice addition to the collection with a very unique look to it.
Pen Review: Libelle Chromatic
The Libelle Chromatic isn't a pen that was on my radar at all. In fact, I had given up buying pens for a while. My wife and daughter bought it for me as a surprise gift, and I wasn't too sure of it. Until I tried it out....
The Chromatic comes in several colors, and is on closeout in many places. It has an automotive feel to it. Mine is in brushed metal, and has silver screens over the cutouts. The pen is very similar in shape to a Jinhao X750.
Construction and Quality
The barrel and cap of the Chromatic are constructed of metal which gives the pen a significant weight. It is the heaviest pen that I own. More on that later. It is a push close cap that is secure, and I don't suspect that it will come loose unless I am wanting it to. The clip is firm, but slightly springy, and will hold the pen secure in your pocket or pen case.
Nib Performance
The Chromatic only comes in a stock medium, stainless steel nib with an iridium point, but it writes a finer than my Metropolitan. The nib is made in Germany. It doesn't seem to be any flex to the nib at all. I have it loaded with Private Reserve avacado, and it seems to write fairly wet, and very smooth.
Weight and Dimensions
The Chromatic is a heavy pen. It is the heaviest I own by a full 10 g. That's right, 10g heavier than any pen I own. It weighs in at 46 g with ink in the converter, and the next closest pen is the X750 at 36 g.
The cap is postable but I probably won't post just to reduce some weight. I was able to use this pen for a good writing session but my hand started getting tired. I don't really write much yet, so in this, YMMV.
Total weight: 47g 1.65 oz.
Weight uncapped: 34g 1.15 oz.
Length capped: 138mm 5.45 inches
Length posted: 160mm 6.30 inches
Diameter of body: 13.2mm .52 inches
Filling System and Maintenance
The Libelle comes with a cartridge and converter included in the box. The converter is a twist filler type. The cartridge is a shorty.
Cost and Value
The Chromatic retails for $75 and up, but the speed version (with black screen and red or yellow paint) can be found on closeout right now for $30 while the silver screen versions can be found for $50 or so. It is a nice writer, and is one of my top performers.
Conclusion
If heavy pens are your thing, get one of these. The nib is smooth and it is a nice addition to the collection with a very unique look to it.
Writing Sample
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), thanks for sharing this!
