I think another factor most people should consider is the grip diameter, especially if they don't have hands on the smaller side. The Kaküno has the widest grip, which will probably be most comfortable for the majority of people. The Explorer and Metropolitan have about the same grip diameter, but the narrow grip makes a lot of people want to grip a bit further back where the grip is a bit thicker. The Metropolitan has a somewhat significant step down that gets in the way when you do that, whereas the Explorer transitions more smoothly.
@@MSchipperyeah, I have a couple of metros and I have found that the grip is probably the primary reason I don’t reach for them anymore. I’m not sure I can quantify what it is, but it’s somewhere between the length and diameter of the grip that just isn’t that comfortable for my hands. I’m wondering, since the explorer and kakuno don’t have that step up from the grip to the body, if they would feel more comfy.
Exactly. I can’t use mine anymore either. The grip section is too thin and short to use comfortably for more a few minutes. But I find the kakuno quite comfortable. It’s a shame because I love the how the metros look.
My 2nd ever fountain pen was a silver Pilot Metro. Ever since I got it (late 2022) it has been inked up with the same ink and has been the only pen that has constantly remained in my inked pens. I like the weight of it. Shape, feel, cap, the whole thing is just an enjoyable writing experience.
My first fountain pen was a Pilot Varsity. Bought it on a whim in a checkout line. So much easier to write with having joint pain like I do. Now I’m hooked. It’s a cheap and disposable entry point into this lovely but expensive hobby.
Love my Metropolitans! I started buying them back in 2016 - 2018 when they where under $10.00. Just the perfect weight for beginners and easy to clean.
Thank you Drew for the in-depth and very creative rating scale! The grey houndstooth Metropolitan was my first fountain pen. It checked all my boxes: 1) a real fountain pen (not disposable). 2) affordable- in case I didn’t like it or lost it…or broke it. 3) stylish! I dabble in sewing and am a sucker for the houndstooth print! 😂❤😍! Love at first sight. Then the clerk asked me did I want to test it? 😮! Yes!!!! Perfect! It was everything I asked for! AND the best reason for last - it started my new hobby….26 pens later…..😈 I actually keep the plain silver one in my desk at work inked with Namiki Blue cartridges. I love it! Couldn’t be happier! I even switch the nibs with the kakuno but usually revert back to medium. I will always root for the Metro! ❤❤❤❤Thanks again!
Funny thing: I was gifted a Kakuno as part of a grab-bag, and actually love it as both a quick-jotting-down pen, and the go-to on the rare occasion I want to dabble in unusual ink types. And, since I've been at the deep end of the FP pool for some time (a pair of Pilot Custom 823s and a Vanishing Point), the Kakuno fits in curiously well, moreso IMO than either the Metro or Explorer - it's truly its own thing.
Metro was one of my first fountain pens and I have a few. Still like them a lot. I was surprised that you didn't include the Prera in the comparison - thought that one had the same nib as the Metro. I do realize it is a bit more expensive though. Great video- Thanks Drew.
I have multiple of each of these pens. They are all excellent. However, for a cheaper but just as good starter pen I suggest the Platinum Preppy. I have roughly a dozen of the clear ones. I like being able to see the ink in the barrel as you can use them eye dropper style.
The Calligraphy Medium nib available on the Metropolitan Retro Pop series is a superb medium cursive italic (not technically a stub) nib and adds tremendously to the value of that pen for me. It’s a good intro to a medium cursive italic nib.
Several years ago I purchased an orange pop Metro from Goulet. I have small hands,short fingers,and was used to writing with vintage (lightweight celluloid) pens. Just holding the pen ,I thought I was going to have to return it. Too heavy &back weighted..I thought. Then I tried the stub nib…wow what a blast! I instantly decided to keep it and use unposted. Great pen,never disappoints!
Becouse it's an overpriced preppy, with a very pompous style, not in line with a kind of cheap pen. It's 3x the price of a pen with the same nib compartment, while here between the kakuno and the most expensive Metro it's not even 2x. It's a fantastic nib, but I feel it's overpriced if you can have a very similar (fantastic) experience with a pen so much cheaper. BTW, I love the preppy, but I don't think I'll ever buy the Plaisir.
@@8paolo96 The one area the Plaisir is well above the Preppy is in how long it can stay inked and capped before drying out. I found one of my Plaisirs that sat forgotten for a good 4 months. I uncapped it and it was like I had just inked it up that morning. The Preppy? That thing dries out on me if I don't write with it for a couple weeks. It's cap seal is far above the Preppy, or for that fact even above those 3 Pilot offerings.
With a 3 year obsession with Pilots (I have 8 gold Pilots), I did the same comparisons using 2 Kakunos, 2 Explorer and 2 Metros and various nibs. With all nibs the Explorer and Metro are the much more comfortable for me. The Kakuno has an unusual double end on the section. Also, the barrel is not as comfortable for me. Now I know why I don't reach for Kakunos. There is a similar widening on the Ex and Metro on which my thumb rests - it's where the barrel meets the section . Second, my on-going battle between the Explorer and Metro has ended with the Explorer taking a slight edge in comfort (I'm fine with the step down). I think the Metro seems better made than the Explorer. I know it well and have stripped one down to the copper. I got the Kakunos for their extra fine nib and to have extra nibs. So far I've donated 2 and will donate the others. The interesting decision today was not to fool with any Pilot converters. It is MUCH quicker to clean and fill a cartridge. MUCH MUCH. They also hold more ink. I use a syringe to clean cartridges so why bother with using the syringe and repeated soaking to use converters.
A big downside of the metro is actually it's cap. While it does snap firmly early in its life, since the inner plastic in the cap holds the metal of the body of the pen, it gradually holds less and less, until it becomes impossible to close. The only solution I found is buying a new metro, which is kind of wasteful. I would love it if pilot solved this, or at least offered replacement caps. In the meantime, this gives the win to pilot's explorer for me.
I had problems with the caps not posting securely on the end of the pen. They'd constantly fall off in use, making a lot of noise, which is especially annoying in a meeting. And, with the cap off, the barrel has the annoying tendency to roll off the table at the slightest push.
Dig out the blue disc, refill the cartridges and you're good to go. They're so much easier to clean out and dry than any of the converters. I like my Kakunos in the colored demo versions. The grip section on the Metro is slimmer than I prefer, but I'll keep thee champagne gold one in my collection all the same.
