Love your videos David. I was so shopping for my first Sailor and I saw this video and then went to the official website of Sailor and I read this: "Mr. Sakata decided to call the company Sailor Pen in the expectation that the business would expand internationally like the voyages of a sailor"
Point by point I agree with you about these two pens. The Pro Gear Realo is about Sigma size and if you want one of the fabulously broad writing specialty nibs you need the extra ink capacity of the Realo. These pens are conservatively styled and that, for me, isn't a fault. As Mae should have said "there's something about a Sailor."
Thanks for the information. Was disappointed to find out that the pen is not a piston-filler. But you mentioned that there is a Realo version which I was not aware of. Big ink capacity is important for me since I'm thinking of getting a music nib, instead of the more common nibs. I think that both the original and II are great, depending on how large you hands are. The few milimeters do make a big difference if you have small hands.
These are such great pens. I’ve had a Pro Gear for a very long time, then maybe a year or so ago found a great deal on a Pro Gear II Realo. Absolutely hated that clip, though, so found someone who wanted to trade clips with me 😅. Now it has a regular Sailor Pro Gear clip and looks great.
Nice video, but allow me to correct a detail. That "1911 standard" clip you showed is not a 1911 standard, but a 1911 promenade, a more affordable model than the 1911 standard/profit. Sailor had a number of pens lines beginning with a "pro" - profit, promenade, pro gear - and I have both the profit (1911 standard) and the promenade, though I am not sure if the promenade is still available today or outside Japan.
Thanks for the comparison. The original Pro Gear looks very appealing. Between the PG models and the original 1911 which do you prefer? My only Sailor is the ebonite KOP. I'm not all that pleased with its nib. It looks good under the loupe but doesn't provide the writing experience I expected given the reviews and at the price. I'll have it looked at by a nibmeister and see if it can be improved. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I have many pens that outperform it.
I personally lean toward the PGII. I'm really wanting to check out the PG KOP. Yes, have your KOP nib worked on...the nib on my ebonite KOP is one of my very favorite.
Luck of the draw on the nib I guess. I'll not let it stand in my way of trying other Sailors and will definitely have it looked at. I certainly want to love that pen.
Dan Smith tweaked the KOP nib at the OH Pen Show and now it's an excellent writer though the pen is on the large side for my hand (never seems to stop me : ). I've ordered the original PG in a F/M with a cursive italic grind from Nibs.com and look forward to seeing what I think of that. I expect to give the PG2 a go given your accolades. Thanks, David.
Dave, nice review. I have a PG H-MF and I find the nib has a little spring to it with some line variation. This pen is pretty much my EDC/usage even though I have several Pilots (912s, 742s, 823). I loved the Sailor pen so much that I went on a bit of a binge the last 2 months and ordered a PG II realo F, 1911L realo Naginata Togi MF and last night a 1911L realo F and a 1911L M. Sailor has the best nibs I think and Pilot the most innovative filling systems. I also have a Platinum #3776 F which is a wonderful pen too. Yes, I will have 2 Sailor F nibs but c'est la vie.
Lee, can you answer my question regarding Sailor 14 k F nib vs Platinum 3776 century F nib?? 1.) Which one is smoother on lower / mid range daily use paper?? 2.) Which one do you think would be best for fast cursive ?? Pls. Help me in this regard, Thanks
is the size (physical size) of sailor's 14k nib on pro gear sigma slim and the 21k nib on the pro gear sigma same? also how would they compare to some other #5 or #6 western nibs?
Thanks for the video. What is your opinion of the Sailor ProGear Imperial Black, is it more expensive than the other ProGear, is it worth that additional cost?
Good, detaiiled look at these pens, they look to be very accurately made, almost flawless. Either of these would be a week's wages for me, so I'll never know. It does look like the manufacturer has peaked the design of these, very little changes from model to model, must be that they have got it just right!
+Martinus Hjørungnes I purchased the ink directly from Levenger's site. Ony $10. I haven't seen it available on any other site. So far, I like the pomegranate. It behaves well, but I wouldn't say it has a ton of shading. Mainly picked it up because I thought the bottle was interesting.
I love your vids…but…I have to listen and not watch. Your so obviously reading a prompter, or whatever, drives me nuts…with your eyes going off to your left all the time. While I GREATLY appreciate your meticulous preparation I just can’t watch it. My issue, not yours.
Love your videos David. I was so shopping for my first Sailor and I saw this video and then went to the official website of Sailor and I read this: "Mr. Sakata decided to call the company Sailor Pen in the expectation that the business would expand internationally like the voyages of a sailor"
Another wonderfully well done presentation, by a truly proven expert. Thank you again. RS. Canada
Just when I need a pen review! Thanks to Mr. David.
If you like the color of Levenger Pomegranate, you may enjoy Diamine Oxblood.
Would love to see you review a Pro Gear II Realo!
Point by point I agree with you about these two pens. The Pro Gear Realo is about Sigma size and if you want one of the fabulously broad writing specialty nibs you need the extra ink capacity of the Realo. These pens are conservatively styled and that, for me, isn't a fault. As Mae should have said "there's something about a Sailor."
+James Jacocks I agree. The Sailors aren't flashy...but for me, the nibs on each one I own has been consistently outstanding.
