Fountain pens · owner-verdict comparison

Lamy AL-Star vs Pilot Metropolitan: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Pilot Metropolitan: 70% of 446 owners recommend it, vs 61% of 94 for the Lamy AL-Star.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Lamy AL-Star

61%of 94 owners recommend
61% recommend · 15% neutral · 24% don't
Owners praise
  • Smooth, enjoyable to write with
  • Durable, holds up for years
  • Premium aluminum feel, good value
Owners complain about
  • Nibs can be scratchy or dry, need tuning
  • Body or looks feel cheap and divisive
  • Heavier than some prefer
Full owner report →

Pilot Metropolitan

70%of 446 owners recommend
70% recommend · 13% neutral · 17% don't
Owners praise
  • Smooth, buttery nib that glides across the page
  • Exceptional value; writes like pens many times the price
  • Durable all-metal body holds up for years of daily use
Owners complain about
  • Sharp step-down from barrel to grip makes it uncomfortable to hold
  • Scratchy nib, especially the fine and extra-fine versions
Full owner report →

What Lamy AL-Star owners say

“The Aquatic grip with the Ocean Blue body is a great match!”
— @AlanDayley on YouTube
“I do find I like the Al-Star as I think it ground you.”
— @athenaenergyshine7616 on YouTube
“No matter how fancy the colors of AL Star is I am team Lamy Safari.”
— @wordywordpecker on YouTube

What Pilot Metropolitan owners say

“I love my Pilot Metropolitan.”
— @hariwebbyin152 on YouTube
“The Pilot Metropolitan was my gateway pen. Now I'm a full-fledged addict with a loooong wishlist of pens, inks, and notebooks.”
— @polynikes5631 on YouTube
“One of the things that bugs me about my Metro is how it always wants to throw itself onto the floor. The damn thing is determined to destroy itself.”
— @evilcritter on YouTube