The PILOT Explorer is an everyday writing companion for when you're out and about, so you're always ready when inspiration strikes. It has a stainless steel nib so you can always enjoy a smooth writing experience, and a sliding cap seal mechanism that keeps it protected. It comes in a gift case, making it a beautiful present idea for a loved one.
The PILOT Explorer is an everyday writing companion for when you're out and about, so you're always ready when inspiration strikes. It has a stainless steel nib so you can always enjoy a smooth writing experience, and a sliding cap seal mechanism that keeps it protected. It comes in a gift case, making it a beautiful present idea for a loved one.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Metallic Emerald Blue Medium right now is $37.00 at deskbandit.com, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $21.25 on 3 June 2024 — today's price is 74% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 9 Nov 2026.
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Metallic Emerald Blue Medium
The PILOT Explorer is an everyday writing companion for when you're out and about, so you're always ready when inspiration strikes. It has a stainless steel nib so you can always enjoy a smooth writing experience, and a sliding cap seal mechanism that keeps it protected. It comes in a gift case, making it a beautiful present idea for a loved one.
The PILOT Explorer is an everyday writing companion for when you're out and about, so you're always ready when inspiration strikes. It has a stainless steel nib so you can always enjoy a smooth writing experience, and a sliding cap seal mechanism that keeps it protected. It comes in a gift case, making it a beautiful present idea for a loved one.
Last updated at 09/11/2026 14:20:24
Explorer (Metallic Emerald Blue) - Medium
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Metallic Emerald Blue Barrel Medium Nib
Delivery between Wed – Mon $22
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen - Medium - Choose Your Pen
Free delivery
originally posted on gouletpens.com
Loved this pen at first. Was my EDC pen - great for a pocket pen, lightweight and reliable. But then the cap stopped clipping shut. Now it's no longer in my pocket as the cap can and does slip off easily. I've heard a cracked/broken cap liner can cause this slippage in pens and can be fixed by disassembling and taping the liner but I couldn't get the Explorer cap apart to try that. Sad because I liked this pen....
originally posted on gouletpens.com
Despite being a Pilot fan, I’d avoided the Explorer for a long time. Like Drew mentioned in a PenCast, I also don’t like the combination of solid body and transparent section. Then I found out about the clear version, and I paired it with a black CON-70 converter. Looks pretty cool with the black cap. (And the CON-70 is a breeze to clean with a syringe.)It’s a Pilot M, so it writes well. I’ve been using it to test samples and haven’t had any problems with any inks. It’s smooth with no hard starts or skipping. I have a Metro F (same nib, different grind) I prefer to write with in general as it seems both smoother and bouncier, but I think I have a particularly good nib on that one. The Explorer grip seems slightly larger than the Metro grip, but the Metro seems to ... MoreDespite being a Pilot fan, I’d avoided the Explorer for a long time. Like Drew mentioned in a PenCast, I also don’t like the combination of solid body and transparent section. Then I found out about the clear version, and I paired it with a black CON-70 converter. Looks pretty cool with the black cap. (And the CON-70 is a breeze to clean with a syringe.)It’s a Pilot M, so it writes well. I’ve been using it to test samples and haven’t had any problems with any inks. It’s smooth with no hard starts or skipping. I have a Metro F (same nib, different grind) I prefer to write with in general as it seems both smoother and bouncier, but I think I have a particularly good nib on that one. The Explorer grip seems slightly larger than the Metro grip, but the Metro seems to have a better shape somehow. For me, both grips are too small to write with for long periods, though. YMMV, of course. I think the finish on the Metros looks nicer when new, but it does scratch. I don't know for sure, but I feel like the material on the Explorer will look newer for longer.They’re both easy to use and maintain. The snap caps make it easy to take quick notes or use in the classroom when I walk around and check student work. I'd say if you're on a more limited budget or prefer smaller and heavier, get the Metro. If you can spend a little more and like the ability to use a CON-70, get the Explorer. They're both fun.
