I’ve been considering a fountain pen and I think I’ve narrowed it down to this one. It’s around $33 now, and comes in more colors. If I like it, then maybe I’ll consider a nicer, more expensive pen in the future.
These are the most polished and best put together fountain pen reviews out there, a pleasure to watch, and they are useful too :) The ECO seems a solid choice for the price, for sure it is in the US, here in Europe it's a bit more pricy and a little less of a bargain, but still one of the - if not the most - affordable piston filler.
Thank you so much! I have never had a fountain pen before, bought this one and had no idea how to fill it. The included pictorial instructions leave much to be desired.
I love your drawer "trick", that makes for a good video. The thing I do not like about the eco is that it doesn't work with the diamond 50 inkwell's adapter. I like being able to just plug the pen into the little snorkel port.
Awesome review! Great to hear the the feed and nib section are easily accessible. I was worried that it would be lost with the reduced price. Also, that OMAS Turquoise is KILLER!
"Not Revolutionary" I disagree, the pen is a landmark in cheap piston fillers. Sub 30 dollars this will challenge the Lamy Safari as the starter pen most likely. Outside of Indian pens, no other piston fillers are really available for sub 30 dollars, and those Indian pens often have issues with quality control.
@@punitgmail4616LAMY by far. LAMYs are my daily writers; never disappoint, contrary to TWSBI which lacks adequate ink flow for office pace writing, e.g., note-taking tasks. I regretted both TWSBI Ecos i purchased. I returned the first, but kept the second cause i felt embarrassed to return the second consecutive purchase. Note, i have ordered the second before trying the first! 😢 Thus, the second purchase. Otherwise, there would be no chance i would be ever going for a seconded TWSBI!
Nice review! i'm not too convinced by the Eco doesn't appeal to me, maybe with some time. By the way i really liked the transition effect when comparing pen sizes.
Great review! I just ordered one from Goulet. A few years ago I had a Diamond 540 that cracked to pieces (in fairness, they sent replacement parts for free when I wrote to them about it), so I've been a little wary of TWISBI since then; but the price and looks of the ECO caught my eye, and perhaps they've addressed the brittleness issue by now. Thanks for posting.
Fantastic review, Dan - thanks for getting this up so quickly! I've got a couple on order (I think - waiting for the invoice as confirmation), and you've helped convinced me this is a worthwhile risk to take.
Great review. I've been using a couple of Ecos for more than two years now. Great pens. I don't use it posted. I've got some Pilots that when I hold them posted they slide out of the cap and land right on the nib. (The TWSBIs aren't in my reckless experience nib landers). I don't even think of them as posted pens. (Everything you say that I know about I agree with. [I have Ecos, Mini, VacMini, Vac700, and a Go] The Mini is the only TWSBI I like to use posted. At first I was a bit annoyed going unposted, what if I lose the cap?! But after a few years and several TWSBIs I haven't misplaced one for more than a minute-- so it's not a problem. The Mini Posted and the Eco unposted are virtually the same weight, CG. I love the amount of ink they hold. Prior to TWSBI I was using Nemosines converted to eyedropper (burp!) One mistake to avoid. The plunger assembly is reverse threaded. This means Tighty Lefty, Loosie Rightie. I did this backwards, just one click (jumping the threads) and it cracked the barrel. I glued it with superglue. Looks terrible. I didn't completely clean out the ink... there was a bead of superglue on the outside. (This was as much an experiment as a repair) I scraped down the bead of glue and polished it up a bit... so I think it might be possible to make a near invisible repair. TWSBI is great about sending out replacement parts for the cost of postage, but I wanted to do this test. I'd like to be able to do a quick-n-dirty repair when I'm traveling, camping etc... Prior to super glue I used stretchy silicone tape. that worked too. I have found the TWSBI plastic to be a bit brittle. With reasonable care they're as durable as any other pen, but they can crack in near invisible hairlines that turn your fingers blue with seeping ink.
Thanks for the review. I think for the price I might risk getting one early but I stopped getting TWSBI pens after the 540 came out and mine cracked. Hopefully they solved that issue but the leading edge of the section looks suspect.
An excellent review. I have only used my white ECO with stub nib so far (also have black with EF) and am very impressed. I could not agree with you more about your comment wishing that all nibs wrote like this right out of the box. I sincerely hope this pen holds up over time because my initial thought is, "How can they sell such a great pen for only $28.99?"
There is a thing I like about your reviews as of late. I am noticing a parallel between your reviews and a show called "Auto Week." They would review a particular car or truck, giving you acceleration, braking, how it feel behind the drivers seat or as a passenger. On occasion they would have a 6 month then a year review how the vehicle held up to day to day driving. I really like that you're finding a similar method. I would guess is completely by chance.
