Jinhao X159 Fountain Pen! Better than Montblanc???
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- This is a review of the Jinhao X159 and so much more! Is it better than the Montblanc 149? Is it better than the Jinhao 159? Is it worth $6.00? These answers and so much more on today's episode!
Also, My Special & Warmest Thanks to Kevin MacLeod! My channel would be nothing without you. Thank you so much for so much amazing music and making it royalty free. You have my thanks and admiration.
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I was never a big Jinhao fan other than the Shark being a fun way to introduce people back to fountain pens, until the x159. I have 4, they all write perfectly whereas my Montblanc 149 required a great deal of nib adjustment. I'd say anyone that is interested in a Montblanc 149 should consider trying the x159 first to confirm that they like the dimensions of it.
I agree. They are the exact same dimensions. I am glad that you are enjoying them. All the best.
I am a simple man. I see a good pen I click Like.
Thank you!
Hemingway, this is one of your best produced videos yet! It was very beautifully done and is a work of art in and of itself. Thanks for continuing to inspire!
Thank you very much, Jacob! That is very kind of you to say. It means a lot to me. This is the direction I want to take the channel. Thanks so much for the kind words and keep in touch.
I’ve ordered a total of 4 x159’s and they all write amazingly well after I tuned them to my hand (increase wetness, broaden the line with 100/180 sand paper)
I have the 149 and the 146. And probably 10 or 12 159 and X159. I like the X159 15900 times more than the 149. 😂 especially when I can fill my entire house with good pens for the price of one 149. All my 159s wrote very well out of the thin plastic wrap. 😂
I just picked up 2 of these in Black w/platinum trim and both write perfect. I read somewhere that some of these pens are being tuned before being shipped so if you flush your new pen and notice some blue or black inky water, that is why. Both of my pens had some ink residue and required flushing before filling.
I've had my black silver trim x159 for a few weeks now. I'm using diamine autumn oak, and it flows very well and the nib is smooth. I think I'm enjoying it more each time I use the pen.
That is awesome! I want to get there. I am just feeling unlucky at this point. All the best and thanks for watching.
Love this, Hemingway! I have a very different experience with the X159 (black, silver trim) as it writes smoothly and flawlessly with no pressure at all. Honestly much better than the Montblanc 149 (broad nib) I´ve owned for many years but never got to perform properly. So as soon as I saw your Burgundy model I ordered it and the blue one.
I agree..jinhaos are usually exceptionally smooth writers that can rival the greats. I feel he got a dud.
I am so glad that you enjoyed the video! I may order another one. I really want to like it. I do like Jinhao and I love the idea of an affordable pen performing as well as an overpriced one! Stop by again soon and thanks!
I currently have 4 Jinhao X159 inked and all of them are outstanding writers.
I have both the gold trim and silver black Jinhao I have to say the upstrokes on the burgundy one version are a bit painful, however the silver trim x159 writes a lot smoother.
X159 is a great writer. Use a dryer ink, as a Noodlers type ink will have the fine nib writing like a medium. I seem to be reaching for the x159 more and more often lately.
It took me quite a bit of nib smoothing to get my X159 writing smooth enough for me. I'd like this pen a lot better if it had a #6 nib. But, I do love the pen body and I'm glad I got it writing nicely now. I wouldn't repurchase though. I love Jinhao X750s! And several other models by Jinhao. I enjoyed hearing your experience with the pen/nib.
Thank you! I’m glad that you enjoyed my video. I feel we have the same opinion. Mine has since started writing better. Wish you all the best.
Wonderful video! I especially appreciated the filming outside, to me pens shine outside or in the natural sunlight.
You also captured very well the feeling of getting a new pen and taking it out and about for note taking and let's face it just looking at it.
I wasn't expecting the Stephen Crane poem at the end. I absolutely love that poem and often use it to test pens. There's something about it that can really sink into you and stay there. Paul Auster has a book about Stephen Crane and In The Desert was the catalyst for it. I still haven't read it but fully intend to.
As for your description Kevin MacLeod is a hero to all of us who run a CZcams channel. I also end up on his website and have spent many hours there.
Thank you for sharing and taking the time to make the video so entertaining
Thanks you so much, My Friend for the kind comment! Also, thanks for the heads up about that book. I love Stephen Crane's poems and feel that he does not get the attention he deserves. He was a true visionary and so ahead of his time. Speak soon and thanks!
I wish it came with other nib options, like medium or stub. Also like you mentioned that would had been great if it came with piston filler. I would not mind to pay a bit extra if Jinhao had completed this model all the way. Your video was excellent. I appreciate your effort and work. So thank you.
Thank you so much, Fred, I appreciate your watching, and for your generous comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. It means a lot to me. I think I would have liked it much more had it come with a wider nib, as you said, a stub or medium would have been perfect. Thanks so much and stop by again soon!
I ordered the Jinhao 82 in an EF nib, and it was dry and scratchy at first. But, I tuned it, and now it's quite nice. I would buy another Jinhao, but I'd do so with the expectation that the user has work to before it's really suitable.
That’s what makes it hard for a newbie. I like the 82 as well.
My EF 82 writes well. It seems to me Jinhao should really concentrate on quality. I have also noticed fps, including the Jinhao
have become more expensive.
Was looking forward to this video! Thank you Sir, it did not disappoint. I've had the black color for a couple months now. It performed perfect out of it's non-discript plastic sleeve. No nib work required what so ever. The cap came apart, and repaired it with a drop of super glue. Love this pen, ordered another. Seen the sneak peek of the red ( burgundy ) had to have it! This Jinhao x159 performed better than my Monteverde Giant Sequoia, in which I finally had to swap out the nib and feed. Point being, some sub $50 pen makers need to pay attention to their product. Regards, Mike.
