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 →

Which should you buy?

Get the Lamy AL-Star if
  • ✓Fountain pen beginners wanting a reliable starter
  • ✓Writers who like swapping nibs to customize
  • ✓Students and sketchers needing a durable everyday carry
  • ✓People who prefer the aluminum feel over the plastic Safari
Skip it if
  • Writers who dislike the triangular grip
  • People wanting a guaranteed-smooth nib straight from the box
Get the Pilot Metropolitan if
  • ✓Beginners wanting a reliable first fountain pen under $20
  • ✓Everyday work, journaling and note-taking
  • ✓Buyers who value a durable, weighty metal body
  • ✓Medium-nib writers who like a smooth line
Skip it if
  • Anyone bothered by the sharp step down to the grip
  • Fine and extra-fine seekers, often called scratchy or dry

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

Lamy AL-Star vs Pilot Metropolitan: frequently asked questions

Is the Lamy AL-Star or the Pilot Metropolitan better?

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

Who should get the Lamy AL-Star?

Owners point the Lamy AL-Star at fountain pen beginners wanting a reliable starter, and writers who like swapping nibs to customize.

Who should get the Pilot Metropolitan?

Owners point the Pilot Metropolitan at beginners wanting a reliable first fountain pen under $20, and everyday work, journaling and note-taking.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Lamy AL-Star is nibs can be scratchy or dry, need tuning. For the Pilot Metropolitan, it's sharp step-down from barrel to grip makes it uncomfortable to hold.