I was hesitant to buy a Gravitas Monster because I saw a lot of users online mention how fragile the barrel is. Essentially if you drop it from even a short distance, the acrylic barrel is toast. At this price point, a pen so fragile sounded like a bad move. But I REALLY wanted one because it looks so cool, its got a huge ink capacity, and some reviewers said the nib is very well tuned right out of the box. The positive nib reviews and the fact that there is an Ultem version sold me on this pen.
Instead of going with the acrylic barreled version, I opted for the Ultem barrel with titanium. I haven't dropped it yet, as I am careful to keep it in the padded case it came in, and I only use it when I am seated at a desk.
I got an extra fine nib, and loaded it up with Pilot Iroshizuki grey ink. This giant #8 extra fine nib is an absolute pleasure to write with. It is so smooth and so consistent across my fountain pen friendly papers. (Colorverse notebook, Endless notebook, and leuchtturm notebook) I love the weight and feel of this pen in my hand. I can only describe it as, "solidly and definitively present." But it's not taxing to write with it for long periods. I love it so much I have to fight the urge to buy the green Monster with the acrylic barrel.
