As a Review Crew, we have shared our thoughts on the Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen on a couple of occasions in the past. In general, it gets solid marks across the board, but I personally haven’t put it to the test. Time to change that - I can’t let everyone else have all the fun!
Not to be confused with the original Pilot Explorer, or visually with the porthole-capped Pilot Precise, the Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen sits in an interesting spot in Pilot’s lineup. Their popular Kakuno Fountain Pen costs around $14, the classic Metropolitan is around $24, and I’ll even list the $64 Prera here (ouch!) since it sometimes slides into this conversation. The Explorer is around $25, putting it closer to the entry level range like the first two I mentioned.
Construction-wise, the Explorer barrel is plastic, and comes with a Steel nib. It is a cartridge/converter filling pen, and ships with a Pilot Black ink cartridge. If you want a converter, that will cost extra if you don’t already have one (mine did ship with a squeeze converter, but I don’t know that they always do.) I have many, and luckily, the barrel of the Explorer is long enough to fit Pilot’s CON-70 converter, which is my favorite of an uninspiring bunch.
Pilot’s nibs are some of the best on the market, and that includes this price point. Platinum has an argument here, but the firm feel and consistent line width combine for near-perfect performance. I inked my Turquoise Matte model with Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-budo and smile every time the Fine nib hits the page. The only other option in this lineup is Medium, which is a great choice for an all-day writing nib.
The Explorer was reimagined in this form a few years ago, and since then, I’ve wondered who it is made for? The Kakuno uses a plastic barrel and the same nib for $10 cheaper, and the Metropolitan is the metal barrel option with a classic fountain pen feel for essentially the same price. The Explorer has a different style, a very Pilot style, but where does that put it? I think it’s the best of the bunch.
Two main use cases for the Explorer are as a good choice for a beginner fountain pen user, or as an every day carry fountain pen. The beginner case is an easy one: it’s rock-solid, and simple to use. The nib is flawless, and with a pack of Pilot ink cartridges, a new fountain pen user has all they need for quite some time.
As a carry pen, this is Pilot’s answer to the LAMY Safari. As a Safari super fan, even I think Pilot has something going on here. The one knock could be the weight of the pen, and how that might affect its durability. It checks in at 11 grams, while the Safari is 17 grams, and you can feel the density difference in hand. The Explorer has a cylindrical grip section, so those who don’t like the Safari’s molded grip have an option here. Plus, the clip is much more streamlined.
The best thing I can say about the Pilot Explorer is that I get it. I wasn’t sure I did at launch, but the more I see it and use it, the more I enjoy it and appreciate it. Will it replace my beloved LAMY Safari? I’m not ready to go there yet, but the fact it is making me think about it says a lot.
(Goldspot Pens provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
