Parker 51 - 2021...Does it live up to the original?
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- Опубликовано: 14 дек 2024
- A review of the 2021 re-release of the Parker 51. Is it worth the hype?
#parker51 #fountainpen #figboot
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So Parker succeeded in creating a $90 pen that gives you the writing experience of a $20 pen! Thanks for the honest review. You echo the disappointment of many enthusiasts of the original 51.
That is exactly what it is. I returned mine
Maybe that's because it uses all the components of a $20 pen (Jotter FP) or even $15 pen (Jotter Originals FP)?
@@amoledzeppelin the 2 dollar jinhao 86 is a better pen than this (actual hooded nib, cap doesnt scratch cap, plastic on plastic threads, doesnt dry out like crazy)
The holes in the cap are actually an environmentally friendly feature so that the cap can be used as a straw to reduce the use of plastic straws.
Right lol
An interesting supposition.
this is the first time i have seen Figboot realy shred a Pen to bits. I am glad you are able to tell it like it is.
Great review! I like David's dad-slap: "I'm not mad, just disappointed."
We can tell he IS mad😬
Well done review, as usual. "It was an opportunity squandered" sums up your review, and I believe you are correct. I so much wanted this pen to be more but unfortunately gives Parker another black eye.
Totally agree. With a bit of effort, Parker could have had a real buzz about this pen, but chose instead to undermine the brand.
That's because Parker is now being run by out-of-touch boomers who care only for profit.
I couldn’t agree more, Dave. It’s a sad commentary when Jinhao makes a better remake than the parent company’s; and they’re a lot less expensive.
I actually think the holes in the cap is a safety feature. If a child swalows the cap and it's jamed in the throat, air can still pass throug to the lungs.
Indeed, they are; standard in Europe, I believe, on all (very roughly) sub-100$ models. The rule, namely "ISO 11540:2014" specifies requirements "to reduce the risk of asphyxiation from caps for writing and marking instruments. It relates to such instruments which in normal or foreseeable circumstances are likely to be used by children up to the age of 14 years." You may argue the likelihood of a Parker "51" being used by
I am sure this can save lives lol
Scary that you read my mind hoping you would do a review of this pen. Excellent review as always, thank you. I am still impressed by your self correct pad review. Got me so bad!
A very good and fair review. Thanks for the candor and call outs on the differences between the new/vintage models.
I got one in blue. 5 minutes into opening it and writing with it gave me the impression my Jinhao 51a was not only a better writing pen, but a better quality pen.
Thanks Viga. I think I'll stick to my Jinhao 51a and 911 too, especially after watching this video.
@@darkchocolate4643 I love my Parker IM. I've tried the wing sung 601 which is similar. I don't care for it at all. Ever nib replacements didn't make it any better. I don't even like the vacuumatic filling system either to be honest.
@@MitchellJBridges That sounds like a you problem.
The Aurora Duo Cart is the OG of re-releases in my opinion!
Right on! The ADC is my favorite daily carry pen, too. I have the superb vintage Duo Cart, and I love the modern ADCs so much that I bought four of them, one every year since 2017.
Thank you David , this is a great review and I wish I had watched it before I bought the gold nib version. Same plastic and a poor writing experience In my opinion..... I have gone back to the original one my father left me which is solid and writes beautifully 🙄
I've been writing with a parker 51 for over 40 years, Recently I had a fall and the end result was my beloved pen ending up in two parts, clean fracture wright in the intersection of the section and the nib. It broke my heart at the same time as my pen. I was looking forward to buy this new version, even thou I already purchased a "new" Parker 51 vintage. Looking for one identical to the one I had, wish was the full stainless steel version, but while I wait to find her I will be using this green/gray. (if anyone knows of or as one to sell please notify me) Still will probably buy this new version one day, probably will look for the 14K nib thou.
Thanks for the honest review!
I have a few of the original. They are awesome.
Thank you for another great review! As someone who's been in the market for a vintage 51 for a while, I had high hopes for the re-issue. I'm glad I waited for your review.. so sad to see a company like Parker squandering an opportunity like this.
Well done, but savage review lol. I bought my wife the teal one and had similar thoughts.
