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.)

Laban Rosa Lilac Fountain Pen Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter. And check out her latest book, Out of Water, now available where books are sold!)

I have no previous experience with Laban Pens, but in my browsing to find specs for this beauty, I feel a strong need to become better acquainted with the brand. This Laban Rosa fountain pen certainly serves as an excellent ambassador to further enabling.

The Rosa has an acrylic body, this one in the Lilac colorway, with gold-toned furniture. The body tapers slightly and has gently pointed finials. There are narrow rings at each end, and then a wider cap band with the Laban name against a matte gold background. There is a shaped gold clip that is quite stiff, but holds a notebook cover or pen case very securely.

The cap screws off with two rotations and shows a grip section made of the same material as the body. It's a comfortable section that is very slightly flared at the end to prevent fingers from slipping toward the nib. The threads are smooth and the pen is light and balanced, so it's great for long writing sessions.

The nib is a two-toned steel with the Laban name on it with some pretty scrollwork. This one is a fine nib, and it writes like a true fine. The nib does have a bit of spring to it, but I wouldn't call it flexible. It has just enough give to not feel like a nail. It writes a decently wet line, but has a dry-feeling feedback. If you like feedback, but dislike dry nibs, this is a win.

It comes with a converter for filling, but would also take a standard cartridge. The converter has the Laban name printed on it. It holds a decent amount of ink, filled well, and has a good seal.

I've enjoyed writing with this pen for the past few weeks. It doesn't hurt that this material is my two favorite colors, so I was immediately stricken by its loveliness. There are a lot of these standard acrylic pens out there these days, but I can't get enough of them. This one is well-made with a particularly pretty material, and the price is better than most of the similar pens I've tried.

The Laban brand runs the gamut on price range for their pens, but this one retails for a very reasonable $140, and is currently available at Goldspot for $111.95. Other colors are available at the same price. I'm very glad to have been introduced to Laban with this pen and I've now got my eye on more of their lineup.

(Goldspot provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Laban Solar Fountain Pen Review

It's been quite a while since I've reviewed a Laban fountain pen, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested in what they're doing. Laban is a luxury brand, but the quality and prices that they set for their products provide a great value. On top of that, they've been fun to use in my experience.

The Laban Solar fountain pen is one that I just can't keep my hands off. The orange anodized aluminum is perfect, and the nib is smooth and responsive out of the box. It wasn't love at first sight, though.

The matte orange finish on the body and cap are stellar, but I still can't help but cringe a little when I uncap the pen and unveil the super reflective grip section. If the grip section and clip were a matte silver finish, I'd be completely in love with this pen. In the current iteration, though, the shiny chrome-like finish creates an unsavory contrast with the matte exterior.

Despite the reflective quality of the section finish, it feels great once it's in your hands. There's a unique knurling pattern that looks rough to the naked eye, but it's actually fairly smooth and tactile against your fingertips. Holding this pen and writing is a very comfortable experience. I'm guessing that this feels smooth because of how small the knurling pattern is. My finger tips don't have the microscopic resolution to detect a harsh edge anywhere on the grip. I thought for sure that it would feel like the rigid side of a hook-and-loop panel, but it just so happens that I really enjoy writing with it.

The pen caps with a smooth twist mechanism. It takes approximately 2 complete turns to uncap or cap the pen, so you can be sure that it won't open accidentally while in your bag or pockets. You can post the cap on the back of the pen, but I find that it's a little too long and awkward in this setup. I prefer to hold the cap or set it to the side when writing. The unposted length and balance of the pen is perfect for my writing grip.

The nib on this pen is a Laban steel EF with a reflective finish that's similar to the grip section. Aside from the Laban branding, there's an "IRIDIUM" etched onto the nib as well. Unfortunately, the nib size isn't etched onto the nib, so don't forget what it is after it's been stored a while!

The etching on the nib isn't the only place you'll find Laban branding. The Laban name is also printed in very small lettering right under the end of the clip at the bottom of the cap. It's a very tasteful placement and size for the logo that allows the real star of the show to take center stage — that color and finish.

At under $65, this pen is a steal for what you get. The quality of materials and fit/finish alone are worth this price. Along with the pen, you receive a standard cartridge-converter so you can fill the pen with whatever ink you like. Major hat tip to Laban for including this with the pen. You can pick from EF, F, M, and B nibs as well as lots of different colors for the pen exterior, but I think orange is the correct choice in this case.

The Laban Solar makes a fantastic gift for someone else, or a fantastic treat for yourself. If the aesthetic speaks to you, the pen will certainly deliver on the writing front if you choose to pick one up.

(Goldspot provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!