Quality Cheap Fountain Pens for Christmas

For every one! 

Try it, you will like it.

• Cross Solo:
  Perfectly balanced in my hands, good looking, killer nib. Not in production now. This pen was a steal. Find one on ebay, you can't go wrong for the money. (I have 3 of those)
• Lamy Safari and Vista:
  Although they have strange looks (well, to my eyes) the nib is of excellent quality and the grip is comfortable. Vista is a transparent one witch is cool! You can find nibs of every type (EF to B, oblique, stub, for left handers and for newcomers). You can buy nibs only (they are very cheap) and try them with your pen. Probably the best everyday pen.
• Lamy Smile:
  Better grip than safari, same nib, enjoyful writing
• Parker Frontier:
  Good balance, bland but reliable nib. Can be an everyday workhorse. Not so much fun though.
• Waterman Phileas and Expert:
  Good-looking, above average nib, good for everyday work. Expert much better appearence and nib.
• Pelikan Traditional and Souveran series:
  most of the pelikans worth every penny. I used a few: classic feeling, best quality-for-the money nibs, good balance in your hand. I like the piston filling system as well. Come in various sizes to fit every hand. I think the gold standard is the 600. I am in love with Pelikan Athens.
• Parker Duofold:
  On par with the pelikan 600. Many fakes on ebay so be careful.