I'm glad people like you are trying this pen out. I just can't talk myself into buying one.
if you can find a Parker Frontier its the same pen just the filling mechanism is a bit different
I got one and realized the consequences of a single rotation cap.
I work in the medical field, so I tuck my pens on the inside of my collar. I just got this disappointment and was taking it for a test drive... The pen unscrewed itself and dropped onto my tile floor...
And the pen broke at the silver collar, on the barrel side. I can't unscrew the barrel and since I hold this pen at the step down, it feels unstable. I contacted Parker In 3/3 and I finally got a response 3/29.
Currently it's shipped off to france for review and hopefully repair but I am not optimistic
Great review and true. I got a Jinhao 85 and I am happy with it.
This is a Master of Review! The money is not a waste, in my opinion this pen represents present and future points of comparisson.
Happy to see you really critique a pen!
wonderful review!!
This was still a successful review. I want a Parker 51... one of the good vintage ones, please! I appreciate criticism done in a fair manner, which you always strive for. Thank you!
I was briefly tempted and wished to buy the deluxe 18k gold nib new P51. But I decided it was obscenely overpriced so I didn’t buy it. But I did recently buy the more fairly priced steel nibbed burgundy and chrome pen. I’m glad I did.
Excepting the very needless and mildly annoying change to a screw cap from the original snap cap, I think the new P51 is a cool enough pen in its own right. And oh, the absence of a converter was quite outrageous.
I feel the steel nib writes reliably and wonderfully. I have no complaints about my pen. I still prefer my two vintage P51s, but I’m very happy with the new release I own.
Spot on review David. I bought one because I like hooded nibs for daily writing and notes. While I like my vintage 51s, I actually WANTED a cartridge filled one (yeah I know, heresy.) It actually amazes me how many people swear by the Parker vacuum fill mechanism, but then hate on the Pilot variant. Every point you make is on the money. From the lackluster presentation to the build and performance. I much prefer my Aurora Duocart but it too is sadly way over priced for what it is. I have a Jinhao 85 which has a significantly better build quality than the new Parker 51. Sadly you can't get these with medium nibs. This pen was nothing more than a cash grab.
Perhaps get a vintage parker 21. A hair smaller and a little cheaper made but is a cartridge pen (usually found with an areometric converter). Bought one for a friend and she really loves it! And they can usually be found cheaper than the 51
Purchased the "midnight blue" version. I was more sore at not getting a converter with it, than the absence of documentation. Better pens for less money (slightly less) come with a converter. Writes smooth, but I wouldn't justify the purchase at the current price for what you get.
I mean at 87 dollars for a pen with an entry level nib... I'm surprised they felt that the profit margin wasn't sufficient to throw you the bone of a converter. Unless they assume most people want cartridges?
It's possible the ventilated cap is to comply with European regulation ISO11540:2014 which mandates ventilated caps on pens as a safety precaution (I guess someone must have died inhaling a pen cap at some point). It's not immediately clear why they would need to comply with this regulations as it's meant for pens (with small caps) intended for use by those 14 years or younger and "expensive fountain pens" are an explicit exemption. I imaging the air flows around the inner cap liner so that it still seals the nib somewhat when capped.
Does make you wonder where Newell are taking the Parker brand, other than driving it into the ground.
I appreciate your reviews and found this one very useful. Thank you.
Excelente vídeo... estaba pensando comprar una, pero ya lo estoy pensando mejor...
Will you be reviewing the gold version? I wonder if the barrel acrylic is better and if the gold trims/nib will change your opinion, price notwithstanding.
I was once interested in buying a Parker pen because of my experience with their ink, but it seems I was better off staying with my usual Japanese choices.
The Duofold Centennial Big Red is an outstanding offering from Parker...you might want to take a look at that model.
@@FigbootonPens any idea if there are counterfeit Duofold Centennial Reds commonly floating around? Amazon has a someday tempting price on them.
@@ebrente While there are some counterfeits out there, the Amazon seller "Brand: Parker" sells authentic pens at very good prices. Myself and several others have purchased ours through them.
Figboot is right on with this pen.
In fact he is too polite.
RS
Canada
Great review. I cancelled my order before you made this review. Looks like I made the right decision.
