It was less than a month ago that I shared with Pen Addict Members my grade for the Platinum Curidas. Late last week, news broke that Platinum has decided to retire the Curidas, among other changes to their lineup. While it was not perfect - BY A LONG SHOT - the Curidas held a special place in my heart, and in the stationery world.
To celebrate the times we shared, here is a repost of my recent thoughts on the Platinum Curidas.
Pen Addict Rating: Platinum Curidas Fountain Pen
Three times.
I’ve bought the Platinum Curidas three times. The original launch version, the second version with the rubberized barrel instead of the standard plastic, and the third one back to plastic but OOOOH SHINY!
Oldest to newest, top to bottom.
The first pen had its issues, namely a design flaw that cracked feeds, making the ink flow inconsistent. Platinum did offer to make it right on the affected pens, and while mine was one of those, I opted not to bother because it wrote well. Maybe at some point the feed will split completely and I’ll regret not swapping it out, but I have two more amazing Curidas to use, right?
We say no.
With the second release - around two years after the first - I was hoping to see some design updates based on feedback received from the first. For starters, the “Shark Fin” around the grip section, and the overall size of the pen. Nope. No iteration whatsoever. Just new colors via rubberization of the barrel.
Shark fin? More like Shark-baited two more times.
If colors are your thing, the third release of the Curidas is right up your alley - as long as you are ok with literally no changes once again to the barrel design and functionality. But shiny Green and Purple iridescent barrels? Sign me up …
… to be disappointed again.
LAMY Safari for scale.
Look, this is a self-inflicted wound. I’m well aware that I’ve met the base definition of insanity, thinking that this pen is going to change and improve and be better than when it first launched. At no point did Platinum ever say any of that, mind you. I just wanted it.
Hello. It me.
I wanted it because I like how it writes. That is my own personal failing with the Curidas. The Fine Steel nib, even in this baton of a barrel, works well. My lines are neat and clean, and honestly it feels good to hold, for a short period of time. Fine lines and wide barrels do end up being a long-term usage mismatch, and even though it’s fun for a while, I eventually put it away and forget about it.
Writing size comparison.
The experience I’ve had is essentially wish casting. I liked it enough to believe either 1. it would change with design iterations over time, or 2. I would change and want to use it more because part of it really suits me. In the end, they are all the same pen, and I only need one of them.
At their current price of $80-$100 (depending on style,) they are not remotely worth it. The Fine Steel nib I love - can I interest you in a $7 Platinum Preppy instead? It’s close enough at a fraction of the price.
In the end, how does the Platinum Curidas grade out on my scale? It is one of the best examples of playing the “This pen, or that pen?” game. As I sit here and type this, I’d choose almost anything over the Curidas.
And I still want to ink it up right now.
Pen Addict Rating: 30
PAR scoring scale:
20 - Avoid this product.
30 - Use sparingly, or specifically.
40 - Good, but there are better options.
50 - Very good, a league average product.
60 - Above average, with only a nitpick or two.
70 - Exceptional across the board.
80 - Best of the best. An elite option.
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