Excellent review. I really appreciated the comparison with the other TWSBI pens. I have to agree with what some of the others have said and I noticed it when you that other place, you have a very nice speaking voice and presentation.
My biggest purchase disappointment so far; absolutely lacking adequate ink flow when it comes to note-taking writing pace. And i got two of those, and both were having the same inadequate ink flow capacity. Sad this is not highlighted in all those videos around. I can accept it’s a nice looking pen, though.
How has it held up? I'm hesitant to buy a pen where the majority of the body is made from clear plastic (probably ABS), as clear plastic is inherently more brittle than opaque plastics due to the manufacturing process, which can lead to stress fractures over time. Also, how is the line thickness variation - if any?
I'm a fan of the brand and have been anticipating the ECO for a long time. I've a black one on the way and hope its medium nib is as good as the one you received. I see a bottle of Omas Turquoise in my future too. Thanks for another fine review, Dan.
***** Medium nib on mine is very smooth, but a touch dry with Aurora Black and Visconti Sepia. Line width seems the finer side of a medium. I may adjust for flow down the line. Quite attractive for the price. I don't mind the o-rings. For me they work visually with the demonstrator design echoing the piston rings, seal the cap well and should help prevent cracks, though I've never had a cracking issue with TWSBI's. I wish the barrel wasn't completely round to prevent rolling as I'm not a poster (unlike yours, my ECO posts very securely). Tough pen to beat for the price. Now where's that Vac Mini?!
I'm in the process of choosing between this pen, the Classic, the Conklin Duragraph, and the Lamy Safari. I really like a twist cap, but I have also been really impressed by how many nibs the Lamy has, and that a lot of their pens use the same ones. Of course Twsbi does too I believe. I just don't know if I enjoy a see through pen. Dang my indecision.
Do you feel like the Eco is a sturdy pen? The main thing I have against Twsbi is the plastic issues I have heard with it breaking. I know that we cant tell yet since it only just came out but I just worry about buying something that would breaking easily.
You convinced me. I picked the white up off of their website since Goulet was sold out. Now to pick a good ink. Thinking of Lamy Turquoise or Noodlers Midway.
Hello THE Nibsmith, congratulations for all your tests, I need a little help I am looking for a fountain pen to draw with a regular line that glides well medium and resistant tips with a regular flow and very dense ink do you have a model for me advise
So after the last 7 months, how has the Eco held up? I ask because mine just came in the mail today. And I would like to know if it held together nicely for you in the long run. I was very pleased with the Eco on its first inking and writing sample and I echo your thoughts on how smooth it is. As I prepare to put the Eco into my rotation your input on its durability is most appreciated.
Daniel Smith I have had mine for about 5 months now, it’s a great pen. My only complaint is actually a positive one and it’s that it holds so much ink so finishing the Ink takes a long time for me somehow.
Ok, I'm new to fountain pens and it' very probable I'm visually missjudging. ¿Perhaps the 'tube' has thick walls and therefore the actual internal volume is much less than what it seems? I'b be very glad to stand rectified. I really fell in love with fountain pens recently and am currently learning to write with my right hand so as to not smudge all over the place. :)
So, I've recently discovered the beauty of fountain pens and what they allow one to do. I hope you don't mind me asking, but.- what pen would you recommend for a beginner, considering I'm learning to write with my right hand to avoid all probable smudging? Or doesn't it really matter. (·_·)?
I'm also a leftie learning to write with my right hand! Might be a bit late to the party, but I ordered a Pilot Metropolitan in fine along with a bottle of Noodler's Heart of Darkness, which comes with a free pen. Next up I'm planning on getting this thing, unless I find a better candidate, and probably a set of random ink samples from GouletPens.com
It depends. If you would hesitate to take those pens somewhere or let someone who's never used a fountain pen use one, it might be worth it to have an Eco. It's cheap, a solid writer, and if it gets broken/lost/stolen you're only out $30.
+Pinglei He (Pinglei's Pen Journey) I've owned my 580 since it was released and it has been a wonderful writer. It's been knocking around in my pen case for a long time now with no issues.
finally someone who does not spend 20 mins on a pen review
yes
😂😂
I’ve been considering a fountain pen and I think I’ve narrowed it down to this one. It’s around $33 now, and comes in more colors. If I like it, then maybe I’ll consider a nicer, more expensive pen in the future.
The quality of your videos is always amaaazing, and your voice very soothing
SachaRaptor I like his voice, too.