I’d be interested to watch your review of the deluxe gold nib version to see if it is off a pen higher up the range. Is it possibly worth the extra. Disappointed the manufacturers haven’t put more effort in to this one- it deserved it.
What for? It's the same pen with the same problems the only differences are the gold nib instead of a steel one the cap color it's golden instead of steel and the section ring it's gold plated instead of been chrome plated!
@@fountainpencollection There’s always the possibility the current owners might have made a genuine effort to produce a decent pen to get more money?
@@MrAndrew1953 Well no it's the same pen ! Pen Gangsta did a review of the 2 types of Parker 51 2021 about 2 weeks ago and three are not any major differences between the 2 !
@@fountainpencollection Well that’s disappointing.
Thanks for the review. If I decide to buy one, it will be a vintage.
Great review 👍👍👍👍
I think it’s great hearing & showing detailed specifics about what’s not working -given by someone who knows & uses lots of pens as well as a lifetime of work in various industries. Oftentimes, companies make so many changes in personnel that the historical knowledge base is lost. He’s doing Parker & all companies a giant favour by giving a detailed review of what’s not working & what is/might be plus comparisons to other pens. This is a free focus group from an expert, a detailed product review also for free-these can guide companies to what they need to do making product better, making product more appropriate to a target audience, developing better understanding of consumers perceptions of products snd companies. I never understand why people are so ridiculous about a company sending reviewers a product to review on their website. Everyone must understand that a product review with a provided product BUT WITHOUT CASH PSYMENT must be a proper review - good and bad - a company might want to provide product they are launching or when preparing for a new release or any number of other reasons but reviewers are not obligated to just say nice things!! So what if one company doesn’t send another review pen-really dumb if the issues have been corrected - the big so what! A reviewer can always borrow a pen in that case then review to say the thing is much approved or not. Hey we all buy a few things we regret but we should all be able to ask someone their opinion but gotta be willing yo hear yea or nay! A company might want to review reviewers to consider the right fit - the right audience for what they’ve got - I likely wouldn’t always purchase the same products as a male 30 yr old interested in cars & hunting who lives in Georgia or Wyoming, for example. But if a company wants to grow, let them review and really hear what would need to happen to get that market! So that’s it-be honest, give details so we don’t make incorrect assumptions about general statements. Say good, bad, and ugly but if you discover you’ve made an error in judgement just make a correction on that posted video or when a new version comes out that’s better! Respect is earned by being honest & truthful : telling the truth as you know it based on evidence, not hearsay, and truth is about NOT withholding evidence/information you know is important. Withholding information is also a falsehood, a lie, a gee whiz, I wish I knew that before I did _________. Why didn’t I or we know that? Sometimes we can’t know everything but I do rely on reviewers I’ve learned to trust to give me the important bits! So
THANKS !!
Thanks for this review as I was intrigued about the possibility of the new version of a classic. Always get great info on this channel and will stay away from this one. Seems like Parker missed out on the chance to really bring this classic back in prime form. Thanks for what you do and congrats on 30K!!
Thanks. I was looking at it, but for that price there are so many better options. A vintage will cost half.
The vented cap is in response to safety issues; if someone (presumably a child) swallows the cap, even if it gets stuck in their throat, they can still breathe "through" it with the vent holes, whereas otherwise it might entirely block their airway and cause them to suffocate. A lot of pen manufacturers (mainly ballpoint) have modified their caps to allow for this nowadays.
So its even harder to kill someone with it. This remake seriously spits on the extreme versatility of the OG. Seems like everything nowadays have to keep taking features away.
@@StandardUserFromEarth "It's even harder to kill someone with it." Yes, thank you. Seriously, where is the respect for tradition anymore? ;-)
Thank you for your sincerity
I agree, this pen is definitely a cash grab, dishonoring the history of the Parker 51 rather than honoring it. Unfortunately Parker isn't alone in this trend, and it's a tactic often used by companies to cash in before ceasing operation altogether. The recent past has seen more than one long time maker go belly up. Bottomline, it's never a good sign when a maker decides to cheapen and exploit their own proud history, whether they continue in business or not. Another recent cash grab was the Aurora re-issue of their hooded nib DuoCart, which was originally produced to compete with the success of the historical Parker 51. Although having a slightly better build in comparison, it's retail cost is double that of the "new" Parker 51.
