Pelikan M205 Demonstrator Special Edition Review
The Pelikan M205 fountain pen was first introduced in 2005 as a clear pen with silver trim. Since then, the popularity of the model has gained and new colors have been introduced. The new colors are typically introduced annually to coincide with and match the yearly Edelstein Ink color. I have been interested in Pelikan pens since I first got into the fountain pen hobby about 6 years ago. Since this model isn’t in my collection, I reached out to the good people at Pelikan and they generously lent me a M205 Demonstrator Special Edition to review. Thank you again for sending this to me, I have very sadly boxed it up and sent it back.
Design: This M205 is the clear acrylic demonstrator which means you can see all the working parts as well as the ink level as you use the pen. The cap finial is a slightly raised crown shape with a black emblem with the Pelikan logo embossed in silver. The crown sits on top of the clip which resembles a pelican’s bill and eyes. I love this tiny detail and I think it is a great and subtle way to brand the clip without simply stamping the name. It is also great so other Pelikan collectors can see the clip and know you are a Pelikan fan as well. There is a thin steel cap-band with “Pelikan Germany” engraved. My only complaint with the cap-band is that the engraving of name Pelikan is offset from with the clip. The cap screws on with ¾ of a turn, which is great for taking quick notes. The body is cylindrical with a slight step down at the piston knob and a small steel ring at the base of the knob. The bottom of the piston knob is rounded giving the pen a nice finish. There is a slight stepdown to the grip section in front of the cap threads which are small and barely noticeable. The grip section is smooth and has a slight flare out at the end to create a finger stop.
Nib Performance: The fine point stainless steel nib I received performed beautifully right out of the box. With Pilot Blue/Black ink, it was a perfect balance of a wet/dry ink. It wrote closer to medium on cheap paper, but was a perfect fine on Rhodia dot grid. The nib is very simple with the name “Pelikan,” the Pelikan logo, and the letter “F” for fine engraved on it. A small amount of feedback giving a pleasing tactile feeling while writing.Filling System: Piston filled with approximately 1.5 ml capacity.Value: The list price for the M205 Demonstrator Special Edition is $200 USD, but you can usually find it between $140-$160 USD.
Overall: Here is where the rubber meets the road or the nib meets the paper. $160 regular price for a steel nib piston filled demonstrator - is it worth it? I have many demonstrator fountain pens and when I initially received this I thought it was expensive compared to other brands. However, after filling it and using it for the past two months, my perspective has changed a 180°. I now find myself grabbing this pen every time. The material feels very durable and is crystal clear, and it has one of the smoothest pistons I have experienced to date. Most importantly, the nib performs perfectly every time I uncap the pen, even if it has been sitting for a few days. I have large hands and this pen fits my hand perfectly regardless if it is posted or not. Further, due to its light weight, it is wonderful to use for longer writing sessions. Overall, I think that $200 MSRP would be a bit high to pay, but if you can find this for around $140ish, I would absolutely recommend getting one for your collection. I am sure you will find yourself reaching for it time and time again.Specs:Name: Pelikan M205 Demonstrator Special EditionDesign: Clear acrylic demonstratorLength: 124.96 mm (4.92 in capped)Posted: 145.03 mm (5.71 in)Diameter: 11.68 mm (.46 in)Weight: 13.89 g (.49 oz.)Nib: Stainless SteelFilling System: Piston Pros: Great nib, beautiful clear acrylic, quick to uncap, large ink capacityCons: Cap-band engraving does not align with the clip, slightly high MSRPIn the same price range:Lamy 2000Platinum 3776Pilot 74
Nib Performance: The fine point stainless steel nib I received performed beautifully right out of the box. With Pilot Blue/Black ink, it was a perfect balance of a wet/dry ink. It wrote closer to medium on cheap paper, but was a perfect fine on Rhodia dot grid. The nib is very simple with the name “Pelikan,” the Pelikan logo, and the letter “F” for fine engraved on it. A small amount of feedback giving a pleasing tactile feeling while writing.Filling System: Piston filled with approximately 1.5 ml capacity.Value: The list price for the M205 Demonstrator Special Edition is $200 USD, but you can usually find it between $140-$160 USD.Overall: Here is where the rubber meets the road or the nib meets the paper. $160 regular price for a steel nib piston filled demonstrator - is it worth it? I have many demonstrator fountain pens and when I initially received this I thought it was expensive compared to other brands. However, after filling it and using it for the past two months, my perspective has changed a 180°. I now find myself grabbing this pen every time. The material feels very durable and is crystal clear, and it has one of the smoothest pistons I have experienced to date. Most importantly, the nib performs perfectly every time I uncap the pen, even if it has been sitting for a few days. I have large hands and this pen fits my hand perfectly regardless if it is posted or not. Further, due to its light weight, it is wonderful to use for longer writing sessions. Overall, I think that $200 MSRP would be a bit high to pay, but if you can find this for around $140ish, I would absolutely recommend getting one for your collection. I am sure you will find yourself reaching for it time and time again.Specs:Name: Pelikan M205 Demonstrator Special EditionDesign: Clear acrylic demonstratorLength: 124.96 mm (4.92 in capped)Posted: 145.03 mm (5.71 in)Diameter: 11.68 mm (.46 in)Weight: 13.89 g (.49 oz.)Nib: Stainless SteelFilling System: Piston Pros: Great nib, beautiful clear acrylic, quick to uncap, large ink capacityCons: Cap-band engraving does not align with the clip, slightly high MSRPIn the same price range:Lamy 2000Platinum 3776Pilot 74
