As a staunch #TeamSafari supporter, there is one #TeamAL-Star pen that makes me question my loyalties, and that is the Lamy AL-Star Ballpoint.
The fountain pen models are the star of Lamy’s show in both the Safari and AL-Star lineups, but don’t sleep on the ballpoint option. I reviewed the Safari Ballpoint a few years ago and fell in love with it, and I’m here today to admit the AL-Star ballpoint is ... better.
From a technical perspective, the two ballpoints are identical. Same size, same shape, same awesome knock - all of it. Aesthetically though? The AL-Star is where it is at.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, given the fact that the plastic barrel in the Safari fountain pen is a highlight for me. The plastic barrel in the Safari ballpoint is equally as great. But the design of the AL-Star is better, and better suited for the ballpoint.
Like the AL-Star fountain pen, the ballpoint features a plastic, translucent smoke grey grip section. While that is nice on the fountain pen, I feel that the same grip on the ballpoint synergizes with the ballpoint better. Since it is a knock-type pen, and not capped, the design feels more coherent. You can see the entire pen out in the open, and the grip balances the design well with the end of the pen, and it’s unique knock design.
The lone construction difference between the AL-Star ballpoint and the Safari is that the Safari barrel unscrews right above the front nose cone, and the Al-Star unscrews between the grip section and the barrel. This doesn’t change the usability of the pen in the slightest.
Writing-wise, I’m a Lamy ballpoint refill fan. They are consistently smooth and clean, and I have no issues with them no matter the length of the writing session. The refills are proprietary(-ish), with only Monteverde producing a compatible refill, but still only with ballpoint ink. Monteverde does offer many more colors than Lamy’s Black and Blue stock refills, so they may be worth trying if you enjoy the pen as much as I do.
If there is one area where I will yield to the Safari ballpoint over the AL-Star it is price. At $24, the AL-Star is $10 more than the Safari ballpoint. That is a big number for a relatively low priced pen. Are the style differences worth the price? Yesnomaybe? It is a big ask for two pens that are very close in every other aspect.
I just happen to like the Whitesilver AL-Star more than any recent Safari ballpoint, and it may make me a complete convert to the aluminum side - as least as far as oil-based ink Lamy’s go.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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!
