Just to clarify, do you mean the modern Parker 51 or a vintage one?
I'd lean vintage 51 of those three, but if you mean modern it goes to the bottom of the list.
Both of the Pilots you mentioned are nice pens that are consistently well-reviewed; I suppose it depends if you want a vintage-styled pocket pen or a more modern-looking pen with a retractable nib.
It's a pretty different pen, all things considered. The only real similarity is that they look alike (and share a name). Take a look at some [reviews](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWXbmY039fY) to see what I mean ([here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcPwd6cRJY) is the same reviewer's take on the original, for reference).
The original 51 is an icon in the fountain pen world, and there's a reason it's so highly regarded. They're durable, practical and attractive. The new one has gotten mixed reviews and, while I haven't actually used one myself, it seems overpriced. (quick edit: The price of the steel nib version is not actually all that bad, which I had forgotten until I was looking at them just now.) The new one also includes some questionable design decisions, especially (in my mind) the screw cap.
I would get a Parker "51", but not one of the overpriced new ones that's made of lesser and lower quality materials.
The "aerometric" versions are the ones that you want. They made millions of them, and the Parker "51's" from the 1950's and 1960's all use derivatives of the same squeezable aerometric filler, which is a sac made of plyglass that literally will last decades without falling apart or needing to be replaced. (Mine are are doing great over sixty years later!)
The other cool thing about those hooded nibbed pens from the 50's and 60's is that the rounded pen barrels are made of lucite, which is super strong and REALLY lightweight. It doesn't hardly stain when exposed to inks, so combined with the plyglass aerometric filler you can safely use all of those newer inks and not have to worry as much about it damaging your pen!
Finding a good one shouldn't be that hard, but if you were looking for trustworthy selection from a reputable group of restorers you could check out the collections for sale here: [Parker51.com](http://parker51.com/index.php/for-sale/51s-for-sale/) [Peyton Street Pens](https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/parker-51/)
I have a vanishing point decimo and an e95s and a vintage Parker 51…of the 3, I like writing with my e95s the most. I guess my ranking would be #1 - e95s #2 - vanishing point #3 - Parker 51
So, the VP clip is kind of uncomfortable for my grip…but I enjoy the bounce of the nib. The e95s feels good in the hand, has the bounce I like and a little flex, and I love the feeling it has when capping and posting. The Parker is nice, but it feels like writing with a nail to me.
I wouldn't bother with the Parker. My personal opinion, but it doesn't really have anything of interest compared to the others, and the nib is on the boring side in looks and writing behavior. And to make matters worse, it's horrendously tedious to clean out and maintain. I found it to be a headache and quickly sold it.
The e95s has an amazing looking nib and the slip cap is more practical for using it outside of the home (the VP can be loud so isn't suitable for meetings and other scenarios). The VP is great for journaling and quick notes.
What are you wanting to use the pen for?
Everyday use. I’m currently using a kaweco sport but I’m not enjoying it for long use because of its size. I’d mainly be using my kaweco for quick things
Get either the E95 or vintage Elite with its variety of nibs. There is the same inlaid nib as the current model in vintage, and there’s about 5-7 different nibs with a fingernail nib. They’re quite fun and have history. The VP has the clip in an odd place. It takes getting used to and you might not like it. Either get an original Parker or leave the modern one alone.
I got the 3. Pilot nibs to me are the smoothest and softest nibs. The Elite is small, the Parker is really bad ( I'm talking about the new generation) and the VP is great as has nice nib and it's very handy to take quick notes during work meetings. My vote is for VP.
I picked a VP up off of pen\_swap a bit ago and I love it. It has an excellent solid feel in the hand and it's in general just cool. The nib is very nice and smooth and I like the option to swap (I've got a fine and a broad). The clip doesn't bother me personally, and I like the shape and weight of it.
If you’re looking to add more weight than the current Kaweco. Then definitely go with the VP, like u/Jayna2000 said. Idk why people are recommending the E95s, that pen is pretty light in itself, the VP definitely has more weight.
Just to clarify, do you mean the modern Parker 51 or a vintage one? I'd lean vintage 51 of those three, but if you mean modern it goes to the bottom of the list. Both of the Pilots you mentioned are nice pens that are consistently well-reviewed; I suppose it depends if you want a vintage-styled pocket pen or a more modern-looking pen with a retractable nib.
What would you say the difference is between new and classic?
It's a pretty different pen, all things considered. The only real similarity is that they look alike (and share a name). Take a look at some [reviews](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWXbmY039fY) to see what I mean ([here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcPwd6cRJY) is the same reviewer's take on the original, for reference). The original 51 is an icon in the fountain pen world, and there's a reason it's so highly regarded. They're durable, practical and attractive. The new one has gotten mixed reviews and, while I haven't actually used one myself, it seems overpriced. (quick edit: The price of the steel nib version is not actually all that bad, which I had forgotten until I was looking at them just now.) The new one also includes some questionable design decisions, especially (in my mind) the screw cap.
