Faber-Castell's E-Motion is a solidly built pen with no known weaknesses; it works reliably, and no bad experiences with ink flow or nib have been reported. Two design features give it its character: the barrel is strikingly thick, and the section is metal and very smooth. Anyone who dislikes that feel will find longer writing sessions less comfortable; anyone who likes a substantial pen in the hand will get on well with it. Besides the metal versions there are variants with a pearwood grip in various shades, which are held to offer more purchase.
Faber-Castell nibs are uniformly rather rigid, that is, distinctly less yielding than the gold nibs of a Meisterstück — though that is only to be expected of a steel nib at this price. It is worth writing with the pen at some length before buying, judging above all the section and the stiffness of the nib. If that goes well, collectors consider it a thoroughly sound purchase. Among the alternatives with steel nibs, the Rotring Initial has a reputation as a particularly practical everyday pen, though its styling takes an altogether different line (as at 2009).