The Metro was one of the first pens I bought, shortly after they entered the market. I still use it many years later, as a backup pen. I like the weight and the form factor. The tapered ends help it to be more discreet, especially when I’m carrying 2 pens in my shirt pocket (I don’t want to look like a walking stationery store).
Often mentioned in discussions and comments regarding the Metropolitan is the step-down on the barrel. I retired my Metro very early due to the discomfort-at least for me-of holding the pen. Due to that design, I’m surprised how popular that pen is. The Kakuno is wonderful……and what a deal!
YESSSS!!!! I hadn't seen this video till just now, but over the weekend, I ordered an Explorer. And now my choice has been validated by Drew's nod for the Explorer over the highly-touted Metropolitan! Woot woot!
I love the Kaküno w the 1.0 stub offered on the Metropolitan, I also buy a con 70 to go in it.. fantastic. I love these vids. You do such a great job Drew. 🎉gracias. A Dem Explorer is lovely looking.
This almost makes me ready to dive in. I would absolutely love a Pencast deep-dive about how Brian and Drew would each spend ~$100 on the Goulet store if they were having to start from scratch today.
I am such a sucker for these types of random challenges lol. I immediately browsed their site. How I would spend $100 if I had to start from absolutely zero: 1. Pilot Explorer gold in M (my first pen would HAVE to be a Pilot) + con-40 converter (I actually love this thing despite people hating on it for its low capacity) 2. 50ml bottle of Rohrer and Klingner Alt-goldgrun 3. Traveler’s Notebook regular starter kit in Olive It all comes to $99.50, so I would get free shipping, yay!
@@lozared That looks pretty good. I've been thinking about a Pilot Metropolitan in a snub nib (it sounds fun to play around with)+CON-40, a Diplomat Magnum (comes with a free bottle of Montverde Blue Skies currently), an A5 Leuchtturm, and a couple ink sampler packs. I would pick DeAtramentis sampler and the vibrant purple sampler for a total of $102.17. This gives two quote different pens to play with and a good splatter of ink, also I'm a sucker for purple. Also this is a pretty decent generic list if you swap out the vibrant purple sampler with a different sampler, or both with Brian's Favorite Inks sampler. Most of these items are available is a ton of colors to suit any preference. I also don't have a fountain pen yet so I may be off on this though. Edit: I would also sign up for the mailing list for that free ink as well. Gotta remember to do that before I press order.
What you didn’t mention is the nib swapability. This is a game changer for me. I have the white-lavender Kakuno colorway with an and two Metropolitans, turquoise and green Retropops, both . I am not a fan of the for most inks, and I’m an ink-pen color matcher. This sidelined my Kakuno until I did some swapping. I have other turquoise/teal pens I prefer, so my turquoise Metropolitan now has the nib and is my dedicated pen for DeAtramentis Document Black. This frees up my Kakuno with a for purple and pink inks. Right now I have a Goulet surprise me sample of Lamy Azurite in it. ✒️🟣💕 I just recently learned the Con 70 fits it. I might have to upgrade!
The problem I have with the explorer is that I started to used it and love it, but it seems the cap mechanism broke and is loose. I tried to find another cap to buy it separately- but I ended up buying another explorer to replace the broken cap. My metro pens don’t give me any problems with the cap, so I stay with the metro specially for taking it outside to sketch.
The Pilot Metropolitan is a great looking pen - in a traditional sense, and the cursive medium “stub” nib is really nice to write with. I like it a lot. That I love my Kakuno as much as I do still amazes me! I can’t say its look overwhelms me, but its performance really does. Stub nibs are my go to nibs for the way they give such a nice flair to one’s handwriting. But, sometimes, you need an EF nib for small writing, drawing, etc. Pilot’s extra fine nibs are seriously extra fine - not only because they write a finer line than Western EF nibs, but also because they write unbelievably smoothly. No scratchiness whatsoever. They are a real pleasure to use, And, the Kakuno is incredibly comfortable to use. It’s a pen that makes you smile - all the way around! Mary Kerr
Many years ago my wife came home with a Pilot Varsity which she used until the ink ran dry. Jump forward to today, I started sketching with ink, so I bought Pilot. We now have two Metropolitan Pops (one fine, and one caligraphy nib), a Prera, and a Falcon. The Prera is my
My favorite Pilot pen which uses the identical nib as the Metro, Explorer and Kakuno is the original, now vintage, 78G. I wish Pilot would release a mid-range version of this pen with higher quality build materials because the body design is my favorite and, for reasons I can’t explain, I enjoy the feel of the gold-toned nibs over the regular stainless nibs. The Metro was my first fountain pen but when I bought an NOS 78G years later, it has become the Pilot pen that I use most, especially for drawing. The modern 78G+ is also phenomenal.
Btw you can get the Kakuno clear demonstrator in F as well (not just EF) I have a few Kakunos but I’ve decided all of my inexpensive pens must have a slip n’ seal cap. I like having a bunch of color options but that means I don’t use each one often and I need them to not dry out as fast as my Kakunos I wish the preppy doesn’t crack because I love EF nibs. I have bought a few Plaisirs to scratch that inexpensive many-inked-pens thing, but I sometimes buy a preppy and steal the nib since the Plaisir doesn’t come in EF. Why do they do this to us 😵
I'd really like to try the Kakuno. Unfortunately, the clip is a deal breaker for me. I need to keep my pens clipped to a pocket for work. No clip means I'd need to pocket the pen and I'm not doing that.
the kakuno is the best value out there if you're after cost to performance over anything else. i love mine so much, kinda feeling bad for my other fountain pens because they und up not getting used at all.
In Italy you can find the kakuno at 20€ and the MR at 23. You can't even find an explorer. For me it's a no brainer. My MR it's the only pen that's ALWAYS inked up, it doesn't dry, never, and always writes impeccably
After swapping the 1.0 stub nib from a Metropolitan into my clear demonstrator Kakuno, I found my new favorite pen. The Kakuno, with its thicker grip and minimal step to the barrel, is way more comfortable than the Metro. (The hand wants what the hand wants.) With the added beautiful clear plastic of the con-70 and a clip from a Kaweco Sport, this pen is a winner!
There’s something about the step down from barrel to section that makes the Metropolitan uncomfortable for me. I wish they still made the 78g, that was a great starter pen. I love the Kakuno faces.
