Fountain Pen: Platinum Small Meteor Purple Sparkles

VISUAL

The Platinum Small Meteor is a cute, inexpensive pen. It comes in many colors - this particular one is a translucent purple with sparse scattered silver glitter. The cap and body are faceted, with eight sides. I nabbed this one entirely because it has Hello Kitty on it - can't say no to a cat face on a fountain pen! The Small Meteor is very similar in writing experience to a Platinum Preppy, but I particularly love that the Small Meteor lineup adds little engraved stars to their nibs.

TACTILE

This pen is made of injection-molded plastic and feels like it is made of injection-molded plastic. It's lightweight and fits well in my hand. The cap securely posts, and while it makes for a long pen when posted, it is so light that it doesn't feel awkward!

The section is made of smoky translucent plastic. The section is smooth rather than faceted, and the smoothness can make gripping a bit slippery.

PRACTICAL

This nib is a bit on the lower-flow side, and it definitely struggles with some inks. A wet ink is required to get usable flow, and dark ink is better for visibility given how fine it is. I do like the fill volume of the Platinum cartridge, but I love using my own inks. I recommend syringe-filling the large cartridge on these pens.

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STATISTICAL

Pen Measurements:

Weight: 11.8 g

Weight of Cap: 3.7 g

Length Capped: 135mm

Length Uncapped: 122mm

Length Posted: 158mm

Nib: 5mm 'Fine' Steel

Body Style: Tapered

Fill Method: Cartridge

Fill Volume: 1.3ml

Comparison Pens: Pilot Metropolitan and LAMY Safari

My Fountain Pen Database

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OVERALL

Pros:

• Good size for a budget pen

• Cute color and design
  

Cons:

• Lower flow - needs a wet ink

The Small Meteor does just fine as a cheap introductory pen. I would say that I don't mind it at the price that I bought it ($7) but I wouldn't spend much more than that.

DISCLAIMER: Pens and inks purchased by myself. Photos and opinions are my own.