The Jinhao x159 • Better in Every Way? • Fountain Pen Review 

Because of your video I will save my money for buying a MB149 and I bought two of these Jinhao X159. God bless you!!!!

Thanks for the review. I have owned the x149 for a month, and I love it. I also own an actual Mb 149, and I am convinced that paying $1000 is not worth it after using the x159. I can't wait until Jinaho produces more colors and has nibs in an extra fine and medium. This pen is a huge hit.

I have smaller hands but I found this pen surprisingly comfortable, thanks to its lighter weight. I’m very glad I got it. I’m looking forward to an extra fine nib.

I think it's Jinhao's best pen yet. truly incredible. had mine for about a month or so. Much more comfortable than the original 159 and the big bouncy nib is a joy to write with.

I have 2 x159s and love them. The redesign and large design to make lighter weight plus the large nib fun to write with. Generally I tend to like less girthy pens but for some reason I find this model very comfortable and good looking plus the price is unbelievably cheap. I can’t wait for more nib options.

I’m a fan of the pen. I’ve had it for about a month and have no complaints. Great review

instant like for the wonderfully sunny background.. :)

Beautiful day for a great pen review!

I've had the x159 for a fee weeks and it's a winner in my hands. My hands are on the larger side and feels comfortable when writing. That steel nib is smooth on my Clairefontaine and Apica paper!

Good review James, thank you. I ordered mine last week. it's at Australian Customs at the moment. I hope it will be cleared quickly.

Thanx for the review. This is my first fountain pen I ever bought. I forget what reviewer talked about it but it convinced me to buy it and you reminded me of how great it is. I have a fine nib but I'm practicing writing on cheap paper that bleeds a lot so i write with it only in reverse position so that the lines are thinner. It's such a great pen and i can write 2 or 3 pages with no problems what so ever. No skips at all. Oh, I'm using parker quink washable. Since this was my first pen, I wanted an ink that could be removed in a wash if it leaked, not knowing anything about fountain pens or inks. My only problem is that it stops writing after about 3 or 4 full pages of 9x12 writing none stop practicing. I turn the plunger down and it will start writing again. I thought that the capillary action of the ink keeps the pen 🖋️ writing and vacuum has nothing to do with it? It's not that the nib is dry because I cap it after every use right away. In 2 days of use, I have filled the pen up twice after the initial fill. If you have any suggestions of how i can fix the stoppage or if this is normal, I would appreciate it. I don't know what my next pen should be since this is perfect. As far as writing, ease of use and refill. Maybe a lamy 2000 if i can save, but extra fine. But will it be that much better i wonder. This pen works so well in reverse and if i want to go thicker, i just have to use it right side up🤣🤣🤣. Again thank you for your review. Oh, two question, does this nib come off? Is there any other great pens for this same price? I might use budo something ink in deep red that drys almost black. Again thank you and e blessed, Leo 🦁

Thank you James for this review. I'm still waiting for my X159 for more than a month now. Actually I just might order another one through a different ebay seller.

Ah, James, you've done it again... mine arrived today! Good first impression: decent line & wetness, much more bearable than some "fine" nibs that're more like gramophone needles! Thank you for the review.

I have a rainbow of Jinhao 159's with an array of original and custom nib combinations. They are tanks with one big weakness, they easily chip and show wear. The Jinhao x159's do not have this problem. They are starting to market color options and I would guess this will expand over time. This is a bit too big for a pocket pen, but it is quickly becoming my go to when I misplace my Pilot Custom 823. I may use x159's even more when the next set of color options I've ordered arrive. I've also found many orphan vintage #7 and #8 nibs on the market to test out. What a dream, an inexpensive, large, reliable pen married to a large gold vintage nib! Heavenly!

I really enjoy my x159. Great weight, very nice writer!

I have a couple of these. I'd not heard of this model until recently and I prefer it to the original 159. There is something about the 159 that always feels "not quite secure". Sometimes it's a less than confident posting, sometimes a leaky feed, sometimes a rattly clip; a combination of issues that collectively mean I've only ever used my several 159s as ink testers or knockaround pens, for when I don't care about the pen or its results. The X159 definitely feels like a welcome and long overdue upgrade to me. It'll be interesting to see if they do something similar with the X450 and X750 in the future.

Always appreciate the reviews and insights. I have one of these and it might be a favorite if it had a medium nib. Don't get me wrong, the fine is actually quite good. But I need a medium nib or broad to write comfortably.

Thank you JG3

I find the X159's section a great improvement over the 159 section in both ergonomics, size and no step, as well as ease of holding on, as the 159 is a bit on the slippery side.