Haven’t tried an Explorer, but I’m curious if the clip is “held” to the cap same way as the Metro - Reason being, I’ve had two Metros develop a loose/broken clip. Maybe my shirt pocket/notebook game is just too… hardcore?? 🤙 🤙
I've never understood why people think that plastic feels cheap, that's why they get scammed by brands like Beats who just add dead weight to fool them into believing they're paying for more quality 🙄 I remember when the Explorer appeared people complained and were angry because it was more expensive than the Metro and being a plastic pen, but apparently time has done its job an now people widely accept the Explorer. Let's face truth people, plastic gives it more options, otherwise we wouldn't have a demonstrator which is impossible for a Metro 😌
My second fountain pen. Stopped working after a week, and no flushing etc. ever fixed it. Happily moved on to other pens. Preppies never let me down, though.
I didn't like the scoring. I really thought he should've used Birch trees instead of cactuses. I think the Kakuno earned the birch tree fair and square.
I have several kakunos and love them all. I was talking to a friend about whether the weight of a metal pen might feel better when writing. Eventually she gifted me a Metropolitan (taupe, lizard from the animal collection). I LOVE how it looks. The metal box is classy, and the taupe lizard I thought looked elegant. Unfortunately, when I wrote with it, it just didn't fit my hand at all. It felt too short unless I posted it, but when I tried posting, the cap didn't post securely unless I really jammed it onto the body--not good for that coated finish. Also, I found the grip section to be too skinny, and there is a big step-down with a rather sharp edge which hits me right at my thumb. I tried adjusting up or down, but pretty quickly my thumb was right back on the seam. So, no Metropolitan for me. I will put it back in its pretty box and gift it when I find a pen friend with smaller hands.
I love my Pilot Prera, but wish it was EF (which is not available). Is there another model with an EF nib of similar quality? And, are there any I can put in my Prera? Thank you!
The cap "click" on my wife's Explorer wore out in under a year. It doesn't cap at all now. It's a cool pen, but not sturdy. The metropolitan is good, but don't pull the nib out unless you absolutely have to. I have several with cracked grip sections because of nib swapping. My Kakuno is great! That thing can really take a beating!
Super interesting! This is the exact thing that happened with my Metro. Reading around, it appears to be a pretty common issue. I was thinking about getting the Explorer since my assumption was that the metal somehow deformed and that the plastic wouldn't stay deformed (unless it cracks). I was certainly very jealous when I heard that "click" from the Metro's cap in Drew's video!
I just bought a metropolitan as my first fountain pen. Ive loved using it so far, but kind of wish I got the medium nib rather than the fine. Guess I’ll have to buy another! 😂
I have a Pilot Metropolitan. It was the second pen that I ordered from Goulet Pens. It has a medium nib and the color is Retro Pop Red. I used it all the time until I got my Eco. I cleaned the pen and put it away and the one time I tried to ink it up and write with it, I could not get it to write. So, I cleaned it again and permanently put it away. I have not used it since. It's been more than 5 years.
Love the Kakuno, especially the medium nib! I do really wish they made their steel nibs in Broad or Double Broad, because Pilot's medium steel is finer than their medium 14k nibs. I get that broads probably don't sell as well, but it would really flesh out the nib size range in the lower price point. Platinum's Preppy medium nibs are more wide, but haven't dipped into a proper broad nib size either.
I really enjoyed my Metro but the thing I never got used to was a big step between the body of the pen and a grip section. Eventually, i stopped writing with it.
To me .. the two poodles, half a dodo, its very own ninja and a cactus win .. but the one custard and two surfers do make a compelling case .. I proclaim this a pen battle of the month (if not a year) .. :)
My very first pen! I think it's a good beginner pen but having learned more about my preferences, there are other beginner fountain pens that better suit me. For me, the large step between the barrel and group is something I'm not fond of but that the time it gave me my love for fountain pens.
Good: Weight and balance, smooth body finish even though metal, bullet shape, and that nib! Not good: Monster step at the section. Section is too tight, and I don't have large hands! Prera is better, although a bit short and light. I tried one, nib was dry. Swapped with a metro nib, got the elegant stamping on it. Got a superior Prera (suprera?).
I only have a Metro of the 3, and it will randomly burp a blob of ink when I write, which is frustrating as heck. Causes me to never use it, as it creates quite a mess....
The only problems i have with the Metropolitan are: 1: its torpedo shape is *too* torpedo-ey, to the point where it rolls off a desk even though it has a clip 2: i've noticed on two different pens, the issue of the seam in the grip splitting and leaking ink very slowly onto your fingers
I loved this video! What I’m wondering, if the nibs are all the same, could I put the extra fine from the Kakuno into the Metropolitan? I really like the extra fine and change want a different look.
My first fountain pen was a Metropolitan which i bought several years ago, I could not get that thing to write! I gave up on fountain pens in frustration, Two years later, I thought I’d try an FP again and got a Charcoal Lamy Safari. It worked! That’s when I fell and found my first Goulet Pens videos, too!
The Metro was my very first pen and I love the white pearlescent body with the tiger stripes. Also managed to chip a little of the coating in the first week of use 😅
Hi Drew!: To me, the Metropolitan is a better looking pen. The explorer reminds me of an inexpensive rollerball pen from Pilot that wrote ok, but I didn't like the styling of the cap. Particularly the holes with black or other color insert inside. Thanks for the interesting overview of the different models, though!!
If it's so popular, I'm blown away because I rarely hear people give it love anywhere close to things like the Platinum Preppy or Lami Safari. Though I didn't know the other options for Pilot.
I guess a Pilot Prera does not fit into this category, that is a really fun pen and right there with a Kakuno, Pilot Metro would be 3rd on my list. Mine came with a bad nib, tried to fix it got it writing okay, then got tired of it being scratchy and replaced it with a Wingsung nib. Absolutely great. 😁😁
I have not bought a Metropolitan. I like the nib but I just haven't gotten myself to buy it. Maybe it is the narrow grip. Maybe it is the overall design. The price point is really nice. Perhaps finding another model with a wider grip would be the ticket.
Drew, the Metro is still my favorite, and the least is the Explorer... but i still like them all. Pilot is my all time favorite pen company! Thanks again for a video show caseing the differences. Blessings
Honestly, I got all of my metros (welll with the exception of 2) back when they were like $10-$12 a piece) and so for that amount and the look, it was a pretty good deal. The fines and italic nibs wrote like I like them and the metal body looked "office appropriate". However, after trying their other entry level pens I don't really use my metropolitan's anymore. I'd much rather use a Kakuno or an Explorer if I want an inexpensive pen to use questionable inks with.
