Inspired by the wonders of nature, the Conklin Elements fountain pens feature semi-translucent bodies in dappled patterns aptly named Earth, Water, and Fire. The Duraflex Elements are an extension of the popular Duragraph line. I got a deal on the pen at $39, it is discontinued by Conklin and available at most online pen dealers for $56. Of the different elements I thought the “Fire” model was the most attractive. Considering the price I paid, this pen qualifies as a budget-friendly pen.
My Pen
The pen ships in a clamshell box with an outer cardboard sheath brightly colored based on the “element” and printed with the Conklin Duraflex Elements label. The box itself has a cream faux suede interior, plus 2 ink cartridges and a converter.
First Impressions
I opened the box and was immediately struck by the color, it is as impressive as I hoped. The pen is partially translucent because of the dappled finish on a clear resin. The cap is removed with two quick twist (one complete rotation), revealing a stainless Omniflex nib, a plastic feed… wait the nib has wings? The pen feels good in the hand, and there is a pleasant balance without posting the cap. Capped, the pen measures 140mm, 13mm across the barrel, and tips the scale at 24g (0.85 oz) with an empty converter.
The pen trim is chrome with a simple tear-drop cap clip. The cap ring is engraved with “Conklin” on one side and “Duraflex” with moon shapes on the other. The barrel is etched with the collection name “Duraflex,” “Limited Edition” and “1505 of 1898.” Indicating I have pen 1505 out of 1898 they produced.
Performance
Time to ink up the pen with Waterman Serenity Blue ink and see how well it writes. It started writing immediately, better first impression than with the All American. The nib is stiff but writes smoothly otherwise. I was unable to get the line variation expected with a flex nib.
Then I began noticing the ink bleeding on the paper. I know it is not quality paper but none of the other nibs, Fine, Medium, or otherwise have bled on this paper. The ink flow is out of control.
Well . . . I would beg to differ, as mentioned this nib is stiff. Getting any flex out of it requires a good amount of pressure contradicting the Omniflex literature. That said, all I’ve gotten so far is too much ink.
Opinion
As Captain Lee would say, “Once is an accident and twice is a pattern.” Conklin disappoints me yet again. I really like the pen but hate how it writes. I’ve read other reviews involving Conklin Omniflex nibs and I’m not the only person with the same issues. Some reviewers replaced their Omniflex nibs with standard Conklin nibs as the solution to the problem.
If you like this pen or its cousin the Duragraph, make sure you DO NOT choose an Omniflex nib.
Chronicles of a Fountain Pen 
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