Leonardo Momento Magico 2022 - New and Improved!

(Kimberly (she/her) took the express train down the fountain pen/stationery rabbit hole and doesn't want to be rescued. She can be found on Instagram @allthehobbies because there really are many, many hobbies!.)

A few months ago, I did a review of the Leonardo Momento Magico which I affectionately called “The OG” because there is a new Magico in town! Earlier this year, Leonardo Officina Italiana released an updated version of the Momento Magico, which I will refer to as the Momento Magico 2022. I won’t go into the same level of detail as in the previous writeup and instead, will highlight the differences.

Thank you to Stilo e Stile for sending the Momento Magico DNA for review. The DNA is black and orange and it is no coincidence that the DNA is reminiscent of the Delta Dolce Vita, since Ciro Matrone (father of Salvatore Matrone, founder of Leonardo) was the co-founder and production manager for Delta.

The Momento Magico 2022 comes in 4 standard colors, available in gold and palladium trim, and the black pens are also available in ruthenium trim. They continued this model in Pietra Salata and Millefiori but discontinued Tramonto (Sunset) or Miele (Honey). DNA is available in gold and silver trim as well.

Top to bottom: Momento Magico 2022 Millefiori, Matte Black, Emerald and Pietra Salata (PC:Leonardo)

The packaging and contents are unchanged for the 2022 Momento Magico - standard black Leonardo box in the yellow Momento Magico box sleeve, along with instructions on filling and how to disassemble, etc.

The biggest difference is that the ink window is no longer visible when the pen is capped. This was something that they got a lot of feedback about so I’m glad that they decided to redesign this.

Leonardo Momento Zero Devil’s Kiss, Momento Magico (Pietra Salata), Momento Magico 2022 (DNA) and Momento Zero Grande Girasole.

The cap band for the 2022 Magicos is the same as the original version. The DNA cap band, however, is different; the design of which is meant to remind you of the handles of the amphorae in ancient Rome which were used to carry water, wine, and other liquids.

The DNA’s cap band, along with the individual number on the back.

The size of the 2022 Magico is the same as the prior version, both capped and uncapped, and ever so slightly longer when posted. Note that the DNA has a transparent gray window with matching trim bands while the regular Magicos have clear ink windows with no trim bands. You can really see how much shorter the 2022 ink window is compared to the original version.

The grip for the 2022 Magico remained unchanged (the uncapped photo is the most accurate depiction of the barrel and grip) and works well for folks who dislike the “bump” in the Momento Zero and Grande models.

Comparison against other similarly sized pens as well as other piston/vac fillers: Platinum 3776, TWSBI 580ALR, Sailor Pro Gear, Pelikan M600, Leonardo Momento Zero, Aurora Optima, Momento Magico, Pelikan M800, Momento Magico DNA, Momento Zero Grande, Esterbrooke Estie, TWSBI Vac 700R, Pilot Custom 823.

I don’t have any Delta Dolce Vita pens, even though I’d love to get one, but the closest I have is the Aurora Optima, O Sole Mio, which is also a black and orange pen. Just for kicks, I compared it to the DNA as well as the Pen Chalet exclusive Leonardo Momento Zero. The resins in the DNA look a bit more like the Aurora’s barrel but the differences could also be due to batch variances.

Left to Right: Aurora Optima, O Sole Mio, Pen Chalet Exclusive LMZ in Glossy Black/Orange with Ruthenium trim, and the Momento Magico DNA.

Like the original Momento Magico as well as the other steel Jowo nibbed Leonardos, this one wrote beautifully out of the box. This was a Fine nib and there were no issues with ink flow or scratchiness.

I inked this beauty up with Ferris Wheel Press Pumpkin Patch which is a great shading ink for different oranges in the barrel.

