The Explorer is a new fountain pen from Pilot, released in early 2019. It’s very similar to the popular Pilot Metropolitan, but it’s made of a lighter, plastic body. Additionally the Explorer is a bit more expensive then the Metro, it’s lighter, and its wider.
Please note, Pilot had another Explorer, an odd ballpoint pen from the 1990s. That pen is rarely seen these days and seems unrelated to this newly released fountain pen.
The Explorer has the look and feel of aluminum, but it’s fully plastic which is why it’s so light. This is also why it only comes in metallic colors: these even look like anodized colors so you get cool, modern-looking metallic shades rather than a more traditional paint job. It’s one of those things you either love or hate. The pen has black plastic parts at the top and bottom that contrast with the brights colored plastic of the body. The clip is matte black as well, but it’s made of metal, not plastic.
The steel nib seems to be essentially the same as the one used on the Metropolitan and the Kakuno. It’s sold in fine and medium sizes.
The Explorer comes with a black metal gift case and a single black Pilot cartridge. No converter is included with the pen.
This is a very nice looking pen, but it feels super light in your hand. This isn’t always a problem but it can feel cheap as well and in all likelihood it will bot be very durable, which is unfortunate because it’s a very good looking pen. What’s odd if that the Metropolitan is made of metal, is much heavier, and has withstood the test of time, but costs considerably less than the Explorer.
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Information
| Street Price | Check Price |
| Manufacturer | Pilot |
| Pen Type | Fountain Pen | Cartridge/Converter |
| Rating | |
| Barrel Color | Blue, Green, Pink, Red, Grey, Aqua |
| Barrel Material | Plastic |
| Body Diameter (mm) | 12.5 mm |
| Grip Color | Black |
| Grip Material | Plastic |
| Grip Diameter (mm) | 10.0 mm |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| MSRP | $29.50 |
| Still Sold | Yes |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Similar To | |
| Refills | |
| Capped? Retractable? | Capped |
| Clip? | Metal |
| Length Capped / Retracted (cm) | 14.2 |
| Length Posted (cm) | 16.1 cm |
| Length Uncapped (cm) | 12.9 cm |
| Weight (g) | 14.3 |
| Nib Material | Steel |
| Nib Color | Silver |
| Nib Sizes | Fine, Medium |