I just found this for $21 on e bay and I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve been wanting a VP forever but couldn’t justify spending that much. Honestly feel like they were CAPitalizing on the vacuum in the market until now their copyright ran out. (Pun intended.) I’m glad they did a good job with build quality. This will probably become a daily writer for me.
James the A1 arrived today!!! I replaced the nib unit with a Pilot VP nib unit (broad). I have been writing with it since 1:30 PM this afternoon and enjoying every minute. Mine is the mustard yellow. I am using the Majohn ink converter in the Pilot nib unit. The Moonman name is on the barrel. The finish is nice, and the clicking mechanism is of good quality. Laid the pen down for a couple of hours, and did not experience any dryness of the nib. The broad VP nib unit writes like a Western medium, my preference. The Chinese fine nibs writes like a fine/med. Mine came with two cartridges with ink and two without ink.
I’ve been out of the fountain pem world for a little while but as soon as I seen this I’m back to watching fountain pan videos . Love these cheap ones. I’m not paying a lot of money for a damn pen. Just nothing over $100 I have a TWSBI classic, ECO, LAMY Safari, wing sings stuff like that and I’m more than happy with them
Agree this is a really good pen. I got a blue version without the Clip and it has become my favorite fountain pen, in fact I just purchased a second one. I'm using parker blue ink in it, and the thing just writes so smooth, and doesn't dry out. Its a great pen.
I actually did just that. I bought one since the Pilot VP in Matte Black was more expensive than I wanted to spend. I ended up putting a spare black bin unit into the Majohn A1. I get the pilot writing experience for a fraction of the price.
Thanks for taking the time out to do this review James, and yes I did find it very helpful. I would like a Pilot Capless, but I'm just not sure how I would get on with the clip, some find it an issue, others don't. I'm thinking, as the Majohn A1 has a lower price, this may be a good way to try the pen out. Regards to yourself and stay safe, David.
Great Review. I actually ordered one not to long before this review came out. I will agree they seem to be very talented at Majohn/Moonman. With how well this imitates a pen that is 3x the price in reliability and writing smoothness they know what they are doing with their own equipment. It would be nice to see them branch out from their copies and make something original. They could do another retractable pen like their Mjaohn X1 or one like this that is modeled different than the pilot vp. Or they could make an original normal fp. this is not the stereotypical knockoff where it's something cheaply made. This looks like a very solid pen made by people who know what they are doing and you can get it in a clipless variant which is a known complaint of the vp where people like how it writes but the clip portion drives them away.
Wonderful review. When you said that Majohn needed to be a bit more original, my first thought was a quote from Sean Tucker. He is a portrait and street photographer, talking about not copying other people's photo work. He said; "In the things you make, we need you to be you."
I ordered the Mahon A1 as soon as I read about it on FB. I can’t wait till it gets here. I bought 2 Vanishing Points back in ‘97. The bodies are precious resin, the clip is contoured into the nib collar. The metal threads at the center band recut the threads in the resin of barrel section on each new fill or cartridge. Both came with gold EF nibs and were dry writers. One is on its way down the boulevard to the pilot repair facility (Jacksonville FL) as the main spring compressed and locked up.
For the longest time I was dead set against getting a VP. because I felt it was pen that couldn't make up its mind what it wanted to be, but among the capless pens I still felt it was the sleekest design. I also feared that the clip might get in the way, so when the A1 came up in a local to me fountain pen group for a group buy, I jumped on the chance to try out the Moonman A1 as a test balloon. For the price I thought I would risk it. A Filipino friend told me about the compatibility with Pilot nib units. Once I got mine (in matte black with a clip) I inked it up with Lennon Tool Bar Wenshan Pouchong Tea ink, and I'm really happy with this combo. Besides the clipless matte black there's now a glossy piano black one available. The other colors (white, yellow, dark red) may follow. Personally I think for people that can't or don't want to spend the money on a VP the A1 is a good, affordable alternative. One thing I'm still hoping for is other nib options. ETA: I pulled the trigger on my first (pre-owned) Pilot VP with a M nib. It cost me just south of US$100. I'm looking forward to a direct comparison - although it's apples and mangoes.
@@FookFish The "traffic light yellow" and "azuki bean red" ones are still on my list, but I don't see the point of getting three pens with the exact same nib width. I'll just wait and see. ETA: With Lunar New Year coming up, there'll be some delays. From what I gather this model sells out within hours every time it gets restocked. It seems that Moonman underestimated the demand.
I too don’t understand why such companies make the exact clones, especially when they have capability to make something unique and create their own identity.. At the same time I don’t understand why there can’t be lawsuits against copying of designs when there can be lawsuits against copying of names !
I know I may be showing my age, but the earlier model Capless pens had the clip positioned further away from the end. It made the pen easier to hold and use for many of us. Removing the clip feature is a great idea but, still, I like a clip and one that does not interfere with my grip on the pen.
I really do think that the clipless version is a huge variation that does show originality. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pilot copied that at some point. I have 3 of these, and 2 with Pilot gold nib units. They are my most used and loved pens.
I have a blue Pilot VP with both nib types (gold and alloy) per your suggestion, and my wife has a matte black VP with a gold medium nib. It’s the only pen she’s willing to carry in her purse. She noticed the pen right away as I am sitting next to her and thought it was her pen. I had to order one just to compare it to ours.