I believe the vents in the cap are to allow you to breathe in case the cap is swallowed. Not being in the habit of chewing my pen caps, especially not fountain pens, this is rather redundant.
Great review could not agree more, thanks for sharing
I just ordered a vintage model from the 60’s and I couldn’t be happier after watching this. I’m glad I didn’t go for the brand new one. I don’t like that Nib fit at all for this price point and I’m not sure I like the twist-on cap. This was a great review, thank you! ❤
Are you doing a review of the deluxe gold nib version? I’d be interested to see if it’s worth the extra.
@Pradeep Ichangi True its not worth these extra money. You will have nice nib but cheap other parts.
I have the plum version which came with converter and cartridges. Love it.
I want to echo what David says about the purchase of a nice model of the original. I own perhaps 5 nice 51s from the aerometric era, and a few donor models. My prize is Signet with a marvelous medium nib. The finish is 10 ct goldfilled. It cost me $190 including shipping. It's in near mint condition, and was a steal 2 years ago. I've taken to picking up some of the Ariel Kullock barrels and sections and have modified a couple of my donors into stylish pieces. I'll be passing on the 2021 model.
I thought about the same when I saw the 1st photos. Instead I bought a Wing Sung 601A which has an ink window, slip cap, and is a button filler with 2 jewels! Also, it costs much less!
Thanks for your impartial review, David. You summed all my thoughts about this pen in one expression: "a cash grab". If I were to buy a decent quality workhorse pen, I would buy a TWSBI Eco/Diamond, a Faber-Castell Loom, or a Lamy Al-Star. All of the aforementioned pens are better in quality, and less expensive than the Parker 51 re-issue.
Excellent review and informative.
Are all Parker converters compatible with all models?
I mean, are for instance old Parker converters from the 90's (i.e. Parker Sonnet) compatible with current 2021 Parker 51?
I'm asking because I tried to fit a converter from a 90's Sonnet into a modern 2021's 51 and it looks like I need to push hard (slimmer body on the 51? / thicker diameter on the old converter?), but I didn't to avoid damaging any of both.
I like that burgundy barrel.
I'm such a sucker for packaging and it's such a shame they've let me down this time.
The vents are probably to comply with recent safety measures (dunno if required) to prevent kids from suffocating if they accidentally swallow the cap. The threaded cap too.
Great review, as always. I do have one of the Deluxe versions and the pen does look and feel nice, except for the nib and section not fitting well together. I too agree that the nib profile/shape isn't designed to properly fit with the section as a hooded nib should. Additionally, I did the blow test with the cap and was surprised at just how much air passes through unhindered!! This is a showstopper, IMO, since a basic part of a fountain pen design is to ensure the nib is sealed when capped so that it doesn't dry out. So many users have issues with hard-starting after leaving the pen unused for short periods because their pen doesn't properly seal when capped!
I will not be selling my pen since it wouldn't be fair to the person purchasing. The only genuinely good thing about this pen is how well the nib performs and this seems to be consistently the case with the Deluxe models.
I'm pretty sure my Parker Sonnet also has the vent holes in the cap, and yes, it dries out the nib.
I am certainly not one of the "Parker 51 purist" camp, so I just looked at the new one on its own merits. And in my opinion, the new Parker 51 looks like Parker dug around in a spare parts bin and slapped together whatever fit together with this pen. Fit is poor (the "hooded" nib), like you pointed out, the plastic (no way I can justify calling it a "resin") is not as good as the lucite of the original 51. Real disappointment. Especially since I can get a better writing Parker, used, for less (I have a fully functional Parker Challenger I paid $33 for, and it's a gold nib.) Really hurts getting a new one, when there's so many better out there. Is Rubbermaid trying to kill off Parker? 🤔
Its totally a spare parts monstrosity. And its sad because in 2002 they totally put out a proper reissue, look for the Parker 51 Empire State Special Edition, its a real modern P51, makes this 2020 one even more of a disappointment
The threads for the cap were probably added because on the 2002 special edition 51 the cap sliding on and off left marks on the section of the pen that could be polished off, but were there nonetheless.
