Ten cheap yet great fountain pens from my experience:

- Platinum Preppy/Prefounte/Plasir ($3-$20)

- TWSBI ECO ($30-$50)

- Pilot Metro/Cavalier ($20-$50)

Cheap and OK pens (I found these better for drawing than writing):

- Lamy Safari/Al-Star ($20-$50)

- Kaweco Sport Classic ($20 -- )

'Affordable' Gold Nib pens (These aren't necessarily 'better' but writing experience is different(softer feel) which some people prefer)

- Pilot Elite 95S ($80-$100)

- Pilot Decimo/Capless ($115-$160)

All prices are from online stores available in US.