My guess would be that the box is for the Moonman C1. It's about that size and shape. Tempted by another cheap retractable. I got that Lanbitou 3088 when it has just started appearing online. Thought it was actually decent, but as time has gone on, I agree with everyone that it's garbage. Also haven't had great luck with Majohn/Moonman. My Wancai's nib is really scratchy and I really don't like how easily the N3's clip bends horizontally.
I bought this a month ago and paid around $20. Mine did not come with a converter. It only came with a cartridge and the cartridge cap. I did not mind however since I have numerous pilot converters. I did note that the cartridge cap was stuck on the nib unit. I had to use TWSBI silicone grease to remove the cap. The cartridge cap that came with the A1 does not fit my pilot nib unit and will easily slide off. That is not a problem since it does not impact performance. I just have to be careful with it if I want to check the ink levels. Overall I have had no issues with the pen and thought it was a good investment.
Great objective review. I'm not a clicker, I like my fountain pens with a cap. If I want to click, I'll get a Bic. Didn't expect the pen to write as well as it does. I have a few push-to-write pens from China, none write as well. Stay safe & have a Joyous New year.
Thank you for this and all videos. You are one of my favorite pen reviewers. I did not know they made a capless pen. I like their pens also. I have a Piolot VP and like it very much but do not plan to purchase another because of the price. God bless you also!
Just received mine in the mail today and, Wow! Can't believe I waited this long. Don't really see a need to go for the Pilot other than I want a medium nib.
Copying or producing clones or homages is NOT the same in the East as it is here in the West. We look at everything so Eurocentric. In the East, Moonman copying pens they are inspired by and love is considered a honorable tribute to the original, and it is not looked down on at all. Only in the United States do people look down on clones, copies, homages, and tributes.
No, it is not considered as honorable tribute. It's treated as copying someone's work, using a shortcut (saving money and time on the design) and using cheaper labor to undercut the competition. The fact that one could exchange parts of both pens means something. It's a carbon copy of the Pilot's pen, plagiarism at best.
@@TheGingerNinjaJournals That's not Eurocentric point of view, that's point of view. If you you want to say that all Adidabases, Rebooks, Roolexes are honorable homages to brands, I hope that you sound ridiculous. And of course there are people that don't look down on those things - have you ever seen a thief looking down on what he's doing? Make money without much effort. And Moonman knows pretty well that nobody will go after them, till finally there was a company that did it.
@@fatyak4122 Thank you so much for sharing with me the on the typical American thought on this matter which I was obviously completely unaware of. I’m always eager to learn more. Have a fantastic weekend.
@The Ginger Ninja Yeah, yeah, of course I must be an American. Here you are - I'm a Pole (in Poland cheating during exams was regarded as being smart and as a reason to brag about) and I've been living in China for almost 13 years, my wife is a Chinese, most of my friends are Chinese, most of my pens are Chinese brands next in line are Japanese. People here are aware about the copycatting problem, nobody calls them "honorable tributes, homages, etc." They have the word for that 山寨 (shan zhai). My wife's company (Chinese company, with a Chinese boss) isn't happy by "homages" paid by unscrupulous competition, her boss is not happy by spending tens, hundreds of thousands RMB spent on lawyers to sue them, Russians aren’t happy by J-11 jet fighter (reverse engineered) and its iterations (J-15 and J-16). Damned Europocentric views, aren’t they? Yes, this “borrowing” ideas, technologies, designs, names, logos is so common that Chinese are becoming insensitive to it. They just sigh, shrug their shoulders and say - you know how it is. Or what can we do. My point of view, my wife’s, her company’s might not be representative to whole China and Asia, but this piggybacking on someone else’s work is NOT regarded as a homage or tribute or anything like this. And I also thank you for sharing with me a typical American thought, you’re an American, don’t you? I wish you a fantastic weekend too.
Although I am guilty of buying one of these myself (that be it clipless) i have my objections when it come to the homage/ clone discussion. This pen is clearly a clone in all but branding. If I didn't had a pilot vanishing point myself it would be difficult to get this pen ( I don't know why or if it's only me but if I have an original pen it is easier to buy a clone as if I feel like I have paid my tribute to the original creators of the product). People have been talking about the cost of this pen quite a lot and to that I would like to address the well-known fact that this product is made in china. Manufacturing in China (a developing, communist country with low wages) is of course going to be cheaper and granded I am pretty sure that the guys working at moonman/majong are not the rice fed / sweatshop types they don't compare to their Japanese counter-parts especially regarding the cost of living between the two with the later having to support a much more expensive life than the other. Also QC is something to consider as well. Pilot as is the case with many western companies (i consider the eastern tigers:Japan ,Korea western due to the basic systems and market forces ) spend a lot of money and time on quality control . Now we know that pilot has an excellent record regarding quality while moonman (and a lot of Chinese companies excluding Penbbs) have been pretty inconsistent with their nibs and with some of their models ,they warranty their pens(needs money) ,they designed this and keep designing new pens (needs a lot of money) ,comes out with special editions (needs money) have gold nibs(a lot of money) and last but not least the literal heft of their name and reputation (they have build a name which is known for quality, attention to detail and excellence and this again will cost you . Established companies have been getting a lot of slack these days and I would like to remind people that those enterprises didn't stuck around because they delivered overpriced products but because they made products that millions loved around the world . Also been clear about country of origin and why this could be beneficial to a company or not has nothing to do with any discrimination between countries (I love my opus88s (Taiwanese) and my penbbs and jinhao pens and the ones from moonman I have got)but it's crucial if we want to understand why they go different ways. Thank you
I agree with most of what you said but I would also like to point out that Pilot pens (most) are also made in China. I have 2 Pilot VP fountain pens (original) and love them. But when I read the box and the paper, they were made in China. Unfortunately I lost one of them in travel (I cursed myself for doing that). So the I came across the Majohn pen, though it is not original, I bought it, partly to see how they faked it and to use it as "roughly" as I could. Having said that I still don't agree with fake products.