Fantastic and honest review. I anticipated this release would be a sad reincarnation of its vintage counterpart.
The only positive thing was the grip section. Until “That is until the cap threads chew them up”...
I have a vintage Parker 51 in that same colour with the aerometric filler. There is no way that I'd spend that much money on this new version, especially with that cap and lack of a true hooded nib.
Both my Duofolds, International and Centennial have a hole in the cap, made with the purpose of letting air in. Why does Parker do this, beats me ....
Great review, David. If you are going to introduce a classic pen to a new audience, then the details that made that pen great are crucial. And you can get a decent vintage 51 for something close to the price of the steel nibbed pen here. Pass.
It is my understanding that the holes in caps are necessary in some regions, such as the US, for objects marketed toward children. the holes make it less of a choking hazard.
The vent at the top of the cap might be due to safety regulations. To prevent a child from choking on a swallowed cap.
There is no converter with the Deluxe version. I purchased it from Appelboom and just got 2 cartridges. (I do love the pen, though)
The point of the vent holes is to prevent choking when swallowed. Kids put everything in their mouths, including pen caps.
@2:29 I think it's for safety reasons, just like the cap in a traditional BIC pen.
Excellent review. No sugarcoating the deficiencies in this pen. Will definitely pass on it.
I bought one. The teal version in steel. I’ll say the best part of the pen (and I love Parker Pens) is the box. Sad. A $10 pen in a $5 box. Writes fine but so does the free Wing Sung pen given to me when I bought a $28 Wing Sung pen. Stay safe David.
The finial on the end of the cap varied among models of the 51 based on year. I believe some of the later 51s had the metal finial while older ones had a resin finial.
I could be wrong
My impression of the new Parker 51 is basically exactly like yours. I don't hate the pen, I'm just not that into it. I disagree with the multitude of people saying that cheap Chinese knock-offs are superior--I have dozens of them from a variety of brands, and I don't think that comparison is fair. But the new 51 is definitely not your grandpa's 51, either.
I understand some of the things Parker did with the new 51, I really do; unfortunately, we see the "revitalizing a beloved classic pen model" paradox at work really hard here.
If the company--whichever one it is--tries to make a faithful reproduction of their classic, they cannot compete with their former selves, whether it is price wise or quality wise. "Why would I buy this thing for [whatever] when I can get the ORIGINAL for less?" or "They don't make [whatever pen] like they used to! I can get the original for just a little bit more money!"
If the company takes some creative liberties or changes things for economic reasons, purists go completely mad. "[Original company] would never had done this! Obviously [new trademark owners] are only [company] in name!"
That said, Parker chose to go too hard into making the thing feel cheap, which makes their creative liberties feel gross(er). In my opinion. If they machined the body out of acrylic and gave it a clutch cap, I think it would be easier to overlook some of the other weirdness.
Hey, at least they're good writers!
I have the gold nib version, it's a really nice writer, but otherwise your review pretty much sums that one up too.
CASH GRAB, I could not agree with you more, very disapointing. That is were thing are with Parker since they have been aquire by Rubbermaid-Newell Company. Thank for the review
And mine just disintegrated: Barrel snapped in two, got a free replacement, then the nib section separated.
Cheap as a wing sung. Maybe even worse
Thank you for your honest review, David. I quite like the design of the Parker 51 and I was torn between getting a new or a vintage one, as they're similarly priced. I think I'll go with the vintage 51.
To think that the new 51 has the same nib as the Jotter, which here in Belgium is a 6€ pen (that writes like a 1€ pen)... *shudder*
The new steel-nibbed Parker 51 can be had for around 55€ here and I still think that is wildly overpriced.
Hi David, being new to fountain pens, I was wondering how you can tell if a nib and feed are removable for cleaning?
Thanks
Most nibs are removable, but it is HOW they are removable which is important. Some screw in, while others are friction-fit. If you have a question about a specific pen, it is best to research via Google to determine the method of extraction.
@@FigbootonPens Thank you kindly
I actually enjoy this pen I own three of them a very nice pen
From my understanding the vents in pen caps is to allow for air flow if someone were to swallow the cap which makes sense for a bic...but not this
I was going to buy a gold nib one but I am definitely not buying it. I thought that it would have the 51 circular nibs. When I looked at the pic the nib seemed to be too large for the 51 and when you said Jotter everything made sense. el cheepo.
