S T Dupont Defi Mellenium

S.T. Dupont Défi Millennium — Review Summary

The Défi Millennium is S.T. Dupont’s comparatively accessible fountain pen, priced at $348. The reviewer considers it a well-made, stylish introduction to the luxury brand, without feeling that its lower price compromises quality.

Features and design

• French-made, with a metal body and lacquered finish.
• Sleek, retro-inspired design with a hooded stainless-steel nib, available only in medium.
• The reviewed finish is matte black lacquer with gunmetal-chrome trim. Other finishes include matte orange, polished black, matte red, polished blue with chrome trim, and matte black with gunmetal trim.
• The cap has seven subtle grooves, a spring-action clip, and a magnetic closure. The magnet is in the section and holds the cap securely while still allowing it to be removed easily.
• It is a cartridge/converter model that accepts standard international cartridges. A converter is included.
• The pen can be used unposted, and the cap posts securely, though posting makes it slightly back-heavy.
• The trim attracts fingerprints and needs occasional wiping.

Writing and handling

The medium nib writes on the fine side of medium. The reviewer found it smooth, with moderate ink flow and no significant line variation. The feed kept up adequately during fast writing. Reverse writing is possible, but it is not a particular strength.

The section is slick, but its stepped shape helped the reviewer maintain a stable grip when holding the pen farther back. Gripping too far forward caused the underside of the hand to catch on the angled section.

The pen is slimmer than the reviewer generally prefers, but he grew to like its profile and styling.

Pros

• Distinctive, refined retro styling, especially the hooded nib.
• Solid construction and good writing performance for a steel nib.
• Secure magnetic cap and functional clip.
• More affordable than other S.T. Dupont models while still feeling true to the brand.
• The reviewer felt the steel nib performed well enough that he did not miss having a gold nib.

Cons and cautions

• The chrome trim is a fingerprint magnet.
• The magnet may affect nearby magnetic or metal objects. The included warning advises keeping the pen away from credit cards, phones, and magnet-sensitive medical devices. The reviewer specifically cautions people with pacemakers about carrying it in a shirt pocket.
• The reviewer would have liked a gold nib, though he notes that it could have raised the price.
• The section’s shape may not suit a forward grip, and posting adds a little weight to the back.
• An ink-filling mishap occurred because the reviewer filled a spacer cartridge with no closed end, causing ink to spill. This was user error, not a pen defect.

Comparisons

The reviewer compares the design broadly with a Visconti Pininfarina pen and a Pininfarina PF2. He also shows it alongside a Sailor Pro Gear, Pilot Custom 823, Diplomat Aero, and Leonardo Momento Zero for size and appearance.

Like the Visconti Mirage he had recently reviewed, the Défi Millennium is presented as a luxury brand’s lower-priced entry point. The reviewer considers the S.T. Dupont a good value within its lineup, though not inexpensive overall.

Verdict

The reviewer was very pleased with the Défi Millennium. He recommends it as a polished, well-performing entry into S.T. Dupont’s range for someone drawn to its slimmer, retro design and hooded nib. Its main compromises are the steel-only nib, fingerprint-prone trim, and the need to take care around the magnetic cap.

Speaker’s perspective: The review is presented by one reviewer, who emphasizes the pen’s design and writing quality while noting its slim feel and magnetic- and fingerprint-related drawbacks.