Jinhao X159 Fountain Pen #8 Medium Nib, Black with Golden Clip Acrylic Big Size Writing Pen

The previous version of this pen, like a lot of other fountain pens from the same brand, was a painted brass type. That's supposed to be fancy, but for a larger pen like this it was way too heavy to keep in a shirt pocket. The pocket clip on the old one was also terrible in ways which take too long to describe.Now we have the new x159. It's perfect. The light weight design makes it easy to carry every day. The clip is improved. It's very shiny and smooth.The nib/feed system works very well. Be aware that fountain pens (sometimes even expensive brands) can be defective now and then. But the one I got has been writing well for a week. I have left it both flat on the desk or upright in a cup overnight, and it always writes instantly in the morning. I am writing this review on a Monday, and the pen is working fine after sitting on my desk all weekend. So the general design of the feed system is good. If you get one which misbehaves, ask for a replacement because you don't want to miss out on this beautiful, functional, and extremely affordable pen.

Note: This is a 5-star pen that hits FAR beyond the price point. This doesn't mean it equals a $100 5-star pen in fit and finish, materials, or features, but it's outstanding for ~$10.I own over a dozen pens, with many pens in the $100-$200 range.Writing Experience: This inexpensive (not "cheap") pen wrote better out of the box than some that cost over 10x as much. No tuning needed, and it was plenty smooth without any skipping or hard starts.Fit/Finish: My pen had zero cosmetic defects, and looks fantastic with the simple/clean black and silver hardware. The only edge that isn't rounded is the end of the cap near the threads, though it's clean and you wouldn't ever touch that while writing anyway. It's quite light despite the size, but is comfortable in the hand. It does work posted while still feeling balanced. There is a very quiet rattle from something inside of the pen, but I only notice it when wiggling the pen in my hand. Nothing has loosened up while writing or in transport.Materials/Durability: It's an inexpensive pen, so it's not made from anything remotely exotic. It seems like it would scratch somewhat easily, but mine hasn't been used for EDC as it just hangs out on my desk so far.Random Note: If you're not a fan of unscrewing caps, you might want to look elsewhere. I forget how many turns it takes to uncap, but it's noticeable enough that I wouldn't use it for random quick notes. It'd be just fine for longer writing, or if you like that fidgety aspect each time you uncap.

Having owned several 159s over the years, and loving them, I was excited to see this new release of the x159 and quickly ordered one. The original 159 is a metal beast, quite heavy, but gave a solid feel when writing. So what changed?The 159 is metal, the x159 is resin.The 159 is heavy, the x159 light.The 159 has a #6 nib, the x159 has a #8 nib.The clip design is different.The lighter weight of the x159 results in a pen that is exceptionally comfortable in my medium - large hands. I can enjoy the large girth of the x159 without oppressive weight and allows long writing sessions. The #8 nib is big and beautiful.But the x159 is not perfect. The resin material is quite thin and looks rather cheap. I would love to see Jinhao make it much more dense and higher quality. It would, of course, add cost to the pen, but I'd pay it, and a pen this good deserves it. Disappointed there. Secondly, the M nib. It was awful. There was lots of scratch and skipping. I attempted to improve it by shimming the tines and then used micro mesh on the nib. There was no improvement. 95% of the time I can get a nib to sing by doing this. Not this time. I could return it, of course, but I chose to purchase a 3 pack of replacement nib units instead. I intend to do some custom grinding on them. They're so large I should come up with some exciting nibs -- an italic and an architect grind perhaps. The replacement nib units work great, however and were easy to swap out. The nib is super smooth and a great writer. I just got a bad one originally . I use this pen a lot. I bought another one too.

I may have gushed effusively about the Jinhao X159 pens before but I'll do it again because they are great pens - not only for the low price, not only the appearance (each of the several colors has its own allure), not only because it looks like a Mont Blanc (an aesthetique that appeals to many), not only because it's large and many like a large pen, but because it has a magnificent nib. My previous experience of great nibs was with the Pelikan 600 and the Mont Blanc 149. Both glided over the page. But the price! Ay, ay ay! The X159 can be acquired for between $9 and $15 and it's just as good. The Pelikan, let's face it, is the sexiest status symbol there is and the pleasantest to look at. But the Jinhao X159 is perhaps best of all. Just a note; Be sure not to buy the 159 without the X. The X159 supersedes it in many ways.

Oh WOW! Montblanc, step aside...this is a fantastic pen! Much like the one used in the Netflix series "Ripley."

After watching many video reviews of the Jinhao X159, I thought I would order one just to try out how it feels. It is a fairly large pen and comparable to the Monte Blanc 159, however, that’s where it ends. It’s extremely lightweight. The cap does not post well and it just does not feel good in the hand while writing or sketching. The ink does not flow smoothly. It constantly skips. The extra fine nib should not be offered even though it is beautiful with the etching and engraving it is ridiculously and horribly dry. I find myself just setting it aside, and never using it again. It’s a sad testament to Jinhao because all my other pins by the manufacturer write quite nice.