I think I always get the bum ones! Your cap feel apart? That is terrible. So sorry. You make an excellent point, Mike. Why do we allow this? Why do we make excuses for these companies? Thanks so much for watching and I am glad you liked it! Keep in touch.
Excellent video and presentation, as always, Hemingway! The only Jinhao I have is the X750, and the nib is surprisingly fantastic!
Thank you Matt! I am so glad you enjoyed the video.
Also remember that as you know well some ink, nib and paper combinations are better than others.
Truly
Congratulations once more for your review Hemingway. Jinhao certainly does not supervise his products sufficiently. I have received pens with serious machining issues in the clip, others that did not write well and others in which I discovered a crack a few days later. I've even received a different model than the one I had ordered. But, to be honest, I've also got some pens that write deliciously and that have a performance comparable to very expensive pens. One has to decide if the price worth the risk.
Thank you so much! I think $6 is definitely worth the risk. They do get it right sometimes, but I have had a bit of a struggle. Stop be again soon.
I have the x159 black with silver trim, the nib is absolute BUTTER!!! One of the two smoothest pens I own, seriously.
I am so jealous! I am thinking of trying again. Sometimes one is just cursed with certain brands. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for your thoughts. I have two Jinhao x159s. A black one and a “red” one. I like it well enough especially since the Montblanc is cost prohibitive for me.
Hello Mike, Happy to help and I am glad that you liked the video.
Great review Mr. Jones, I too have all variants of the x159 with the exception of avocado green. I also have all variants of the original 159 with all nibs replaced.
The advantages are that you can use your misbehaved inks in these pens, I currently have parker penman emerald in my dark green x159 and what a pain it is to clean.
I also have the Montblanc 149 in a medium which gave me skipping issues but with tutorials I have it to my preference. Also a 146.
You are correct that this is a great starter pen for those who are interested in this hobby ( pre - rabbit hole ).
I hope jinhao will make a KOP pro- gear version also in different variants/colors.
All great points, My Friend. Thank you. My blue x159 has arrived. Let’s see how it does. All the best.
I am a german collector of vintage fountain pens (for example: my Pelikan 100N, Pelikan M605 limited edition in blue, rOtring Tintenkuli built 1940 ...) and I am surprised of this JINHAO X159 for .,50 Euro - and I like writing with this pen! But I don´t wanna be a m member with monthly a fee!!!
Thanks so much and enjoy the pen. That’s kind of what being a Member is. Enjoy the videos, you don’t have to join. The YT videos are free. All the best.
I’ve had a few of this brand, only to be outclassed by 5 year old Platinum preppy, in every single way, including price. I wonder about those who say it’s literally better than a MontBlanc 149, I feel like I could sell them some land in Florida, on the water, way better than some fancy apartment building in New York, cheaper too!
Hello Steven, I love the Platinum Preppy. I am a big fan of the Pilot Kakuno too. I have had very bad luck with the Jinhao. I did just order another for a follow up. Let’s see what happens! All the best!
I have the 159 and put a Goulet nib on it. That made a big difference. The Goulet nibs are quite nice, I think. So I enjoy using it now very much.
That sounds like the move. Thanks.
These cheap Chinese pen do.serve a purpose. They allow someone curious about fountain pens a cheap way to experiment with them.
My first fountain for about $40 long ago was bought at my local Staples office supply store. I loved it and it started my adventure down the rabbit hole and QI love it.
Alias Mr Jones, I discovered your channel weeks ago and it has become my favorite pen journey channel and as you can see, I am catching up on lost time. Thank you for much for stoking my love of fountain pens once again.
Hello and thank you! I appreciate that very much. You are very welcome here. Thank you!
I bought this very same pen for my husband and also filled it with Ancient Copper!!!! The pen worked really well for me. I have had numerous issues with poor Jinhao pens in the past (leaking and start up issues). However I have also had a very disappointing Waterman Carène that leaks and a Graf von Faber Castell that could not retain its cartridge converter. Both of these are what I would describe as very disappointing and not worth the money. The X159 was worth the very little money I paid for it and blows the other two pens out of the water. Thanks for this video 💕
What a wonderful gift! I wish I had had better luck with the Jinhao out of the gate. We have since reconciled. I am surprise about the Carene. Usually Waterman is reliable. They do guarantor their pens.
Glad you have reconciled 😂. The Carène started to leak when it was out of guarantee but thank you for that suggestion anyway
@@penthevision4706 It took some work, but we got there! I would love to put this on a list of beginner pens, but then one may have to work on it. A conundrum. You know, around 12 years ago, I banged the nib of mine on a doorway and bent it. I sent it to Waterman with a note and asked them to fix it, and they did and sent it back with no fuss around a month later. They didn’t charge me, but granted that was a long time ago. --Leaky pens are the worse! I have affection for Waterman because it was my first pen, but there is no excuse for a leaky pen.
Many thanks for that encouragement - I will send it back to Waterman. I must say, it did write beautifully for a year before the leaking started.
I would agree with a number of the commentators, my experience was similar. The performance was very good. I have many Jinhao pens. Two of my favorites are the 51A with a Bobby nib and Centennial 100.
Hello Gene, thanks so much for watching and for the feedback. I appreciate it!
I enjoy your channel very much. Often the side stories and the places you go are equally interesting. I’m fairly new to fountainpens even though I’m a fossil at 75. Keep up the great content.
A great video. On the strength of it, I ordered an X159 in black with silver trim, as you stimulated my curiosity to try it for myself. What a lovely, classy lady you captured shopping at the market. Perhaps you can include her in some videos? I have a hunch she would provide a wonderful and entertaining foil beside you, especially if she disagrees with any of your assessments! Always looking forward to more.
Thank you very much! I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think of the pen when it arrives, I would be very curious to know. My wife would be super fun to have on camera. She is usually behind the lens. I am sure you will see her more from time to time. All the best!