Such a cheap quality pen, I was not impressed. Thanks for spending the money and making this review to warn all of us. Most appreciated!
The pen really let me down. Leaks like a sieve. I have the gold nibbed version. Leaks at the cartridge seal. Tried several times. Looks chintzy too. I was hoping for what I once used in school. This is not it.
Maybe get Wing Sung 601
Damn I want to buy one for my in-law since he said his dad got him one as a kid.
I think holes in a pen cap are to keep it from becoming a choking hazard--like if you had little kids around.
Good review. Definitely not worth the price.
You said exactly, almost verbatim, what I've been saying about this piece of dubious garbage. It's the biggest "are you kidding?!" waste I've seen come across the bow since I've been back into pens. If it was 25 or 30 bucks maybe, but everything about this is insulting.
Couldn't agree more (cash grab); appreciate you calling it as it is. Honestly, I tried and tried to like the original 51 (and have several) but was never a fan. I did decide to try an upgrade several years ago with the Parker 100 -- a larger, heavier and more upscale 51 (with a gold hooded nib) that kept the slip cap and moved to a regular converter/cartridge. After Mike Masuyama tweaked the nib for me, it's high up in my favorite writers list. Heck, I even like the Wing Sung 601 Flighter better than my Parker 51 Flighter --and it's lots more affordable than even this ersatz "re-introduction". I'm not disappointed, David; I'm angry at Parker!
It seems to be similar in quality to some chinese Parker 51 "knockoffs". At this price point you can get one with a 12k nib which is a very good writer. I was really excited to see the new Parker 51. It is sad that they made it so much worse than the original, vintage one.
Guess I’ll just stick with my Wing Sung 601.
The holes in the cap are to prevent a child from having their airway blocked if they were to get it stuck in their throat.
Alibaba quality at Pelican prices.
Yikes. I had actually really wanted one of these, but I have to say after seeing it in your review I've decided it's just not for me. It's really not what I had hoped it was. Thanks for saving me a couple hundred bucks on a disappointment. I'll pick up the vintage one!
I was mildly curious about this pen, but it was never high on my consideration list. I'll just stay with my 14k fine nib Sonnet which writes like a dream. Thank you for another informative and helpful review, David!
It's nothing more than a mere Parker Jotter in a sloppily redesigned Parker 51 body.
I'm glad online "online famous pen people" didn't chicken out and expressed their honest thoughts ans criticism. My respects to you for your integrity.
I don't think this new pen is bad in and of itself, I just despise the shabby way they advertised it, using the reputation of the real Parker 51 to oversell this ersatz.
Wow Parker has fallen so far behind in quality I wouldn't even consider buying one now. Whereas I used a great Parker fountain pen all the way through high school and university, now I would not consider the company.
Not angry just modern business practice of giving as little as possible for as much as possible. Newell are just exploiting a legacy which they have no intention to live up to in terms of quality. Modern marketing “experts” think just a well known brand is enough to charge a premium even on a fairly gimcrack product but not to anyone born say before 1990. This new 51 is a travesty tbh especially the steel with the cheap jotter nib. Business ethics were different back when the original 51 was launched. There was no throwaway society and people if they paid a premium price expected premium quality and something that would last. To put just two cartridges (not even a box of them) and no converter even with the top model is taking the piss as we say here in the UK or f*****g outrageous in clearer terms.I have a Gilette Fat Boy razor from the 1960s and the over engineering on it is phenomenal. It like my original 51 is still working perfectly 65 years later. I wonder if this will be...I doubt it.
I had considered this pen when first announced but I wasn't impressed once the details came out. The steel nib version isn't worth $87 and the gold nib definitely isn't worth $249. If you want a steel just get a Jinhao 51A and if you want gold go Lamy 2000. I wonder if that idiotic date system was started once Parker moved to France?
Agree wholeheartedly with this review: just plain disappointing. I have two vintage restored 51s and I love them. Not so with these new ones. My $30 Sailor Compass is more reliable, doesn't skip after weeks of non-use and is much, much less expensive. This was a nostalgia grab that didn't work. Thanks for the review!