The Momento Magico 2022 is well-priced at 163EU/199EU with VAT (or 352EU/430 with VAT for the gold nib upgrade) - making this a good deal for a good sized pen that is neither too small nor too big. With the change in the ink window, Leonardo has really made the 2022 Momento Magico a very compelling pen. Now to tell myself I don’t need that Emerald one ;-)

(Stilo e Stile provided this pen to The Pen Addict at a discount for purposes of this review. All of the other pens in this review were purchased with my own funds and received no compensation from Leonardo Officina Italiana or any vendors for this review.)

Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Magico, The OG

Several years ago, Leonardo Officinia Italiana burst onto the fountain pen scene and has been going gangbusters ever since with a variety of colors, models and filling systems, including the Momento Zero and Furore among others. In late May of 2021, they announced their newest model, the Momento Magico, which is a piston filler fountain pen that bridges the gap between the Momento Zero (MZ) and the Momento Zero Grande (MZG).

Now, I know what you’re going to say. You’re probably going to tell me that Leonardo released a new version of the Magico a couple months ago, so why bother writing about a prior version? For starters, I actually wrote this article last year but for one reason or another, it just never made it to the blog. I do plan on reviewing the new Magico (soon, my precious, soon) when it gets to me, but I wanted folks to get a sense of the original version so they can make an informed decision about which one they may like better.

The Magico has a special box sleeve and the pen was enclosed in the standard black Leonardo pen box. Inside, you will find the pen and a booklet for the Magico - on the back, you can scan the code to get instructions on how to disassemble the pen with the piston tool, sold separately.

No mistaking this box sleeve for the regular Momento Zero!

Sizewise, the Magico is the Goldilocks of the Momento Zero family, not too big and not too small in both grip size and length. The Magico is a bit larger than the MZ and a bit smaller than the MZG, both capped and uncapped. Both the MZ and MZG sports a bit of a sloped “step” in the section which some users may find distracting. The Magico has a different grip section which also has a slight flare near the end to prevent fingers from slipping forward, which the other two do not. As an owner of all three models, I have found them equally comfortable, but the Magico may be a better fit for those who don’t like the MZ/MZG grip section.

Left to right: LMZ Pietra Marina, Magico Tropical, MZG Caraibi.

Measurements: Momento Zero (with converter)

Weight (g)

29.50 (capped)

21.36 (uncapped)

Magico

23.61 (capped)

15.72 (uncapped)

Momento Zero Grande

32.00 (capped)

20.24 (uncapped)

The Magico, being a piston filler and larger than the MZ, is surprisingly lighter. This surprised me but I was reminded that the MZ converter is a bit longer and heavier than a regular standard international converter because of the longer, metal knob. It is similar in weight to a Pilot Metropolitan, a touch heavier than the Sailor Pro Gear, and a little lighter than the Esterbrook Estie. This lighter weight can give the impression that it feels less sturdy than its MZ/MZ counterparts. While not necessary for cleaning, one can disassemble the Magico with the Leonardo piston tool (sold separately). I’m not sure I’d want a piston tool to be included with every Magico, especially since they cost ~$35, which would make the price go up.

As piston tools go, this one feels substantial, which is good given its price tag.

As one would expect, the Magico’s Jowo 6 nib wrote great out of the box. The Magico uses the standard plastic feed (the MZG has an ebonite feed) and the nib unit can be unscrewed from the grip section. You can also upgrade to a gold nib. Like the MZG, the Magico also holds 1.5ml of ink. This model also sports a transparent ink window which is visible while capped.

Writing sample from the Stilo e Stile exclusive, Tropical with a Broad steel nib and Akkerman 28, the best bright green ink ever.

The pen comes in several colors/patterns as well as silver or gold trim (though there were exclusives that came in rose gold trim).

The Magico was originally released in these colors: Miele, Tramonto, Pietra Salata, Millefiori, Black Matte and Glossy (Image credit:: Leonardo Pens)

Comparison against other similarly sized pens as well as other piston/vac fillers: Platinum 3776, TWSBI 580, Sailor Pro Gear, Pelikan M600, Leonardo Momento Zero, Aurora Optima, Memento Magico, Pelikan M800, Momento Zero Grande, Esterbrooke Estie, TWSBI Vac 700R, Pilot Custom 823.

