If you already own a $9 Jinhao X750 or Jinhao 82 and want to see how good a modern Chinese fountain pen can actually get under $22, look at these three models: the turned-acrylic Jinhao 100 Centennial ($16–22), the #8 oversized-nib Jinhao X159 ($10–14), and the mega-capacity Jinhao 9019 Dadao ($10–18).
Quick Verdict: Which Jinhao Upgrade Should You Buy?
Top Picks Compared
Jinhao 100 Centennial Turned Acrylic (Fine)
Jinhao 100 Centennial Acrylic Fountain Pen (Fine Nib + Converter) · Typical: $16-22
Best if: Machined from solid cast acrylic rods in the classic Parker Duofold flat-top shape. Seamless polish, normal grip diameter, and a threaded screw-in converter.
Setup note: Ships with converter included, but no ink—add bottled ink below to write on day one.
Jinhao X159 Acrylic (#8 Fine Nib)
Jinhao X159 Oversized Acrylic Fountain Pen (#8 Fine Nib) · Typical: $10-14
Best if: Fixes the heavy brass weight of the old 159 with a 28g acrylic body and upgrades to a massive, soft-gliding #8 stainless steel nib.
Setup note: Thicker cigar grip (~13mm); ships with converter (ink sold separately).
Jinhao 9019 Dadao (#8 Nib + Giant Converter)
Jinhao 9019 Dadao Green Medium · Typical: $10-18
Best if: Pairs the same oversized #8 nib with an even wider ~14.5mm grip section and a monster screw-in converter that holds nearly as much ink as a piston filler.
Setup note: Too thick for small hands or slim notebook pen loops.
Required Starter Ink: Waterman Serenity Blue (50ml Bottled Ink)
All three Jinhao pens include a converter pre-installed inside the barrel, but NO ink in the box. Add this 50ml ink bottle so you can fill your pen immediately.
Want a compact vintage pocket pen instead of a full-size desk pen? Check out our Jinhao 59 vs Pilot E95S comparison (/reviews/jinhao-59-vs-pilot-e95s-pocket-fountain-pen).
Side-by-Side Comparison: Jinhao 100 vs X159 vs 9019 Dadao
| Feature | Jinhao 100 Centennial ($16–22) | Jinhao X159 ($10–14) | Jinhao 9019 Dadao ($10–18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical US Price | $16–22 | $10–14 | $10–18 |
| Design Inspiration | Classic Parker Duofold Centennial (Flat-Top) | Montblanc 149 Meisterstück (Cigar) | Oversized Namiki Emperor / Cigar hybrid |
| Nib Size & Type | Standard #6 stainless steel (EF, F, M, or Bent) | Oversized #8 stainless steel (EF or Fine) | Oversized #8 stainless steel (EF, Fine, or Medium) |
| Body Material & Weight | Turned polished acrylic resin (~28 g — premium density) | Molded acrylic resin (~28 g — light & nimble) | Molded acrylic resin (~32 g — extra-wide barrel) |
| Included Converter | Threaded screw-in standard converter | Standard slide/twist converter | Giant screw-in high-capacity converter (~1.5 ml) |
1. Jinhao 100 Centennial: Why It Feels Like a $100+ Pen
If you have only tried $8 injection-molded Jinhao pens, the Jinhao 100 Centennial ($16–22) is an immediate surprise. Modeled after the iconic Parker Duofold Centennial, each barrel and cap is turned on a lathe from solid swirled or marbled acrylic resin.
- No seam lines or cheap plastic hollow sound: Turned acrylic has a warm, dense, jewel-like feel in the hand.
- Standard #6 nib + threaded converter: The converter actually threads securely into the grip section so it can never rattle loose in your bag, and the #6 housing accepts standard JoWo #6 nib swaps if you ever want to experiment later.
2. Jinhao X159 vs Jinhao 9019 Dadao: Battle of the #8 Nibs
Most fountain pens under $200 use #5 or #6 nibs. Only flagship luxury pens like the Montblanc 149 ($1,000+) or Sailor King of Pen use massive #8 nibs—until Jinhao launched the Jinhao X159 and Jinhao 9019 Dadao.
Because the #8 nib tines are much longer, both pens feel noticeably softer and more forgiving on paper than standard steel nibs. So how do you choose between the X159 and 9019?
- Buy the Jinhao X159 ($10–14) if you have medium-to-large hands and want Montblanc 149 proportions that still fit in a shirt pocket or pen case.
- Buy the Jinhao 9019 Dadao ($10–18) if you suffer from hand cramps with thin pens and want a giant screw-in converter that holds nearly double the ink of the X159.
Jinhao 100 Centennial
$16–22 · #6 Fine Nib
Lathed solid acrylic flat-top inspired by the Parker Duofold. Includes screw-in converter.
Jinhao X159 Acrylic
$10–14 · #8 Fine Nib
Light 28g Montblanc 149-style cigar body with a soft-gliding oversized #8 steel nib.
Jinhao 9019 Dadao
$10–18 · #8 Nib
Extra-wide grip for big hands plus a massive screw-in converter that holds ~1.5ml of ink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Jinhao 100 Centennial, Jinhao X159, or Jinhao 9019 Dadao?
If you want the most luxurious-feeling pen for regular-sized hands, buy the Jinhao 100 Centennial ($16–22)—it is lathed from solid acrylic rods rather than injection-molded plastic. If you want to experience a massive, bouncy #8 oversized nib in a comfortable weight, buy the Jinhao X159 ($10–14). Only pick the Jinhao 9019 Dadao ($10–18) if you have large hands or want its giant screw-in ink converter.
What is the difference between the old Jinhao 159 and the new Jinhao X159?
The older Jinhao 159 had a heavy 50-gram brass body and a smaller #6 nib. The newer Jinhao X159 switches to a comfortable 28-gram acrylic body and upgrades to a true oversized #8 nib with a much softer, smoother writing feel.
Why does the Jinhao 100 Centennial cost slightly more ($16–22) than the Jinhao 82 or X159?
Unlike $9 injection-molded plastic pens, the Jinhao 100 Centennial is CNC-turned from solid cast acrylic resin blocks (like $150+ boutique pens), giving it seamless depth, zero mold lines, and a threaded screw-in converter.
Do the Jinhao 100, X159, and 9019 come with ink?
No. All three include a pre-installed converter inside the barrel, but ship without ink cartridges or bottled ink. Pair any of them with a 50ml bottle of Waterman Serenity Blue ($8–12) so you can fill and write immediately.