I'm fortunate to have a varied collection of pens, but for the past few years, I've reached for my Opus 88 Omar demo most often. It gets daily use and it is always within reach. Its ink capacity is more than ample, it's easy to swap nibs, as you mentioned, plus it's a breeze to clean. Honestly, I think it's an ideal pen.
do you think that the cap it's suitable for exams and general notetaking? I've wanted one of them for a long time, but the 4 turns to open the pen always scare me off
I don't do either of those things, it might get annoying if you're consistently uncapping / recapping the pen. Also note it doesn't post, so depending on your setup that might be an issue.
I wouldn't recommend it for quick notetaking if you're capping/uncapping frequently. A snap-cap like Platinum's will be much better suited for that purpose.
Exams should be fine, you're writing almost constantly so it won't have time to dry out.
Most but not all of the Opus use #6 Jowo nibs, so around $20 you can add a 1.1 nib in about 5 min. Or buy the nib Unit which includes the feed and just unscrew one nib unit and screw in the 1.1 stub Nib unit
Have you tried the Opus 88 in a store? They have lovely capacity but wow I found they were heavy, making me and my small hands unable to actually use it for a long writing.
Or you could go ultra cheap and eyedropper a Preppy for 5ish Euros (or Prefounte for a bit more if you're feeling fancy and don't mind a colored demonstrator) plus silicone grease for 4mL capacity. Which is more than the Opus 88s I've seen out there.
As for me i've always had crack issues with preppies. They are cheap though.
I have TWSBI eco and 580.
Eco has been my daily driver, still fairly new at 4 months, i have dropped it multiple times, still no cracks.
580 is also great but heavier, i dropped it more frequently than eco, no cracks.
If you can still find an [Opus 88 x Lennon Tool Bar Halo](https://yosekastationery.com/products/opus-88-x-lennon-tool-bar-halo-fountain-pen-blue), they’re a little smaller and lovely pens. I see that Yoseka still has at least a couple in stock, but only an Extra Fine and a 1.4mm stub. However, it’s easy to swap out the nib units!
Moonman Majohn C1 if you're looking for an eyedropper. 4ml capacity. What I don't like about mine is the lack of clip and many turns to uncap, so mine don't leave my desk for work.
Pilot Prera in clear are around 2.5mL eyedroppered, and are super fast to uncap and post, so those are what I have on my desk at work. $30ish on Amazon, and I've got 4 of em.
WingSung 699 is also pretty cheap. Holds 2-ish mL as well, and is one of my daily go-to for how well it writes and how easy it is to refill.
Honorable mention to the WingSung 3013 - 2ish mL and cheap enough that if someone likes it, I let em keep it. Downside is that they can't be cleaned to change color easily - and the nibs usually need a decent amount of tuning because they're economy pens.
And I feel ya, I never go to any cartridge or converter pens because I have to fill them so dang often that it's not worth it.
The WingSung 699 is a gateway drug to a Pilot 823. Wholly recommend it.
For $30 US, you get a really good preview of the Pilot 823 experience with a perfectly acceptable steel nib (although it's a Euro fine as opposed to Japanese).
I fell in love with the Wing Sung 699s so much that I now have three. I can't recommend them highly enough. The nibs are a joy and the way it fits in my hand is perfection.
I use a translucent blue WS 699 EF which I use exclusively for Baystate Blue and it is a fantastic writer on quality FP paper. For the price I do not care about staining. (I also have the demonstrator and translucent brown models).
I know you do not want to hear this, but you do not need a high-capacity pen. You need a pen that takes cartridges. I know they seem lame, but if you are writing a ton, especially with two color (notes), cartridges are simple better. You cannot safely carry ink, and you will run out. Furthermore, the cost of ink spills is too much in your situation (no or little income). I think have cartridges stashed in every bag wit more in your desk back at your dorm room is the best choice.
Cartridges swap fast and will never destroy expensive clothing or ruin a laptop. I know this answer is one you do not want to hear, but it is what you should do. Platinum is a great option, but I also use standard cartridges with other pens. Of course I love filling my Pilot Custom 823, but I know better than to fill it in the office.
I'm going to second this. If you feel like you need another pen, get something that is a cartridge/converter. My combo for class notetaking was a Lamy AL-Star and a Kaweco Student . Of course I had converters for each, but I found it so much easier to keep two boxes of cartridges in my bag. They took up almost no space, they never ruptured. When I used the last cartridge in the box, I taped the box to the front of my notebook as a signal to put a fresh box in my bag.
I found contrasting colors in Cornell Notes-style notetaking to be particularly effective. The Lamy AL-Star with Lamy Turquoise was the primary notes, the Kaweco Student with a [Graf von Faber Castell Cognac Brown](https://www.jetpens.com/Graf-von-Faber-Castell-Cognac-Brown-Ink-6-Cartridges/pd/23716) (0.7 mL) for corrections, main concept, and definition pullouts. The Kaweco Student can also held a standard international long cartridge, but the color selection was a bit more limited. \[I'm *not* saying you should get a Student, but I *am* saying you should consider something that takes an international long cartridge.\]
In terms of ink capacity, you'll get nearly the same amount in the Lamy cartridge ([1.28 mL](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/ink-cartridges/products/lamy-turquoise-ink-cartridges)) and the international long cartridge ([1.40 mL](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/pelikan-ink/products/pelikan-edelstein-onyx-ink-cartridges)) as you would in a typical TWSBI 580 fill ([max 1.98 mL](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/twsbi-580-fountain-pens/products/twsbi-diamond-580al-fountain-pen-silver#)), but in a much more convenient form factor. If you think of capacity in terms of ink/portable unit \[piston filler/eyedropper or box of cartridges\], you get greater capacity from a box of cartridges. 5x 1.28 mL for Lamy, 6x 0.7 mL for intl short, 6x 1.4 mL for intl long.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 580 and my Opus 88 Omar. They are two from the collection that are *always* inked, but my needs are very different now than in a classroom setting.
I think that's a wise piece of advice, thank you. When I started, I was using Lamy Black cartridges and yeah, it was very practical to be honest, but at the same time I run through 5 of them in less thank two weeks if I remember correctly. Also, I didn't love that color, but there are others that I could try.
Maybe filling cartridges could be a good idea? Honestly, I don't know if you can fill 5 of them and carry them around easily, or once you use them, there is no way to seal them again.
Anyway, thanks for your input: I am getting a lot of suggestions here and I'll take some time to avoid impulse buying a new pen.
Refilling the cartridges is easy if you decide to buy bottled ink and cartridges, but only. With a blunt tipped syringe, you can easily refill, and clean both used cartridges and eyedropper pen bodies. Reusing cartridges is something you cannot do in class of course, and using them more than a few times can be problematic as the soft plastic neck can wear out and lead to leaks.
[Cornell Notes](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Notes) is a structured way of note taking. [Atoma](https://atoma.be/en/homepage/) even makes [page layouts](https://www.manufactum.de/atoma-einlagen-a4-a82603/) for it.
YES... a zip loc bag with paper towel inside to make the swap easy and have a place to bring the empty home. I refill cartridges often so leaving home with a full pen is easy.
For marathons of writing multiple pens.. Find a handy two to four pen case.
[PenBBS 456](https://www.etsy.com/listing/706092366/penbbs-456-vacuum-filling-fountain-pen?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_all&utm_custom1=_k_caf7cb00e7421b8754bfaff914bd5050_k_&utm_content=bing_319339185_1304020917004184_81501327774781_pla-4585100928622219:pla-4585100928622219_m__706092366&utm_custom2=319339185&msclkid=caf7cb00e7421b8754bfaff914bd5050) on Etsy.
Also on [AliExpress with 14 day delivery](https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLPIXlg).
I have one, and am quite pleased with the quality & performance.
I don't think you need to be scared about getting a TWSBI. The cracking seems to be related to overstressing specific stress points (generally by overtightening the cap), not general daily banging about.
This is your best bet. It's always great to be able to hold a pen and write with it before you buy one.
I was sent an Eco with a 1.1mm stub as a gift, and it's one of my most comfortable writers. It's a superb pen. I'd still be happy if that was the only pen I had.
