Platinum Preppy 0.2 (PPQ-300): brief review

[pica pica]

When I received my Preppy over two months ago, the first thought was whether any pen could be uglier. Since then, my feelings towards it warmed and it has become one of my favourite nibs.

The Preppy PPQ-200 (second generation) model was launched in 2007 and by October 2014 the company sold 5.3 million units worldwide (Platinum Preppy 0.2 press release). Both the first and the second generation pens are still available. The first model was introduced in the early 80s and can be still purchased from JetPens.com (Platinum Preppy PN-900 at jetpens.com). There is a nice review which can be found on the Paper Ink Letter webpage: Preppy PN-900 reviewed on penpaperinkletter.com.

Preppy 0.2 (02EF) belongs to the third generation and was launched in the October 2014 with the whole line refreshed; uniformed steel nib colour, new imprint/label and Slip & Seal Mechanism (a cheaper version of the mechanism introduced earlier in Platinum 3776 models). However, the range of colours was reduced from six? to three: black, red and blue.



Platinum Preppy PPQ-300, Platinum Pen USA


Platinum’s official product specification

PREPPY Fountain Pen ＜Ultra-fine 02EF＞
Product No.: PPQ-300 #1 black #3 blue black #11 red (totaling in three colors)
Product specifications:
Barrel/cap/clip (PC) / cover (PMMA) / inner cap (PP) / core (ABS resin) / nib (stainless)
Size: 138mm full length, 13mm (max. diameter) / average weight: 13g


There are plenty of great reviews of the second generation Preppy, like

http://www.bestfountainpen.com/plati...in-pen-review/
https://elliotkang.wordpress.com/201...py-fine-black/
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/fo...atinum-preppy/

Preppy eyedropper by PenInkcillin
http://peninkcillin.blogspot.co.uk/2...ntain-pen.html

and probably my favourite http://www.penanddesign.com/post/572...03-fine-review.


However, it seems that the pens of the second and the current third generations differ significantly, not only in terms of design, but also improved? writing experience. The great review of the new Preppy 0.2 by the Well-appointed Desk can be found here: http://www.wellappointeddesk.com/201...-fountain-pen/



Platinum Preppy 0.2 (PPQ-300 #1 02EF): a brief review


Appearance & Design (3/10)

The pen is made of clear transparent plastic. It is a simple, utilitarian, unappealing and unsophisticated design. There is no a single part I find standing out, but with the Platinum converter and without these modern imprints on the cap and barrel it does look somehow elegant.

‘Ultimately, it’s an inoffensive and playfully-designed pen, and one that conveys a feeling of quiet quality alongside fun frugality…and alliteration.’ http://www.penanddesign.com/post/572...03-fine-review

safari_MR_preppy_prera.jpg
Safari, Pilot MR, Preppy and Prera


Construction & Quality (4/10)

Preppy seems to be of decent build. In such inexpensive pen I would expect some material flaws and roughness. There is none of that. Unfortunately, the cap tends to develop cracks and after two or three weeks I had to use some sellotape to keep it from falling apart completely.

preppy_prera.jpg
Preppy and Prera



Weight & Dimensions (5/10)

The pen dimensions are comparable to the Pilot MR and Lamy Safari. However Preppy is noticeably lighter than both of them. The length and diameter of the barrel makes it quite comfortable in larger hands.

prera_MR_preppy_safari_plaisir.jpg
From left: Prera, Pilot MR, Preppy, Safari and Plaisir

Weight: 9-11 g (15-16 g with a converter; fully filled), I don’t know why my pen weights less than it should according to the official specification.
Barrel max. diameter: 12 mm
Length (unposted): 122 mm
Length (capped): 137 mm


Nib & Performance (6/10)

Preppy’s 0.2 nib and its low price are its greatest selling points. My pen lays down sharp wet lines just slightly thicker than 3776 UEF Century and Plumix EF nib on Pilot MR. It also appears a bit softer than the the other two, but still gives some nice feedback. After polishing with micromesh the nib is one of the smoothest fines I have ever used. It is hard to admit, but I somehow prefers it to my 3776.

On Rhodia 80gsm (horizontal/vertical, in mm, measured under light microscope; the thickness of the lines will vary with different inks and paper):

Preppy 0.2: 0.23/0.20 (Parker Quink Black)

3776 UEF: 0.20/0.15 (J.Herbin Poussiere de Lune)
Plumix EF: 0.20/0.16 (J.Herbin Rose Scented Red)


The flow is correct and consistent and the nib is moderately wet. I would give it 6/10 on the scale where 10 is the wettest imaginable. This may account for the great smoothness but results in a degree of feathering on lower quality paper. The only serious issue I noticed is the nib drying really fast and then having problems with starting while left uncapped for a short time. The Slip & Seal mechanism is a nice but also a necessary addition to this pen to keep the nib from drying.

prera_preppy_safari.jpg
Prera, Preppy and Safari


Filling System & Maintenance (7/10)

Preppy is a simple cartridge/converter pen. When using the converter, it is possible to fill up the nib section with extra ink, which significantly increases the storage. With such small nib the ink seems to last forever. The international adapter allows to use any standard international cartridge and most converters.

I do however find it hard and time consuming to flush the ink out of the feed/nib section, which makes any change of ink frustrating.

I don’t really think that there is a point of converting it to an eye-dropper unless someone doesn’t plan to refill it or changing the ink for months.


Cost & Value (8/10)

The pen cost me around 2-3 GBP from cultpens.co.uk. Obviously, it has its flaws, but I can’t really imagine anything better in terms of writing experience in the price range for at least up to 10 GBP.


Conclusion (Final score: 33/60, 55%)

Preppy 0.2 is a simple but nicely designed and relatively well made pen of a surprisingly great writing quality. I wouldn’t offer it is as a gift but I do hope that it will last me for longer. I refuse to think about it as a disposable pen. I like it too much.

preppy_prera+.jpg
Preppy and Prera

Well, it's my first ever pen review. Please be nice