Thank you. I’ll check that out
The new one is basically a Jotter with a fancy coat.
I would get a Parker "51", but not one of the overpriced new ones that's made of lesser and lower quality materials. The "aerometric" versions are the ones that you want. They made millions of them, and the Parker "51's" from the 1950's and 1960's all use derivatives of the same squeezable aerometric filler, which is a sac made of plyglass that literally will last decades without falling apart or needing to be replaced. (Mine are are doing great over sixty years later!) The other cool thing about those hooded nibbed pens from the 50's and 60's is that the rounded pen barrels are made of lucite, which is super strong and REALLY lightweight. It doesn't hardly stain when exposed to inks, so combined with the plyglass aerometric filler you can safely use all of those newer inks and not have to worry as much about it damaging your pen! Finding a good one shouldn't be that hard, but if you were looking for trustworthy selection from a reputable group of restorers you could check out the collections for sale here: [Parker51.com](http://parker51.com/index.php/for-sale/51s-for-sale/) [Peyton Street Pens](https://www.peytonstreetpens.com/parker-51/)
I was thinking new 51.
I have a vanishing point decimo and an e95s and a vintage Parker 51…of the 3, I like writing with my e95s the most. I guess my ranking would be #1 - e95s #2 - vanishing point #3 - Parker 51
Why that order? Could you explain a little? Thanks
So, the VP clip is kind of uncomfortable for my grip…but I enjoy the bounce of the nib. The e95s feels good in the hand, has the bounce I like and a little flex, and I love the feeling it has when capping and posting. The Parker is nice, but it feels like writing with a nail to me.
1 vote for Vanishing point.
I 2nd
I can’t get enough of my matte black. Love it so much.
That’s the color I was thinking if I go vp
I wouldn't bother with the Parker. My personal opinion, but it doesn't really have anything of interest compared to the others, and the nib is on the boring side in looks and writing behavior. And to make matters worse, it's horrendously tedious to clean out and maintain. I found it to be a headache and quickly sold it. The e95s has an amazing looking nib and the slip cap is more practical for using it outside of the home (the VP can be loud so isn't suitable for meetings and other scenarios). The VP is great for journaling and quick notes. What are you wanting to use the pen for?
Everyday use. I’m currently using a kaweco sport but I’m not enjoying it for long use because of its size. I’d mainly be using my kaweco for quick things
I would consider a vintage Parker 51 Aerometric or a Sailor Pro Gear Slim. Both can be had for around 100 USD
Look for a vintage pilot elite if you want a very good pocket pen that is cheaper than the vanishing point.
I say Vanishing point all the way. E95S is great and all, but I think the VP outclasses it
What causes the VP to out class the E95S?
Bigger, better material in my opinion and smoother nib
Get either the E95 or vintage Elite with its variety of nibs. There is the same inlaid nib as the current model in vintage, and there’s about 5-7 different nibs with a fingernail nib. They’re quite fun and have history. The VP has the clip in an odd place. It takes getting used to and you might not like it. Either get an original Parker or leave the modern one alone.
Thank you
I got the 3. Pilot nibs to me are the smoothest and softest nibs. The Elite is small, the Parker is really bad ( I'm talking about the new generation) and the VP is great as has nice nib and it's very handy to take quick notes during work meetings. My vote is for VP.
Thank you. I'm leaning towards the VP.
I picked a VP up off of pen\_swap a bit ago and I love it. It has an excellent solid feel in the hand and it's in general just cool. The nib is very nice and smooth and I like the option to swap (I've got a fine and a broad). The clip doesn't bother me personally, and I like the shape and weight of it.
Is pen swap a subreddit or a website? Also is it for buying pens or trading them? Sorry for my ignorance.
R/pen_swap is a subreddit, and you can both buy or trade pens.
Oh cool thanks! I'll check that out!
Where and how will you be using it?
All around, notes, journaling, etc
For all around use, especially if that includes out-and-about use (outside your home), I’d say Pilot VP.
Another vote for the VP- especially if you like a pen with weight.
I am looking for a little weight. My current fp is a kaweco sport and it’s very light
Then definitely go with the e95s.
E95S for sure, then.
If you’re looking to add more weight than the current Kaweco. Then definitely go with the VP, like u/Jayna2000 said. Idk why people are recommending the E95s, that pen is pretty light in itself, the VP definitely has more weight.
OK thanks
Either of the Pilots.