Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen Review

The Pilot Metropolitan is ranked fifth on my Top Five Starter Pens post. However, it could easily be ranked higher. It’s a common recommendation made by fountain pen geeks to those interested in trying out their first real pen. It’s a great choice. It was my entry into the hobby, also. Here’s my review of a fantastic, inexpensive, entry-level writer.

Packaging and Presentation

The Metro comes in an adequate, plastic package with a clear-view window. It’s adequate, but nothing fancy. The pen includes a cartridge and a squeeze converter in the box.

Appearance and Build

This Pilot pen is a well-built writing instrument. It’s a brass pen. It feels substantial, but not heavy, in the hand. You can choose a classy, office-friendly color, or you can pick a pen with more pop. You can choose from their “Retro Pop” series. My original black pen came from their “Animal” series. I gave that fine-nibbed pen to my friend, Alex. I replaced it with this gray, “hound’s tooth” Retro Pop edition with a medium nib. It looks great. It stands out a bit more than my original pen, but it’s far from showy or distracting.

Nib and Filling System

Pilots are known for their smooth nibs. The Metro is no exception to this. They tend to run on the fine side, yet they’re extremely smooth. Each Pilot pen is consistently wet and reliable. This pen that can be found for less than twenty bucks writes as well as pens priced 5-10 times higher. Fine, medium, and 1.0 mm stub nibs can generally be found.

This is a cartridge/converter pen. Note, though, that it only accepts those made by Pilot (cartridges/converter). Although I’ve never used the included squeeze converter, I’ve heard it’s surprisingly good. Generally, I refill the cartridges using a blunt syringe like this, as it’s quite easy to do, and the cartridges hold a great deal of ink.

Feel and Experience

Again, the Pilot Metropolitan feels like an expensive pen. It’s comfortable for long writing sessions, posted or unposted. The ink flows smoothly. It’s an extremely reliable writing instrument. It’s a pleasure to own and use - again for often less than $15. I can’t recommend the Pilot Metro highly enough. Grab your own. But beware. You may get sucked into the hobby as I did.

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