I am new to this “lifestyle “ and in just a few months I have acquired quite a collection mostly of Jinhaos and Pilot Metropolitan Retro. My favorite and the one I most use is the Jinhao 159. Its weight does not make a great impact. Another Jinhao that is becoming a contender for my 159 is the Jinhao X850. Because of this and other reviews, I just ordered an X159, you cannot beat the price. I would kill to have a groceries store like the one in this video. Best regards and stay safe.
Thank you Luis! I am so glad that you have found a passion for pens. This one comes up quite a bit on this channel, so come back again soon and share what you have learned. You make this place better.
Totally agreed. Even more, you can have the feeling of having a luxury indecent price pen. And now is the new 9019 ! A kind of Namiki of 2000€ for … 8€ ! Shipping included ! Try it. Thanks for your help and passion. Be well
Thanks so much and thanks for watching! I just received a 9109. It is so much pen! I cannot wait to fill it. I am sure it will be on this channel soon. Thanks for watching!
Hello Mr. Hemingway. Another great video... I never own a Montblanc but I own almost 25 Jinhao fountain pens, and for me, this is the best one of them all. I really like the way it writes, the proportions, the weight...I love all of it! And, they are very easy to disassemble and clean. And I don't need to rob a bank to buy one! Keep up the great work. Goodbye...
Thank you very much! I am so glad you enjoyed it. You make excellent points. I am certain we will speak about the brand again soon.
I own one in blue, burgundy, silver and black and black and gold. They wrote amazing right out of the package. I own a 149 MB and I must say this Jinaho is a great pen and I highly recommend it.
Wich of them do you like most, esthetically judged?
My experience with any of the Jinhaos is go for the medium nib. The fines and extra fines never worked well for me. If I need an extra fine or fine my Twisbys are where its at.
That is an excellent strategy.
I used to have it 40 year ago. it is expensive to 8 year old and still have good memories about it.
I don’t really care how much a pen costs. My favorites are quite cheap, not even inexpensive, but cheap. But, I do not want to have to re-engineer any pen! First of all, I don’t know how, and I’m so not interested in “fixing “ something brand new. I have learned that I like a medium nib. Solved a lot of scratchy issues for me. I love you Mum for giving you such a great name💝
Hello Annamarie! Thank you for the excellent comment. You raise a very important point. In fact, this is exactly what we will be talking about Tuesday night at 8pmET on my Live! We should not be doing work on pens and making excuses for brands. I agree! Also, sadly, Hemingway Jones is my Nom de Internet and not my actual name, although I have been going by this for so long, it is now a nickname for me. Thanks so much for watching.
Thanks for the review. I'm currently on the fence about this one. A lot of people talk about how much better it is than the old model, which is hardly a great recommendation, and a disappointing purchase is always bad, no matter how low the cost. If I do get one it'll be because of the #8 nib.
Hi Brian! I’ve seen it as low as $3. At least it’s accessible. Mine needed some work. It was scratchy and dry. I worked on it a little and it is much better. I think it’s worth it’s price, especially if you want a giant nib. All the best!
I own four of these X159’s in Fine and each of them is so close to perfect that I’d rank them as a 9.5 out of 10. Out of my 100 pen collection only 2 or 3 Pilots and one Sailor write significantly better. The JinHao’s cost me $30 total…shipped. Time will tell but for right now my expectations have been blown to Timbuktu. Great vid here…nice pumpkins!
I wish I had that experience! Maybe I’ll try picking up another. Thanks for watching and I am glad that you enjoyed the video.
I have 4 Jinhaos and they perform flawlessly! Maybe there are still issues of inconsistency!
I may just be cursed! All the best.
i have the Jinhao 250 i bought it for work as i teaching assistant i did a lot of writing the pen never failed me. i was able to do calligraphy writing if i took my time. i now have a few other models and find them very nice to write with you must have had a batch of nibs
I think I am very unlucky in this regard. Thanks for the comment.
I am often thought of as an old fashioned person. I like my scotch neat. I love a good pipe and prefer reading actual books to a digital one, preferably while doing the first two. I have always wanted to use a fountain pen but, until recently, did not have the strong enough desire to get into it. Why not? Maybe it was not the time. Having said that, I am now ready but remain brand new to the FP world. All of the videos I have seen speak to this pen being a great entrance to this magnificent world, and your video definitely suports that. Maybe somewhere down the line they will make improvements where it will begin to stand on its own as a brand rather than a "knock-off". But until then, thanks for the video and makes the waiting much more difficult (Mine comes tomorrow). I subscribed, by the way.....:-)
Thank you so much for subscribing. I am so happy to have you here. I hope you enjoy your new pen. This is an amazing hobby with so much to learn and enjoy. If I can help at all, please let me know. Thanks so much.
@@HemingwayJones Thank you for the kind offer. You already help with your insightful videos but I will definitely reach out if I need advice.
Well, well well… this is my absolute favourite place to go on Sundays. They usually have Yorkshire tea, which as a Brit, I totally appreciate. I watched a video by Azizza(not sure if I spelt that right) making a similar comparison and of course, I bought one after that. I wonder if the source / seller maybe could impact how out of the box ready the pen is ? She said hers worked perfectly, similar to other comments. I hope mine will too, but now I’ll temper my expectations. Great video and yes, new subscriber.
Thank you very much! I am very happy to have you here. If you see me at Idylwilde please do say hello. I hope your pen is flawless. I often have bad luck in these regards, but I am working on it and it is writing better since. All the best.
Beg to differ. My blue X159 wrote stunningly well straight out of the plastic sleeve. Having large hands, I find it is beautifully balanced when posted. Given another, well-known name, this pen could easily sell for five times its price or more. I currently own 23 Jinhaos, with more on the way, and not a single one of them has even disappointed me. It's punches way up there with some of the big boys from Parker, and certainly beats my Lamy Safari senseless.
You are much luckier than I am. I have ordered another one so let’s see what happens with this one.