originally posted on gouletpens.com
I'll be honest - the Explorer never really tempted me until the latest batch of colors came out. The clear one won out over the metallic ones for me - it's just a great-looking demonstrator. (Side note: the much darker translucent section is good for me - if I can't see every last spot of ink with crystal clarity, I won't obsess over them as much while cleaning. It also keeps up the pen's interesting transparent-and-black aesthetic.)I got a medium nib, and it's typical Pilot - smooth, great quality out of the box. They're about as consistent as it gets.Small details: the clip is sturdy but fits easily over thick material. The capping-uncapping action is really satisfying - has a "soft" feel. Posting is excellent, and the pen is light and balanced enough that ... MoreI'll be honest - the Explorer never really tempted me until the latest batch of colors came out. The clear one won out over the metallic ones for me - it's just a great-looking demonstrator. (Side note: the much darker translucent section is good for me - if I can't see every last spot of ink with crystal clarity, I won't obsess over them as much while cleaning. It also keeps up the pen's interesting transparent-and-black aesthetic.)I got a medium nib, and it's typical Pilot - smooth, great quality out of the box. They're about as consistent as it gets.Small details: the clip is sturdy but fits easily over thick material. The capping-uncapping action is really satisfying - has a "soft" feel. Posting is excellent, and the pen is light and balanced enough that posting doesn't back-weight it much. Section might be thin for some (similar to the Metro diameter-wise) but works well for me. I'm using a CON-40 at the moment, but it can take the beefy CON-70 as well. It feels nice in the hand.Minor quibbles: The step is by no means sharp - certainly far less so than on the Metropolitan - but the plastic on the barrel right up against the barrel isn't exactly the smoothest. I don't like the "super quality" on the nib, but I forget all about that when actually writing. (Plus I could always replace it...but why?)To sum up: if you've been on the fence about this one, or if you're looking for a first Pilot pen, why not give it a go now? It's lightweight, balanced, and can fit the whole range of Pilot converters. The demonstrator model lets you know right away when it's time to refill...and it also looks pretty slick.
| Capped / Retractactable | Capped |
| Clippable | Yes |
| Clip Material | Plastic |
| Converter Compatible | Yes |
| Pen Type | Fountain Pens |
Explorer (Metallic Emerald Blue) - Medium
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen Metallic Emerald Blue Barrel Medium Nib
Delivery between Wed – Mon $22
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen - Medium - Choose Your Pen
Free delivery
Loved this pen at first. Was my EDC pen - great for a pocket pen, lightweight and reliable. But then the cap stopped clipping shut. Now it's no longer in my pocket as the cap can and does slip off easily. I've heard a cracked/broken cap liner can cause this slippage in pens and can be fixed by disassembling and taping the liner but I couldn't get the Explorer cap apart to try that. Sad because I liked this pen....
Despite being a Pilot fan, I’d avoided the Explorer for a long time. Like Drew mentioned in a PenCast, I also don’t like the combination of solid body and transparent section. Then I found out about the clear version, and I paired it with a black CON-70 converter. Looks pretty cool with the black cap. (And the CON-70 is a breeze to clean with a syringe.)It’s a Pilot M, so it writes well. I’ve been using it to test samples and haven’t had any problems with any inks. It’s smooth with no hard starts or skipping. I have a Metro F (same nib, different grind) I prefer to write with in general as it seems both smoother and bouncier, but I think I have a particularly good nib on that one. The Explorer grip seems slightly larger than the Metro grip, but the Metro seems to ... MoreDespite being a Pilot fan, I’d avoided the Explorer for a long time. Like Drew mentioned in a PenCast, I also don’t like the combination of solid body and transparent section. Then I found out about the clear version, and I paired it with a black CON-70 converter. Looks pretty cool with the black cap. (And the CON-70 is a breeze to clean with a syringe.)It’s a Pilot M, so it writes well. I’ve been using it to test samples and haven’t had any problems with any inks. It’s smooth with no hard starts or skipping. I have a Metro F (same nib, different grind) I prefer to write with in general as it seems both smoother and bouncier, but I think I have a particularly good nib on that one. The Explorer grip seems slightly larger than the Metro grip, but the Metro seems to have a better shape somehow. For me, both grips are too small to write with for long periods, though. YMMV, of course. I think the finish on the Metros looks nicer when new, but it does scratch. I don't know for sure, but I feel like the material on the Explorer will look newer for longer.They’re both easy to use and maintain. The snap caps make it easy to take quick notes or use in the classroom when I walk around and check student work. I'd say if you're on a more limited budget or prefer smaller and heavier, get the Metro. If you can spend a little more and like the ability to use a CON-70, get the Explorer. They're both fun.