I just got them rather cheaply from Temu. I was pleasantly surprised. I initially put my favorite ink (Akkerman Passage Blauw) in it and had some hard starts. I flushed the pen thouroughly and loaded it up with Waterman Intense black, and the hard starts occasional skips are gone - knock on wood. The weight is perfectly balanced and it feels so nice in the hand (compared to the metal x159). I am surprised because it rivals my Montblanc 149.

I have 5 x159s ordered at different times. 3 silver(bulk, red, blue) and 2 gold colour.(orange, green) I can’t find any seams and the finishes are clean and the metal parts fit well.. The nibs write more smoothly than my pens that cost 10 times more. It's fun having these big boys around.

Excellent and timely review.. I own two Jinhau's and love 'em. Used to be a Cross fan but since they threw their fountain pen customers under the bus with no cartridges...done with that brand. Just wondering if the X159 has a medium nib model available.?

Good review, James, and fully supported by my experience of the pen, that I got about a month ago. In fact, I got two, the price was so low, and was able confidently to give one to a friend at church Sunday.

i have this pen in an XF and really love it!

The fine nib is not a drawback at all, it writes like a medium. And it is 🧈 BUTTER!

Thanks for the review. Very pleased with my new burgundy X159. Also, did you notice that two new colors are now available via ebay. A green color and what looks to be cream color (called gold in the ad). IMPORTANT UPDATE: I was just informed by the ebay seller that the two new colors will not be available until December.

is there any way to change the clip on the old 159?

It's an outstanding pen and when considering its price (~$5) it's a no brainer. There are new colors available now. I also expect an M nib to arrive sometime in the future.

What do you recommend for a really fast drying ink?

Is the 159 metal section with N°6 nib interchangable with the X159 N°8 plastic(?) section? That would give the versatility of all the N°6 nib options in a much lighter pen. Is the N°8 feed injection molded plastic, or is it Ebonite? I may have to try the X159. That classic black is currently the only color option doesn't bother me. Black goes well with most suits and shirts. IMHO most of the available 159 colors don't look as refined as the lacquered bass finish on the X450's (they look like they were painted using a spray can, to be honest 👎), and are too gaudy/bright.

How are you finding the EF nibs on these?

Jinhao X159 is on my wishlist but Im hesitating since I want to get a vintage platinum 200 too.

I own R159 an Indian version of Jinaho X159 made by a company called Rorito, it cost me around 840 Indian rupees (roughly 13$ in 2016). Though the pen little bulky, I love writing using R159, it's butter smooth.

Is Jinhao going to discontinue the original 159?

Aloha James! A well done review. I agree that it's a great pen for the money. While I knew that it was going to be a lighter pen, I was still shocked when I opened up the envelope and pulled out this very light pen. I really wish it didn't have the 3 whole cap rotations to uncap the pen as that is almost a deal breaker. One thing that I noticed and I have yet to see anyone mention this, is the nib has a slight upturn like you find with the PenBBS (F) nib. Am I seeing things? I think, like the PenBBS (F), it makes for a more pleasurable writing experience, although not sure if it adds any "character" to your writing? Let me know what you think James. BTW, your title for the video is the date - August 29, 2022! Mahalo, Thomas

I picked one up as a bargain way to try out a #8 nib. Now I know I don't need to spend $200+ to get a giant nib. Does nothing for me. Besides working perfectly.

I bought one about a month ago. It has dried out while capped twice. Also, I can't put it in a shirt pocket. It dries out as well.

I was recently asked to recommend a fountain pen to spmeone new to them - i recommended a Jinhao X159 and she loved it.

Give me the well-constructed 159, heavy pen any day. I just find a difficult time in fitting the Goulet broad nib #6 with the Jinhao feed.

How does the jinhao x159 compare to the jinhao 80 and 100 regarding drying out? My jinhao 100 dries out very fast and even the converter empties very fast over 2-3 laying around. Thanks in advance

I purchased a 159 2 years ago and that pen nearly put me off buying any more Jinhao pens as it was too heavy and wrote horribly. The X159 is a good pen with its lovely No.8 nib and improved feed. This pen offers incredible value for money, is a nassive improvement on the original 159 model and writes better than many far more expensive pens

I am glad that I came across this. I have been seeing this brand of pen all over Amazon. I have not been sure that this was a reputable company. Glad to know I am wrong. I see several that I would like to buy.

Thanks James. I was waiting for someone to review this peen. My black original 159 separated at the silver ring nib section. I liked its weight and am not put off with the shield and sword clip. I await other nibs esp. A stub on the x159.

Hello I just started watching your videos. I looked up the jinhao pens and looked up reviews on yt and I really appreciated your videos. I’m a super beginner. How do you fill the ink on these pens?