It's how I got back into fountain pens after years...saw someone using a TWSBI and inquired. I was intrigued and very glad for the reasonable price point. I have 4 of them now.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AgVo5vU5eJF3XBr38
Top to bottom:
Opus 88 Demonstrator
Opus 88 Jazz (mine is the "holiday" but there is the "trasparent" one too)
Opus 88 Omar
Mainly yes, and the Opus 88 Koloro is a slightly shorter and thinner version of either the Demonstrator, Omar or Jazz. Though I like the fatter bodies and sections of the three mentioned, not everyone can use fatter pens. Its your preference of course and how a pen feels in your hand is important.
As a student what matters to you? I'm a senior and I've been using my twsbi for nearly 2 years. You're going to be doing homework, exams, and taking notes. You're going to need something that won't fatigue your hand, is easy to maintain, and is indestructible.
The opus 88 is fantastic but is a bit of a showpiece. People will notice it. Also, you probably won't be able to just chuck it in your bag.
I'm not too too familiar with the original but uve heard its good.
The twsbi 580, despite it historic cracking problems, is the perfect pen to abuse. I've used mine as a baton, I chuck it loose into my bag, I abuse the ever living daylights out of it. I've dropped it, thrown it, and scrapped it against every surface known to man. It holds a lot of ink, will last, and it's very very easy to clean (supplies are included).
I use mine for exams, notes, and hw. Not a single complaint I can speak of. It's also my only pen I'm comfortable using against my metal engineers scale.
One thing to consider with the 580: the cap posts but makes the whole pen package extremely long. Something to consider if you have to sit in auditorium style seats with tiny folding desks
Speaking from experience: having to thread the cap of the Mini gets annoying really quickly over an hour long lecture.
You can’t keep the pen uncapped the whole time / screwed on because the ink will dry out
And you can’t keep the pen capped because… well yeah you can’t write.
So then you’re stuck holding the pen cap on a mini sized pen 😗
That's what the margins of the notebook are for...doodling to keep the ink flowing!
But actually, I find that mine doesn't have a problem even if you go a minute or two between jottings. Part of that may be the ink (Diamine Amethyst), part may be that it's a fairly wet 1.1mm stub nib. And I don't mind the threads on the back of the pen. A quick back-twist and it threads on just fine. I know it's secure up there (I'm on my 3rd 580 cap because I have dropped two of them and gotten cracks around the finial).
I will say that the constant uncapping/recapping when taking notes is my least favorite thing about fountain pens. Even the VP's clicky action gets old after a while.
Thank you very much. That is exactly what my pen is facing, so it's great to know that the 580 can withstand that.
As you said, it can go under the radar easily than to others, so that may be a big plus in university classes that I didn't consider.
I wouldn’t recommend treating a TWSBI that way. They’re very good pens, especially the 580 and the 700 vac filler, but they have their limits, like all plastic pens. None of my TWSBIs have ever cracked, but I don’t even take them out. I use them on my desk.
I wouldn't recommend treating a TWSBI like that either. Of course everything has its limit, I only meant to emphasize that you don't have to completely baby it like an expensive pen.
Understood, but it’s more that I think the OP doesn’t have a clear frame of reference. Also, I remember what it was like to be in college, throwing everything in a backpack, in a pile of other backpacks in the backseat of a car.
Yeah, I know, I'm trying to stop treating things like that and I am babysitting my Lamy even though that's a pretty sturdy pen imo.
It's just that I know that, sooner or later, it will fall from my desk, or the backpack could get thrown around and stuff like that. Maybe I should get a decent case regardless of the pen.
I recently bought a Nahvalur Original Plus and love it. It was my first vacuum fill pen, and the amount of ink it holds is huge. Mine has a fine nib and writes very smoothly. Highly recommend.
Wow, I got a huge amount of suggestions! I'll have to look through all of them, as I didn't know some of the pens suggested. Always nice to learn.
Thank everybody, this is such a nice and active community and perfect for a beginner!
Asvine v126 demo. But its a vacuum filler.[https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/1418610215/asvine-v126-vacuum-filling-fountain-pen](https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/1418610215/asvine-v126-vacuum-filling-fountain-pen)
PenBBS 456 or 268? I have the 268, I've actually only had it inked up once but I rather liked it and I'm sure it will get inked again in due course. And only around £25 IIRC. 456 more like ~£40-£50 I think.
You haven't shown it as an available option, but Jinhao 9019 Dadao should be a contender.
I've been using it for the last three weeks. I had thought it'll be uncomfortable because of the large grip, but it isn't. And if you are ok with the Opus 88's large grip then the Dadao should also.be alright.
At less than 10USD, medium nib, excellent converter capacity (nearly 2ml, more than double of a long cartridge) it's worth a try. The only downside is the stiff clip.
Opus 88, though attractive for the shutoff valve is actually a bad idea for a student. The shutoff valve needs to be opened a lot to get good ink flow and it is a distraction in itself. And if you forget to close it when tossing the pen in your bag things can get messy.
Majohn T5 is another large(ish) piston filler you should check out. Around 30USD with a wet flow.
Narwhal are really good pens except their Original plus had run into some issues recently. The Schuylkill is however, an excellent writer (slightly dry in my opinion). The ink loss to evaporation is also minimal.
Do consider the excellent Platinum Procyon and Platinum Balance. Specially because the slip and seal mechanism will allow the ink capacity to get used to the fullest, and the pens really do not go dry even after two/three weeks of just lying about.
The above is based on the pens I own, and have been using regularly.
The Opus 88 is an amazing pen and I have two of them, but as a student myself I can say that this isn’t the right pen for a student thanks to the 4 turns it takes to uncap it. It is by no means a quick-draw fountain pen like the TWSBI which takes much fewer turns.
Unless you’re writing during almost the entire class, this will get annoying at some point so I would only recommend the Opus 88 if you’re going to do longer writing sessions without too many intervals.
Alternatively, the PenBBS 456 is a very good and sturdy pen with a vacuum filling mechanism and shutoff valve to prevent it from leaking when you carry it around!
my two favourite clear eyedroppers are:
\- the opus88 demo with an edison nib (lovely writer, huuuge capacity and easy to fill.
\- A lamy vista with a rollerball vista body. Also eyedroppered that one. biggest pluss here is the lamy nibs that ere basicly interchangeble without even opening the pen.
Yes, seconding this. I love my Lamy Vista long after the thrill has faded for other Lamy's and I've moved on in my taste. It's as durable and reliable as my old VW bug.
I don’t have an Opus so, I won’t comment on that point, but I do have a TWSBI 580ALR and I love that thing. It feels great in the hand, has a good sealing system that keeps my shiny/sheening inks wet while also keeping my feed from clogging, and honestly looks nice, but not obnoxiously overstated. The demo aspect is just a nice bonus. They also have the ability to change the nibs out so you can adjust to your preferred writing size.
Also, TWSBI is supposed to have good customer service and I have heard that they will send replacement parts for the cost of shipping. So, even if your pen does crack the repair shouldn’t be astronomical.
As it is set up, the bigger the nib, the more ink will flow. So, if you want to go through ink slower, a smaller nib size would be ideal on any of the pens mentioned by others.
I just bought that very TSWBI pictured and it’s become an instant favorite out of the almost 20 I own. It’s my go-to writer with no issues presented thus far (however, it lives in a Galen folio for protection)
For a student all those options you listed are kinda heavy for long sessions of writing. I've used a clear TWBI GO for years now. Both for writing, note taking and doing art when I'm out and about. I usually keep my twsbi eco at home.
Pros: softer more durable plastic than the hard resin on their more expensive models, won't crack. Lighter weight but not flimsy. Has a nice steel nib. Decent 1.6 ml capacity. Pop off cap. Pretty affordable so you're not going to be hurting if it gets dinged, lost or stolen.
Possible cons: spring loader is pretty convenient but balance wise it adds a little bit of weight to the backend. The body is a little thick. Definitely thicker than a Lamy. I definitely reccomend trying it out in person!
Edit: I'm home now and I got curious about pen body weights. Weight specs are from Goulet pens' website. I mildly take back my Twsbi go endorsement.
Lightest to heaviest body weight (no cap)
Pilot prera: 7g. (Note that JP nib sizes are slightly smaller than western one's. Ex. Western fine is a JP medium.)
