Platinum Preppy capped

Platinum Preppy (Old Version) Fountain Pen Review

29 April 2015 By ian

Platinum Preppy fountain pen review

This review originally appeared on Economy Pens and it is of the older version of the Preppy, which is why I’ve published it on a Wednesday instead of the usual Monday. I’m including it here because I intend this site to be a collection of all the reviews I’ve written. I didn’t publish at the time because that didn’t seem fair, seeing as I’d written it or someone else’s site.

The Platinum Preppy is a fountain pen that costs around £3 in the UK (and about $3-$4.50 in the US). They can be found with an extra-fine nib (02), medium nib (05) or, as with this one, a fine nib (03). When purchased the trim on the pen will match the ink colour, of which there are many options. (How many depends on where you are looking and which size nib you are buying.)

Platinum Preppy nib and feed

You’re not restricted to the ink colour you originally bought, of course. The Preppy takes proprietary Platinum cartridges or, with an adaptor, standard international cartridges. It can also be converted to an eye-dropper.

Platinum Preppy deconstructed

The barrel looks a bit horrid, if I’m honest. What appear to be ugly stickers plastered all over it are in fact printed on and so you’re stuck with them.

Platinum Preppy capped

The clip is liable to break if you’re not careful with it. The cap however does post nicely and with the whole pen being so light it’s well balanced whether used posted or not. Likewise, it’s a comfortable length and width however you like to write.

Platinum Preppy clip

I’ve heard talk of Preppy’s being a bit hit and miss in terms of nibs but this particular one is really very good. It’s smooth and there’s no skipping. I’ve used pens that have literally been over ten times as expensive that haven’t been as pleasant to write with.

Platinum Preppy nib

This pen has travelled by plane to three different countries with me and it hasn’t let me down. It won’t last forever but it isn’t the end of the world if it’s lost of get broken. It’s ugly, there’s no getting away from that, but it’s great to write with.

Platinum Preppy handwritten review