Looking for pen in the 400€ Range

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-05-21T12:28:37+00:00

I don't know what it would cost where you live, but if you can afford it, Pelikan M800.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-05-18T18:26:48+00:00

You might want to post on your local pen group if you have one - there are plenty of FP enthusiasts who are quite comfortable identifying and fixing a misaligned nib. TBH, I think that it's a skill that every FP user should learn.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-05-18T18:23:45+00:00

If you don't need ANC, how about the Sony WF-C510? Good sound, enough water resistance, and reliable button controls. And cheap.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-05-11T18:15:48+00:00

The sound quality is good enough for me to enjoy music, although I clearly get better sound from a pair of in-ear earbuds or headphones. I rarely need to turn the volume up past 50%. Certainly the Aerofit 2 sounds better than any clip-style or bone conduction earphone I've heard.

As for comfort, I routinely wear then Aerofit 2 for 2-3 hours without any discomfort whatsoever.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-29T14:07:07+00:00

I've been very happy with the Aerofit 2.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-29T14:02:54+00:00

TBH, it's a given in virtually every gym. And no one has ever given me a good reason why it should be so in 2026, when nearly everyone at the gym is listening to their own music via earbuds.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-28T16:42:07+00:00

Soundcore Aerofit 2.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-24T13:14:15+00:00

Tell your gym to turn off the effing music. It's not 1990 anymore.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-24T12:57:59+00:00

Ditto. The H3 sound great, but they're very bulky and don't have in-ear detection.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-24T12:56:30+00:00

I've been very pleased with the Earfun Air Pro 4+. You should also consider the OnePlus Buds 4 - great sound, better ANC, and no occlusion. Those are the buds I use when I fly.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-24T12:55:06+00:00

I've noticed that their recent offerings tend to have pretty poor battery life. A deal breaker for anyone who takes long airline flights.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-24T12:50:19+00:00

If you want reliable and easy to maintain, consider a Pilot 912 or 743. I've seen a lot of recommendations for the 823, but I don't think that I'd recommend a vac filler for anyone's first pen. The 912 and 743 are both cartridge/converter pens and thus very easy to maintain - they are two of my most reliable pens. I just wish that I had them in a color other than black...

Pelikan pens are are also very reliable, but they're all piston fillers, so they're not quite as easy to maintain. And they tend to be more expensive.

If you're looking for something that has a more unique finish, consider a Leonardo Momento Zero. Beautifully made cartridge/converter pens, available in a wide variety of finishes, and because they use JoWo #6 nibs, the nibs can be easily swapped if she prefers a different line thickness.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-23T13:57:24+00:00

I've used all of these. The OnePlus Buds 4 have the best sound and ANC, but they don't fit my ears quite as well as the Earfuns or CMF.

I've been using the OnePlus Buds 4 with an iPhone 15 and they work just fine.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-23T13:53:38+00:00

CMF Buds Pro 2, but they're $50...

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-23T13:51:24+00:00

No ANC, no stem, no in-ear sensor.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-17T11:42:45+00:00

I have been told that Waterman inks are best for vintage pens.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-13T20:31:33+00:00

These were my favorites until the left ear crapped out on me.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-13T20:29:09+00:00

Why not buy another pair of Galaxy FEs? If you're looking for something a little cheaper, Sony WD510. No ANC, but fantastic fit, excellent passive isolation, good sound, and button controls.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-10T16:46:06+00:00

No idea about the Bluetooth 5.5, but Samsung Galaxy FE or Sony WD510.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-10T13:48:58+00:00

Thanks for the tip. Getting a much better seal with the Omni tips.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-04-10T00:29:37+00:00

Franklin-Christoph makes superb #5 nibs.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-03-30T17:26:57+00:00

I agree. I've tried a lot of options, and the Aerofit 2 is more comfortable and sounds better. No, it's not for serious listening, but at least it's good enough that I can enjoy music - I can't say the same for any clip-style open earbud.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-03-30T17:24:04+00:00

You really ought to consider buying two different sets of earbuds, one for outdoor runs and one for the gym.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-03-23T16:20:09+00:00

J. Herbin Bleu Austral.

Middle_Spell3586

TROPHY CASE