Beautiful video! I do have a couple of the Jinhao pens. The Red dragon and the other the purple dragon. Some say they are ugly, some say they bold! I like them! Definitely a conversation piece! They were about $60.00 a piece. However I do have concerns about whether they are stealing designs. I am not sure where the line should be drawn.
I love the gold dragon pen! I think that the discussion of copying designs, fakes, cloning is something I will take up in other videos and on our Lives. Thanks for your contributions to this channel!
I have a few jinhao pens. Some work wonderfully and others better off in the bin. I have the 159 and X159 (first iteration) before they brought out the Blue and Burgundy colours. Mine write woefully and I've tune the nib the best I can. As for teh first Jinhao 159 with the shield and heavy weight material I only use that pen for display. I have purchased the new X159 in Blue so will wait to see how that one turns out. I do hand it to Jinhao though. THey are getting better and bringing out more better pens all the time. They also listen to their customers. In my opinion though Moonman/Majohn, Hongdian pens are far far better. In fact Moonman has beaten Jinhao in the copy section for the 159. Theirs which has also just been released even has the viewing panels to see how much ink you have left and side by side next to a MB 149 it looks almost identical. For those of us who can't afford a MB or other expensive fountain pen I find these cheap Chinese pens a great alternative but you do pay for what you get. Keep that in mind and you'll have fun with the pens.
Me too. I have a few that work, but it is a struggle. I have started to use my ultrasonic cleaner and that helps. But a few just have to be binned.
I haven't tried the new X159. And I won't until it's available with an 'M' nib, aka 0.7. I have a couple of other Jinhaos, including the earlier 159 models, with the normal, smaller #6 Jinhao nib & feed assembly (always M). My experience is mixed, but mostly positive (in relation to the cost). I've acquired those pens over a wide time period, going back quite a bit, and the details have changed over the years, as have performance. Jinhao has improved. The worst have been some early X450, the best some late Centennial 100.
However, I'm pretty advanced when it comes to tuning nibs, - not your normal user. Including I use punch and anvil.
Mixed, as I said, but I agree with you; out of the box they have a dry feel and tend to need pressure to be wetter. And, I agree again, out of the box, the Lamy Safari is a better choice.
Also, these #6 Jinhao nibs and feeds (not the same as what the X159 has), that I am speaking about, X450, X750, 159 and Centennial 100, has another problem. As the converter starts to become mostly empty, like 3/4 empty, the feed stops working satisfactorily (in my experience, w. my wetter nibs), meaning the practically useful ink capacity is even smaller.
And I have a Montblanc 149. There is no comparison. The 149 is one of my most loved pens. There is literally _NOTHING_ I have to say in criticism of it!
There is no reason to delve into the question if/how the differences in function, feel and experience, relate to the differences in price. We all know that that is not how we judge expensive fountain pens. Either we have "disposable income" or we don't. If we don't, it's madness to buy luxury items in the first place. But if we do have...
Mind you, I do also treasure good, cheap pens. I'm curious about fountain pens. All of them. I have a deep purple 159 that works well and I'm quite fond of. But I typically use such pens when I do something that exposes my pen for some kind of risk. Also, my favorite Jinhao model these days is the Centennial 100. ...It's lighter.
Perhaps I should have done that. The M may be an improvement. I was just so interested and curious! I feel our minds are similar in that we are guided by curiosity. Thanks for the great comment.
Yo tengo 4 X159 y solo tuve que pasar los nib unos pocos trazos sobre 3M grano 22000 y todos ellos quedaron excelentes. La relación calidad/precio será difícil de superar. Una gran estilográfica, aún sin considerar su precio.
¡Muchas gracias! Estoy de acuerdo. Lo único es que los principiantes deben tener cuidado, ya que es posible que no tengan la experiencia que tienen las personas más experimentadas. Solo un pensamiento. Mis mejores deseos.
The only Jinhao I own is a 35 which hasn’t disappointed me - good looks/finish, good writer, no hard stops - all for $5 !
I’ll sure buy a X159 if and when a gold trim version is available here in India..
Irrespective of any shortcomings, there’s no denying of the fact that this pen has become the latest sensation in FP world !
It has great dimensions and a beautiful nib. I wish it were wetter. I would have been happier. It’s not a huge investment and I liked this color quite a bit. Thanks for watching. Please stop by again soon.
The Jinhao 80s I got have become my favorite pens. But I’ve also had a few real disappointments including the x159. The end of the cap above the clip broke off when I was turning the cap. In a big chunk. This was when they barely released it though. I’m hoping they improved qc since launching it.
The finials of my first two Black/Silver trim x159 pens broke off and got lost. I replaced them and love the pen. I knock them about a lot less, now.
I replaced the pens, not the finials.
I've got one of these pens, black with silver trim. It's a superb writer and I use it a lot. Incredible value for the money.
Awesome! I’m glad you connected with it.
@@HemingwayJones To be fair, I bought a second in red and that did need a little adjustment to write well. The pens do seem a bit hit or miss, but when they're good they're great!
Very good point. That was my experience as well.
That market is lovely. I just picked up the black model, for my brother. Maybe I should tweak the nib before gifting it.
Your channel rules.
Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind comments! Stop by again soon!
This video was interesting. I've owned a regular Jinhao 159, and I didn't like it. I've never owned a modern Montblanc nor a 149 of any era, so I can't comment on that. But I've rarely liked Jinhao nibs without some work.
That said, without handling a Montblanc 149, I would hope that if the x159 were to compete, it would have the quality feel and sound. It would work right out of the box. It would be rugged.
Your video inspired me to order one. I'll compare it to my Senator President (vintage) and my Pelikan m1000. And I'll see if it is in the same market. I suspect my conclusion will be like yours. There are some Jinhao pens I like, and I love that Jinhao is making quality pens at this price point.
