Best Pilot pens (top 7)

Known for precision, whether a gold or stainless steel nib, Pilots are reliably smooth writers. These are the top sellers:

1. Pilot Kakuno & Metropolitan: These are our top stainless steel models and recommended as excellent entry-level pens. Affordable, yet offer smooth writing, from a reliable stainless steel nib (same nib in both models). Kakuno has the advantage that it can fit the larger 1.1mL Converter 70 (sold separately). Metropolitan (also called Cocoon) offers an all metal body and inclusion of a small squeeze converter or option use with the Converter 40 (0.6mL). Both pens are compatible with Pilot cartridges (0.8mL). 

2. Pilot Capless & Decimo: Also known as the Pilot Vanishing Point, it's unique due to its retractable nib mechanism, which makes it very convenient for quick notes. The Decimo is the same nib in a lighter and more compact design. Both are metal body pens and our stock is with the 18K gold nib. Supplied with Converter 40 (0.6mL). 

3. Pilot Custom 823: Jen's favourite gold nib pen, known for its 2.5mL ink capacity, large 14K nib and smooth writing experience. It features a vacuum filling system with ink shut-off value, suiting users who travel and/or infrequently change ink colour. Available in Fine, Medium and Broad, with the potential to interchange nibs from the Pilot Custom 743 range.

4. Pilot Custom 74: This is a popular step up from stainless steel to gold nibs. Features a more traditional design and a large variety of 14K nib options. In our experience, the most reliable out-of-the-box gold nib of all. Supplied with Converter 70 (1.1mL). For a similar spec with a piston filling mechanism, see Custom Heritage 92 (1.2mL).

5. Pilot Falcon: (also known as Pilot Namiki Falcon) It's popular for its flexible 14K nib, which allows for some line variation. The nib is described as a soft flex, sitting between a normal handwriting nib and a flexible nib for Spencerian calligraphy. The result is you can use the Falcon to write quickly or with hand pressure to get thick and thin lines. Supplied with Converter 70 (1.1mL).

6. Pilot Pera & Pilot Elite E95S: Pocket pens in a stainless steel and gold nib option. The Prera, with the same stainless steel nib as the Metropolitan and Kakuno, is compact when capped, but extends to a full size pen when posted. The Elite E95S is a modern take on the classic Pilot Elite design from the 1960s, with a 14K gold nib and super lightweight body. Both models are supplied with Converter 40 (0.6mL).

7. Pilot Custom Urushi: For those looking for a luxurious option, the oversize Custom Urushi features exquisite Urushi lacquer work and a springy, size #30 18K gold nib. It's a collector's dream and a testament to Pilot's craftsmanship. The Custom Urushi 845 is the smaller cousin, offering the same nib size as Custom 823 and Custom 743, but in 18K. Both supplied with Converter 70 (1.1mL).

As with any pen, your choice will depend on writing style, preference for nib size and material, budget and intended use.

Pilot fountain pens can only be used with Pilot cartridges or converters. It's useful to consider if the model you're leaning towards is compatible with the smaller Converter 40 (better ink flow, but trickier cleaning and requires refilling more often) or the larger Converter 70. 

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