The beauty of the Makrolon is its warmth, understatement and timelessness (it's both 'retro' and futuristic). I find the stainless steel a bit clinical and lacking in personality. Either way, it's simply a great pen - a design classic - and choosing between these versions is a glorious dilemma.
If I may summarize: makrolon: + ink window. + absolutely seamless body/knob transition +/- lighter - slightly less sturdy - more common + logo more subtle + clip not too thumbprint-prone steel: - no ink window - not as seamless a body +/- weightier + even more sturdy & solid feel + less common - logo less subtle - clip a thumbprint magnet There's a certain appeal of the steel... but it's hard to see how that's not undone by the drawbacks. And I would not include the price, even, because that seems fair for either.
Thank you for the great review! I have both the stainless steel and makrolon. I found that both clips wobble a bit, which is really annoying. They are good writers tho
That is a really good comparison review and. Thank You. But that was 3 years ago and now we have the Jinhao 80 and the Moonman Ti500. I'm a big Lamy fan and I really like my L2K's but I reach for one of the two imitators. I bet all of your fans would enjoy your take on how these 4 pens compare. Thank you again for your review.
I don't have to search for the sweet spot on the 80. It is just naturally there. The Ti500 is as well built as the Lamy and looks and feels totally indestructible. Doesn't write as well but feels really good in hand.
One idea for a video if you haven't done it - A breakdown of the various filling systems for fountain pens I. E. Vacuum, piston, converter--pros and cons. Best for everyday use.
I sure like the ink window on my Makrolon version. So, I wouldn't choose the stainless steel one. The 2000, along with my MontBlanc 146, and Pelikan 200 are my three go to pens in terms of smoothness, quality of build, and esthetics.
I totally agree about the stainless steel packaging. ..too much. The ink window on the Makralon version is part of the reason why I opted for it, the other reason was the price. I like the way it feels in the hand. The weight is perfect and the writing very smooth. The quality of the Makralon is well worth the price.
Excellent comparison. Although I've heard great things about the 2000, I never became a fan. But that stainless steel ..... oh MAN! In the mean time, the makrolon version really appealed to me as a rollerball, and when a good Lamy sale pops up, I'll snatch a stainless steel one. Once again great video.
@@Scrivelynotes The 2000 had a couple of things going against it for me. 1. I am not a fan of hooded nibs. For me one of the joys of fountain pens, is admiring the nib. 2. Bauhaus is a hit or miss with me. Mostly miss though. 3. The 2000 is just ubiquitous. 4. I probably was taking my absolute disgust of the Safari onto the 2000. But after purchasing a Studio, my views of Lamy started to change, not of the Safari though. I saw a video by Doodlebud who calls the 2000 the best engineered pen (excellent video), saw the Stainless Steel version, and I think the stainless steel version is really cool, plus it has some heft, so I will be on the hunt for a stainless steel 2000 when there is a sale on. The steel pen reminds of a great white shark for some reason. I got the Makralon in a rollerball, because it's good to have a rollerball just in case, and it feels really nice, but I don't like how it becomes shiny as the years pass. A good thing about Lamy is that they have stock oblique nibs, so when I get the Stainless Steel, I'll get an oblique nib. So I've come around on the 2000, but prefer the Steel over the Makralon.
Plastic version is more durable than metallic IMO. the weight of the metal pen makes it more likely to damage when it falls on the floor and stress on the inside plastic parts are greater.
Great review, I've tried both and find the stainless steel version too heavy. I use mine (Makrolon version) on a daily basis. Plus, the price point on the stainless steel version is a tad excessive.
I’m a Lamy enthusiast, but from personal experience, the stainless version will last a lifetime, but the polycarbonate ( Makrolon ) cracked / split after 6 years of careful use ( never dropped) in my ballpoint 2000 version.
Hmmm, interesting. I believe you could maybe send it in to Lamy, and they might even replace it for you. I have two 200 fountain pens, one ballpoint, and one mechanical pencil, and have not had any issues with them yet. But to be transparent, I have quite a few pens, so I have those in rotation, and I also generally am quite careful with the things I own.