It frankly looks like a good deal. I don't need gold nib on a pen like this, so it is wasted money anyway in a case of Pilot Capless. It is a shame Pilot doesn't make steel-nibbed version (I think they used to make one in 1970s and 1980s). And Moonman is making their own designs, like M1 or M2, so they are clearly capable of doing their own thing. And maybe I am weird but I now want that Skillcraft ballpoint.
The "Special Alloy" version is basically a steel nib from Pilot. They don't sell it in the US (at least that's my understanding), but they can be found through sellers like Pensachi and sometimes on Amazon.
You want to talk about drying out issues? I just got mine yesterday, something like $40 on Amazon. I sat down to dry write before I put ink in it just to see what the nib was like. And as soon as it touched the paper, it was writing. Brand new pen in the box, ink already in it… It’s possible that this was used because it came with the converter installed and the metal cartridge cover floating free in the box, along with an empty pen-sized baggie, but either way, it had been sitting in storage for who knows how long, shipped across the country, then sat outside in freezing temperatures all day, and it just wrote. No hard start, no priming, it just wrote. (And the nib felt buttery smooth by the way)
I bought the gloss black and chrome pen. A year or so after you posted this review and my pen also says 'moon man' at the cap band area. Mine must be NOS. Who knows. Thanks for the great reviews.
Until I spotted the link you kindly provided I was unable to find this anywhere, so the link made all the difference. I have a Capless (as I'm in the UK) but it's too nice a pen for me to chuck around. I've been looking for something similar that I can abuse & care less about, so this may be it. I did eventually order a Curidas which arrives later today as I write this. That's a hellishly ugly pen but, again, a chuckaround retractable FP was what I was after. While looking for the A1 I found Majohn have another retractable one, the X1, which seems more like a safety pen idea. Conventional larger nib. That's another which tempts me.
Hi James,could you please do a review for Picasso 903 Sweden flower king? It is a very nice workhorse and it uses a nib that's very similar to the Hong Dian Black Forest.
JG3: Do I like this pen? YES, I do. Pilot's Design and Engineering departments: Thank you, sir. We really appreciate your opinion. Majohn's foreman: Thank you, sir! It was so easy to make it - we just measured the prototype parts sent to us by our R&D.
Well you can get Pilot replacement nib unit with a Pilot nib. Goulet sells these for example. Or if you have broken Pilot, but the nib unit is OK, this could be cheap replacement body/barrel.
@@damutoob Well let's hope there is even more variety once the production switches the branding from Moonman to Majohn. I will be monitoring the usual sites I suppose.
Not sure if you'll read this, but does the A1 still function well now? Seriously considering buying this with the refunded money I have for a faulty pilot Mr. Though from where I'm at. The VP costs twice the A1, so I'm not sure if it is worth saving for the vp
I'm a bit of a Pilot nib fangirl, but I had never planned on buying a VP because of the clip/I found it uncomfortable. I'm waiting on the clipless matte now though, and IF I enjoy it I plan on buying a Pilot unit to put in it (probably the stub), so technically Pilot will still be getting money from me out of this copy ;) That said, I wish Pilot would just sell their own clipless version-- it'd be less of an ethical dilemma for me.
The link you provided is sold out. Do you know of another place to purchase the Majohn A1? If I understood you correctly, did you say you would buy the Pilot VP over the Majohn A1? Why? Also what is the price of the Majohn? I understand the “coping issue” buy isn’t that what a “generic product” is?
I saw a few sellers on ebay, but 8 don't know anything about them, none were the sellers I've used before. There are still some on AliExpress as well. The comparison to genetics would depend on patent status, which varies by country. I sometimes prefer the original in a case like this, and I got a very deal on my Pilot, and I'd give it a slight edge.
In Taiwan the A1 (as part of a group buy) is going for NT$ 600 (ca. 22 USD). I've seen it on aliexpress for nearly NT$1,500. I didn't bother to look whether that includes shipping, but I think that's overpriced.
Hi, oh goodness, I don't know how to feel. I want one, but I don't need one. However, I love it, yet I have a Pilot Decimo, which I don't even use. Anyway, excellent video overview. Chels
Interesting fact: the this pen is actually advertised to have a _medium fine_ nib on the Chinese websites, so someone must have initially messed up the translation and everyone else just obliviously went along with it
Quite possible. Every English listing on Etsy, AliEx, etc. either says F or EF, so I'm not surprised MF is also in the mix. All the same, though, no choice of nibs.
Refillable Pilot cartridge with this pen? Sign me up! I like the functionality of the capless but I have heard the clicking goes off after a while, and for such an expensive pen I would expect it to be long lasting.