Review is worth the wait. I appreciate the detail you have provided. This pen is wonderful. The weight, the nis is smooth and a great writer. Would you consider this one of the top pens for 2022?

I agree about weight, that really does help.

I rather prefer the old shield and sword clip... I mean, now it looks more generic copycat of the MB 149. But the #8 nib it's really an improvement. Thank you for the video.

James, is the original 159 still worth buying? I have the X159 and it's not a bad pen but, I have seen and read several reviews that seem to make the case that a 159 is still worth having even if not for daily use because of the weight. The reviews kick in the old FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

My jinhao acrylic x159 cap got suddenly broken after few days of delivery from online. Unfortunately, I can't return it due to exceed of due date... Could you please tell me how can I get a new acrylic x159 cap only?

Does it work well on postcards with shiny surfaces?

You seem experienced with ink nibs and I have now bought a Jinhao80 and swapped the nib. But I dream of a Jinhao X159 (similar to the Montblanc 149) because I want to use it to sign my books at my book readings. BUT: it has a #8 nib in fine and I want a wider one, M or B. Do you know where to buy a #8 nib? That would be awesome, right?

Nice review - thanks. I only wish they offered a medium nib (among others). I've shied away from Moonman pens simply for that reason. Perhaps as the popularity of the pen grows they will offer more nib point choices.

Hi friends! I have the x159 and it's by far my favorite pen. Can anybody tell me what ink cartridges are compatible with it? Like what specific thing to order on Amazon. Are the Jinhao branded ink cartridges any good?

Hello James! How this fine compares with Pilot's fine nib? Are they similar kind of fine, or this one writes a bit thicker compared to Pilot, like most of the European or Indian brands?

So the nib on this one does not contain any gold / isn't gold coated/plated, right?

Very nice

My main gripe with the pen is the nib size and that it I can't swap the nib.

Good review. I've had mine for about a month and at first it was scratchy. Worked on the nib with micro mesh and brass sheets and now it's smooth and writes like a broad. I have a MB 149 and have regretted that purchase. I too am waiting for different variations/ colors/ nib sizes of this x159. This pen reminds me more of a sailor king of pen. The x159 other than it's scratchiness wrote right out of the package, no start or skipping issues. My MB 149... Not so much. If and when I will have to send it out to montblanc for " maintenance" and or repair I will simply put it away in storage and chalk it up to a $800 lesson. ouch! By the way my cap on my 149 actually fits ( although not snug ) on my x159 it latches on. What I've come to realize is that you are putting down a ridiculous amount of money just for the snow cap on the cap of the montblanc 149.

I owned the 159 few years ago. It was very good, until the lacquer started flaking off and the threads got ruined so the cap wouldn't work anymore. It was a disappointment, but I did salvage and reuse the nib in another pen. I will definitely try the X159 to see if it fixes the previous issues.

It's an incredible value! I use it with Noodler's X-Feather and it has been a great, everyday workhorse so far.

I just got it. I have but one complain. It write really light and at bigger strokes like signature it just skips. Any leads or suggestion. Thanks

Great review. I have just bought two. One for $17 from AliExpress and the other an impulse buy because it was $6.66 (in my money, about $4 in your money). I note my other JOWO nibs have a M of .85mm and a F of 0.7mm whereas the Jinhao has a M of 0.7mm and a F of 0.5mm (ie. almost one size down from the JOWO). I find the #6 JOWO F to be quite fine and the M not as wide as my Parker M. Looking at your writing the F looks no finer than the JOWO F. What do you think (as far as size goes) comparing with other F nibs? I guess I find out when they arrive.

Hi, nice pen i havE this but its too big for my small hands, imgave it to my husband. Can i ask how the pen size comaored to pelikan m1000 as imi planning tonget the m1000. I havent seen videos comaoring sizes both oens thanks

No one shows how well this pen writes in reverse, i.e. with the nib upside down, on it's back. Jinhao hits a home run again. Bock make number 8 nibs, available from Beaufort Inks here in the UK.

Mine dropped through the door as I was watching this video. Serendipity!