Please let me know what you think! Thanks so much for watching.
Mine wrote perfect after a flush to clean, filled it and wonderful for my $12 CAD
Brilliant! So happy for you.
Thank you for your videos, it's always a nice moment!
I think the main problem with Jinhao is quality control, which is not optimum, so there may be differences between pens... I bought the first version of the X159 (only in black and it uncaps in three turns or so) and the second version (I chose the burgundy too, improved for it uncaps in two turns) and both write beautifully (not the same as my Pelikans or Diplomats but still...) and wet, with no pressure!
May be your model is "different" but I think the main problem comes from your ink (maybe). It seems you are using Diamine Ancient Copper, this ink causes many problems with the flow of some fountain pen (I had this problem two weeks ago).
I prefer my Diplomats Aero, but for the price, the X159 is a nice discovery.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences.
Thank you for watching, Nico! I appreciate it. It could be the ink. I do have it in my Pilot Custom 823 right now and it is awesome, but that pen is preternatural. I agree that the price affords a lot of latitude. Thanks so much for the great comment.
My burgundy (wine red?) Jinhao x159 F nib wrote perfectly right out of the box. No issues at all. Filled with Diamine Oxblood it wrote more like a medium nib but I like it just fine (no pun intended). I'd prefer a little more heft and because of its girth it feels like I'm writing with a cigar. It'll take some getting used to. I still prefer my TWSBI Vac 700 for heft and 2ml of ink but I wouldn't mind taking the fully filled x159 on a vacation. Should I loose it I'm only out about twelve bucks.
That’s a good point! We made the same choice on pen and ink for this one. I wish I had better luck.
Jinhao has been hit and miss for me. I have a great x450, but my x750 section's black coating has totally rubbed off, and the friction fit with the feed is not great after a few years. But these issues are not really affecting anything functional. These are cheap pens, but they are very much not disposable pens.
I got myself a x159 in burgondy/gold, with an EF nib (I am generally not a fan of very fine nibs, but with an inexpensive pen like that I though to myself I should try it again).
I had a 159, and thought it was heavy and clunky and that the nib was not great. The 159's brass body makes for the kind of pen you may want to sign your name with, but not really write pages.
This "update" is night and day. I have also been surprised when cleaning the pen when it was new that it had blue ink in the feed. Are they QA/Testing them like Lamy does now?
In all cases, It writes very fine but also very smooth, even on copy/pritner paper (okay, Clairefontaine copy paper, but still!) I have put some Diamine Writers Blood in there, that is a pretty wet ink in my book, and it's a very good match for that barely color. I had no flow issues so far. It's a very enjoyable thing!
Payed a bit more than 6 dollars because I got it from a marketplace seller that on Amazon that had prime shipping, in France. It was a semi impulse purchase after seeing a few youtube videos. And I don't regret it!
also the gold plating on my 159 and x450 nibs rubbed off with time, So it was probably very thin (and was it even actual gold plating? I won't try to test it, I am no chemist 🙂). Also to be frank with them tho, I tend to forget about some pens being inked... And then it's time to deal with the crusty thing and to go deep clean it and even let them do a run in an ultrasonic cleaner so, that might be negligence there...
Wonderful comment and review. Thank you.
Un tiempo después de tenerla en uso permanente tengo que decir que el plástico se raya con mucha facilidad. Ahora tengo mis tres plumas x159 y todas ellas tienen mas rayones que mi Montblanc 146 que tengo hace 37 años y que también uso en forma habitual. Al ritmo que van, estimo que en menos de 1 año van a parecer MUY VIEJAS y MALTRATADAS. Hay que decir lo bueno y lo malo y esto de la falta de resistencia a los rayones es malo.
Cordial saludo
Thank you so much. I love to collect stories like this. It helps. Thank you !
Am a newbie to fountain pens and your channel! Really enjoyed this video. Please do more cheaper dupes for expensive pens . Also I don't really want to be messing about and fixing stuff as I have no idea what I'm doing!
Hi Layna! Thank you so much! I will do more affordable stuff. I love that segment of the market. This is why I cannot enthusiastically endorse this pen for beginners. Who wants to fiddle with a new pen? Also, let me know if you have any questions about anything. Happy to help. Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones I only have a Platinum Preppy in medium so far just to try out. My favourite pen is the pentel energel in 0.7, I love the inky look of it and the broad line. I think I prefer really black inks and would love some dark navy blues.❤️
If you could recommend any pens to replicate that 0.7 energel , maybe I just need broader nibs? And some nice black inks and navy blue, preferably where I could get cartridges to try? Not wanting anything too complicated.
Could even try a lovely deep red too if you feel like recommending?
I just got a Platinum Preppy. I’m looking forward to diving into that one. I never have had one., I have never used a Pentel Energel. I have been virtually all fountain pens for 30 years. Except for a Pilot G2 insert that I use to lend out to people.
Have you considered TWSBI? They may be a bit dear up at around $33USD, but they are so smooth. .7mm definitely puts you in a medium/broad. With a TWSBI even a fine flows like a broad. It is a very inky pen. A medium or broad Metropolitan may do the trick as well. My go-to for ease of use is the Lamy Safari. Very easy, incredible nibs, cool design. The TWSBI has everything you could ever want though at any price, which is nice. It is as good as pens 10X its price.
@@HemingwayJones I can't read all of your comment, it goes to where you talk about TWISBI being better than pens 10x the price. Unless that's where your comment ended ?
Sorry! You had asked about inks. There are some great blacks out there with Sailor & Namiki being favorites of mine. Blue Black gives a nice navy. Parker makes one and there is a great Waterman whose name escapes me. All the best.
Since you asked for opinions: think the Jinhao is a good pen for messing around with the nib before you ever start trying to work of a "real" pen.
Maybe the Jinhao is a nice to try as a very cheap entry level but do not see any reason why i ever should consider to have one as i will never use it.