I'm considering getting a 2000 but fear it may be too big for my likes. In your Vanishing point/Decimo comparison you suggest Pelikan 200 people (I would fall into that camp) would probably prefer the Decimo. What would you suggest with regard to the 2000?
Biber0315 a bit hard to say, since the 2000s section tapers down quite a bit - so it also depends on how you tend to hold your pens. The 2k is not a super huge pen, but it’s definitely more towards the M600 than the M200/400.
People often think Metal is superior to 'plastic' but there are many different types of plastics. Makrolon is a very durable plastic and has characteristics that are superior to stainless steel for a pen in my opinion. While overall trying to destroy the two pens the stainless would be tougher, the slightest blemish is going to stand out like a sore thumb on the stainless version and an expensive pen is pretty much considered destroyed by most if it doesn't look good anymore. The Makrolon is actually going to be far more resistant to the type of blemish that you can actually see without looking for due to it's color, finish, and material. Besides that the invisibility of the piston alone is enough of a selling point without taking anything else into consideration.
lSirCumference guess it all very much comes down to personal preference. I, for one, do also own a 2k ballpoint, and was very disappointed to one day just found a blemish in the body. Quite an obvious one, without me ever having seriously mistreated the pen. So I don’t know, if either my memory, or the macrolon, is not as reliable as I initially expected.
They're both beautiful looking instruments, Michael, altho' my preference would be a combination of the two distinct qualities in each - a black finished stainless steel body - for the obvious (& personally desired) heft, plus an ink window; nib size: Well, you know me, my friend, I tend to broader tipped blades, so at the very least, a Medium, but my favourite would be a broad. Lamy seem to have inverted their cap & clip finishes on these two versions ~ matte to gloss, & vice versa. I personally prefer the Logo placement at the top of the cap, where it is most visible. The cost differential is somewhat steep - but then, one of them is plastic - so perhaps, not surprising. I currently own the Makrolon, but would be intrigued to try out the stainless steel edition. I would concur that most all-steel bodied scribes tend to write well, merely under their gravitational influence - & with a broad nib on board, I'd be very content. It's a shame that there's no provision for an ink window on this latest design, but I can appreciate the production difficulty it may cause them. Thank you for an excellent overview, my friend !! :D
Andrew Tongue thanks for another thoughtful comment, my friend. It has been a while that I read from you! Trusting you are well, I am sending you regards from the holidays!
I love your videos. In this one it would have been helpful to see you writing with the metal version posted, given the weight difference between the two pens. You do so in the polycarbonate test. Very important for me because I always post! Otherwise great video.
I've just purchased Lamy 2000 (the black one) Order number 2404660 and Jetpens.com send it without the washer which should be inserted into the nib feeder!
Lamy 2000 stainless steel has three issues: too heavy, slips on hand while you're writing and nib doesn't gives so pleasant experience as Lamy 2000 Makrolon. For me, Lamy 2000 Makrolon is the perfect pen in any ways.
The beauty of the Makrolon is its warmth, understatement and timelessness (it's both 'retro' and futuristic). I find the stainless steel a bit clinical and lacking in personality. Either way, it's simply a great pen - a design classic - and choosing between these versions is a glorious dilemma.
Haha. I can see that dilemma, for sure. Just gotta love the 2k!
Beautiful pen, but no ink window is a dealbreaker for me. Also, I like the understated black and the warmer material of my macrolon 2000.
Yeah same here. I dont mind not having an ink window, but do also prefer the feel of the Makrolon in hand.
If I may summarize:
makrolon: + ink window. + absolutely seamless body/knob transition +/- lighter - slightly less sturdy - more common + logo more subtle + clip not too thumbprint-prone
steel: - no ink window - not as seamless a body +/- weightier + even more sturdy & solid feel + less common - logo less subtle - clip a thumbprint magnet
There's a certain appeal of the steel... but it's hard to see how that's not undone by the drawbacks. And I would not include the price, even, because that seems fair for either.
