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Thread: Torn between two pens

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    Default Torn between two pens

    I have store credit at a pen store from a return and I have narrowed my selection to two pens. First is a Pelikan M405 and the other is an Aurora Optima. The Optima is about $100 more. Both are available with broad nib. The plan with either is to have a nibmeister regrind the nib to a stub. I know the M805 might be the closer comparison to the Optima but the M405 is what I have to choose from. Perhaps the biggest question is whether the Aurora Optima is worth the extra $100.

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    Senior Member wingwiper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike_g View Post
    I have store credit at a pen store from a return and I have narrowed my selection to two pens. First is a Pelikan M405 and the other is an Aurora Optima. The Optima is about $100 more. Both are available with broad nib. The plan with either is to have a nibmeister regrind the nib to a stub. I know the M805 might be the closer comparison to the Optima but the M405 is what I have to choose from. Perhaps the biggest question is whether the Aurora Optima is worth the extra $100.
    Does the 405 have a gold mib and which color?


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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    The Optima....but get what you want most.

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    I have both. I like both. Both have easily swapped nib units. The Optima with its M nib is one of my favorite modern writers. I have my Pelikan nibs custom ground routinely, but I won't alter the Optima nib based on comparing the availability and cost of spare nib units for each. Therefore, if it was my choice, for a stub regrind I'd opt for the Pelikan M405 with a B nib, and go from there.

    But really, it is all too subjective. Do as you wish. Either pen is a great choice.

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Pelikan

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Quote Originally Posted by wingwiper View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Mike_g View Post
    I have store credit at a pen store from a return and I have narrowed my selection to two pens. First is a Pelikan M405 and the other is an Aurora Optima. The Optima is about $100 more. Both are available with broad nib. The plan with either is to have a nibmeister regrind the nib to a stub. I know the M805 might be the closer comparison to the Optima but the M405 is what I have to choose from. Perhaps the biggest question is whether the Aurora Optima is worth the extra $100.
    Does the 405 have a gold mib and which color?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    14k nib and the pen is black

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    I would pick the Optima, but it's just a personal choice.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    To me, the Aurora Optima is a clear winner against the M405, now against an M600, it's closer to a tie.
    - Will
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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Having owned both, I think the Optima will probably feel more 'special.' Pelikans are very nicely made but they feel more standardized somehow. Many people find the Optima's longer grip section to be more comfortable as well.
    Last edited by fountainpenkid; February 12th, 2019 at 05:51 PM.
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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Thanks for all the replies. My only experience with these brands is with a Pelikan M205. No complaints except it had some problems with hard starts and skips. I’ve never owned or used an Aurora. To me the Aurora definitely makes a statement while the Pelikan is a bit more subtle. The seller has the the Aurora with a factory stub for $95 more making it about $200 more than the Pelikan or I can have either custom ground for $55 extra. Obviously the Pelikan wins on price. I like the longer section of the Aurora. Size may go to the Aurora but not by much. I think for me it really comes down to three things, the piston mechanism and the nib. Which has the heartier piston unit and which nib is the better base for a custom stub? And which one posts better.

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike_g View Post
    ...it really comes down to three things, the piston mechanism and the nib. Which has the heartier piston unit and which nib is the better base for a custom stub? And which one posts better.
    1. Heartier? If you mean robust, they both have plastic parts that so long as they are properly aligned inside the barrel, they should be fine. See my thread at https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...thread-sealant for photos of the Optima's innards.
    2. Better base for a custom stub? I addressed this above. But let me put it this way. Both the Aurora and the Pelikan nib will take a grind, but my feeling is I'd rather put a grind to remove iridium from the less expensive Pelikan nib. If you have access to an Aurora factory stub, go for it and leave it as it came from the factory.
    3. Posting? Neither can claim to be better than the other.

    If the choice is an Aurora with a factory stub nib (for extra cash) or a Pelikan that would have to be ground to get the stub (for less cash), I'd choose the Aurora.

    By the way, if it is a used Aurora, examine the section carefully for cracks. https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...-Aurora-Optima
    Last edited by FredRydr; February 12th, 2019 at 08:10 PM.

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    If I wanted a stub nib then I would pay the extra to get the factory made version on the Aurora. They are popular nibs.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    I thought the Optima came with a factory italic, which is very sharp and well regarded among the connoiseurs.

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    fountainpenkid (February 14th, 2019)

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    Quote Originally Posted by aquafox View Post
    I thought the Optima came with a factory italic, which is very sharp and well regarded among the connoiseurs.
    My Aurora italic came in such a mess, it was actually a right (yes, right, not left) foot oblique. Needless to say the pen didn’t write at all. Luckily I was able to get rid of it in a week. Not sure how a manufacturer isn’t even able to cut a straight line, but I’m not buying an Aurora ever again.

    Pelikan, on the other hand, is one of my favourite brands. I would easily recommend a Pelikan to anyone.
    Last edited by adhoc; February 14th, 2019 at 09:38 AM.

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    Default Re: Torn between two pens

    I placed my order today for the Pelikan M405 and custom stub nib. Hope it turns out great. Meanwhile I’m wrestling with a new Pilot VP. It’s a terrific pen except for the clip ... I hate it. Not giving up on it through. I may remove the clip.

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