For me the knowing that the pen is a cheap ass copy of an icon would spoil any joy in advance.
Not meant as any kind of offence to those who one way or the other like that kind of pens, its just my personal opinion.
At the moment, the Jinhao X159 have no replacement nibs in AliExpress.
Mine worked fine out of the box. The giant nib works just like any other nib. Overall, a bargain, just like my x750.
You’re a lucky man. This is my third disappointment from them. I don’t do well with Metropolitans either. Best!
Great review, Now I must buy one and compare it to my MB149. 😁😁For 6 bucks, it's a no brainer.
Agreed! Let me know what you think when it arrives. All the best.
I’d like one! Thanks for sharing. I have a Moon Man T1 that came with a Jinhao nib that works well I’m not sure if they are the same company 🤷🏽 Great advice on trying it for size to see if a 149 is for you.
Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it very much!
I love that Farmstand!! LOL I'll be there on Saturday with my family!
Look for me. We are there too. That is my shire.
Love the video! With these you have to be a little patient. My husband has two jinhaos and although a bit rough at first , a little nib work made them into great writers.
Thank you so much! I am doing just that. Please do stop by again!
This reminds me of the burgundy 149. Great color!
I was that one!
Some people have good experiences with these. The issue is quality control. I’d say 1 of 3 are total crap. Leaking ink, skipping, one never wrote at all.
I agree completely!
You have outdone yourself again, Hemingway. Where did you get all that delicious looking B roll? It looked like an orchard and a bakery. Posing the pen in front of the pumpkins was a hoot.
Thank you, Eric! I am glad that you enjoyed my B Roll. I love filming B Roll and do it in all sorts of settings. One of the themes of my channel is incorporating these pens into your day-to-day life. This is the local farm stand and grocery. It is lovely with so many different things. Thanks again!
I am the opposite in tastes, I guess.
I love my metal 159s. I buy more expensive pens and bigger names, yet a 159 seems to almost always find itself inked in my rotation.
I do not like my X159 at all. If it is a true representation of the form of a MB 149 then I guess I can scratch that off my Grail List. The threads of the cap interfere with where I hold it and I find it too light. My nib was fine after minimal tuning, so that wasn't a problem.
But to me, the 159 is miles ahead of the X159. I was incredibly disappointed in it (as much as you can be for a $6 investment, at least). I was hoping for a workhorse and instead got another pen that will live in my case, rarely used.
Hi Larry! We seem to have slightly different tastes. I am sure we agree on a lot of things! I am getting away from heavier pens. It’s an evolution for me and I am sure I will swing back. This is close on dimension to the 149 and the threads are in the exact same spot. If you don’t like that, you won’t like the 149. The MB is a touch heavier though but their overall dimensions are very close. Thanks so much for watching. I appreciate your perspective and feedback.
@@HemingwayJones
Good to know. Thanks.
I guess the Visconti Homo Sapiens just moved up a notch on my Grail List in place of the MB 149. 😁
I need to try to get to the Ohio Pen Show this year so I can actually hold some of these for real. The gamble for a Grail Pen sight unseen has been too great for me. That was somewhat reinforced by your recent video on your disappointing MB Grail purchase. I worry over that happening on a high price pen.
Amazing video! Thank you, Hemingway!
Thank you for watching!
I won the nib lottery. Mine is absolutely stunning
I am happy for you!
Excellent! The pen, for me ... meh! But that market ... wow! Oh yeah, I own a 149 with an extra fine nib, and it's one of the best writers in my collection.
Thanks so much! That place has a certain romance, doesn’t it? It’s where we buy much of our groceries, cheese, and wine. I thought it made a nice back drop. I look for the magic in usual moments.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Jinhao. Critics may rail about a pretentiousness deficit if you review inexpensive pens, but to the devil with them. This is good stuff to know.
I agree about the value of a single TWSBI or Lamy. That's where my attention has gone. Given some of your other comments I may be judging Chinese pens harshly and in absence of experience. One shouldn't judge a book by the cover, particularly if one hasn't yet seen the cover.
what kind of tweaking did you have to do to get the jinhao to write better?
Just filing down the rough bit and opening it up a little. Not being a professional at this and not wanting to lead anyone astray, I would suggest one of the many CZcams videos by nibmeisters that surely must explain this. Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones cool, thanks for the info and tip!!
My Pleasure! Good luck with it.
For me..the feel and way it writes is what matters most in a fountain pen..it can look plain and boring, but if it feels and writes like a dream..it is worth it. My boyfriend for example who isn't even into fountain pens in the slightest found one he was amazed with because of how smooth and beautiful it felt to write with and brought it home. It was a Scrikss pen.
I agree with you completely! It's all about how it writes.
Hwhat is the notebook you're writing in??
I am using several in this. A large Rhodia, a small Claire Fontaine, and a Bottega Obscura Journal. Thanks!
What is an expensive fp? For me anything over $75. Yeah I'm cheap. Ok. Ok. But after seeing so many videos of people buying enormously expensive pens made of the strangest materials, volcanic lava being one, (Aa or Pahoehoe I wonder) and then being unable to write with them 'right out of their fancy boxes, and having to send the to a 'Nibmeister', I'll take my chances with the Jinhao.
I have 3 and they write wonderfully. I do prefer the burgundy with the two-tone nib for its looks. I also like the way it feels in the hand. I have had to tune a fair number of expensive pens, about the same percentage as lower coast jin haos or moon man. Opening this tines for more ink flow percentage wise is also about the same for expensive pens.
Hello Irvin, now that is a huge issue. If I had to tune a nib on an expensive pen I would be thoroughly upset. It would be interesting if I could get some data on this. There are other nibs I’ve had to tweak, but nothing luxury level, but there is always a first. Excellent point. Thanks for this. Stop by again. You have a great perspective.