Metro def / top 5 of all my pens. Like others here Pilot's Metro was the first pen I bought during my FP Renaissance which began during Covid lock down. I was trying to resuscitate my 25 yr old Monteverde tiger eye 3-sided Olympia, turned to youtube for help and VOILA I discovered you, Drew! When it was safe to emerge I bought my beloved White Tiger medium Metro from our only local Pen store which has survived all these years! I compare every pen to my silky smooth wonderful medium Metro (writes MF.) I did get a Kakuno in fine pt based on your previous praise of "same nib." I enjoy using it to experiment with ink before loading into my fave pens. Instead of Explorer, I bought a Prismatic Diplomat Magnum from Goulet and love it. Metro 🤟 thanks for giving it some 💖 write on 🖋
PS - I bet the Metro is a fave of women. I recently got a Procyon (with the "modern" Maki-e finish) but the size and writing are not as nice as my Metro! Yes, it looks beautiful in my pen holder, but the Metropolitan is so reliable and perfect grip for smaller hand. 💓
I want to love my Metro but i dont. I have a Retro Pop with a stub 1.0 nib and it has been the pen i have the most issue with. It has dried out (while covered), itbskips, has hard starts, ink leakage and scratchy. It so frustrating because i love the look and feel. ☹️ I have a Kakuno and I love it 1000x more than my Metro. Love the video! I give it 5 dodo birds, 3 ghost, 2 shorts and an airplane seat! 😂
This is my opinion. I tried several Metropolitans and didn't like them. I didn't like the weight of the metal barrel, the caps not posting securely, and their tendency to roll off the table or desk at the slightest provocation. I had the caps of my Metros fall off during meetings and make a big clank as it hit the table. Very annoying and kinda embarrassing. One of mine had a squeeze converter that leaked all over. Then I couldn't remove it because it was stuck, so I put that pen away. They were generally good writers, but other elements put me off. I don't use them any more. I tried the Prera, which I like a lot especially the CM nib which is like a stub, and the Kakuno, which I also like. I think that the Kakuno is a better starter pen than the Metro. It's reliable and less troublesome. I know a lot of people like the Metropolitan. I guess it feels like you're getting more pen for the buck, but I won't buy them or recommend them. YMMV.
I like the classic look of the of Metropolitan. I love my Metropolitan better than my other Pilot pens. I use it more with a fine nib. I write shorthand with it too. The only thing I don’t like is the rubber converter. Because the rubber can go bad. I have other pens with converters that are better.
Hello there drew. The timing for this video could not be better as I am looking at getting a new pen and am debating whether to get a pilot metro or a sailor compass 1911 or any other pen that i might not be aware of which would might be suitable I generally like a pen to be controllable and precise along with it being just smooth enough since I have a small handwriting. Could you recommend me a pen out of these two or any other alternative which might be better than them? And thank you for a video at such a perfect time.
@@ichirofakename thank you for your reply. Believe it or not your reply has finalised my decision since some other people had also recommended me the sailor as well.
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I think another factor most people should consider is the grip diameter, especially if they don't have hands on the smaller side. The Kaküno has the widest grip, which will probably be most comfortable for the majority of people. The Explorer and Metropolitan have about the same grip diameter, but the narrow grip makes a lot of people want to grip a bit further back where the grip is a bit thicker. The Metropolitan has a somewhat significant step down that gets in the way when you do that, whereas the Explorer transitions more smoothly.
Thank you, I was a bit disappointed Drew didn't adress the differences in grip sections.
@@MSchipperyeah, I have a couple of metros and I have found that the grip is probably the primary reason I don’t reach for them anymore. I’m not sure I can quantify what it is, but it’s somewhere between the length and diameter of the grip that just isn’t that comfortable for my hands. I’m wondering, since the explorer and kakuno don’t have that step up from the grip to the body, if they would feel more comfy.
This is exactly why I stopped using my Metro! I found the grip too thin and slippery; it just didn’t feel great in my hands.
It is a common complain that the metro has a too steep step down, but it doesn't bother me, I don't mind the tactile feeling.
Exactly. I can’t use mine anymore either. The grip section is too thin and short to use comfortably for more a few minutes. But I find the kakuno quite comfortable. It’s a shame because I love the how the metros look.
I love my Kakuno! It writes beautifully, and the nib smiles at me--what's not to love? Great video!
Yes! More nibs need faces. - Drew
My 2nd ever fountain pen was a silver Pilot Metro. Ever since I got it (late 2022) it has been inked up with the same ink and has been the only pen that has constantly remained in my inked pens.
I like the weight of it. Shape, feel, cap, the whole thing is just an enjoyable writing experience.
Wait, you're not gonna say which ink you use?
@pacamanca it's Montegrappa Slytherin Green. I don't think they make it anymore so I didn't think to mention it.
My first fountain pen was a Pilot Varsity. Bought it on a whim in a checkout line. So much easier to write with having joint pain like I do. Now I’m hooked. It’s a cheap and disposable entry point into this lovely but expensive hobby.
It’s also the only fountain pen available in the school supplies section of the grocery store.
Metro!! My favorite pen. The shape, the metal, the weight and balance is so perfect for me.
Yeah, that heft really adds to the satisfaction you get when using the Metro.
@@fletcherchambers7175good for a first pen?
I literally have a Kakuno for the EF nib and the Metropolitan for the stub nib. I love them both.
LOL at the "points" scoring!
That was the best part of this video. I hope to see more crazy scoring for videos like this.
Love my Metropolitans! I started buying them back in 2016 - 2018 when they where under $10.00. Just the perfect weight for beginners and easy to clean.
Thank you Drew for the in-depth and very creative rating scale! The grey houndstooth Metropolitan was my first fountain pen. It checked all my boxes: 1) a real fountain pen (not disposable). 2) affordable- in case I didn’t like it or lost it…or broke it. 3) stylish! I dabble in sewing and am a sucker for the houndstooth print! 😂❤😍! Love at first sight. Then the clerk asked me did I want to test it? 😮! Yes!!!! Perfect! It was everything I asked for! AND the best reason for last - it started my new hobby….26 pens later…..😈 I actually keep the plain silver one in my desk at work inked with Namiki Blue cartridges. I love it! Couldn’t be happier! I even switch the nibs with the kakuno but usually revert back to medium. I will always root for the Metro! ❤❤❤❤Thanks again!