I have 2 Pilot VP and am gonna try this out as the price of them has become a little obscene @14:45 - Have the same issue with my VPs, not as wet as I'd like them
Dang!! the click is VERY close just a touch loose in comparison, but ya they really did a good job. Every other click fountain pen I've seen has been awful.
Hi Great review. I am thinking of buying this pen as a tester before paying out a lot more for The Pilot. Could this be false economy? Can you please advise if there were any issues of leakage through the nib? Would be grateful for post video updates.
Thanks for the review! Could you link to the ink you show? I tried looking on their site but didn’t find exactly the stuff you used & I really would like an ink that doesn’t stay wet or bleed thru and that seems to not do that
Thanks for the excellent review as always. Your presentation style is always engaging, entertaining and informative. Can you fit a Pilot cartridge/converter in the Majohn A1, and vice versa?
@@JG3Reviews Thank you! I heard that Majohn is releasing packs of just the Pilot-style refillable cartridges, with stoppers!! on Aliexpress soon. If they're compatible with my Pilot Capless, I think I just found my perfect everyday carry!
I couldn't care two hoots about originality, with Bill Gates stealing Xerox and IBM's designs and the CZ-75B being one of the most copied originals. It's more of a tribute except in Bill's case!
I oredered mine in november, it was backordered and shipped late december and now its held up by covid shipping delays. pain :c I love the VP but is just too expensive for a broke student
Some people don't mind the clip at all as stated in this vid. I'm not one of them. I have a VP that never gets used because it's just so uncomfortable to hold IMO. It was my first grail pen and that's the only reason I don't sell it. To me with the way I grip a pen, the clip is in the way and forces my fingers into a very uncomfortable position. The VP is always a pen I suggest people try before they buy or at least order from a seller that has a really good return policy.
If Majohn desings their ownpens, they risk that it will not be accepted and lose their investment. There is no risk with copying a successful design. Not only that, they will need to form a new design department, staffed with creative and technically competent people to create new designs. That is an additional expense.
Thanks for the video. For those guilty of buying this pen due to the fact it copied the vanishing point. That is pilots fault and other pen companies that Chinese manufacturers rip off. If they stop going to China for production this would not be happening.
Pilot's patent expired, and now they have to compete on price and quality. Don't like people underselling you for an identical product? Boo hoo. Welcome to the free market.
Stop racking your brains for negatives. Why is that always necessary? Can't anyone just be happy with it? And there is a difference in price between the two you don't mention directly between this and Pilot. If you don't want copies cut back on buying Chinese pens. Simple. Stop the whining.
No whining or racking my brain for negatives. I just try to make sure that if there is some quality of the pen that some may find a deal-breaker, they know that *before* they order, not after. That is, after all, a big part of what reviews are about.
Thank you again, James. Hope you all feel better soon. As the VP is an unaffordable (on my money!) grail pen, this could be the ideal solution!
I just found this for $21 on e bay and I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve been wanting a VP forever but couldn’t justify spending that much. Honestly feel like they were CAPitalizing on the vacuum in the market until now their copyright ran out. (Pun intended.) I’m glad they did a good job with build quality. This will probably become a daily writer for me.
James the A1 arrived today!!! I replaced the nib unit with a Pilot VP nib unit (broad). I have been writing
with it since 1:30 PM this afternoon and enjoying every minute. Mine is the mustard yellow. I am using
the Majohn ink converter in the Pilot nib unit. The Moonman name is on the barrel. The finish is nice, and the
clicking mechanism is of good quality. Laid the pen down for a couple of hours, and did not experience any
dryness of the nib. The broad VP nib unit writes like a Western medium, my preference. The Chinese fine
nibs writes like a fine/med. Mine came with two cartridges with ink and two without ink.
Glad you're enjoying it! I continue to be very impressed with mine, using it often.
I’ve been out of the fountain pem world for a little while but as soon as I seen this I’m back to watching fountain pan videos . Love these cheap ones. I’m not paying a lot of money for a damn pen. Just nothing over $100 I have a TWSBI classic, ECO, LAMY Safari, wing sings stuff like that and I’m more than happy with them
I bought this pen because I wanted a VP and couldn’t resist with all the reviews. Writes great now I’m wondering do I still want a VP? 🤔
Agree this is a really good pen. I got a blue version without the Clip and it has become my favorite fountain pen, in fact I just purchased a second one. I'm using parker blue ink in it, and the thing just writes so smooth, and doesn't dry out. Its a great pen.
I just found out about these yesterday! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this pen!
Nice looking alternative. Love that click. You can always buy replacement Pilot nib unit and install it in this for alternative nibs.
I actually did just that. I bought one since the Pilot VP in Matte Black was more expensive than I wanted to spend. I ended up putting a spare black bin unit into the Majohn A1. I get the pilot writing experience for a fraction of the price.
ya very true! I think I might do that
Thanks for taking the time out to do this review James, and yes I did find it very helpful. I would like a Pilot Capless, but I'm just not sure how I would get on with the clip, some find it an issue, others don't. I'm thinking, as the Majohn A1 has a lower price, this may be a good way to try the pen out. Regards to yourself and stay safe, David.
Much much much better than I expected!
This is one of the best channels ive discovered lately. So sad to see such low subscription. Instant subscribed. Love from india. 💕
Thanks, glad you found it!
My Majohn A1 came yesterday. It's wonderful. Fantastic writer. Thanks for a great video, as always.