I'll be honest - the Explorer never really tempted me until the latest batch of colors came out. The clear one won out over the metallic ones for me - it's just a great-looking demonstrator. (Side note: the much darker translucent section is good for me - if I can't see every last spot of ink with crystal clarity, I won't obsess over them as much while cleaning. It also keeps up the pen's interesting transparent-and-black aesthetic.)I got a medium nib, and it's typical Pilot - smooth, great quality out of the box. They're about as consistent as it gets.Small details: the clip is sturdy but fits easily over thick material. The capping-uncapping action is really satisfying - has a "soft" feel. Posting is excellent, and the pen is light and balanced enough that ... MoreI'll be honest - the Explorer never really tempted me until the latest batch of colors came out. The clear one won out over the metallic ones for me - it's just a great-looking demonstrator. (Side note: the much darker translucent section is good for me - if I can't see every last spot of ink with crystal clarity, I won't obsess over them as much while cleaning. It also keeps up the pen's interesting transparent-and-black aesthetic.)I got a medium nib, and it's typical Pilot - smooth, great quality out of the box. They're about as consistent as it gets.Small details: the clip is sturdy but fits easily over thick material. The capping-uncapping action is really satisfying - has a "soft" feel. Posting is excellent, and the pen is light and balanced enough that posting doesn't back-weight it much. Section might be thin for some (similar to the Metro diameter-wise) but works well for me. I'm using a CON-40 at the moment, but it can take the beefy CON-70 as well. It feels nice in the hand.Minor quibbles: The step is by no means sharp - certainly far less so than on the Metropolitan - but the plastic on the barrel right up against the barrel isn't exactly the smoothest. I don't like the "super quality" on the nib, but I forget all about that when actually writing. (Plus I could always replace it...but why?)To sum up: if you've been on the fence about this one, or if you're looking for a first Pilot pen, why not give it a go now? It's lightweight, balanced, and can fit the whole range of Pilot converters. The demonstrator model lets you know right away when it's time to refill...and it also looks pretty slick.
I like the pen. It looks great. It is made of plastic, so be aware. It is a slender pen, and very light weight. It would be a good pen for someone just starting with fountain pens to transition away from the slender roller ball and ball point pens. The "metallic" red color is nice and appealing.A couple of down sides, it does not come with a converter, but it does come with a proprietary ink cartridge. I would definitely use the ink cartridge, but teach or explain how to refill cartridges to a recipient if giving as a gift. Will go much further with bottled ink rather than a few blah cartridge colors.I ordered a medium nib, but it write really fine. So, if someone likes fine nibs, no issue, but I can imagine the fine nib being super fine. It only has the choice ... MoreI like the pen. It looks great. It is made of plastic, so be aware. It is a slender pen, and very light weight. It would be a good pen for someone just starting with fountain pens to transition away from the slender roller ball and ball point pens. The "metallic" red color is nice and appealing.A couple of down sides, it does not come with a converter, but it does come with a proprietary ink cartridge. I would definitely use the ink cartridge, but teach or explain how to refill cartridges to a recipient if giving as a gift. Will go much further with bottled ink rather than a few blah cartridge colors.I ordered a medium nib, but it write really fine. So, if someone likes fine nibs, no issue, but I can imagine the fine nib being super fine. It only has the choice between fine and medium nibs.The price seems heavy, but remember, the Metropolitan is joining it in price, so both are good choices for starter/beginner pens. If giving as a gift, I'd consider whether a person is used to having slender pens or likes a little bit more shape as to whether to go with the Explorer or the Metropolitan (although I think the Metropolitan does come with a squeeze converter - but I'd still use refilled cartridges for the ink capacity).Overall, the Explorer is a decent pen and I like it. It won't be my daily use, but it has its place in my collection.
I absolutely love how this pen writes. I appreciate the consistency of the Pilot nibs, which have been so smooth and reliable. I ordered the Explorer with the Con 70 converter, intending to use it as an EDC pen for work. Since I have received it, it has been on my nightstand with a small notebook for jotting down the odd note. A few days ago, the cap of the pen stopped clicking into place. There is almost no detente or resistance felt now when you cap the pen, and the slightest touch releases the cap from the body. I can no longer expect to use this pen, which is very disappointing. I know it is a cheap $23 pen, but it is only days old. I received it 7 days ago! It is impossible to carry this pen anywhere and expect the cap to remain in place. It is an ink disaster ... MoreI absolutely love how this pen writes. I appreciate the consistency of the Pilot nibs, which have been so smooth and reliable. I ordered the Explorer with the Con 70 converter, intending to use it as an EDC pen for work. Since I have received it, it has been on my nightstand with a small notebook for jotting down the odd note. A few days ago, the cap of the pen stopped clicking into place. There is almost no detente or resistance felt now when you cap the pen, and the slightest touch releases the cap from the body. I can no longer expect to use this pen, which is very disappointing. I know it is a cheap $23 pen, but it is only days old. I received it 7 days ago! It is impossible to carry this pen anywhere and expect the cap to remain in place. It is an ink disaster waiting to happen. So very disappointing.
