[ulysses]

Gel pens were amazing when I first tried one.

My path went crappy pens -> Pilot ballpoint -> Pilot gel -> Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen.

Not having to exert pressure makes such a difference to me that my handwriting immediately improved when I started using fountain pens. I've even had friends comment on it. "Wait, I can read your handwriting."

[LyndsySimon]

Same here. My path went crappy pens -> Pilot G2 -> 0.38mm Pilot G2 mini, imported via Amazon -> fountain pens -> completely obsessed with vintage writing instruments.

Sitting in a hammock beside the river, hacking on a Pyramid app, I have four fountain pens on my person - a Kaweco Lilliput, a Pilot Stargazer, a Pilot Falcon, and a Pilot Vanishing Point.

Fountain pens make the experience much different for me, and I actively dislike using someone else's pen now.

[parley]

Yeah, the difference in pressure required is a huge part of it! I feel that a lot with gel pens. I also really love the clear, legible lines.

Interesting about your moving on to a fountain pen. Now I feel inspired to look up that local pen expert and go do some more experimenting!

[frabert]

I got so used to fountain pens that ordinary ball pens feel like writing on sand to me. Interestingly, I like my cheapo Pelikan fountain pen better than the Parkers