Pros

• The Leonardo Momento Magico pen is a great option for folks who want a different grip from the MZ and MZG models and also want a piston filler.
• Unlike earlier models of the MZ, which also used Bock nibs, the Magico’s Jowo nib unit is easily removable, making nib swapping a breeze.
• The Magico was available for ~$200 USD and lower prices may be found now that the 2022 version has been released.

Neutral

• The ink window is visible while capped, which does not affect functionality. This is purely aesthetics which may or may not bother folks.
• The piston tool is not included and is sold separately for ~$35.

Cons

• If you prefer heavier pens, this may not be the best model for you as it is lighter than the other two Leonardo models.
• There is a sizable jump in price for the gold nib, as is the case with all of their models; it would cost an additional ~$200 to upgrade to a gold nib..

In short, the Leonardo Momento Magico is a great pen for folks who don’t love the MZ/MZG grip, and also prefer piston-fillers. If seeing the ink window when it is capped doesn’t bother you, consider snagging one of the original Magicos - especially if you like the Miele or Tramonto patterns. The price was very reasonable before and deals may be found now that the new 2022 model is out. I’m glad I have the OG Magicos and I can’t wait to try the next one!

(All pens in this review were purchased with my own funds and received no compensation from Leonardo Officina Italiana or any vendors for this review.)

Leonardo Momento Zero Mango Fountain Pen Review

Why do I love the Leonardo Momento Zero so much?

Materials, for starters. I mean, look at this Mango model with black trim. I’m not strong enough to take a pass on this one, despite having a few other colorful MZ’s in the library already. The colors are bright and fun, while having a certain depth and complexity upon closer inspection.

Materials aren’t the only external feature that I enjoy - the barrel shape is practically perfect. It is a classic silhouette, with modern refinement. From the slight peaks on the end caps, to the triple-ring cap band, to the simple but stylish clip, it is clear that Leonardo Officina Italiana takes great pride in their manufacturing process.

From a writing perspective, it meets or exceeds all expectations. The Extra Fine steel Jowo nib is tuned perfectly right out of the box, and has a nice firmness - with a medium ink flow - when writing. The black plating is stunning, and doesn’t seem to add to the line width, which I’ve experienced from other plated nibs.

It’s well-balanced in the hand unposted. When posted, it is obviously top-heavy, but it still may be workable for those who like larger pens.

If there is any question about the writing feel, it would be the section design. The upper part of the section is the widest point, which then tapers towards the middle, and finally into a flat area leading to the end of the barrel. I’m not sure I have another pen with this exact shape, but it works well for me. Why? Because I’m a low-gripper by nature. My fingers lock into place as soon as I pick it up, and never budge.

I think you will be fine with a higher grip as well. The barrel threads are relatively tame and never caused me any issue as I moved my grip higher. I do wonder, though, if us low-grippers have a built-in advantage.

Too keep my fawning session rolling, I’ll tell you this: This is my favorite ink converter. Sure, it is simply a Jowo with a fancy metal sleeve over the plastic twist mechanism, but darn it if it doesn’t make me feel special! Oh, by the way, there is a blind cap on the end of barrel for easy access - if you are in to that kind of thing.

Making me feel special is the kicker with the Leonardo Momento Zero. It feels great every time I pick it up and use it. And when I’m not using it, I’m thinking about using it. That’s a clear sign that a pen is perfect for me. Will it be perfect for you? Who knows. But I think it is about as good of a starting point as there is.

The Mango model with black trim retails for $199, and provides great value. Not only do I personally love it, it also ranks as the #2 recommendation on my Top 5 Fountain Pens between $150-$200 list. Additionally, you can find other models, or even the tapered-end Furore model, starting at $169 for some colors - with zero difference in performance.

I’ve been impressed with what Leonardo has brought to an ever-growing fountain pen market since their launch. Luckily for me, and us, they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

(Goldspot provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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