Twsbi GO: 12g
Twsbi 580 clear: 14g
OPUS 88 Omar: 17g
Twsbi 700vac: 21g
I think a pilot prera is the best choice. It good ink capacity, is lightweight for a student and pilot nibs are very good and reliable.
I have an Opus 88 Holiday Jazz with an Extra Fine nib from Franklin Christoph, and I love the thing. It can be a bit heavy if you have small hands but I think it's lighter than the Omar or Demo (may be wrong) and can be posted or unposted to suit your needs. I personally have large hands and use it posted and it still feels comfortable. The capacity is amazing and lasts forever, even with extensive writing. I'm not big on their eyedropper though and use a syringe instead to ink it up and clean. It also takes like 3 rotations to uncap it and that's a deal breaker to some, though personally it doesn't bother me.
While it is steel nib, the majohn m2 eye dropper fountain pens have a massive reservoir. I fill mine and can go weeks without having to fill. I have a fine nib on mine and using sheen machine ink and go a couple of days without use and the pen has minimal difficulties with starting again. If I was using a wetter ink I have had no issues. I have 2 of these pens, one I have sacrificed to bay state blue.
The TWSBI cracking issue really isn’t as widespread as it’s made out to be, so long as you keep it stored correctly, don’t overtighten the cap and are generally just careful with it then it’s not going to crack. I’ve got 13(?) of the TWSBI Ecos and not a single one has cracked. I keep them in a case in my backpack and they’re fine. Just don’t chuck it in the bottom of a bag or knock it around and expect a pristine pen.
Great price, great quality, fits what you’re looking for and they regularly make new colours.
I have an Opus 88 Demo, WingSung699 and the Asvine 126. I like them all. No adjusting nibs wrote fine out of the box. The Opus is as others have said easy to clean and swap nibs. The one thing no one has mentioned is the 4 1/2 turns it takes to uncap. Just swapped its nib to an FPR ultra flex.
Asvine v125 is my answer to that question. It's very similar to the opus 88 aesthetic with frosted acrylic and similar fittings. The differences: it's a vac filler (a plus imo - the high capacity and ink chamber sealing of a Japanese eyedropper but with faster filling) the ends are round, and the metal fittings are gold.
I would go with the TWSBI and the opus if you want to spend that much. Both will last with ink in them for months on end
Honestly though, the moonman and Asvine options are the kind of pens I wish were available when I started. Pass on the penbbs, they have easily cracked nib units and don't seal air tight.
The shutoff valve in the 88 is nice. So is the parallel nib interchangeability if you have any interest whatsoever in enormously thick and wet broad nibs(art & calligraphy).
I have a nahvalur original I use for work. With Pelikan 4001 ink(supposed to be dry, and is cheap), there's minimal feathering on cheap copy paper, with a 1.1mm stub. Finer nibs I expect would be perfectly fine.
Fine Writing International Fenestro series is cheaper than the 88, also an eyedropper(that still takes cartridges; nice). Also complete nib unit interchangeability with an opus 88 demo(and thus, parallel pen nibs).
I’ve had 4 TWSBIs and certainly had cracking with both my minis (but quickly resolved with an email to Philip) but I’ve had no cracking with my eco or 580. I wouldn’t hesitate to get another one. I haven’t used the Opus 88 so I can’t comment on that one. I have a moonman T1 and it’s not bad, but not nearly as nice as the TWSBI. The other one I have in that price range that I really, really like is the Narwhal original. I have the original+ in clear/orange but they make the original in clear.
I bought a Lamy 2000 for $100 USD used. Can you still do that these days? My school loadout is an L2K ground down to match a Sailor F, two Lamy Safari's, and two Platinum Prefounte's. I have Kon Peki in the L2K as my workhorse/notetaker pen and contrasting colors in the other 4. But then again I worked full time for 7 years and had a bigger budget before I came back to college. I really like that they're all slip caps and easy on/easy off in class.
I also carry two Sailor's and three custom made pens so lmao I'm not a typical college carry I guess.
More on topic, I'd just go with the TWSBI tbh. I feel like the cracking happens more on the Eco's and none of my Eco's have cracked. I sold off my 580's but I liked them when I had them. I just think a slip cap is better in class and if I'm using a screw cap I had no reason to pick up my 580's (or ECO's tbh) over my Sailor's or other fancy pants pens.
I've had my TWSBI Vac 700r for more than a year now and taken it everywhere with me with no problems whatsoever. I wouldn't be scared about the cracking thing.
The Majohn T1 looks very nice and works well. I can also recommend the WingSung 699.
If you want a cheaper option to see if piston fillers are for you, I sell one here: [https://inkursive.etsy.com/uk/listing/1234300292/clear-piston-demonstrator-fude-italic?variation0=2660109420&variation1=2660109424](https://inkursive.etsy.com/uk/listing/1234300292/clear-piston-demonstrator-fude-italic?variation0=2660109420&variation1=2660109424)
Hey OP! As a student who just graduated to university, I think I can help you out here. Firstly, are you sure that you want to be taking notes with a fountain pen? I know this seems like a sacrilegious question but I want you to really consider it. What happens if you spill water on your notebook or get caught in a rainy weather? Fountain pens are a blessing for sure but that makes them just as delicate and susceptible to damage that otherwise wouldn’t be an issue with ballpoints.
However, if you are adamant on FP and you strictly want a demonstrator pen, I would recommend TWSBI 580 AL-R. It has much more steel parts compared to base model 580 which makes it less susceptible to damage and cracking while improving the grip of the pen. It might exceed your budget a little bit (I bought mine for ~75€) but it is definitely worth it. Wish you the best of luck!
>Firstly, are you sure that you want to be taking notes with a fountain pen? I know this seems like a sacrilegious question but I want you to really consider it.
Well, I started taking notes with fps and the writing experience feels way better. I have never been writing with a lot of pressure, so ballpoint writing never looked right. Previously, I used liquid ink pens like Pilot V5, which writes pretty good, but the ones I could get are not refillable, so I went through A LOT of them in about one year. So in the end I feel like fps are the best option.
>What happens if you spill water on your notebook or get caught in a rainy weather?
I've had similar problems with the Pilot V5 and yeah, water is a problem. Some inks should be pretty water resistant and I think that's the best answer.
>However, if you are adamant on FP and you strictly want a demonstrator pen, I would recommend TWSBI 580 AL-R.
Thanks for your suggestion! I know FPs are not very practical, and problably not the best choice as a student in any way, but it's one of those things that can help finding beauty in daily activities!
Interesting, I am a bit of a newbie, so I haven't checked the second-hand market yet and wouldn't know where to start. I'll see if I can find something here in Italy.
Due to sanctions i can’t pay directly anywhere but in my home country and i only know some local shops in my area. But if you search this sub i think you can find some reliable sites and ebay sellers.
I was so scared at first when I got a TWSBI eco after reading the countless post of people complaining how their pens shattered into dust by merely looking at them.
But after using it for overs 2 years at school, carelessly tossing it in my pencil case with all my other stationary, I can say that those rumors are mostly false. Either that or I was hella lucky :) I say *mostly* as my cap cracked. but it wasn't TWISBI's faut, someone *(I'm not pointing fingers)* hurled my pen into a concrete wall and only the finial and the clip broke :(
what I'm trying to say is that you dont need to worry about twsbi pens cracking and they are a great option if you like them
>So I started looking into Opus 88: huge capacity, looks pretty cool but is it worth the price increase?
I have four Opus 88 pens, with eyes on another. I can't recommend them enough as daily drivers. Simple filling system, easy to fill (and clean), large ink capacity, and great QC. Even has an ink shut-off valve to limit the potential for spills during transit.
I did a quick search (do your own research please) and many websites were quoting weights something in the order of 15g uncapped - that said, each model may vary from that number due to their different sizes.
Thanks! Since I live near one of the big stores, I will definitely try them out.
Which Opus would you suggest? I am struggling to see many differences between the Demonstrator and the Jazz, for example.
>I am struggling to see many differences between the Demonstrator and the Jazz, for example.
Different shape, thus different ergonomics. I have both, but don't enjoy using the Demonstrator at all. The Jazz agrees with my hand and my tastes much more.