That shirt is the MVP of this video.
Funny thing: I was gifted a Kakuno as part of a grab-bag, and actually love it as both a quick-jotting-down pen, and the go-to on the rare occasion I want to dabble in unusual ink types. And, since I've been at the deep end of the FP pool for some time (a pair of Pilot Custom 823s and a Vanishing Point), the Kakuno fits in curiously well, moreso IMO than either the Metro or Explorer - it's truly its own thing.
The Kakuno was my first fountain pen and I bought a CON-70 for it. I must say that until now, I still prefer it over my metropolitans
Metro was one of my first fountain pens and I have a few. Still like them a lot. I was surprised that you didn't include the Prera in the comparison - thought that one had the same nib as the Metro. I do realize it is a bit more expensive though. Great video- Thanks Drew.
I have multiple of each of these pens. They are all excellent. However, for a cheaper but just as good starter pen I suggest the Platinum Preppy. I have roughly a dozen of the clear ones. I like being able to see the ink in the barrel as you can use them eye dropper style.
The Calligraphy Medium nib available on the Metropolitan Retro Pop series is a superb medium cursive italic (not technically a stub) nib and adds tremendously to the value of that pen for me. It’s a good intro to a medium cursive italic nib.
Several years ago I purchased an orange pop Metro from Goulet. I have small hands,short fingers,and was used to writing with vintage (lightweight celluloid) pens. Just holding the pen ,I thought I was going to have to return it. Too heavy &back weighted..I thought. Then I tried the stub nib…wow what a blast! I instantly decided to keep it and use unposted. Great pen,never disappoints!
IMHO the question isn't "Is the Metropolitan Overrated?" (I don't think it is), but "Why is the Platinum Plaisir so underrated?"
Good question, regarding the Platinum intro pens. Their cartridges are way better and don’t dry out quickly and I also prefer their nibs.
Becouse it's an overpriced preppy, with a very pompous style, not in line with a kind of cheap pen. It's 3x the price of a pen with the same nib compartment, while here between the kakuno and the most expensive Metro it's not even 2x. It's a fantastic nib, but I feel it's overpriced if you can have a very similar (fantastic) experience with a pen so much cheaper. BTW, I love the preppy, but I don't think I'll ever buy the Plaisir.
Yes! I love the Platinum Plaisir. My teal one is my favourite. 😊
@@8paolo96 The one area the Plaisir is well above the Preppy is in how long it can stay inked and capped before drying out. I found one of my Plaisirs that sat forgotten for a good 4 months. I uncapped it and it was like I had just inked it up that morning. The Preppy? That thing dries out on me if I don't write with it for a couple weeks. It's cap seal is far above the Preppy, or for that fact even above those 3 Pilot offerings.
@rat3072 Love the Plaisir cap... And the fact that it doesn't look like a disposable pen!
With a 3 year obsession with Pilots (I have 8 gold Pilots), I did the same comparisons using 2 Kakunos, 2 Explorer and 2 Metros and various nibs. With all nibs the Explorer and Metro are the much more comfortable for me. The Kakuno has an unusual double end on the section. Also, the barrel is not as comfortable for me. Now I know why I don't reach for Kakunos. There is a similar widening on the Ex and Metro on which my thumb rests - it's where the barrel meets the section . Second, my on-going battle between the Explorer and Metro has ended with the Explorer taking a slight edge in comfort (I'm fine with the step down). I think the Metro seems better made than the Explorer. I know it well and have stripped one down to the copper. I got the Kakunos for their extra fine nib and to have extra nibs. So far I've donated 2 and will donate the others. The interesting decision today was not to fool with any Pilot converters. It is MUCH quicker to clean and fill a cartridge. MUCH MUCH. They also hold more ink. I use a syringe to clean cartridges so why bother with using the syringe and repeated soaking to use converters.
One of my Best writers, in a collection with a high range of prices.
I have love my Metros and Explorers...totally reliable! And you have convinced me to try a Kakuna! Love your videos, thanks!
My grey Kakuno has a fine nib. Of the three pens my favourite is the Kakuno. But you really can't go wrong with any of these pens.
A big downside of the metro is actually it's cap. While it does snap firmly early in its life, since the inner plastic in the cap holds the metal of the body of the pen, it gradually holds less and less, until it becomes impossible to close. The only solution I found is buying a new metro, which is kind of wasteful. I would love it if pilot solved this, or at least offered replacement caps.
In the meantime, this gives the win to pilot's explorer for me.
I had problems with the caps not posting securely on the end of the pen. They'd constantly fall off in use, making a lot of noise, which is especially annoying in a meeting. And, with the cap off, the barrel has the annoying tendency to roll off the table at the slightest push.
Dig out the blue disc, refill the cartridges and you're good to go. They're so much easier to clean out and dry than any of the converters. I like my Kakunos in the colored demo versions. The grip section on the Metro is slimmer than I prefer, but I'll keep thee champagne gold one in my collection all the same.
Agreed! - Drew
I've just inked up my Metro F, it's a joy to use. It's the third fountain pen I've ever used
The Metro was one of the first pens I bought, shortly after they entered the market. I still use it many years later, as a backup pen. I like the weight and the form factor. The tapered ends help it to be more discreet, especially when I’m carrying 2 pens in my shirt pocket (I don’t want to look like a walking stationery store).
Often mentioned in discussions and comments regarding the Metropolitan is the step-down on the barrel. I retired my Metro very early due to the discomfort-at least for me-of holding the pen. Due to that design, I’m surprised how popular that pen is.
The Kakuno is wonderful……and what a deal!
my metro in python print has a few scuffs and scratches that have exposed the brass. I like it. it makes it uniauely mine
I just ordered one of those fude nib ones from pilot to give a try, i already own a couple of brush pens and like the option of variable line width.
YESSSS!!!! I hadn't seen this video till just now, but over the weekend, I ordered an Explorer. And now my choice has been validated by Drew's nod for the Explorer over the highly-touted Metropolitan! Woot woot!
I love the Kaküno w the 1.0 stub offered on the Metropolitan, I also buy a con 70 to go in it.. fantastic.
I love these vids. You do such a great job Drew. 🎉gracias.
