Red Metallic Gummy CGB 2500

I am always on the lookout for inexpensive pens (by my standards that’s less than 20 USD) that write well, are comfortable to use and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a bonus when I find one that is also sturdy and fun.

The CGB 2500 is a compact pen of 13.5 cm length capped. Its posted length is 14.3 cm. The grip area is between 9 and 10 mm. If you like a “fat” pen then it’s not for you. If you like a pen about the girth and weight of the Pelikan M200, you would probably find this pen quite comfortable.

Having considerable experience with the “inexpensive fountain pen” category, this is one of the best, if not the best, out-of-the-box such experience I’ve had yet. I even post the cap – something I rarely feel comfortable doing with most pens. Unlike all of the other pens in this price range that I’ve tried, the CGB 2500 nib was smooth and wet-writing immediately upon popping in a cartridge.

The design of the 2500 is modern, with a soft, satiny finish that feels rubberized. This is the “gummy” finish, a non-slip, slightly flexible coating that appears to wear very well. “Gummy” is misleading however, this is not the squishy feel of a Sensa “Plasmium” grip but more of a thinly cushioned, rubberized feel. The short section unscrews for cartridge replacement or converter fill. It’s a no-frills pen for the most part.

However, the Indian-made nib is it’s best, most appealing feature. This steel nib with gold plating and “iridium” tipping has classic lines that bystanders would never mistake for a ballpoint pen. The nib has simple but elegant scrollwork. Though it is a “medium” it writes fine-to-medium. It is neither too dry nor too wet writing – as Goldilocks would say, it is “just right.” There’s no flex here. But I think few people buy modern 10-dollar pens for their flexible nibs. The only drawback to the nib design is that it is small at 1.6 cm in length. For reference, that’s about .4 cm shorter than the Pelikan M200 Stainless Steel nib. The fact that you can grip the pen comfortably at any place along the barrel easily compensates for that.

Inexpensive pens are often referred to as “knockabout pens”. Unfortunately, many pens in this category feel fragile or look clunky. While the 2500 is not heavy (only slightly heavier than a Pelikan M200) it is solid. The look is modern but not square or toy-like. The soft surface helps the cap post and close securely and I don’t feel the wobble of the cartridge or converter often found in inexpensive pens and even in some not-so inexpensive pens. The cap and clip are fairly short (4.3 cm and 3.6 cm respectively) which keeps the balance of the pen comfortable when posted.

The 2500 “metallic” gummy is available in three colors: a pleasant red that isn’t too orange, a satin blue and a soft, lovely green. All have gold-plated appointments. The pen also comes in a lacquer finish and translucent gummy finish (the latter has silver-colored appointments and a more contemporary clip.) The 2500 is a corporate distribution pen. It is not sold by the manufacture to the individual consumer but sold in large lots to corporations for use in advertising and gifts. Based on this, its availability will be limited.

CGB 2500 in Lacquer Finishes

I “believe” in this little pen. I believe this pen would thoroughly please people new to the fountain pen world and leery of expensive pens. I believe children and teens could easily pick this pen up and write comfortably even if they’ve never used a fountain pen. I believe I could toss four or five in a bag for a holiday jaunt and never worry about damage to the pen – and not because it is cheap but because it is sturdy.

If you are looking for gifts or stocking stuffers for the coming holidays (Christmas will be here in no time, folks) the CGB 2500 is a great place to start. And pick up a few for yourself while you’re at it.

Giovanni Abrate will be selling the CGB 2500 directly for 9.99 USD. Checkout the Pentrace Market Board or contact Mr. Abrate via email.