James, many thanks for this review. What a happy coincidence. I just received this pen on Saturday (from a Chinese vendor on eBay), and earlier this evening, a couple of hours before your video posted, I inked it up for the first time (with Diamine Earl Grey) and began writing. My initial reaction is, like yours, quite positive. Ideally, I'd like to be able to have a 1.1mm stub--what would a #8 stub nib be like, I wonder?--but I have no complaints whatever with the #8 Jinhao Fine (my first encounter with a #8 nib). The pen isn't a gusher. but is nicely wet, with a resulting line that more resembles that of a Western Medium than a Japanese Fine--which is alright with me. Funnily enough, although I've never been tempted to purchase a Jinhao 159, the x159 might well become one of my favorite Jinhaos, along with the 100 Centennial. Incidentally, tonight I noticed that this model is now available in both dark blue and wine red (both with gold trim) as well as the standard black with silver trim. It may well be that Jinhao will eventually offer the x159 in other colors/ nibs/ design options, as they have done with most of their previous models. ~ Thanks again, & best wishes, John Drexel

I recently bought an x159 in a burgundy color and I find that its nib skips a lot. It is not as good as reviewers presenting in many videos.

I got one of these as I just couldn't pass up adding it to my Jinhao collection for the price. Although, I was certain this will not be a daily writer for me. I'll give it a fill and use up at least one fill of ink through it, but for my hand and style, it really is like writing with a very lightweight baseball bat. Just too big for my comfort. Still, I agree it's an outstanding value for the price. If someone is dying to try a #8 nib, I'd heartily recommend this as their first shot at it!

Is it available in broad or double broad ?

I find the new x159 resembles the elephant in the room very closely. The weight is almost identical [by hand]. If I closed my eyes, I could nto tell the difference unless I unscrewed the cap :). The nib quality is so so, but you can smooth it with sandpaper a bit. Overall, great value!

Its interesting that Montblanc 149 is seen as having its design "stolen" or "cloned" by this, and a number of other similar pens. However it is equally arguable that the Montblanc is "stolen" from any number of similar designs from the likes of Reminton, Carter, and many other companies, many now long since defunct, going back to the 1930s. The Jinhao is indeed similar to the Monblanc, and the model number is an obvious nod to the Montblanc, but nobody is ever going to try to pretend that a five dollar pen is going to be confused with a five hundred dollar pen. Do I like the Jinhao 159? Yes. In fact I just splashed the $5 or so to get my hands on one. If I loose it, I wont loose any sleep, but if I loose a five hundred dollar Montblanc, I would be crying into my beer for a month. The Jinhao is more practical, but the Montblanc is a way more refined instrument.

Un tiempo después de tenerla en uso permanente tengo que decir que el plástico se raya con mucha facilidad. Ahora tengo mis tres plumas x159 y todas ellas tienen mas rayones que mi Montblanc 146 que tengo hace 37 años y que también uso en forma habitual. Al ritmo que van, estimo que en menos de 1 año van a parecer MUY VIEJAS y MALTRATADAS. Hay que decir lo bueno y lo malo y esto de la falta de resistencia a los rayones es malo. Cordial saludo

Old one looks better to me, but I have old one and they are solid writers, let's see how these new one write.

had to adjust the nib manually

What ink does it take? I just order

Eyedropper refill?

My cap opened in 3/4 turn. Which was very disappointing to me. The more the turn, the more secure the cap is what I believe. I bought mine more than an year ago. If Jinhao made changes great.

Looks like a wonderful pen. Although while you were writing it seems a bit on the noisy side. (That could be just that it is a fine nib.)

i see Conklin and Ranga in the background

I also liked my x159 when I got it, then I compared with my Montblanc 146. Shouldn’t have done that..

Only complaint are the too many treads!!!! Great video.

For those who just have to argue it, there is no rational path that leads us from using the Jinhao x159 pen to the conclusion that the MontBlanc 149 is overpriced. There is no relationship that places the sub 1K dollars pen adjacent to the sub 10 dollars copy. Comparing apples to oranges? If a pen writes well and costs say $1 does that make any other more expensive pen overpriced? Something may be said to be overpriced when that same item is available for much less elsewhere. I just bought a Jinhao x159 and it wrote very well, right out of the bubble wrap. I could sell my 1976 MontBlanc 149 which I bought new and is nearly in mint condition for more than $500. I wouldn't, of course.

The more that I write with this nib, the less I like it. I compare it to my Jinhao 100 with a stainless steel no. 5 two-tone nib. To me it is the difference between riding a bicycle with under-inflated tires and a bicycle with properly inflated tires. The Jinhao x159 nib is too squishy and takes too much effort to push around. It is also unforgiving. If the nib is not contacting the paper just right, it skips.

Jinhao X159 is far superior than abnormally high priced steel nib fountain pens coming from the stable of various other makers.

I am divided about this. I think we should respect intellectual property rights and this is an egregious knock-off. At the same time Moby Blanc does itself no favours by making misleading claims about “precious resin” (contradiction in terms?) and massive mark-ups (compare Mont Blanc to Pelikan). The Jinhao represents everything that is wrong about the Chinese economy. They do a great job of knocking-off everybody’s IP and struggle to innovate themselves.