Originally Posted by guitarman19853
My first FP... i like it so i'm considering going for the real thing now. any suggestions? honestly, i'm looking sub $50 category...
I don't have as much experience with fountain pens as others here but I've tried a few of the cheaper ones and I'm very happy with the Pelikano, but I already said that. I guess the Pelikan Future will be quite the same but looks a bit less childish. I like the look of the silver model.
For a more classic/less modern look I'd look at the Parker Frontier. If you want a pen with a bit more weight you can get a steel Frontier. I'd suggest you get one with a Fine nib since the F is already a bit wide in linewidth.
If you want to use bottled ink instead of cartridges make sure you get a converter. Maybe some Parker Frontiers come with one.
For under $50 I believe you pay for better looks, not better writers, IMHO. Although I have not tried used or vintage (or a combination of the two) pens.