Great Review. I actually ordered one not to long before this review came out. I will agree they seem to be very talented at Majohn/Moonman. With how well this imitates a pen that is 3x the price in reliability and writing smoothness they know what they are doing with their own equipment. It would be nice to see them branch out from their copies and make something original. They could do another retractable pen like their Mjaohn X1 or one like this that is modeled different than the pilot vp. Or they could make an original normal fp. this is not the stereotypical knockoff where it's something cheaply made. This looks like a very solid pen made by people who know what they are doing and you can get it in a clipless variant which is a known complaint of the vp where people like how it writes but the clip portion drives them away.
After a few months of use have you had some problems?
Wonderful review. When you said that Majohn needed to be a bit more original, my first thought was a quote from Sean Tucker. He is a portrait and street photographer, talking about not copying other people's photo work. He said; "In the things you make, we need you to be you."
Oh wow, I was just looking into these pens. First post!
I ordered the Mahon A1 as soon as I read about it on FB. I can’t wait till it gets here.
I bought 2 Vanishing Points back in ‘97. The bodies are precious resin, the clip is contoured into the nib collar. The metal threads at the center band recut the threads in the resin of barrel section on each new fill or cartridge. Both came with gold EF nibs and were dry writers. One is on its way down the boulevard to the pilot repair facility (Jacksonville FL) as the main spring compressed and locked up.
For the longest time I was dead set against getting a VP. because I felt it was pen that couldn't make up its mind what it wanted to be, but among the capless pens I still felt it was the sleekest design. I also feared that the clip might get in the way, so when the A1 came up in a local to me fountain pen group for a group buy, I jumped on the chance to try out the Moonman A1 as a test balloon. For the price I thought I would risk it. A Filipino friend told me about the compatibility with Pilot nib units. Once I got mine (in matte black with a clip) I inked it up with Lennon Tool Bar Wenshan Pouchong Tea ink, and I'm really happy with this combo. Besides the clipless matte black there's now a glossy piano black one available. The other colors (white, yellow, dark red) may follow.
Personally I think for people that can't or don't want to spend the money on a VP the A1 is a good, affordable alternative. One thing I'm still hoping for is other nib options.
ETA: I pulled the trigger on my first (pre-owned) Pilot VP with a M nib. It cost me just south of US$100. I'm looking forward to a direct comparison - although it's apples and mangoes.
Hey theres a blue and red already on aliexpress with some sellers
@@FookFish The "traffic light yellow" and "azuki bean red" ones are still on my list, but I don't see the point of getting three pens with the exact same nib width. I'll just wait and see.
ETA: With Lunar New Year coming up, there'll be some delays. From what I gather this model sells out within hours every time it gets restocked. It seems that Moonman underestimated the demand.
I have mine on order. I've been waiting for it to arrive so I can decide if I want a clipless version which they also offer.
Thanks for the review!
Thanks for this review James. I have one of these on the way and was curious as to what to expect. Now I’m actually happy I ordered it. Thanks again.
I too don’t understand why such companies make the exact clones, especially when they have capability to make something unique and create their own identity..
At the same time I don’t understand why there can’t be lawsuits against copying of designs when there can be lawsuits against copying of names !
I know I may be showing my age, but the earlier model Capless pens had the clip positioned further away from the end. It made the pen easier to hold and use for many of us. Removing the clip feature is a great idea but, still, I like a clip and one that does not interfere with my grip on the pen.
I'd love to get my hands on a vintage model! I've recently seen one (still with the Namiki imprint) in dark green and faceted. Very nice!
The Namiki VP’s, when reintroduced to the market in the 90’s, clip and nib shroud were one piece and nicely contoured.
I really do think that the clipless version is a huge variation that does show originality. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pilot copied that at some point. I have 3 of these, and 2 with Pilot gold nib units. They are my most used and loved pens.
I have a matte black Vanishing point that looks just like this - at least on the outside.
I have a blue Pilot VP with both nib types (gold and alloy) per your suggestion, and my wife has a matte black VP with a gold medium nib. It’s the only pen she’s willing to carry in her purse. She noticed the pen right away as I am sitting next to her and thought it was her pen. I had to order one just to compare it to ours.
My guess would be that the box is for the Moonman C1. It's about that size and shape.
Tempted by another cheap retractable. I got that Lanbitou 3088 when it has just started appearing online. Thought it was actually decent, but as time has gone on, I agree with everyone that it's garbage. Also haven't had great luck with Majohn/Moonman. My Wancai's nib is really scratchy and I really don't like how easily the N3's clip bends horizontally.
I bought this a month ago and paid around $20. Mine did not come with a converter. It only came with a cartridge and the cartridge cap. I did not mind however since I have numerous pilot converters. I did note that the cartridge cap was stuck on the nib unit. I had to use TWSBI silicone grease to remove the cap. The cartridge cap that came with the A1 does not fit my pilot nib unit and will easily slide off. That is not a problem since it does not impact performance. I just have to be careful with it if I want to check the ink levels. Overall I have had no issues with the pen and thought it was a good investment.
Great review - thank you. I have one on the way that should be here in a few days. This video is making it harder to wait!
Great objective review. I'm not a clicker, I like my fountain pens with a cap. If I want to click, I'll get a Bic. Didn't expect the pen to write as well as it does. I have a few push-to-write pens from China, none write as well. Stay safe & have a Joyous New year.