Never knew about homage pens until i found about this lol. Getting this asap
Almost every grail has an homage version.
@@HemingwayJones haha yea. Just like how every Rolex has like 90 different homages. Hope I can afford the real montblanc in the future haha.
@@Unlucky1776 I hope you can too. Some nice vintage ones out there.
Do anyone have a link to where I can buy one?
Hey hemmingway, do you know any good nib smiths in MA?
The folks at Appleboom on Bromfield have one who is an artist. Give them a ring. She was at the pen show.
@@HemingwayJones Will do, thanks!
Are you using the calligraphy nib? I understand the hesitation and that your style has light pressure, but you have to bend it. I get amazing line variation and have learned the Copperplate minuscules and capitals.
Re: Jinhao - I can’t subscribe to the blatant copying. It’s so inferior to the Montblanc that I could never consider it an alternative - even for $6. The materials, etc.
I have the gold-leaf Meisterstück for the calligraphy nib. It has a lacquer body and the feel is so sweet. It’s not perfect. The feed could give more.
🍻🍻
Hi Leo, thank you for the insight and perspective. I am getting better with the 146 Calligraphy. I’m taking the Copperplate and Modern Calligraphy classes. It does remarkable things. I was expecting a thinner version of the Egyptomania, with that type of softness. All the best. Stop by again.
Is it a jowo #6? Wondering about nib subbing…
Unfortunately, at this price level, nib quality control is somewhat lacking. I'm sorry you had to do a little bit of tuning and, by the sound of things, it still isn't quite right. Mine wrote well right out of the box (sorry, padded envelope). Oddly enough my X159 writes better than the brand new Montblanc I had given to me as a gift a couple of years ago. I agree Jinhao needs to amend the name to avoid confusion with their original 159. I was thinking something along the lines of "Jinhao X159 Meisterstuck". Or perhaps that's going a bit too far!
One other thing I wish they had done is to make the pen a piston filler with an ink window. Many Chinese brands incorporate a piston mechanism without adding greatly to the cost. Take for example the Wing Sung 3008 or those Lambitou (TWSBI lookalikes). Surely Jinhao could have done that or something similar. Maybe that's taking copying too far but when has it stopped Chinese companies in the past? Look at all the Safari and Kaweco Sport copies coming out of the Far East.
As a final thought, I wonder how many people would buy this pen if it were available with a gold nib? Obviously that would change a $6.00 pen into maybe a $100.00 pen. Still a lot less than a Montblanc 149 but would it sell?
Hello, David, My Friend! It always made me sad that you had a bum MB. That is extremely unacceptable on their part. As a gift too it takes some of the joy away so sorry.
On this pen, I wish I had had a wider nib. That may have done it. Also, just a bit more money invested would have gone far.
Thanks so much for the great comment and speak soon!
To me, this pen isn't interesting because its a 149 copy. It's far more interesting that its a GOOD #8 nib for $6. So many possibilities
That is a very good point. All the best.
I own one X159 and it writes so smoothly (even if an F nib) isn’t my favorite that I purchased (and waiting) for 3 more. I’d like to subscribe but I found your review and opinion a little snobbish. I’ll look for other reviews before I subscribe.
Hello Jorge, I can only relate my own experience with the pen and I feel that I need to be completely honest with my viewers. This channel is about a journey and sometimes I do revise opinions up and down. I also admit when I was mistaken. I have no ego in admitting when I am wrong.
I would offer two reasons why you should subscribe. One is you should subscribe to people with whom you disagree, in my opinion. They can challenge you and provide valuable insights into your own reasons for liking or disliking something. Otherwise you are just looking for people to affirm your purchase. You have already bought it. Where is the fun in that?
The other reason is that you are misunderstanding if you think this review was snobbish against the pen. This review is the finest piece of video I have ever produced. Location, editing, commentary. I photographed it beautifully, tastefully, better than I have ever some of my much more expensive pens. This pen was treated with dignity and respect. I just didn’t like the nib. I don’t think we should excuse any brand for not being right directly from the package.
I want to find more inexpensive options to recommend to people who are beginners especially and a beginner may not know how to tweak a nib.
I really wanted to like it and I may order another to see. I do think I was fair.
Another reason is, you have to admit, that is one incredibly entertaining video. This is something I am most proud of. I always entertain.
Big things are agreed. Why not become part of it. Be a contrarian on my channel. Challenge me. I will value your opinions.
I wish you all the best and appreciate how cordial and well reasoned you are.
It’s not about disagreement. It’s more of a point of view. You and I both view Montblanc pens as excellent and historically maybe the best. But as the world population has grown many folds the fountain pen % of fans may be less and not as affluent. I’m not a Chinese fan by any means, but I don’t have the tradition of expensive pens as many others may have. And I don’t have the amount of discretional funds that others may have. So I don’t appreciate a somewhat critical review of a pen that for the cost, is most excellent by many standards. Thank you for your attention.
We’ll let the people decide. I personally don’t care what a pen costs, it should write well on day one. Beginners may not know how to tweak them and would be very disappointed with spotty QC that could be handled for pennies more. I don’t make excuses for any brand no matter the cost and call it as I see it. It’s a nice pen that photographs beautifully that had a very scratchy dry nib. I am glad that you enjoy yours and I am sure that you will find many reviews out there that reaffirm your opinion. All the best.
You’re an elitist. Your own experience is only with expensive, no one can afford, pens. Good for you!! Good bye!!!!!!!! 🤑🤑🤑🤑
This video has more to do with your affection for fountain pens than the worthiness of a $6 pen
There is one point you also have to mention: the symbols carried along with the Montblanc. From a certain point onward, the practical utility of things (may they be cars, boats or pens) stays the same, but the added price is for the comfort, the details, craftsmanship and the symbols that are added. You can have 300+ BHP on a Ford Focus RS and you can have that same power on an old Rolls Royce - but with the Rolls you usually have a personal driver, lots of personalised features, and some umbrellas in the doors. It is the same with the pens - in this case the X159. The Montblanc is an icon, it does not need to look like some other pen because it has a class of its' own.