I absolutely love my Metropolitan and Prera and jumped on the chance to add this new entry to my collection. It’s the same smooth, consistent, pleasant writer you expect out of a Pilot steel nib with a very pleasant grip section that isn’t anything fancy but allows me long writing sessions with comfort. And the weight and posted length are superb! It’s very light and just feels right in my smaller than average hands, a nice improvement over the Metropolitan that I find to be on the slightly heavier and cumbersome end when posted.My only gripe is that the pen has a rather cheap feel when compared to the similarly priced Metropolitan. It’s perfectly appropriate for the price but buyer be warned if that’s a deal breaker. I’d dock a half star if I could but it’s so ... MoreI absolutely love my Metropolitan and Prera and jumped on the chance to add this new entry to my collection. It’s the same smooth, consistent, pleasant writer you expect out of a Pilot steel nib with a very pleasant grip section that isn’t anything fancy but allows me long writing sessions with comfort. And the weight and posted length are superb! It’s very light and just feels right in my smaller than average hands, a nice improvement over the Metropolitan that I find to be on the slightly heavier and cumbersome end when posted.My only gripe is that the pen has a rather cheap feel when compared to the similarly priced Metropolitan. It’s perfectly appropriate for the price but buyer be warned if that’s a deal breaker. I’d dock a half star if I could but it’s so minor that I’d rather give it an extra half star than dock a full star. I also wish it came with the CON-40 vs the squeeze bladder.Lastly, huge shout out to Adrianne from Goulet Pens who helped me process a quick and easy exchange when I discovered that I had accidentally ordered a Fine instead of a Medium! Gotta love that Goulet 5-star service!
With this Explorer, I now own two. Writing with this pen is not an issue with me. The fine nib on this one and the medium on my other one perform well on 20-lb copy paper and even on some heavier newsprint. There's a little feedback but no real scratchiness. My only issue is the seeming fragility of the body. It's just a little too lightweight for my taste. I'll probably keep these in a cup and use them to try new inks. Or to introduce fountain pens to grandchildren.
I’m not exactly new to fountain pens as I had one gifted to me 40 years ago. I don’t know what name brand it was, and believe it was an extra fine nib - which I found to be scratchy & very difficult to use. I cleaned it, packed it away for a few years and would eventually purchase another pack of cartridges to give my little pen another try, only to have similar results. The person who gifted the pen to me never taught me to hold it differently than a ballpoint and never taught me to use higher quality paper. So I continued my process of trying to learn these things every few years, eventually gifting the pen to someone else who was very enthusiastic about testing it out themself.Fast forward to January 2022 when a Goulet video dropped into my YouTube account… I ... MoreI’m not exactly new to fountain pens as I had one gifted to me 40 years ago. I don’t know what name brand it was, and believe it was an extra fine nib - which I found to be scratchy & very difficult to use. I cleaned it, packed it away for a few years and would eventually purchase another pack of cartridges to give my little pen another try, only to have similar results. The person who gifted the pen to me never taught me to hold it differently than a ballpoint and never taught me to use higher quality paper. So I continued my process of trying to learn these things every few years, eventually gifting the pen to someone else who was very enthusiastic about testing it out themself.Fast forward to January 2022 when a Goulet video dropped into my YouTube account… I started watching the instructional videos and decided to purchase a couple beginner range pens with fine and medium nibs so I can give it another try with my newfound knowledge. I also imagine fountain pens have improved in the past 40 years.Upon receiving my pens (Pilot Explorer, Platimun Plaisir and Clairefontaine notebook) I found everything to be PERFECT right out of the package! I’m loving my new pens, the videos (informative and entertaining!) and Goulet Pen Company. I love my new pens and will be purchasing more as I rediscover fountain pens. Thank you for outstanding service and a wonderful experience overall.
i'm a big fan of the Pilot Explorer. They just get to work and do it every time. I dont do a lot of long writing sessions, I need to write 1-2 sentences, often, so I prefer the pull cap to unscrewing a cap. The nibs work well and feel good whether I'm writing slowly and clearly, writing a quick fast note, or drawing a sketch or something I'm planning/building. I prefer these to Lamy Safari, TWSBI Eco, Pilot Metropolitan, or Platinum Preppy as a beginner or "Relatively inexpensive hard use" pen.
If I hold the clear Explorer near my computer or tablet screens (both IPS LCD), especially when they display a lot of white light, I get this "oil-on-water" iridescence. If your monitor emits polarized light, I imagine you would see this effect, too. I love this pen. The plastic body feels a lot sturdier than I would have expected. The snap cap is subtle but satisfying. You get a demonstrator that holds a massive CON-70 and can take a nib (including a 1.0 stub) from other Pilot pens (Penmanship, Kakuno, Metropolitan, Prera). And Pilot's quality control is always fantastic. It's a little on the light side, but putting a CON-70 in it and posting the cap helps it feel more substantial.
| Capped / Retractactable | Capped |
| Clippable | Yes |
| Clip Material | Plastic |
| Converter Compatible | Yes |
| Pen Type | Fountain Pens |