After a few months of use does the pen keep working well? Do you recommend?
@@HappyMerchant Pen is not in use. I cleaned it out & stored it. I have too many better writers.
But my BIC doesn’t click. It’s the Cristal. 😀
Thank you for this and all videos. You are one of my favorite pen reviewers. I did not know they made a capless pen. I like their pens also. I have a Piolot VP and like it very much but do not plan to purchase another because of the price. God bless you also!
Just received mine in the mail today and, Wow! Can't believe I waited this long. Don't really see a need to go for the Pilot other than I want a medium nib.
Copying or producing clones or homages is NOT the same in the East as it is here in the West. We look at everything so Eurocentric. In the East, Moonman copying pens they are inspired by and love is considered a honorable tribute to the original, and it is not looked down on at all. Only in the United States do people look down on clones, copies, homages, and tributes.
No, it is not considered as honorable tribute. It's treated as copying someone's work, using a shortcut (saving money and time on the design) and using cheaper labor to undercut the competition. The fact that one could exchange parts of both pens means something. It's a carbon copy of the Pilot's pen, plagiarism at best.
@@fatyak4122 That’s the Eurocentric view. The whole world does not view things through European eyes and values, and they don’t have to.
@@TheGingerNinjaJournals That's not Eurocentric point of view, that's point of view. If you you want to say that all Adidabases, Rebooks, Roolexes are honorable homages to brands, I hope that you sound ridiculous. And of course there are people that don't look down on those things - have you ever seen a thief looking down on what he's doing? Make money without much effort. And Moonman knows pretty well that nobody will go after them, till finally there was a company that did it.
@@fatyak4122 Thank you so much for sharing with me the on the typical American thought on this matter which I was obviously completely unaware of. I’m always eager to learn more. Have a fantastic weekend.
@The Ginger Ninja Yeah, yeah, of course I must be an American. Here you are - I'm a Pole (in Poland cheating during exams was regarded as being smart and as a reason to brag about) and I've been living in China for almost 13 years, my wife is a Chinese, most of my friends are Chinese, most of my pens are Chinese brands next in line are Japanese. People here are aware about the copycatting problem, nobody calls them "honorable tributes, homages, etc." They have the word for that 山寨 (shan zhai). My wife's company (Chinese company, with a Chinese boss) isn't happy by "homages" paid by unscrupulous competition, her boss is not happy by spending tens, hundreds of thousands RMB spent on lawyers to sue them, Russians aren’t happy by J-11 jet fighter (reverse engineered) and its iterations (J-15 and J-16). Damned Europocentric views, aren’t they?
Yes, this “borrowing” ideas, technologies, designs, names, logos is so common that Chinese are becoming insensitive to it. They just sigh, shrug their shoulders and say - you know how it is. Or what can we do.
My point of view, my wife’s, her company’s might not be representative to whole China and Asia, but this piggybacking on someone else’s work is NOT regarded as a homage or tribute or anything like this.
And I also thank you for sharing with me a typical American thought, you’re an American, don’t you?
I wish you a fantastic weekend too.
Although I am guilty of buying one of these myself (that be it clipless) i have my objections when it come to the homage/ clone discussion. This pen is clearly a clone in all but branding. If I didn't had a pilot vanishing point myself it would be difficult to get this pen ( I don't know why or if it's only me but if I have an original pen it is easier to buy a clone as if I feel like I have paid my tribute to the original creators of the product). People have been talking about the cost of this pen quite a lot and to that I would like to address the well-known fact that this product is made in china. Manufacturing in China (a developing, communist country with low wages) is of course going to be cheaper and granded I am pretty sure that the guys working at moonman/majong are not the rice fed / sweatshop types they don't compare to their Japanese counter-parts especially regarding the cost of living between the two with the later having to support a much more expensive life than the other. Also QC is something to consider as well. Pilot as is the case with many western companies (i consider the eastern tigers:Japan ,Korea western due to the basic systems and market forces ) spend a lot of money and time on quality control . Now we know that pilot has an excellent record regarding quality while moonman (and a lot of Chinese companies excluding Penbbs) have been pretty inconsistent with their nibs and with some of their models ,they warranty their pens(needs money) ,they designed this and keep designing new pens (needs a lot of money) ,comes out with special editions (needs money) have gold nibs(a lot of money) and last but not least the literal heft of their name and reputation (they have build a name which is known for quality, attention to detail and excellence and this again will cost you . Established companies have been getting a lot of slack these days and I would like to remind people that those enterprises didn't stuck around because they delivered overpriced products but because they made products that millions loved around the world . Also been clear about country of origin and why this could be beneficial to a company or not has nothing to do with any discrimination between countries (I love my opus88s (Taiwanese) and my penbbs and jinhao pens and the ones from moonman I have got)but it's crucial if we want to understand why they go different ways. Thank you
I agree with most of what you said but I would also like to point out that Pilot pens (most) are also made in China. I have 2 Pilot VP fountain pens (original) and love them. But when I read the box and the paper, they were made in China. Unfortunately I lost one of them in travel (I cursed myself for doing that). So the I came across the Majohn pen, though it is not original, I bought it, partly to see how they faked it and to use it as "roughly" as I could. Having said that I still don't agree with fake products.