Coming back to the X159 pen, I found out a potential hidden feature: it CAN accomodate an international ink cartridge, and also an international size converter but it will break the plastic of the cartridge or the converter in time. I found this using a Pelikan converter with the X159 and that tremendously improved the consistency of the ink flow, until the converter plastic cracked and I had to go back to the Jinhao converter.
Very good points and thanks for the excellent comment and information. All the best.
Yes, it should have the name Jinhao x148.
Right!?!
@@HemingwayJones 👍🇪🇸
I have 2 of these with beautully smooth fine/medium nibs I guess it was inevitable that you got a bad nib. Suits your trajectory as I see it.
Jinhao was started in the 1980s by the way, moved to Shanghai in 2003. My favourite Jinhao is the X750 shimmering sands. I have had it for 5 years. Not a copy of anything.
I have one with a Bock 1.1 nib as well.
I also have a Jinhao 80 on which I have put a 1.1 Lamy nib. I use blue Lamy ink in it.
As an aside, I think the Lamy Safari is an ugly pen, with it's 'you will hold it like this' ! grip. And they have the audacity to charge extra for a converter. Achtung.
Hi Neil, Yes, I have been having issues with my Jonhao, but hope springs eternal. I really want a bargain brand that I can recommend enthusiastically, but I need to go off of my own experiences. My entire channel is founded on this. I don't dislike it or anything. I think I was quite fair.
I say in this video that it was founded in 1988 and moved to Shanghai in 2003. Did you miss that?
I love the Lamy. It's all about the nib for me and that stub is butter.
Thanks so much for the great comments and stop by again soon. All the best!
Almost like the Montblanc Meisterstück 149.. And it will be when Jinhao puts in the market a piston filler x159.
I’m sorry I’m all about the snobbery and status. my Rolexes must match my MontBlancs, and my Pateks my ST Duponts 🤵🏻♂️
@Alfredo Franco 🤣😂 I do own a collection of Seikos and match them with my Lamy Safari
I do pen matches on TikTok. It’s a lot of fun from an interaction of design perspective. Chrome with polished stainless and whatnot. Fun!
Jinhao has been about value for money
I've hated all the Chinese pens that I've bought and promised myself to never buy any again.
I want them to be better. I want to like them. They are perfectly poised to make a solid pen. Just not yet! Thanks for the great comment.
I bought a number of them and they are okay but no more. I am working on saving for a more expensive but not too expensive pen or a vintage pen, maybe the MB 149. The x159 proved to me that it was a good fit for my hand.
I don't understand how anyone who loves fountain pens would buy this junk. I keep seeing these Jinhao's being pushed by reviewers online and I can't help but think they are being paid to do it.
Don't ink it, toss it.
This is why I don’t watch other reviewers!
Montblanc should sue them
So it's a......$6 pen. LOL, mines in the mail. I will find out.
Let me know what you think when it arrives. Thanks for watching.
@@HemingwayJones I got mine today! I have to say it writes really well. I'm very impressed for the price. I don't think it compares to a Montblanc 149 nib at all. LOL, but I have bought Montblancs that needed serious nib tuning out of the box.....so it happens to all brands. I do wish I could get a M or B nib. It's great if someone doesn't want to spend a lot or needs a travel pen, or beach pen. I might get the nib ground to italic and see what happens with that.
Given you paid $6, it's not even worth a video. BTW... Mine just arrived today and for the $$$ it's just a no brainer, other than if you don't like such a large pen.
Geez when you can't even buy 2x cups of coffee for your $6 & you get to keep it, what more can you ask for?
I think this kind of pen irks those who have always seen the Mont Blanc as the pinnacle of pens, aside from the esoteric & that a copy can be had so inexpensively.
Unlike the video here, my fine writes beautifully out of the box. However, if this wasn't the price that it is, I'd not choose it as I find it too big and in Mont Blanc form ridiculously ostentatious.
Unless you've got really big hands it's not ergonomic & likely not suited for long writing sessions. And as far as I'm concerned writing is what it's all about. So, if a pen isn't suited to writing as long as one desires, what's the point?
Cheers.
I've just read through the bulk of the comments here & it appears the vast majority of the comments speak favourably of the pen. As with anything in life, there are always outliers. However, they do not hold sway over the well considered majority.
That is not to say your opinions and experience are not worthwhile. In this instance I'd suggest when large quantities of inexpensive products are made, some imperfections get through the cracks. That's just to be expected with any product at this price point & shouldn't be seen as a slight on a $6 fountain pen.
I just ordered another one and it has arrived, let’s see what happens.
@@HemingwayJones Excellent... I hope it works out, if not, you've just missed a coffee or two. I'm new to Chinese fountain pens, but as per my comments, rather impressed in terms of its writing. Way too soon to comment about its quality, but seems fine, esp compared to so called entry level Japanese pens 5-10x its price.
Cheers. 😊
It's a knock off
Hilarious! Less than a Big Mac! Or a pencil set. Nobody does knockoffs better than the Chinese! Who cares about patents? They don't. Try one of their $25 Rolex Submariners. I have a real one and bought several fakes to test them. One broke immediately but the second one works as well as my real Rolex. Most jewelers tell me that they are having an increasingly hard time telling the differences. It is only a matter of time before they get this MB knock-off right,, Think of it! They could double their price to $12.00! When are American companies going to rip off Chinese products and reproduce them identically (I am thinking of DJI drones). Anyway, thanks for saving me $6.00. :-) PS: I hoped you picked up some croissants at the market. Should have filmed it in Chinatown.
We did get Croissant! They are great there and my daughter loves them. I am so glad you liked the video. Thanks for the great comment.
I agree