Diplomat Aero Factory Fountain Pen
U.S. Orders:
- Free Shipping: We offer free shipping for all U.S. orders over $20, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Standard Shipping Fee: For U.S. orders below $20, a flat shipping fee of $5.99 will be applied.
International Orders:
- Shipping Rates: International shipping rates are calculated based on the weight of the package and the destination country.
- Exclusions: Currently, we do not offer shipping to Russia and South Africa.
Please note that shipping times may vary depending on the destination and other factors beyond our control. Customs duties, taxes, and any additional fees associated with international shipments are the responsibility of the customer.
- Returns can be initiated by clicking the link here.
- Return Period: Customers may return items within 7 days of order delivery.
- Refunds: A full refund will be issued for returned items.
- Condition of Return: To be eligible for a refund, the item must be returned in its original condition, including all original boxes and packaging.
- Restocking Fee: For used items or items missing their original packaging, a 20% restocking fee will be applied.
- Refund Method: Refunds will be processed using the original form of payment.
- Return Shipping: Customers are responsible for the shipping costs associated with the return, unless the return is due to a product defect or an error on our part.
- Return Process: To initiate a return, please contact our customer service team with your order details and the reason for return. Once the return is approved, you will receive further instructions on how to proceed.
- Refund Processing Time: Please allow up to 7 business days for the refund to be processed after we receive the returned item.
U.S. Orders:
- Free Shipping: We offer free shipping for all U.S. orders over $20, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Standard Shipping Fee: For U.S. orders below $20, a flat shipping fee of $5.99 will be applied.
International Orders:
- Shipping Rates: International shipping rates are calculated based on the weight of the package and the destination country.
- Exclusions: Currently, we do not offer shipping to Russia and South Africa.
This Diplomat Aero fountain pen features a Zeppelin-inspired anodized aluminum body with groove-like depressions on the barrel and cap. It has a satisfying soft sliding click cap that posts securely onto the barrel when writing. It features a smooth writing #6 JoWo stainless steel nib, a dark grey grip and trim, and fills via standard international cartridge/converter (both are included).
Product Specifications:
Capped Length: 5.5 in.(139.7mm)
Posted Length: 6.22 in.(158.0mm)
Length of Body: 5.06 in.(128.5mm)
Length of Cap: 2.52 in.(64.0mm)
Diameter of Body: 0.58 in.(14.7mm)
Diameter of Cap: 0.58 in.(14.7mm)
Diameter of Grip: 0.42 in.(10.7mm)
Weight: 1.3 oz.(36.85g)
Body Material: Metal
Trim Material: Chrome Plated
Section Material: Metal
Nib Material: Stainless Steel
Fill Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter
Cartridge Type: Standard International
Cap Type: Snap On(Magnetic)
Postable: Yes
Demonstrator: No
Clip Style: Spring Metal
USE - Fine liner, note taking, jotting, etc.
PAPER OF CHOICE - Various, work related
INK - Pilot Iroshizuku 'Take-Sumi' Bamboo Charcoal
THOUGHTS: the 'factory' version does not disappoint. Though its looks might be classified as industrial, they have a charm that is perhaps more suited to the pen's design. The metal parts have small marks from the manufacturing process (CNC lathe), and these imperfections are desirable. The pen feels tough and is tough. It is a tool, and its unfinished state welcomes use--something pens of yesteryear evoked.
Though fully metal, the pen is surprisingly light and very well-balanced. The aluminum barrel and cap are slightly iridescent--don't be surprised if you suddenly catch a pastel rainbow along one of your pen's ridges. This is no signature pen but a worker for even long writing sessions. The dark grip section isn't as slippery as other Aero versions, and its slight texture helps if you perspire or write in a warmer climate.
My version has a steel EF-nib, but with wetter Iroshizuku ink it does not feel scratchy at all.
Nib adjustment is surprisingly easy, too. If you find your feed isn't aligned properly to the tines (sometimes, the feed is installed tilted, causing too wet a flow), just pull the nib unit out and reposition everything. Don't be afraid, Diplomat has made it quite robust--just grip the exposed feed and nib section with a soft cloth, pinch between your thumb and index and give a strong pull...voila! Now, you can reposition the nib on top of the feed slot. Diplomat has given the nib a slight flat section which corresponds to the flat section on top of the feed. You can feel when both are touching--this indicates they are positioned well. Simply press the nib unit back into place (minding the orientation of the mechanism) and you're ready again to write.