Thank you for the great review! I have both the stainless steel and makrolon. I found that both clips wobble a bit, which is really annoying. They are good writers tho
Hmmm. Did not notice that on mine.
That is a really good comparison review and. Thank You.
But that was 3 years ago and now we have the Jinhao 80 and the Moonman Ti500. I'm a big Lamy fan and I really like my L2K's but I reach for one of the two imitators. I bet all of your fans would enjoy your take on how these 4 pens compare. Thank you again for your review.
What is it that makes you reach for those instead of the "original"?
I don't have to search for the sweet spot on the 80. It is just naturally there. The Ti500 is as well built as the Lamy and looks and feels totally indestructible. Doesn't write as well but feels really good in hand.
@@donbrownist thanks for the insight
I sold my Makrolon due to ink burping when the barrel started heating up from long writing sessions. No issues with the ss version.
Hmmm. First time hearing this. How ‚long‘ writing sessions are we talking here?
Felt both of these pens today-much preferred the extra heft of the stainless steel version even though its double the price.
Thanks for the feedback!
One idea for a video if you haven't done it - A breakdown of the various filling systems for fountain pens I. E. Vacuum, piston, converter--pros and cons. Best for everyday use.
Andrew Hoffman good idea, thanks!
I sure like the ink window on my Makrolon version. So, I wouldn't choose the stainless steel one. The 2000, along with my MontBlanc 146, and Pelikan 200 are my three go to pens in terms of smoothness, quality of build, and esthetics.
I totally agree about the stainless steel packaging. ..too much.
The ink window on the Makralon version is part of the reason why I opted for it, the other reason was the price. I like the way it feels in the hand. The weight is perfect and the writing very smooth.
The quality of the Makralon is well worth the price.
Makrolon is cheap plastic but the brushed finish on L2k gives it a very pleasant tactile feeling.
Excellent comparison. Although I've heard great things about the 2000, I never became a fan. But that stainless steel ..... oh MAN! In the mean time, the makrolon version really appealed to me as a rollerball, and when a good Lamy sale pops up, I'll snatch a stainless steel one. Once again great video.
Thanks! Why do you not like the 2k fountain pen?
@@Scrivelynotes The 2000 had a couple of things going against it for me. 1. I am not a fan of hooded nibs. For me one of the joys of fountain pens, is admiring the nib. 2. Bauhaus is a hit or miss with me. Mostly miss though. 3. The 2000 is just ubiquitous. 4. I probably was taking my absolute disgust of the Safari onto the 2000. But after purchasing a Studio, my views of Lamy started to change, not of the Safari though.
I saw a video by Doodlebud who calls the 2000 the best engineered pen (excellent video), saw the Stainless Steel version, and I think the stainless steel version is really cool, plus it has some heft, so I will be on the hunt for a stainless steel 2000 when there is a sale on. The steel pen reminds of a great white shark for some reason.
I got the Makralon in a rollerball, because it's good to have a rollerball just in case, and it feels really nice, but I don't like how it becomes shiny as the years pass. A good thing about Lamy is that they have stock oblique nibs, so when I get the Stainless Steel, I'll get an oblique nib. So I've come around on the 2000, but prefer the Steel over the Makralon.
@@ironmic9244 Ah, yeah. Makes total sense, of course.
Plastic version is more durable than metallic IMO. the weight of the metal pen makes it more likely to damage when it falls on the floor and stress on the inside plastic parts are greater.
Have to agree with you, Alex, the Makrolon is the more desired option - purely by mass.
Great comparison. Many thanks.
Thanks for the comment! Glad the video is useful.
Great review, I've tried both and find the stainless steel version too heavy. I use mine (Makrolon version) on a daily basis. Plus, the price point on the stainless steel version is a tad excessive.
Thanks for your comment. I can totally relate to that.
I like the extra fine.
Me too!
I’m a Lamy enthusiast, but from personal experience, the stainless version will last a lifetime, but the polycarbonate ( Makrolon ) cracked / split after 6 years of careful use ( never dropped) in my ballpoint 2000 version.