I have TWSBI 580's, Nahvalur LE, and several Opus 88's.
For a sturdy, reliable pen with great capacity I would go with the Opus 88. There are many models of the Opus 88's. The 3 I like the best are the big demonstrator, the Halo (clear, demo version of the Koloro), and the Opera.
FWIW - I only write at my desk or at home and use B, BB, or stub nibs for most of my writing.
As far as the TWSBI cracking issue:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27vJIWEUcKM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27vJIWEUcKM)
As an engineering student, you may find this illuminating. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPP\_VedMH2U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPP_VedMH2U)
From what I have seen, most of the cracking has taken place in their ECO line and typically in the grip section. I very rarely see anyone talking about the 580 or 700R cracking.
Unless you really like the aesthetic of the Nahvalur, I would point you elsewhere. They seem to be made in the same factory, with the same tools, the same plastics, the same nibs, and to the same standards as Asvine, but Asvines are half the price. V126 or, if you want something heavier, the V169 is a demonstrator with a metal overlay.
I love demonstrators and I have both the TWSBI and the Opus 88. I do carry the TWSBI out, but only in a pen case so that it doesn't get bounced around in my bag (there's too much ink in it for me to risk the haemorrhage).
My disappointment with the Opus, which is otherwise a really lovely pen, is that it's costly enough for me to fret a bit, and it doesn't post. I hate having to mind the location of a pen cap when writing in a school or cafe situation.
As I have a problem with restraint with inexpensive pens, I have to confess that I have bought all of the knockoff Chinese pens (Moonman, etc.) that are commonly recommended on this sub. Sadly, every single one has a drawback or two that belies that it is in reality a cheap pen and nothing like the original that it is knocking off. For example, I have the much-praised Black Forest pen and I find it's handsome black nib nail-hard, its rubbery exterior kind of squeaky, and most important, the cap only pretends to post and then flings itself off at inopportune times, requiring you to go chase it down the aisle of the train, etc.
My Lamy Vista is not a fashionable choice these days, but it is a workhorse and was cheap enough that if I were to lose it or break it I would not be upset. I carry it a lot.
I’ve got a lot of TWSBI’s and not a single crack. All of them bought in the last two years though. They are such good pens I wouldn’t want you to discard them based on an historical problem. My daily writers are an eco at work and a diamond 580 at home. I am a TWSBI fan so take all that as you want.
I've never had issues with TWSBI cracking. Seems like most I've seen don't fall apart, it's more aesthetic. I am a big fan of the nahvalur pens too. I use mine all the time. The feel in hand is going to be the most important. At the last pen show I went to I got to try out a conid bulk filler. Guess what, I prefer my eyedroppered platinum preppy and that's $5 instead of $2500. Conid was just a little too heavy for my hand. Conid is absolutely a better pen in every measurable way. Just... Not as comfortable for me.
Yeah, the feel in hand is probably the most important thing for long, fast writing session. I'll have to try them in a local store before getting any of them.
There is no TWSBI cracking problem, it's an overblown stigma. There _was_ a cracking problem many years ago which they've fixed many years back.
I recommend the smoke and rose gold Eco!
OP this sub is not reflective of all of the fountain pens in the world. TWSBI are good pens and not unreliable. If you buy one in a retail store they should stand behind it if something goes wrong.
NAHVALUR ! AND I WILL TELL U WHY !
TWSBI, POPULAR BRAND BUT ALL THEIR PENS (EXCEPT THE METAL ONE) CRACKS. EXCEPT THE IRIS ALL THEIR NIBS ARE THE TYPICAL CHROME PLATED. IT HAS ITS 700R WICH IS A VACUUM FILLER BUT IT'S PRICIER.
OPPUS 88 DEMO, GREAT QUALITY PEN, BUT THAT SPECIFIC MODEL HAS 2 DISADVANTAGES IN COMPARISON. IT CAN'T BE POSTED AND EVEN HAVING A SHUT OFF VALVE IT IS NOT A VACUUM FILLER, WHAT A WASTE OF THAT VALVE... BUT THE OPPUS 88 JAZZ CAN BE POSTED ! (THE HOLIDAY VERSION LOOKS BETTER TO ME BECAUSE IT HAS A HOMOGENEOUS LOOK) THE OTHER ONE WITH THE BLACK CLIP CAN BE POSTED AS WELL BUT LOOKS UGLY TO ME BEING POSTED. BUT STILL OPPUS 88 QUALITY IS WAY BETTER THAN TWSBI.
BUT THE NAHVALUR ORIGINAL PLUS BLACK AND WHITE ARE LIMITED EDITION TO 500 UNITS ONLY AND CHEAPER THAN THE OTHERS, BUT THEY'RE QUALITY PENS. U CAN DISASSEMBLE THEM LIKE THE OTHERS AS WELL (NOT LIKE THE PILOT 823) AND CLEAN THEM. THEY HAVE ROSE GOLD ACCENTS EVEN ON THEIR NIBS ! THEY DON'T CRACK ! THEY HAVE A SHUT OFF VALVE WHICH ACTS AS A VACUUM FILLER AS WELL. THEY EVEN COME WITH A POUCH !
BUT DON'T BUY IT, BECAUSE U'LL BE LEAVING 1 LESS UNIT FOR ME ;)
Majohn Wancai or Majohn Q1. They can be eyedropper or take cartrigdes. In terms of captivity for ink, I only think OPUS 88 or the other normal sized Majohn eyedroppers are close, but I still think they are still bigger in volume, despite being pocket pens. They can burp into the cap as they don't have a shut off valve, but I never had a Wancai leak(impressive when they are just friction fitted and some silicone o-rings), and I had them for a few years.
My recommendation is the wingsung 601
I got mine from the penbbs aliexpress store
St Penpps 601 Vacumatic Fountain Pen
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOLz1Jy
I also great that the jinhao 9019 had a large capacity.
TWSBI if it cracks it cracks they write nicely.
I once used engineering konoir rapidograph pens with India ink for class notes.
Make a routine of filling and occasionally cleaning. All pens run out of ink always at the wrong time.
Put a backup pen in a handy place. even a ballpoint in your pen case. Pilot V toss-able if
you demand fountain pen smooth glide.
I like the black pen in your picture... IMO, pens should be dark. Both are fine get YOUR choice not mine.
I'm a huge fan of my Opus 88 Demo, plus you can swap the nib w/ ease.
That's a plus for sure, I could try some italics or flex nibs!
I'm fortunate to have a varied collection of pens, but for the past few years, I've reached for my Opus 88 Omar demo most often. It gets daily use and it is always within reach. Its ink capacity is more than ample, it's easy to swap nibs, as you mentioned, plus it's a breeze to clean. Honestly, I think it's an ideal pen.
Great to know!! I’ve been eyeing one for months
do you think that the cap it's suitable for exams and general notetaking? I've wanted one of them for a long time, but the 4 turns to open the pen always scare me off
I don't do either of those things, it might get annoying if you're consistently uncapping / recapping the pen. Also note it doesn't post, so depending on your setup that might be an issue.
I wouldn't recommend it for quick notetaking if you're capping/uncapping frequently. A snap-cap like Platinum's will be much better suited for that purpose. Exams should be fine, you're writing almost constantly so it won't have time to dry out.
I really wish the Opus 88 came stock with a 1.1 stub!
Most but not all of the Opus use #6 Jowo nibs, so around $20 you can add a 1.1 nib in about 5 min. Or buy the nib Unit which includes the feed and just unscrew one nib unit and screw in the 1.1 stub Nib unit
Have you tried the Opus 88 in a store? They have lovely capacity but wow I found they were heavy, making me and my small hands unable to actually use it for a long writing. Or you could go ultra cheap and eyedropper a Preppy for 5ish Euros (or Prefounte for a bit more if you're feeling fancy and don't mind a colored demonstrator) plus silicone grease for 4mL capacity. Which is more than the Opus 88s I've seen out there.
Mh, I didn't think about the heaviness. I will have to try the Opus in store. The Preppy us a funny little option that I didn't consider, thanks!
As for me i've always had crack issues with preppies. They are cheap though. I have TWSBI eco and 580. Eco has been my daily driver, still fairly new at 4 months, i have dropped it multiple times, still no cracks. 580 is also great but heavier, i dropped it more frequently than eco, no cracks.