A Dem Explorer is lovely looking.
Thanks for the review! I am really into the Explorer! Super great!
This almost makes me ready to dive in. I would absolutely love a Pencast deep-dive about how Brian and Drew would each spend ~$100 on the Goulet store if they were having to start from scratch today.
Ahhh yes……but NOT knowing what they know now!!!! 😂
I am such a sucker for these types of random challenges lol. I immediately browsed their site. How I would spend $100 if I had to start from absolutely zero:
1. Pilot Explorer gold in M (my first pen would HAVE to be a Pilot) + con-40 converter (I actually love this thing despite people hating on it for its low capacity)
2. 50ml bottle of Rohrer and Klingner Alt-goldgrun
3. Traveler’s Notebook regular starter kit in Olive
It all comes to $99.50, so I would get free shipping, yay!
@@lozared That looks pretty good. I've been thinking about a Pilot Metropolitan in a snub nib (it sounds fun to play around with)+CON-40, a Diplomat Magnum (comes with a free bottle of Montverde Blue Skies currently), an A5 Leuchtturm, and a couple ink sampler packs. I would pick DeAtramentis sampler and the vibrant purple sampler for a total of $102.17. This gives two quote different pens to play with and a good splatter of ink, also I'm a sucker for purple.
Also this is a pretty decent generic list if you swap out the vibrant purple sampler with a different sampler, or both with Brian's Favorite Inks sampler. Most of these items are available is a ton of colors to suit any preference.
I also don't have a fountain pen yet so I may be off on this though.
Edit: I would also sign up for the mailing list for that free ink as well. Gotta remember to do that before I press order.
I love my Kakuno EF. I have several. It is my grail pen
What you didn’t mention is the nib swapability. This is a game changer for me. I have the white-lavender Kakuno colorway with an and two Metropolitans, turquoise and green Retropops, both . I am not a fan of the for most inks, and I’m an ink-pen color matcher. This sidelined my Kakuno until I did some swapping. I have other turquoise/teal pens I prefer, so my turquoise Metropolitan now has the nib and is my dedicated pen for DeAtramentis Document Black. This frees up my Kakuno with a for purple and pink inks. Right now I have a Goulet surprise me sample of Lamy Azurite in it. ✒️🟣💕
I just recently learned the Con 70 fits it. I might have to upgrade!
I have a kakuno in white with a blue lid, and it has a medium nib that came like that from the store.
The problem I have with the explorer is that I started to used it and love it, but it seems the cap mechanism broke and is loose. I tried to find another cap to buy it separately- but I ended up buying another explorer to replace the broken cap. My metro pens don’t give me any problems with the cap, so I stay with the metro specially for taking it outside to sketch.
And yet, i ended up having that same issue with my Metro. seems like the caps seem to be hit or miss on both the Metro and the Explorer.
The Pilot Metropolitan is a great looking pen - in a traditional sense, and the cursive medium “stub” nib is really nice to write with. I like it a lot. That I love my Kakuno as much as I do still amazes me! I can’t say its look overwhelms me, but its performance really does.
Stub nibs are my go to nibs for the way they give such a nice flair to one’s handwriting. But, sometimes, you need an EF nib for small writing, drawing, etc. Pilot’s extra fine nibs are seriously extra fine - not only because they write a finer line than Western EF nibs, but also because they write unbelievably smoothly. No scratchiness whatsoever. They are a real pleasure to use, And, the Kakuno is incredibly comfortable to use. It’s a pen that makes you smile - all the way around!
Mary Kerr
Many years ago my wife came home with a Pilot Varsity which she used until the ink ran dry. Jump forward to today, I started sketching with ink, so I bought Pilot. We now have two Metropolitan Pops (one fine, and one caligraphy nib), a Prera, and a Falcon. The Prera is my
My favorite Pilot pen which uses the identical nib as the Metro, Explorer and Kakuno is the original, now vintage, 78G. I wish Pilot would release a mid-range version of this pen with higher quality build materials because the body design is my favorite and, for reasons I can’t explain, I enjoy the feel of the gold-toned nibs over the regular stainless nibs. The Metro was my first fountain pen but when I bought an NOS 78G years later, it has become the Pilot pen that I use most, especially for drawing. The modern 78G+ is also phenomenal.
Btw you can get the Kakuno clear demonstrator in F as well (not just EF)
I have a few Kakunos but I’ve decided all of my inexpensive pens must have a slip n’ seal cap. I like having a bunch of color options but that means I don’t use each one often and I need them to not dry out as fast as my Kakunos
I wish the preppy doesn’t crack because I love EF nibs. I have bought a few Plaisirs to scratch that inexpensive many-inked-pens thing, but I sometimes buy a preppy and steal the nib since the Plaisir doesn’t come in EF. Why do they do this to us 😵
I'd really like to try the Kakuno. Unfortunately, the clip is a deal breaker for me. I need to keep my pens clipped to a pocket for work. No clip means I'd need to pocket the pen and I'm not doing that.
Informational and entertaining…and somehow you created a science of how you arrived to a conclusion 😂. Love it!
the kakuno is the best value out there if you're after cost to performance over anything else. i love mine so much, kinda feeling bad for my other fountain pens because they und up not getting used at all.
In Italy you can find the kakuno at 20€ and the MR at 23. You can't even find an explorer. For me it's a no brainer. My MR it's the only pen that's ALWAYS inked up, it doesn't dry, never, and always writes impeccably
After swapping the 1.0 stub nib from a Metropolitan into my clear demonstrator Kakuno, I found my new favorite pen. The Kakuno, with its thicker grip and minimal step to the barrel, is way more comfortable than the Metro. (The hand wants what the hand wants.) With the added beautiful clear plastic of the con-70 and a clip from a Kaweco Sport, this pen is a winner!
Ooh! I should try this! I really like the 1.0 stub/italic nib on the Metropolitan, but I'm not a fan of how the body of it feels at all.
@@sparklefulpaladin I contacted Goulet to ask Pilot to offer the Kakuno with the 1.0 stub. Hopefully, Pilot will listen...
Oh! I should've mentioned the step! - Drew
@@Gouletpens The comfortable grip on the Kakuno is worth a 🍰 slice of cheesecake!
Arguably 2 slices of New York cheescake @@JerryBearry
There’s something about the step down from barrel to section that makes the Metropolitan uncomfortable for me. I wish they still made the 78g, that was a great starter pen. I love the Kakuno faces.