I don't wanna step on nobodies toe's , but the Japanese and German make the BEST nibs.
my pelikan m200 and lamy 2000 is my most reliable writer, but my parker sonnet gives me the most unique writing experience
Thanks for the information. Was disappointed to find out that the pen is not a piston-filler. But you mentioned that there is a Realo version which I was not aware of. Big ink capacity is important for me since I'm thinking of getting a music nib, instead of the more common nibs.
I think that both the original and II are great, depending on how large you hands are. The few milimeters do make a big difference if you have small hands.
Thanks for the review. I’m torn between the Sailor Pro Gear and the Platinum President. Which do you prefer? Thanks
These are such great pens. I’ve had a Pro Gear for a very long time, then maybe a year or so ago found a great deal on a Pro Gear II Realo. Absolutely hated that clip, though, so found someone who wanted to trade clips with me 😅. Now it has a regular Sailor Pro Gear clip and looks great.
Beautiful pens and ink looks awesome. Thanks for a great video!
Nice video, but allow me to correct a detail. That "1911 standard" clip you showed is not a 1911 standard, but a 1911 promenade, a more affordable model than the 1911 standard/profit. Sailor had a number of pens lines beginning with a "pro" - profit, promenade, pro gear - and I have both the profit (1911 standard) and the promenade, though I am not sure if the promenade is still available today or outside Japan.
I feel the pro gear 2 was designed to emulate pelikans, especially with that flat broad clip on the cap
Thanks for the comparison. The original Pro Gear looks very appealing. Between the PG models and the original 1911 which do you prefer? My only Sailor is the ebonite KOP. I'm not all that pleased with its nib. It looks good under the loupe but doesn't provide the writing experience I expected given the reviews and at the price. I'll have it looked at by a nibmeister and see if it can be improved. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I have many pens that outperform it.
I personally lean toward the PGII. I'm really wanting to check out the PG KOP. Yes, have your KOP nib worked on...the nib on my ebonite KOP is one of my very favorite.
Luck of the draw on the nib I guess. I'll not let it stand in my way of trying other Sailors and will definitely have it looked at. I certainly want to love that pen.
Dan Smith tweaked the KOP nib at the OH Pen Show and now it's an excellent writer though the pen is on the large side for my hand (never seems to stop me : ). I've ordered the original PG in a F/M with a cursive italic grind from Nibs.com and look forward to seeing what I think of that. I expect to give the PG2 a go given your accolades. Thanks, David.
Wow. These have a ton of feedback. I've got a 1911L that is whisper quiet. I guess it's the luck of the draw.
Dave, nice review. I have a PG H-MF and I find the nib has a little spring to it with some line variation. This pen is pretty much my EDC/usage even though I have several Pilots (912s, 742s, 823). I loved the Sailor pen so much that I went on a bit of a binge the last 2 months and ordered a PG II realo F, 1911L realo Naginata Togi MF and last night a 1911L realo F and a 1911L M. Sailor has the best nibs I think and Pilot the most innovative filling systems. I also have a Platinum #3776 F which is a wonderful pen too. Yes, I will have 2 Sailor F nibs but c'est la vie.
Lee, can you answer my question regarding Sailor 14 k F nib vs Platinum 3776 century F nib??
1.) Which one is smoother on lower / mid range daily use paper??
2.) Which one do you think would be best for fast cursive ??
Pls. Help me in this regard, Thanks
Do you like F or MF more?
is the size (physical size) of sailor's 14k nib on pro gear sigma slim and the 21k nib on the pro gear sigma same? also how would they compare to some other #5 or #6 western nibs?
David, what size nibs are the pens? Also is the PRO GEAR II long enough to write unposted for you?
Thanks for the video. What is your opinion of the Sailor ProGear Imperial Black, is it more expensive than the other ProGear, is it worth that additional cost?
Jorge Olarte ...My burning question exactly. Have you found out? I really want this pen, and wish to know the answer to the question you asked here.
Good, detaiiled look at these pens, they look to be very accurately made, almost flawless.
Either of these would be a week's wages for me, so I'll never know.
It does look like the manufacturer has peaked the design of these, very little changes from model to model, must be that they have got it just right!
Do you recommend any other Levenger inks? Haven't heard of them before, and no one have made a good review.
+Martinus Hjørungnes I purchased the ink directly from Levenger's site. Ony $10. I haven't seen it available on any other site. So far, I like the pomegranate. It behaves well, but I wouldn't say it has a ton of shading. Mainly picked it up because I thought the bottle was interesting.
Hi Dave, where did you buy the pro gear II?
Fernando Rodriguez Romero It was through a Japanese retailer who no longer sells Sailor.
Thans for the video. Do you know if the sections can be interchanged?
+rafaelpapp Yes, they can be. The caps can be interchanged as well.
I love your vids…but…I have to listen and not watch. Your so obviously reading a prompter, or whatever, drives me nuts…with your eyes going off to your left all the time. While I GREATLY appreciate your meticulous preparation I just can’t watch it. My issue, not yours.
Stop reading off a script, it's so annoying and fake.
Hi Dave, where did you buy the pro gear II?
I feel the pro gear 2 was designed to emulate pelikans, especially with that flat broad clip on the cap