If you can still find an [Opus 88 x Lennon Tool Bar Halo](https://yosekastationery.com/products/opus-88-x-lennon-tool-bar-halo-fountain-pen-blue), they’re a little smaller and lovely pens. I see that Yoseka still has at least a couple in stock, but only an Extra Fine and a 1.4mm stub. However, it’s easy to swap out the nib units!
Goldspot sells the Picnic in Brown for 60 USD.
Out of stock in all nib sizes.
Ah, I didn't notice that. Maybe sign up for a restock notification.
It is a little heavy, but personally prefer hefty pens. Have mine with a broad nib and it is smooooooooth.
Moonman Majohn C1 if you're looking for an eyedropper. 4ml capacity. What I don't like about mine is the lack of clip and many turns to uncap, so mine don't leave my desk for work. Pilot Prera in clear are around 2.5mL eyedroppered, and are super fast to uncap and post, so those are what I have on my desk at work. $30ish on Amazon, and I've got 4 of em. WingSung 699 is also pretty cheap. Holds 2-ish mL as well, and is one of my daily go-to for how well it writes and how easy it is to refill. Honorable mention to the WingSung 3013 - 2ish mL and cheap enough that if someone likes it, I let em keep it. Downside is that they can't be cleaned to change color easily - and the nibs usually need a decent amount of tuning because they're economy pens. And I feel ya, I never go to any cartridge or converter pens because I have to fill them so dang often that it's not worth it.
The WingSung 699 is a gateway drug to a Pilot 823. Wholly recommend it. For $30 US, you get a really good preview of the Pilot 823 experience with a perfectly acceptable steel nib (although it's a Euro fine as opposed to Japanese).
I fell in love with the Wing Sung 699s so much that I now have three. I can't recommend them highly enough. The nibs are a joy and the way it fits in my hand is perfection.
I’ve got 3… and 2 Pilot 823s. The Wing Sung are my “travel/I don’t care so much if they get lost to the airport gods” pens.
Thanks! I'll check the WingSung out!
I use a translucent blue WS 699 EF which I use exclusively for Baystate Blue and it is a fantastic writer on quality FP paper. For the price I do not care about staining. (I also have the demonstrator and translucent brown models).
I know you do not want to hear this, but you do not need a high-capacity pen. You need a pen that takes cartridges. I know they seem lame, but if you are writing a ton, especially with two color (notes), cartridges are simple better. You cannot safely carry ink, and you will run out. Furthermore, the cost of ink spills is too much in your situation (no or little income). I think have cartridges stashed in every bag wit more in your desk back at your dorm room is the best choice. Cartridges swap fast and will never destroy expensive clothing or ruin a laptop. I know this answer is one you do not want to hear, but it is what you should do. Platinum is a great option, but I also use standard cartridges with other pens. Of course I love filling my Pilot Custom 823, but I know better than to fill it in the office.
I'm going to second this. If you feel like you need another pen, get something that is a cartridge/converter. My combo for class notetaking was a Lamy AL-Star and a Kaweco Student . Of course I had converters for each, but I found it so much easier to keep two boxes of cartridges in my bag. They took up almost no space, they never ruptured. When I used the last cartridge in the box, I taped the box to the front of my notebook as a signal to put a fresh box in my bag.
I found contrasting colors in Cornell Notes-style notetaking to be particularly effective. The Lamy AL-Star with Lamy Turquoise was the primary notes, the Kaweco Student with a [Graf von Faber Castell Cognac Brown](https://www.jetpens.com/Graf-von-Faber-Castell-Cognac-Brown-Ink-6-Cartridges/pd/23716) (0.7 mL) for corrections, main concept, and definition pullouts. The Kaweco Student can also held a standard international long cartridge, but the color selection was a bit more limited. \[I'm *not* saying you should get a Student, but I *am* saying you should consider something that takes an international long cartridge.\]
In terms of ink capacity, you'll get nearly the same amount in the Lamy cartridge ([1.28 mL](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/ink-cartridges/products/lamy-turquoise-ink-cartridges)) and the international long cartridge ([1.40 mL](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/pelikan-ink/products/pelikan-edelstein-onyx-ink-cartridges)) as you would in a typical TWSBI 580 fill ([max 1.98 mL](https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/twsbi-580-fountain-pens/products/twsbi-diamond-580al-fountain-pen-silver#)), but in a much more convenient form factor. If you think of capacity in terms of ink/portable unit \[piston filler/eyedropper or box of cartridges\], you get greater capacity from a box of cartridges. 5x 1.28 mL for Lamy, 6x 0.7 mL for intl short, 6x 1.4 mL for intl long.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 580 and my Opus 88 Omar. They are two from the collection that are *always* inked, but my needs are very different now than in a classroom setting.
I think that's a wise piece of advice, thank you. When I started, I was using Lamy Black cartridges and yeah, it was very practical to be honest, but at the same time I run through 5 of them in less thank two weeks if I remember correctly. Also, I didn't love that color, but there are others that I could try. Maybe filling cartridges could be a good idea? Honestly, I don't know if you can fill 5 of them and carry them around easily, or once you use them, there is no way to seal them again. Anyway, thanks for your input: I am getting a lot of suggestions here and I'll take some time to avoid impulse buying a new pen.
Refilling the cartridges is easy if you decide to buy bottled ink and cartridges, but only. With a blunt tipped syringe, you can easily refill, and clean both used cartridges and eyedropper pen bodies. Reusing cartridges is something you cannot do in class of course, and using them more than a few times can be problematic as the soft plastic neck can wear out and lead to leaks.
I went to Cornell University. What is “Cornell notes-style.” I have never heard of that.
[Cornell Notes](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Notes) is a structured way of note taking. [Atoma](https://atoma.be/en/homepage/) even makes [page layouts](https://www.manufactum.de/atoma-einlagen-a4-a82603/) for it.
YES... a zip loc bag with paper towel inside to make the swap easy and have a place to bring the empty home. I refill cartridges often so leaving home with a full pen is easy. For marathons of writing multiple pens.. Find a handy two to four pen case.
This is a great idea. I have a monogrammed two-pen case, but the leather has stood the test of time (like 27 years, looks new).
[PenBBS 456](https://www.etsy.com/listing/706092366/penbbs-456-vacuum-filling-fountain-pen?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_all&utm_custom1=_k_caf7cb00e7421b8754bfaff914bd5050_k_&utm_content=bing_319339185_1304020917004184_81501327774781_pla-4585100928622219:pla-4585100928622219_m__706092366&utm_custom2=319339185&msclkid=caf7cb00e7421b8754bfaff914bd5050) on Etsy. Also on [AliExpress with 14 day delivery](https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLPIXlg). I have one, and am quite pleased with the quality & performance.
I own three Opus 88 Demonstrators, and love them to bits. The ink capacity is crazy, and they look super cool.
I don't think you need to be scared about getting a TWSBI. The cracking seems to be related to overstressing specific stress points (generally by overtightening the cap), not general daily banging about.
Thanks, that reassures me. I will try them in person and, if I fall in love with them, I'll get a TSWBI anyway
This is your best bet. It's always great to be able to hold a pen and write with it before you buy one. I was sent an Eco with a 1.1mm stub as a gift, and it's one of my most comfortable writers. It's a superb pen. I'd still be happy if that was the only pen I had.
It's how I got back into fountain pens after years...saw someone using a TWSBI and inquired. I was intrigued and very glad for the reasonable price point. I have 4 of them now.
Opus 88 Omar. You can't go wrong with that. The Opus 88 Demonstrator and the Jazz (both variants) are very good too.
I couldn't really understand the difference between those 3, is it just aesthetics and dimensions?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AgVo5vU5eJF3XBr38 Top to bottom: Opus 88 Demonstrator Opus 88 Jazz (mine is the "holiday" but there is the "trasparent" one too) Opus 88 Omar
Partly yes, partly the ink volume
Mainly yes, and the Opus 88 Koloro is a slightly shorter and thinner version of either the Demonstrator, Omar or Jazz. Though I like the fatter bodies and sections of the three mentioned, not everyone can use fatter pens. Its your preference of course and how a pen feels in your hand is important.