The step-down is the killer for me, too. I love the look of the turquoise retro pop, but I know I’d hate the feel of it because of the step-down.
Haven’t tried an Explorer, but I’m curious if the clip is “held” to the cap same way as the Metro - Reason being, I’ve had two Metros develop a loose/broken clip.
Maybe my shirt pocket/notebook game is just too… hardcore?? 🤙 🤙
I've never understood why people think that plastic feels cheap, that's why they get scammed by brands like Beats who just add dead weight to fool them into believing they're paying for more quality 🙄
I remember when the Explorer appeared people complained and were angry because it was more expensive than the Metro and being a plastic pen, but apparently time has done its job an now people widely accept the Explorer. Let's face truth people, plastic gives it more options, otherwise we wouldn't have a demonstrator which is impossible for a Metro 😌
My second fountain pen. Stopped working after a week, and no flushing etc. ever fixed it. Happily moved on to other pens. Preppies never let me down, though.
Hey Drew!! Love the scoring 😂 I already have the explorer and love it!! I’m going to try the Metro and the Kakuno!!
I didn't like the scoring. I really thought he should've used Birch trees instead of cactuses. I think the Kakuno earned the birch tree fair and square.
Explorer+con70 combination should replce Safari as a "biginner pen". Explorer is far superior than Safari. (nib QC, cap inner sealing etc..)
I have several kakunos and love them all. I was talking to a friend about whether the weight of a metal pen might feel better when writing. Eventually she gifted me a Metropolitan (taupe, lizard from the animal collection). I LOVE how it looks. The metal box is classy, and the taupe lizard I thought looked elegant. Unfortunately, when I wrote with it, it just didn't fit my hand at all. It felt too short unless I posted it, but when I tried posting, the cap didn't post securely unless I really jammed it onto the body--not good for that coated finish. Also, I found the grip section to be too skinny, and there is a big step-down with a rather sharp edge which hits me right at my thumb. I tried adjusting up or down, but pretty quickly my thumb was right back on the seam. So, no Metropolitan for me. I will put it back in its pretty box and gift it when I find a pen friend with smaller hands.
I love my Pilot Prera, but wish it was EF (which is not available). Is there another model with an EF nib of similar quality? And, are there any I can put in my Prera? Thank you!
The cap "click" on my wife's Explorer wore out in under a year. It doesn't cap at all now. It's a cool pen, but not sturdy. The metropolitan is good, but don't pull the nib out unless you absolutely have to. I have several with cracked grip sections because of nib swapping. My Kakuno is great! That thing can really take a beating!
Super interesting! This is the exact thing that happened with my Metro. Reading around, it appears to be a pretty common issue. I was thinking about getting the Explorer since my assumption was that the metal somehow deformed and that the plastic wouldn't stay deformed (unless it cracks). I was certainly very jealous when I heard that "click" from the Metro's cap in Drew's video!
I got my sister a kakuno & she really loves it. As a student, it gives her hands an ease. Kakuno really has my heart :33
OMG - that shirt is definitely underrated!
I just bought a metropolitan as my first fountain pen. Ive loved using it so far, but kind of wish I got the medium nib rather than the fine. Guess I’ll have to buy another! 😂
I just wish you vould get metropolitans with ef nibs , the ef is the best for drawing , that's why I have 4 kakunos .
Maybe one day! - Drew
I have a Pilot Metropolitan. It was the second pen that I ordered from Goulet Pens. It has a medium nib and the color is Retro Pop Red. I used it all the time until I got my Eco. I cleaned the pen and put it away and the one time I tried to ink it up and write with it, I could not get it to write. So, I cleaned it again and permanently put it away. I have not used it since. It's been more than 5 years.
Love the Kakuno, especially the medium nib! I do really wish they made their steel nibs in Broad or Double Broad, because Pilot's medium steel is finer than their medium 14k nibs. I get that broads probably don't sell as well, but it would really flesh out the nib size range in the lower price point. Platinum's Preppy medium nibs are more wide, but haven't dipped into a proper broad nib size either.
I really enjoyed my Metro but the thing I never got used to was a big step between the body of the pen and a grip section. Eventually, i stopped writing with it.
I’m sensing a touch of sarcasm with the rating scale.
To me .. the two poodles, half a dodo, its very own ninja and a cactus win .. but the one custard and two surfers do make a compelling case .. I proclaim this a pen battle of the month (if not a year) .. :)
My very first pen! I think it's a good beginner pen but having learned more about my preferences, there are other beginner fountain pens that better suit me. For me, the large step between the barrel and group is something I'm not fond of but that the time it gave me my love for fountain pens.
It's my first fountain pen i bought exactly one week ago, and it made me want to write everyday since then for few hours a day
That's absolutely fantastic! - Drew
Good: Weight and balance, smooth body finish even though metal, bullet shape, and that nib!
Not good: Monster step at the section. Section is too tight, and I don't have large hands!
Prera is better, although a bit short and light. I tried one, nib was dry. Swapped with a metro nib, got the elegant stamping on it. Got a superior Prera (suprera?).
I only have a Metro of the 3, and it will randomly burp a blob of ink when I write, which is frustrating as heck. Causes me to never use it, as it creates quite a mess....
The only problems i have with the Metropolitan are:
1: its torpedo shape is *too* torpedo-ey, to the point where it rolls off a desk even though it has a clip
2: i've noticed on two different pens, the issue of the seam in the grip splitting and leaking ink very slowly onto your fingers
The Kakuno surprised me with great quality and amazing low price.
I loved this video! What I’m wondering, if the nibs are all the same, could I put the extra fine from the Kakuno into the Metropolitan? I really like the extra fine and change want a different look.
You absolutely could! - Drew
Metro was my second fountain pen and atill remains my daily driver after 6 years. No problems whatsoever
My first fountain pen was a Metropolitan which i bought several years ago, I could not get that thing to write! I gave up on fountain pens in frustration,
Two years later, I thought I’d try an FP again and got a Charcoal Lamy Safari. It worked! That’s when I fell and found my first Goulet Pens videos, too!
The Metro was my very first pen and I love the white pearlescent body with the tiger stripes. Also managed to chip a little of the coating in the first week of use 😅
Hi Drew!: To me, the Metropolitan is a better looking pen. The explorer reminds me of an inexpensive rollerball pen from Pilot that wrote ok, but I didn't like the styling of the cap. Particularly the holes with black or other color insert inside. Thanks for the interesting overview of the different models, though!!