Hmmm, interesting. I believe you could maybe send it in to Lamy, and they might even replace it for you. I have two 200 fountain pens, one ballpoint, and one mechanical pencil, and have not had any issues with them yet. But to be transparent, I have quite a few pens, so I have those in rotation, and I also generally am quite careful with the things I own.
I'm considering getting a 2000 but fear it may be too big for my likes. In your Vanishing point/Decimo comparison you suggest Pelikan 200 people (I would fall into that camp) would probably prefer the Decimo. What would you suggest with regard to the 2000?
Biber0315 a bit hard to say, since the 2000s section tapers down quite a bit - so it also depends on how you tend to hold your pens. The 2k is not a super huge pen, but it’s definitely more towards the M600 than the M200/400.
Biber0315 watch my Lamy 2k review. I think I do a few size comparisons in that video.
People often think Metal is superior to 'plastic' but there are many different types of plastics. Makrolon is a very durable plastic and has characteristics that are superior to stainless steel for a pen in my opinion. While overall trying to destroy the two pens the stainless would be tougher, the slightest blemish is going to stand out like a sore thumb on the stainless version and an expensive pen is pretty much considered destroyed by most if it doesn't look good anymore. The Makrolon is actually going to be far more resistant to the type of blemish that you can actually see without looking for due to it's color, finish, and material. Besides that the invisibility of the piston alone is enough of a selling point without taking anything else into consideration.
lSirCumference guess it all very much comes down to personal preference. I, for one, do also own a 2k ballpoint, and was very disappointed to one day just found a blemish in the body. Quite an obvious one, without me ever having seriously mistreated the pen. So I don’t know, if either my memory, or the macrolon, is not as reliable as I initially expected.
They're both beautiful looking instruments, Michael, altho' my preference would be a combination of the two distinct qualities in each - a black finished stainless steel body - for the obvious (& personally desired) heft, plus an ink window; nib size: Well, you know me, my friend, I tend to broader tipped blades, so at the very least, a Medium, but my favourite would be a broad. Lamy seem to have inverted their cap & clip finishes on these two versions ~ matte to gloss, & vice versa. I personally prefer the Logo placement at the top of the cap, where it is most visible. The cost differential is somewhat steep - but then, one of them is plastic - so perhaps, not surprising. I currently own the Makrolon, but would be intrigued to try out the stainless steel edition. I would concur that most all-steel bodied scribes tend to write well, merely under their gravitational influence - & with a broad nib on board, I'd be very content. It's a shame that there's no provision for an ink window on this latest design, but I can appreciate the production difficulty it may cause them.
Thank you for an excellent overview, my friend !! :D
Andrew Tongue thanks for another thoughtful comment, my friend. It has been a while that I read from you! Trusting you are well, I am sending you regards from the holidays!
Thank you, Michael. We are indeed in good health, & similarly, hope that you are (also) enjoying the holiday period,
Best,
Andrew :)
I read somewhere that the stainless steel is slippery to write. Is it true? I have the Makrolon but I'm looking at the SS to add to my collection.
It is somewhat true. I do also have a review of that pen here on youtube. Maybe check it out.
@@Scrivelynotes Will do! Thanks for replying 😊
I prefer the Makrolon version because the stainless steel slides on my hand! and it's very heavy to hold.
Does these pens has same kind of gold made nib?
yes, the nib is exactly the same.
Is the cap interchangeable ?
No.
I love your videos. In this one it would have been helpful to see you writing with the metal version posted, given the weight difference between the two pens. You do so in the polycarbonate test. Very important for me because I always post! Otherwise great video.
Good point. Does not come natural for me - but might try to do more systematically again in the future. Thanks for the feedback.
I've just purchased Lamy 2000 (the black one) Order number 2404660 and Jetpens.com send it without the washer which should be inserted into the nib feeder!
Lamy 2000 stainless steel has three issues: too heavy, slips on hand while you're writing and nib doesn't gives so pleasant experience as Lamy 2000 Makrolon. For me, Lamy 2000 Makrolon is the perfect pen in any ways.
Too many trivials