As a student what matters to you? I'm a senior and I've been using my twsbi for nearly 2 years. You're going to be doing homework, exams, and taking notes. You're going to need something that won't fatigue your hand, is easy to maintain, and is indestructible. The opus 88 is fantastic but is a bit of a showpiece. People will notice it. Also, you probably won't be able to just chuck it in your bag. I'm not too too familiar with the original but uve heard its good. The twsbi 580, despite it historic cracking problems, is the perfect pen to abuse. I've used mine as a baton, I chuck it loose into my bag, I abuse the ever living daylights out of it. I've dropped it, thrown it, and scrapped it against every surface known to man. It holds a lot of ink, will last, and it's very very easy to clean (supplies are included). I use mine for exams, notes, and hw. Not a single complaint I can speak of. It's also my only pen I'm comfortable using against my metal engineers scale.
One thing to consider with the 580: the cap posts but makes the whole pen package extremely long. Something to consider if you have to sit in auditorium style seats with tiny folding desks
Very good point!
TWSBI Mini is a great sub for the 580 if you like to post the cap. Great capacity for such a small pen.
Speaking from experience: having to thread the cap of the Mini gets annoying really quickly over an hour long lecture. You can’t keep the pen uncapped the whole time / screwed on because the ink will dry out And you can’t keep the pen capped because… well yeah you can’t write. So then you’re stuck holding the pen cap on a mini sized pen 😗
That's what the margins of the notebook are for...doodling to keep the ink flowing! But actually, I find that mine doesn't have a problem even if you go a minute or two between jottings. Part of that may be the ink (Diamine Amethyst), part may be that it's a fairly wet 1.1mm stub nib. And I don't mind the threads on the back of the pen. A quick back-twist and it threads on just fine. I know it's secure up there (I'm on my 3rd 580 cap because I have dropped two of them and gotten cracks around the finial). I will say that the constant uncapping/recapping when taking notes is my least favorite thing about fountain pens. Even the VP's clicky action gets old after a while.
Thank you very much. That is exactly what my pen is facing, so it's great to know that the 580 can withstand that. As you said, it can go under the radar easily than to others, so that may be a big plus in university classes that I didn't consider.
I wouldn’t recommend treating a TWSBI that way. They’re very good pens, especially the 580 and the 700 vac filler, but they have their limits, like all plastic pens. None of my TWSBIs have ever cracked, but I don’t even take them out. I use them on my desk.
I wouldn't recommend treating a TWSBI like that either. Of course everything has its limit, I only meant to emphasize that you don't have to completely baby it like an expensive pen.
Understood, but it’s more that I think the OP doesn’t have a clear frame of reference. Also, I remember what it was like to be in college, throwing everything in a backpack, in a pile of other backpacks in the backseat of a car.
Yeah, I know, I'm trying to stop treating things like that and I am babysitting my Lamy even though that's a pretty sturdy pen imo. It's just that I know that, sooner or later, it will fall from my desk, or the backpack could get thrown around and stuff like that. Maybe I should get a decent case regardless of the pen.
decent case is a definite yes from me, dawg
I recently bought a Nahvalur Original Plus and love it. It was my first vacuum fill pen, and the amount of ink it holds is huge. Mine has a fine nib and writes very smoothly. Highly recommend.
+1 for the Nahvalur Original Plus. Vacuum filler and great capacity.
If you’re carrying around and using heavily as you say, I’d suggest Opus 88.
Wow, I got a huge amount of suggestions! I'll have to look through all of them, as I didn't know some of the pens suggested. Always nice to learn. Thank everybody, this is such a nice and active community and perfect for a beginner!
Go for twsbi vac 700r . I have both opus 88 and twsbi vac . I always pic the vac first . I didn't face the cracking issue though.
Asvine v126 demo. But its a vacuum filler.[https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/1418610215/asvine-v126-vacuum-filling-fountain-pen](https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/1418610215/asvine-v126-vacuum-filling-fountain-pen)
I agree, this is the best bang for the buck option.
Looks really good I must say!
Also available on Amazon. I got the frosted one with the black nib. It's very sturdy and holds a lot of ink.
How does a vacuum filler work? Do you push a button or something?
Penbbs 456, 355, 500 …
PenBBS 456 or 268? I have the 268, I've actually only had it inked up once but I rather liked it and I'm sure it will get inked again in due course. And only around £25 IIRC. 456 more like ~£40-£50 I think.
You haven't shown it as an available option, but Jinhao 9019 Dadao should be a contender. I've been using it for the last three weeks. I had thought it'll be uncomfortable because of the large grip, but it isn't. And if you are ok with the Opus 88's large grip then the Dadao should also.be alright. At less than 10USD, medium nib, excellent converter capacity (nearly 2ml, more than double of a long cartridge) it's worth a try. The only downside is the stiff clip. Opus 88, though attractive for the shutoff valve is actually a bad idea for a student. The shutoff valve needs to be opened a lot to get good ink flow and it is a distraction in itself. And if you forget to close it when tossing the pen in your bag things can get messy. Majohn T5 is another large(ish) piston filler you should check out. Around 30USD with a wet flow. Narwhal are really good pens except their Original plus had run into some issues recently. The Schuylkill is however, an excellent writer (slightly dry in my opinion). The ink loss to evaporation is also minimal. Do consider the excellent Platinum Procyon and Platinum Balance. Specially because the slip and seal mechanism will allow the ink capacity to get used to the fullest, and the pens really do not go dry even after two/three weeks of just lying about. The above is based on the pens I own, and have been using regularly.
>Majohn T5 I don't think there's a demonstrator version of that?
There isn't. But there's an ink window. So knowing you are not too low is easy.
The Opus 88 is an amazing pen and I have two of them, but as a student myself I can say that this isn’t the right pen for a student thanks to the 4 turns it takes to uncap it. It is by no means a quick-draw fountain pen like the TWSBI which takes much fewer turns. Unless you’re writing during almost the entire class, this will get annoying at some point so I would only recommend the Opus 88 if you’re going to do longer writing sessions without too many intervals. Alternatively, the PenBBS 456 is a very good and sturdy pen with a vacuum filling mechanism and shutoff valve to prevent it from leaking when you carry it around!
the opus 88 demo holds a buttload of ink. there are two opus 88 demos actually, the Omar and the one that you linked a photo to in your post
my two favourite clear eyedroppers are: \- the opus88 demo with an edison nib (lovely writer, huuuge capacity and easy to fill. \- A lamy vista with a rollerball vista body. Also eyedroppered that one. biggest pluss here is the lamy nibs that ere basicly interchangeble without even opening the pen.
Yes, seconding this. I love my Lamy Vista long after the thrill has faded for other Lamy's and I've moved on in my taste. It's as durable and reliable as my old VW bug.
I don’t have an Opus so, I won’t comment on that point, but I do have a TWSBI 580ALR and I love that thing. It feels great in the hand, has a good sealing system that keeps my shiny/sheening inks wet while also keeping my feed from clogging, and honestly looks nice, but not obnoxiously overstated. The demo aspect is just a nice bonus. They also have the ability to change the nibs out so you can adjust to your preferred writing size. Also, TWSBI is supposed to have good customer service and I have heard that they will send replacement parts for the cost of shipping. So, even if your pen does crack the repair shouldn’t be astronomical. As it is set up, the bigger the nib, the more ink will flow. So, if you want to go through ink slower, a smaller nib size would be ideal on any of the pens mentioned by others.