It frankly looks like a good deal. I don't need gold nib on a pen like this, so it is wasted money anyway in a case of Pilot Capless. It is a shame Pilot doesn't make steel-nibbed version (I think they used to make one in 1970s and 1980s). And Moonman is making their own designs, like M1 or M2, so they are clearly capable of doing their own thing.
And maybe I am weird but I now want that Skillcraft ballpoint.
The "Special Alloy" version is basically a steel nib from Pilot. They don't sell it in the US (at least that's my understanding), but they can be found through sellers like Pensachi and sometimes on Amazon.
You want to talk about drying out issues? I just got mine yesterday, something like $40 on Amazon. I sat down to dry write before I put ink in it just to see what the nib was like. And as soon as it touched the paper, it was writing. Brand new pen in the box, ink already in it… It’s possible that this was used because it came with the converter installed and the metal cartridge cover floating free in the box, along with an empty pen-sized baggie, but either way, it had been sitting in storage for who knows how long, shipped across the country, then sat outside in freezing temperatures all day, and it just wrote. No hard start, no priming, it just wrote.
(And the nib felt buttery smooth by the way)
I bought the gloss black and chrome pen. A year or so after you posted this review and my pen also says 'moon man' at the cap band area. Mine must be NOS. Who knows. Thanks for the great reviews.
Until I spotted the link you kindly provided I was unable to find this anywhere, so the link made all the difference. I have a Capless (as I'm in the UK) but it's too nice a pen for me to chuck around. I've been looking for something similar that I can abuse & care less about, so this may be it. I did eventually order a Curidas which arrives later today as I write this. That's a hellishly ugly pen but, again, a chuckaround retractable FP was what I was after. While looking for the A1 I found Majohn have another retractable one, the X1, which seems more like a safety pen idea. Conventional larger nib. That's another which tempts me.
Mine came in today i inked it with oxblood ink i love it so far tomorrow ill test it more
Hi James,could you please do a review for Picasso 903 Sweden flower king?
It is a very nice workhorse and it uses a nib that's very similar to the Hong Dian Black Forest.
I'll have to check that out. I've yet to try the Picasso line.
@@JG3Reviews I hope you like it if you get it!
Love Picasso pens!
JG3: Do I like this pen? YES, I do.
Pilot's Design and Engineering departments: Thank you, sir. We really appreciate your opinion.
Majohn's foreman: Thank you, sir! It was so easy to make it - we just measured the prototype parts sent to us by our R&D.
I do wish they’d offer a nib size other than EF. Thanks for your thoughts on this one!
Well you can get Pilot replacement nib unit with a Pilot nib. Goulet sells these for example. Or if you have broken Pilot, but the nib unit is OK, this could be cheap replacement body/barrel.
They did offer a fine and medium and 3 other colors but they sold out of them in the “pre-production” sales.
@@damutoob Well let's hope there is even more variety once the production switches the branding from Moonman to Majohn. I will be monitoring the usual sites I suppose.
@@martinlebl631 Where do you buy in europe?
Have you tried the A2?
Not sure if you'll read this, but does the A1 still function well now?
Seriously considering buying this with the refunded money I have for a faulty pilot Mr.
Though from where I'm at. The VP costs twice the A1, so I'm not sure if it is worth saving for the vp
Mine is holding up very so far. No issues.
+45 dollars is a price that, having the real thing, does not motivate me to pull the trigger :-)
Thanks for the in depth review
I want this! I made a post about this on one of the fountain pen Facebook groups
I'm a bit of a Pilot nib fangirl, but I had never planned on buying a VP because of the clip/I found it uncomfortable. I'm waiting on the clipless matte now though, and IF I enjoy it I plan on buying a Pilot unit to put in it (probably the stub), so technically Pilot will still be getting money from me out of this copy ;) That said, I wish Pilot would just sell their own clipless version-- it'd be less of an ethical dilemma for me.
The link you provided is sold out. Do you know of another place to purchase the Majohn A1? If I understood you correctly, did you say you would buy the Pilot VP over the Majohn A1? Why? Also what is the price of the Majohn? I understand the “coping issue” buy isn’t that what a “generic product” is?
I saw a few sellers on ebay, but 8 don't know anything about them, none were the sellers I've used before. There are still some on AliExpress as well.
The comparison to genetics would depend on patent status, which varies by country.
I sometimes prefer the original in a case like this, and I got a very deal on my Pilot, and I'd give it a slight edge.
In Taiwan the A1 (as part of a group buy) is going for NT$ 600 (ca. 22 USD). I've seen it on aliexpress for nearly NT$1,500. I didn't bother to look whether that includes shipping, but I think that's overpriced.
Hi, oh goodness, I don't know how to feel. I want one, but I don't need one. However, I love it, yet I have a Pilot Decimo, which I don't even use. Anyway, excellent video overview.
Chels
Interesting fact: the this pen is actually advertised to have a _medium fine_ nib on the Chinese websites, so someone must have initially messed up the translation and everyone else just obliviously went along with it
Quite possible. Every English listing on Etsy, AliEx, etc. either says F or EF, so I'm not surprised MF is also in the mix. All the same, though, no choice of nibs.
Refillable Pilot cartridge with this pen? Sign me up! I like the functionality of the capless but I have heard the clicking goes off after a while, and for such an expensive pen I would expect it to be long lasting.
I have a VP for 20yrs. Nit a problem. One of my everyday carry
Majohn has no shame to blatantly rip off another pen almost to the T.
