[Lion]

As SUBversive, stated, you best course of action is to go to a Pen Store and check put different manufacturers of all types of pens. I prefer to use gold nib FP's. And then if I do have to write and press through a document, contract or carbon copies I prefer to use Rollerballs over Ballpoint pens.....also remember since you do enjoy Fountain Pens never loan them out for someone else to use. Because most people press down applying pressure when they write(Think Ballpoint Pens)and this can over time damage your nibs(I carry a Rollerball just so I can give it to others when they need to use a pen). Remember...Fountain Pens with nibs...the ink flows and the pen glides along the paper with little effort.....

With you living in Naperville, there is a pen store called Paradise Pens and they are located in the Oak Brook Shopping Center. They have all makes and styles in all price ranges and they would be a great place to get started. Their Phone Number# is (630) 990-4249. They also have a Website:( www.paradisepen.com )and also carry accessories. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they do at times run specials and sales.....

MontBlanc has a boutique on the "Mag Mile" and you can always go there to "Test Drive" the different size nibs(then you can go elsewhere whether another Pen Store or online). They only have Sales twice a year(otherwise they do not discount off of List) but it's fun going there to drool over the Limited Editions...of all types. Also my recommendation is no matter what brand you decide to purchase when it comes to Fountain pens, make certain if the pen is not a Piston Fill or another method. Buy a FP which can use Convertors/Cartridges. Convertors hold more ink over Cartridges plus bottled ink comes in most all colors and from different manufacturers. They are not messy to fill, when done properly and I really like having choices in ink colors to choose from. Right now I am carrying and using to MontBlanc FP's, one has Oyster Gray ink and the other has Bordeaux.....

Also once you know which Nib Size(s)you prefer there is a company in New York City called The Fountain Pen Hospital which is a great company to do business with. On many new pens, of all styles, they usually can give you some type of discount.....the Staff are knowledgeable and they also carry and sell Vintage Pens, and also used pens. And they do have Sales more often then their competitors. Their Phone Number is# (800) 253-7367 and their Website is ( www.FountainPenHospital.com ).....

There are many other online stores and also men and women who repair pens and nibs and can change the nib in your FP's if you need repairs or do not care how they write. So spend some time playing around on the Internet and there is one Pen Show here in the Chicago Area each year. But it is usually scheduled at the beginning of May so Happy hunting and Enjoy!!!

Take it easy.....Leo