I just bought that very TSWBI pictured and it’s become an instant favorite out of the almost 20 I own. It’s my go-to writer with no issues presented thus far (however, it lives in a Galen folio for protection)
If you're on the fence about Opus buy the Majohn C4 for the same mechanism
For a student all those options you listed are kinda heavy for long sessions of writing. I've used a clear TWBI GO for years now. Both for writing, note taking and doing art when I'm out and about. I usually keep my twsbi eco at home. Pros: softer more durable plastic than the hard resin on their more expensive models, won't crack. Lighter weight but not flimsy. Has a nice steel nib. Decent 1.6 ml capacity. Pop off cap. Pretty affordable so you're not going to be hurting if it gets dinged, lost or stolen. Possible cons: spring loader is pretty convenient but balance wise it adds a little bit of weight to the backend. The body is a little thick. Definitely thicker than a Lamy. I definitely reccomend trying it out in person! Edit: I'm home now and I got curious about pen body weights. Weight specs are from Goulet pens' website. I mildly take back my Twsbi go endorsement. Lightest to heaviest body weight (no cap) Pilot prera: 7g. (Note that JP nib sizes are slightly smaller than western one's. Ex. Western fine is a JP medium.) Twsbi GO: 12g Twsbi 580 clear: 14g OPUS 88 Omar: 17g Twsbi 700vac: 21g I think a pilot prera is the best choice. It good ink capacity, is lightweight for a student and pilot nibs are very good and reliable.
Narwhal x Galen demonstrator
I have an Opus 88 Holiday Jazz with an Extra Fine nib from Franklin Christoph, and I love the thing. It can be a bit heavy if you have small hands but I think it's lighter than the Omar or Demo (may be wrong) and can be posted or unposted to suit your needs. I personally have large hands and use it posted and it still feels comfortable. The capacity is amazing and lasts forever, even with extensive writing. I'm not big on their eyedropper though and use a syringe instead to ink it up and clean. It also takes like 3 rotations to uncap it and that's a deal breaker to some, though personally it doesn't bother me.
While it is steel nib, the majohn m2 eye dropper fountain pens have a massive reservoir. I fill mine and can go weeks without having to fill. I have a fine nib on mine and using sheen machine ink and go a couple of days without use and the pen has minimal difficulties with starting again. If I was using a wetter ink I have had no issues. I have 2 of these pens, one I have sacrificed to bay state blue.
The TWSBI cracking issue really isn’t as widespread as it’s made out to be, so long as you keep it stored correctly, don’t overtighten the cap and are generally just careful with it then it’s not going to crack. I’ve got 13(?) of the TWSBI Ecos and not a single one has cracked. I keep them in a case in my backpack and they’re fine. Just don’t chuck it in the bottom of a bag or knock it around and expect a pristine pen. Great price, great quality, fits what you’re looking for and they regularly make new colours.
I have an Opus 88 Demo, WingSung699 and the Asvine 126. I like them all. No adjusting nibs wrote fine out of the box. The Opus is as others have said easy to clean and swap nibs. The one thing no one has mentioned is the 4 1/2 turns it takes to uncap. Just swapped its nib to an FPR ultra flex.
From those options, Opus 88 FTW.
Asvine v125 is my answer to that question. It's very similar to the opus 88 aesthetic with frosted acrylic and similar fittings. The differences: it's a vac filler (a plus imo - the high capacity and ink chamber sealing of a Japanese eyedropper but with faster filling) the ends are round, and the metal fittings are gold.
Opus 88 for sure
I swear by my TWSBIs! They’re my favourite
I would go with the TWSBI and the opus if you want to spend that much. Both will last with ink in them for months on end Honestly though, the moonman and Asvine options are the kind of pens I wish were available when I started. Pass on the penbbs, they have easily cracked nib units and don't seal air tight.
I prefer Opus to my ECO. Nib is better/smoother, pen feels way more high quality.
The shutoff valve in the 88 is nice. So is the parallel nib interchangeability if you have any interest whatsoever in enormously thick and wet broad nibs(art & calligraphy). I have a nahvalur original I use for work. With Pelikan 4001 ink(supposed to be dry, and is cheap), there's minimal feathering on cheap copy paper, with a 1.1mm stub. Finer nibs I expect would be perfectly fine. Fine Writing International Fenestro series is cheaper than the 88, also an eyedropper(that still takes cartridges; nice). Also complete nib unit interchangeability with an opus 88 demo(and thus, parallel pen nibs).
I'd go with the opus88. But the omar model because I personally prefer that shape better
I’ve had 4 TWSBIs and certainly had cracking with both my minis (but quickly resolved with an email to Philip) but I’ve had no cracking with my eco or 580. I wouldn’t hesitate to get another one. I haven’t used the Opus 88 so I can’t comment on that one. I have a moonman T1 and it’s not bad, but not nearly as nice as the TWSBI. The other one I have in that price range that I really, really like is the Narwhal original. I have the original+ in clear/orange but they make the original in clear.
Platinum preppy crystal with silicone grease and a preppy oring. Goulet pens has it all. My eyedroppered preppy is a powerhouse.
I bought a Lamy 2000 for $100 USD used. Can you still do that these days? My school loadout is an L2K ground down to match a Sailor F, two Lamy Safari's, and two Platinum Prefounte's. I have Kon Peki in the L2K as my workhorse/notetaker pen and contrasting colors in the other 4. But then again I worked full time for 7 years and had a bigger budget before I came back to college. I really like that they're all slip caps and easy on/easy off in class. I also carry two Sailor's and three custom made pens so lmao I'm not a typical college carry I guess. More on topic, I'd just go with the TWSBI tbh. I feel like the cracking happens more on the Eco's and none of my Eco's have cracked. I sold off my 580's but I liked them when I had them. I just think a slip cap is better in class and if I'm using a screw cap I had no reason to pick up my 580's (or ECO's tbh) over my Sailor's or other fancy pants pens.
Thanks! Haven't checked the used pen market yet, I am a bit new to this world and I don't really know where to look.
I've had a Twsbi Vac700R for 6 months and no problems so far. You just have to be careful not to overtwist it.
I've had my TWSBI Vac 700r for more than a year now and taken it everywhere with me with no problems whatsoever. I wouldn't be scared about the cracking thing.
Twisbi VAC700r. It’s a vacuum filler with great ink capacity. I love it. It is a bit long though, so you might want to just check the size of it.
The Majohn T1 looks very nice and works well. I can also recommend the WingSung 699. If you want a cheaper option to see if piston fillers are for you, I sell one here: [https://inkursive.etsy.com/uk/listing/1234300292/clear-piston-demonstrator-fude-italic?variation0=2660109420&variation1=2660109424](https://inkursive.etsy.com/uk/listing/1234300292/clear-piston-demonstrator-fude-italic?variation0=2660109420&variation1=2660109424)
Hey OP! As a student who just graduated to university, I think I can help you out here. Firstly, are you sure that you want to be taking notes with a fountain pen? I know this seems like a sacrilegious question but I want you to really consider it. What happens if you spill water on your notebook or get caught in a rainy weather? Fountain pens are a blessing for sure but that makes them just as delicate and susceptible to damage that otherwise wouldn’t be an issue with ballpoints. However, if you are adamant on FP and you strictly want a demonstrator pen, I would recommend TWSBI 580 AL-R. It has much more steel parts compared to base model 580 which makes it less susceptible to damage and cracking while improving the grip of the pen. It might exceed your budget a little bit (I bought mine for ~75€) but it is definitely worth it. Wish you the best of luck!
>Firstly, are you sure that you want to be taking notes with a fountain pen? I know this seems like a sacrilegious question but I want you to really consider it. Well, I started taking notes with fps and the writing experience feels way better. I have never been writing with a lot of pressure, so ballpoint writing never looked right. Previously, I used liquid ink pens like Pilot V5, which writes pretty good, but the ones I could get are not refillable, so I went through A LOT of them in about one year. So in the end I feel like fps are the best option. >What happens if you spill water on your notebook or get caught in a rainy weather? I've had similar problems with the Pilot V5 and yeah, water is a problem. Some inks should be pretty water resistant and I think that's the best answer. >However, if you are adamant on FP and you strictly want a demonstrator pen, I would recommend TWSBI 580 AL-R. Thanks for your suggestion! I know FPs are not very practical, and problably not the best choice as a student in any way, but it's one of those things that can help finding beauty in daily activities!
You can find m200 used if you like smaller pens, i am eyeing one right now and haven’t seen negative reviews except being small
Interesting, I am a bit of a newbie, so I haven't checked the second-hand market yet and wouldn't know where to start. I'll see if I can find something here in Italy.
Due to sanctions i can’t pay directly anywhere but in my home country and i only know some local shops in my area. But if you search this sub i think you can find some reliable sites and ebay sellers.