Good for them. Pilot has been sitting on their laurels for years now, and is profoundly lazy and greedy.
I love it.
I have 2 Pilot VP and am gonna try this out as the price of them has become a little obscene
@14:45 - Have the same issue with my VPs, not as wet as I'd like them
I have a clipless one. I love it!!!
The Pilot Capless and Vanishing Point ARE difficult to fill because of the damned CON-40.
Never had that issue with the CON-50.
Thanks for the review ^^ I would be really curious of the writing experience itself is comparable to a VP?
Dang!! the click is VERY close just a touch loose in comparison, but ya they really did a good job. Every other click fountain pen I've seen has been awful.
Both companies should really put the clip on the other end, not the nib end!
Does it misclick when kept in pocket. I’m terrified of accidental clicks causing it to pop nib out and spoiling shirt.
I’ve never experienced any accidental clicks, leaks, or issues. 👍🏼
Hi
Great review. I am thinking of buying this pen as a tester before paying out a lot more for The Pilot. Could this be false economy?
Can you please advise if there were any issues of leakage through the nib?
Would be grateful for post video updates.
Thanks for the review! Could you link to the ink you show? I tried looking on their site but didn’t find exactly the stuff you used & I really would like an ink that doesn’t stay wet or bleed thru and that seems to not do that
Sure. Here it is on Goulet (no affiliation): www.gouletpens.com/collections/diamine-denim
I'm good with the lack of originality, as it enables folks to get an excellent pen without paying unnecessarily INFLATED prices !!!!
Tis true. 👍🏻
Thanks for the excellent review as always. Your presentation style is always engaging, entertaining and informative. Can you fit a Pilot cartridge/converter in the Majohn A1, and vice versa?
Thanks! Yes, the cartridges are interchangeable as well.
@@JG3Reviews Thank you! I heard that Majohn is releasing packs of just the Pilot-style refillable cartridges, with stoppers!! on Aliexpress soon. If they're compatible with my Pilot Capless, I think I just found my perfect everyday carry!
I just found your channel. Awesome review. Have you tried writing on regular copy paper with the pen?
It writes well on what we have at our office. Ink, of course, varies. I believe most of our paper at the moment is HP and Hammermill.
thank god for chapters
Yep, that's why they are there. (I use them, too) lol
I couldn't care two hoots about originality, with Bill Gates stealing Xerox and IBM's designs and the CZ-75B being one of the most copied originals. It's more of a tribute except in Bill's case!
I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing one of the CZ-75 clones or genuine police turn-ins a few years ago when supplies were high and prices low.
Does it dry out quickly, plus great video
Mine has had no dry-out issues. I've been quite impressed with its reliability a year on.
Have both the Pilot doesn't dry out the copy. Does
I got one of these on Etsy a month ago. It came with no box, and was about 10 dollars cheaper than it is now. It's a great pen!
Now I want one and can't find one!!! 😞😓
Will it easily leak ?
I haven't ever had any leaks from mine, and I carry it quite a bit.
I oredered mine in november, it was backordered and shipped late december and now its held up by covid shipping delays. pain :c
I love the VP but is just too expensive for a broke student
Hopefully it comes soon!
I have never held a capless pen but how does it feel to hold the clip?
Some people don't mind the clip at all as stated in this vid. I'm not one of them. I have a VP that never gets used because it's just so uncomfortable to hold IMO. It was my first grail pen and that's the only reason I don't sell it. To me with the way I grip a pen, the clip is in the way and forces my fingers into a very uncomfortable position. The VP is always a pen I suggest people try before they buy or at least order from a seller that has a really good return policy.
🙏❤️💕
Where can I find replacement nibs for the A1?
I've not seen a source for aftermarket nibs for the pen, yet.
A thought. Go for a Pilot nib unit with the nib size of your choice. I believe the parts are interchangeable.
@@Scouzeboy This may sound funny but I was actually going the other way around. I've got a pilot in EF that I find too thin.
The pilot nib units do fit perfectly. 👍
If Majohn desings their ownpens, they risk that it will not be accepted and lose their investment. There is no risk with copying a successful design. Not only that, they will need to form a new design department, staffed with creative and technically competent people to create new designs. That is an additional expense.
Is majhon the same as moonman ?
Yes, they had to undergo a name change recently.
Thanks for the video. For those guilty of buying this pen due to the fact it copied the vanishing point. That is pilots fault and other pen companies that Chinese manufacturers rip off. If they stop going to China for production this would not be happening.
How much is this pen?
I paid $32 on Etsy in November. They seem to be averaging $39 now.
@@JG3Reviews Thx
Too bad only comes in EF.... med nib only for me
after watching this video, i immediately ordered this pen from aliexpress, the vp is just too expensive for me
Pilot's patent expired, and now they have to compete on price and quality. Don't like people underselling you for an identical product? Boo hoo. Welcome to the free market.
Stop racking your brains for negatives. Why is that always necessary? Can't anyone just be happy with it? And there is a difference in price between the two you don't mention directly between this and Pilot. If you don't want copies cut back on buying Chinese pens. Simple. Stop the whining.
No whining or racking my brain for negatives. I just try to make sure that if there is some quality of the pen that some may find a deal-breaker, they know that *before* they order, not after. That is, after all, a big part of what reviews are about.