If it's so popular, I'm blown away because I rarely hear people give it love anywhere close to things like the Platinum Preppy or Lami Safari.
Though I didn't know the other options for Pilot.
there is a Standard International version of the Metropolitan called Retro Pop
I guess a Pilot Prera does not fit into this category, that is a really fun pen and right there with a Kakuno, Pilot Metro would be 3rd on my list. Mine came with a bad nib, tried to fix it got it writing okay, then got tired of it being scratchy and replaced it with a Wingsung nib. Absolutely great. 😁😁
The Metro was my very first fountain pen and is still one of my everyday writers. I use my TWSBIs in my journal, but for work, I use my Metro.
Can any of the three write under their own weight while inked up? If not what entry-ish fountain pen would?
Most pens should work but it may be affected by ink and paper combination.
@@mf--I've been struggling with the pilot varsity where a lot of lines take a couple of tries to ink so I'm hoping for something a bit easier
Ate the sections interchangeable from the Explorer to the Metropolitan? Can i make an Explorer frankenpen with a 1 mm stub tip from the Metropolitan?
You can easily swap the nibs between all three! - Drew
@@Gouletpens dude! I'm totally gonna make a 1 mm frankenpen! I LOVE stubs and pilot has so few stub nibs but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Pilot pens! 😁
I have not bought a Metropolitan. I like the nib but I just haven't gotten myself to buy it. Maybe it is the narrow grip. Maybe it is the overall design.
The price point is really nice. Perhaps finding another model with a wider grip would be the ticket.
The metro and perera are both seemingly the same price internationally, whereas the explorer is quite a bit more expensive (+50%)
Drew, the Metro is still my favorite, and the least is the Explorer... but i still like them all. Pilot is my all time favorite pen company! Thanks again for a video show caseing the differences. Blessings
I'm with you... To me the Explorer is light on "character" (I know that's a vague critique.. )
Demo explorer with a squeeze sac converter is pretty funny.
Yeah, not exactly the converter you want to show off. - Drew
Honestly, I got all of my metros (welll with the exception of 2) back when they were like $10-$12 a piece) and so for that amount and the look, it was a pretty good deal. The fines and italic nibs wrote like I like them and the metal body looked "office appropriate". However, after trying their other entry level pens I don't really use my metropolitan's anymore. I'd much rather use a Kakuno or an Explorer if I want an inexpensive pen to use questionable inks with.
Yeah, I blinked and the Metro doubled in price.
The correct answer is spend a few bucks more and get a Prera!
Excellent, informative video, thanks.
Amazing, Drew! I loved this video---I'm a Kakuno fan for sure!
Metro def / top 5 of all my pens. Like others here Pilot's Metro was the first pen I bought during my FP Renaissance which began during Covid lock down. I was trying to resuscitate my 25 yr old Monteverde tiger eye 3-sided Olympia, turned to youtube for help and VOILA I discovered you, Drew! When it was safe to emerge I bought my beloved White Tiger medium Metro from our only local Pen store which has survived all these years! I compare every pen to my silky smooth wonderful medium Metro (writes MF.) I did get a Kakuno in fine pt based on your previous praise of "same nib." I enjoy using it to experiment with ink before loading into my fave pens. Instead of Explorer, I bought a Prismatic Diplomat Magnum from Goulet and love it. Metro 🤟 thanks for giving it some 💖 write on 🖋
PS - I bet the Metro is a fave of women. I recently got a Procyon (with the "modern" Maki-e finish) but the size and writing are not as nice as my Metro! Yes, it looks beautiful in my pen holder, but the Metropolitan is so reliable and perfect grip for smaller hand. 💓
Great video Drew!! Thanks
Thanks for watching! - Drew
Goulet pens should do a podcast on Ranga pens....
I like them but I'm a Kakuno supporter.
I want to love my Metro but i dont. I have a Retro Pop with a stub 1.0 nib and it has been the pen i have the most issue with. It has dried out (while covered), itbskips, has hard starts, ink leakage and scratchy. It so frustrating because i love the look and feel. ☹️
I have a Kakuno and I love it 1000x more than my Metro.
Love the video! I give it 5 dodo birds, 3 ghost, 2 shorts and an airplane seat! 😂
Does pilot sell a better converter than that squeeze thing..?
That's up for debate. They sell the CON-40 and the CON-70 converters. Most would agree that the CON-70 is the better of the three. - Drew
This is my opinion. I tried several Metropolitans and didn't like them. I didn't like the weight of the metal barrel, the caps not posting securely, and their tendency to roll off the table or desk at the slightest provocation. I had the caps of my Metros fall off during meetings and make a big clank as it hit the table. Very annoying and kinda embarrassing. One of mine had a squeeze converter that leaked all over. Then I couldn't remove it because it was stuck, so I put that pen away. They were generally good writers, but other elements put me off. I don't use them any more. I tried the Prera, which I like a lot especially the CM nib which is like a stub, and the Kakuno, which I also like. I think that the Kakuno is a better starter pen than the Metro. It's reliable and less troublesome. I know a lot of people like the Metropolitan. I guess it feels like you're getting more pen for the buck, but I won't buy them or recommend them. YMMV.
I like the classic look of the of Metropolitan. I love my Metropolitan better than my other Pilot pens. I use it more with a fine nib. I write shorthand with it too. The only thing I don’t like is the rubber converter. Because the rubber can go bad. I have other pens with converters that are better.
I find the grip section to small in diameter for my hands, they’re nice pens though.
I bought my kakuno for 8 dollars, pretty cheap and I'm happy I can get the nice pen for just 8 dollars
Hello there drew. The timing for this video could not be better as I am looking at getting a new pen and am debating whether to get a pilot metro or a sailor compass 1911 or any other pen that i might not be aware of which would might be suitable
I generally like a pen to be controllable and precise along with it being just smooth enough since I have a small handwriting.
Could you recommend me a pen out of these two or any other alternative which might be better than them?
And thank you for a video at such a perfect time.
Yay! I'm glad the timing worked out! - Drew
Sailor Compass.
@@ichirofakename thank you for your reply. Believe it or not your reply has finalised my decision since some other people had also recommended me the sailor as well.
Just the BEST scoring system ever! 😊