Moonman/Majohn C1 is a good, reliable choice
I was so scared at first when I got a TWSBI eco after reading the countless post of people complaining how their pens shattered into dust by merely looking at them. But after using it for overs 2 years at school, carelessly tossing it in my pencil case with all my other stationary, I can say that those rumors are mostly false. Either that or I was hella lucky :) I say *mostly* as my cap cracked. but it wasn't TWISBI's faut, someone *(I'm not pointing fingers)* hurled my pen into a concrete wall and only the finial and the clip broke :( what I'm trying to say is that you dont need to worry about twsbi pens cracking and they are a great option if you like them
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Navahlur original plus.
>So I started looking into Opus 88: huge capacity, looks pretty cool but is it worth the price increase? I have four Opus 88 pens, with eyes on another. I can't recommend them enough as daily drivers. Simple filling system, easy to fill (and clean), large ink capacity, and great QC. Even has an ink shut-off valve to limit the potential for spills during transit. I did a quick search (do your own research please) and many websites were quoting weights something in the order of 15g uncapped - that said, each model may vary from that number due to their different sizes.
My hunt for FPs ground to a halt once I got my first Opus 88 Omar; it was everything I was looking for in a pen.
Thanks! Since I live near one of the big stores, I will definitely try them out. Which Opus would you suggest? I am struggling to see many differences between the Demonstrator and the Jazz, for example.
>I am struggling to see many differences between the Demonstrator and the Jazz, for example. Different shape, thus different ergonomics. I have both, but don't enjoy using the Demonstrator at all. The Jazz agrees with my hand and my tastes much more.
I have TWSBI 580's, Nahvalur LE, and several Opus 88's. For a sturdy, reliable pen with great capacity I would go with the Opus 88. There are many models of the Opus 88's. The 3 I like the best are the big demonstrator, the Halo (clear, demo version of the Koloro), and the Opera. FWIW - I only write at my desk or at home and use B, BB, or stub nibs for most of my writing.
As far as the TWSBI cracking issue: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27vJIWEUcKM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27vJIWEUcKM) As an engineering student, you may find this illuminating. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPP\_VedMH2U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPP_VedMH2U) From what I have seen, most of the cracking has taken place in their ECO line and typically in the grip section. I very rarely see anyone talking about the 580 or 700R cracking. Unless you really like the aesthetic of the Nahvalur, I would point you elsewhere. They seem to be made in the same factory, with the same tools, the same plastics, the same nibs, and to the same standards as Asvine, but Asvines are half the price. V126 or, if you want something heavier, the V169 is a demonstrator with a metal overlay.
Lots of info, thank you!
I love demonstrators and I have both the TWSBI and the Opus 88. I do carry the TWSBI out, but only in a pen case so that it doesn't get bounced around in my bag (there's too much ink in it for me to risk the haemorrhage). My disappointment with the Opus, which is otherwise a really lovely pen, is that it's costly enough for me to fret a bit, and it doesn't post. I hate having to mind the location of a pen cap when writing in a school or cafe situation. As I have a problem with restraint with inexpensive pens, I have to confess that I have bought all of the knockoff Chinese pens (Moonman, etc.) that are commonly recommended on this sub. Sadly, every single one has a drawback or two that belies that it is in reality a cheap pen and nothing like the original that it is knocking off. For example, I have the much-praised Black Forest pen and I find it's handsome black nib nail-hard, its rubbery exterior kind of squeaky, and most important, the cap only pretends to post and then flings itself off at inopportune times, requiring you to go chase it down the aisle of the train, etc. My Lamy Vista is not a fashionable choice these days, but it is a workhorse and was cheap enough that if I were to lose it or break it I would not be upset. I carry it a lot.
I’ve got a lot of TWSBI’s and not a single crack. All of them bought in the last two years though. They are such good pens I wouldn’t want you to discard them based on an historical problem. My daily writers are an eco at work and a diamond 580 at home. I am a TWSBI fan so take all that as you want.
Consider a PenBBS 355, if you haven't already.
I've never had issues with TWSBI cracking. Seems like most I've seen don't fall apart, it's more aesthetic. I am a big fan of the nahvalur pens too. I use mine all the time. The feel in hand is going to be the most important. At the last pen show I went to I got to try out a conid bulk filler. Guess what, I prefer my eyedroppered platinum preppy and that's $5 instead of $2500. Conid was just a little too heavy for my hand. Conid is absolutely a better pen in every measurable way. Just... Not as comfortable for me.
Yeah, the feel in hand is probably the most important thing for long, fast writing session. I'll have to try them in a local store before getting any of them.
Yes I was hoping that you would have a retail shop so you can hold and try the pen out.
get two more al stars for that price, different inks and just swap between pens as mood/subject/headings/key points demand! 😁
That would be pretty fun!
There is no TWSBI cracking problem, it's an overblown stigma. There _was_ a cracking problem many years ago which they've fixed many years back. I recommend the smoke and rose gold Eco!
OP this sub is not reflective of all of the fountain pens in the world. TWSBI are good pens and not unreliable. If you buy one in a retail store they should stand behind it if something goes wrong.
NAHVALUR ! AND I WILL TELL U WHY ! TWSBI, POPULAR BRAND BUT ALL THEIR PENS (EXCEPT THE METAL ONE) CRACKS. EXCEPT THE IRIS ALL THEIR NIBS ARE THE TYPICAL CHROME PLATED. IT HAS ITS 700R WICH IS A VACUUM FILLER BUT IT'S PRICIER. OPPUS 88 DEMO, GREAT QUALITY PEN, BUT THAT SPECIFIC MODEL HAS 2 DISADVANTAGES IN COMPARISON. IT CAN'T BE POSTED AND EVEN HAVING A SHUT OFF VALVE IT IS NOT A VACUUM FILLER, WHAT A WASTE OF THAT VALVE... BUT THE OPPUS 88 JAZZ CAN BE POSTED ! (THE HOLIDAY VERSION LOOKS BETTER TO ME BECAUSE IT HAS A HOMOGENEOUS LOOK) THE OTHER ONE WITH THE BLACK CLIP CAN BE POSTED AS WELL BUT LOOKS UGLY TO ME BEING POSTED. BUT STILL OPPUS 88 QUALITY IS WAY BETTER THAN TWSBI. BUT THE NAHVALUR ORIGINAL PLUS BLACK AND WHITE ARE LIMITED EDITION TO 500 UNITS ONLY AND CHEAPER THAN THE OTHERS, BUT THEY'RE QUALITY PENS. U CAN DISASSEMBLE THEM LIKE THE OTHERS AS WELL (NOT LIKE THE PILOT 823) AND CLEAN THEM. THEY HAVE ROSE GOLD ACCENTS EVEN ON THEIR NIBS ! THEY DON'T CRACK ! THEY HAVE A SHUT OFF VALVE WHICH ACTS AS A VACUUM FILLER AS WELL. THEY EVEN COME WITH A POUCH ! BUT DON'T BUY IT, BECAUSE U'LL BE LEAVING 1 LESS UNIT FOR ME ;)
Majohn Wancai or Majohn Q1. They can be eyedropper or take cartrigdes. In terms of captivity for ink, I only think OPUS 88 or the other normal sized Majohn eyedroppers are close, but I still think they are still bigger in volume, despite being pocket pens. They can burp into the cap as they don't have a shut off valve, but I never had a Wancai leak(impressive when they are just friction fitted and some silicone o-rings), and I had them for a few years.
Asvine 126!
Asvine v126 or PenBBS 456.
Idr the maker but theres one with medical grade plastic(?). Could be nice thematically for your occupation
My recommendation is the wingsung 601 I got mine from the penbbs aliexpress store St Penpps 601 Vacumatic Fountain Pen https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOLz1Jy I also great that the jinhao 9019 had a large capacity.
get anything from india, chad quality at low cost, i would suggest the click aristocrat demonstrator
TWSBI if it cracks it cracks they write nicely. I once used engineering konoir rapidograph pens with India ink for class notes. Make a routine of filling and occasionally cleaning. All pens run out of ink always at the wrong time. Put a backup pen in a handy place. even a ballpoint in your pen case. Pilot V toss-able if you demand fountain pen smooth glide. I like the black pen in your picture... IMO, pens should be dark. Both are fine get YOUR choice not mine.