The long cap design and the fingernail nib is what I found interesting about the Pilot Elite 95s. I was searching for a pen that I could use for drawing primarily and this pen fit that bill. It has been my go to pen for finer work on detail drawings or urban sketching on smaller sized media. I ordered online from Japan for a reasonable price considering the nib is 14k gold, there was a definite cost savings in the packaging though. It was presented in a generic box not befitting of a pen of this quality.
Model: Elite 95s
Year: 2010's
Year: 2010's
Nib: Extra Fine 14k
Colour: Burgundy + Champagne w/ Gold trim
Colour: Burgundy + Champagne w/ Gold trim
Appearance & Design
The design is sleek with clean lines, the proportions of the cap and section are 50/50 which is not a very common design. This long cap style was common of Pilot Elite pens produced in the 70's and the 95s pays tribute to. It is a pen that will work in a variety of settings; looks good and fits well in a dress shirt pocket, the spring clip will work in a denim pocket, and the snap cap allows for quick note taking. The Pilot Elite 95s comes in two colour options, this model and an all black with gold trim. I adore the retro colour scheme of burgundy and champagne with gold.
Construction & Quality
The pen section easily comes apart and all parts seem to fit together well, I particularly like the nib channel detail that secures it in place. The pen is plastic but doesn't feel light or as though it would break easily. The only issue I felt was when initially using the pen just after posting; the cap shifts ever so slightly as pressure is applied. After which it doesn't move but that little movement made me feel that there is room for improvement.
The Pilot Elite 95s is a true pocket pen, in that the length when capped fits perfectly in a shirt pocket. The pen needs to be capped to be a proper pen length. The diameter is a good size and comfortable to hold for long writing sessions. The stream lined section design is easily gripped at any point with the exception of the nib. The pen suits my hand well but may a little on the slim side for larger hands.
Nib & Performance
The EF nib is finer than my TWSBI EF but that is typical of Japanese nib grinds. The ink flow is average, not dry by any means. The nib design is attractive but I really enjoy the functionality it brings when flipped upside down. This design allows you to lay the slit of the nib on the page for a variety of shading techniques. For an Extra fine nib there is feedback but it is not scratchy at all. The pen is available in sizes ranging from EF to Broad.
The Pilot Elite 95s uses a cartridge / converter filling system and will accept the Pilot Con-20, Con-50, and the Pilot Metropolitan squeeze converter fits as well. I have been using the Metropolitan converter with this pen because it holds more ink. The pen section can be easily flushed and cleans easily but I haven't attempted to disassemble the nib section as of yet.
Cost & Value
The price point for this pen compared to other 14K gold nibs is low and represents good value. The design is quite appealing as well. I was quite pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a gold nib pen that is reasonably priced.
The Pilot Elite 95s is what I would consider an excellent entry level gold nib pen. It has a smooth springy (not flex) 14k gold nib, quality design combined with excellent portability.
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