The O rings are less noticeable when the pen is filled. Really not that big of a deal
The color of that ink looked amazing in Eco:D
I WANT IT AS MY DAILY USER IN A FINE NIB. THE EASE OF CLEANING IS MY FAVORITE PART
These are the most polished and best put together fountain pen reviews out there, a pleasure to watch, and they are useful too :) The ECO seems a solid choice for the price, for sure it is in the US, here in Europe it's a bit more pricy and a little less of a bargain, but still one of the - if not the most - affordable piston filler.
Thank you so much! I have never had a fountain pen before, bought this one and had no idea how to fill it. The included pictorial instructions leave much to be desired.
I recently bought a 1.1 mm stub and man oh man, I fell in love with it instantly !!!
Really nice review. I think Im going to buy this e-cig even tho Im not a smoker :)
This pen kinda looks like that tho.
Seriously bro, i LOVE the way you talk and review the pens!! KUDOS!!
Felix Chiang Me, too!
Your reviews are awesome. Well thought out and detailed, with great production value and narration.
I love your drawer "trick", that makes for a good video. The thing I do not like about the eco is that it doesn't work with the diamond 50 inkwell's adapter. I like being able to just plug the pen into the little snorkel port.
Awesome review! Great to hear the the feed and nib section are easily accessible. I was worried that it would be lost with the reduced price. Also, that OMAS Turquoise is KILLER!
Holy cow , you have the same wood “tool box” for your pens as I do. For a second I thought you broke into my house lol.
"Not Revolutionary"
I disagree, the pen is a landmark in cheap piston fillers.
Sub 30 dollars this will challenge the Lamy Safari as the starter pen most likely.
Outside of Indian pens, no other piston fillers are really available for sub 30 dollars, and those Indian pens often have issues with quality control.
Which is better
Lamy safari or TWSBI eco
@@punitgmail4616 I prefer my Eco :D. It feels nicer in the hand and the way it is filled makes it look cooler than a piston converter
@@punitgmail4616 Lamy safari, if you don’t mind paying more for brand, converter, ink, and 87 years of pen life
@@Hello-ue2xt TWSBI looks cool but I was thinking the same. Lamy might do better in the long run considering the Transparent Plastic of the Eco
@@punitgmail4616LAMY by far. LAMYs are my daily writers; never disappoint, contrary to TWSBI which lacks adequate ink flow for office pace writing, e.g., note-taking tasks. I regretted both TWSBI Ecos i purchased. I returned the first, but kept the second cause i felt embarrassed to return the second consecutive purchase. Note, i have ordered the second before trying the first! 😢 Thus, the second purchase. Otherwise, there would be no chance i would be ever going for a seconded TWSBI!
2:56 something's wrong here
what do you mean? Everything's emfexdiitfuinnmerea
I’m so confused as too what’s wrong.....new to fountain pens....
@@dturco6057 See the text.
Dan Turco haha he stacked the words on each other 😃
Yo I love my [REDACTED] nib.
Nice review! i'm not too convinced by the Eco doesn't appeal to me, maybe with some time. By the way i really liked the transition effect when comparing pen sizes.
thank you for mentioning the ink capacity and being concise in general
2:58
im sorry but WHAT did that say?
Great review! I just ordered one from Goulet. A few years ago I had a Diamond 540 that cracked to pieces (in fairness, they sent replacement parts for free when I wrote to them about it), so I've been a little wary of TWISBI since then; but the price and looks of the ECO caught my eye, and perhaps they've addressed the brittleness issue by now. Thanks for posting.
Fantastic review, Dan - thanks for getting this up so quickly! I've got a couple on order (I think - waiting for the invoice as confirmation), and you've helped convinced me this is a worthwhile risk to take.
Great review. I've been using a couple of Ecos for more than two years now. Great pens. I don't use it posted. I've got some Pilots that when I hold them posted they slide out of the cap and land right on the nib. (The TWSBIs aren't in my reckless experience nib landers). I don't even think of them as posted pens. (Everything you say that I know about I agree with. [I have Ecos, Mini, VacMini, Vac700, and a Go] The Mini is the only TWSBI I like to use posted. At first I was a bit annoyed going unposted, what if I lose the cap?! But after a few years and several TWSBIs I haven't misplaced one for more than a minute-- so it's not a problem. The Mini Posted and the Eco unposted are virtually the same weight, CG. I love the amount of ink they hold. Prior to TWSBI I was using Nemosines converted to eyedropper (burp!)
One mistake to avoid. The plunger assembly is reverse threaded. This means Tighty Lefty, Loosie Rightie. I did this backwards, just one click (jumping the threads) and it cracked the barrel. I glued it with superglue. Looks terrible. I didn't completely clean out the ink... there was a bead of superglue on the outside. (This was as much an experiment as a repair) I scraped down the bead of glue and polished it up a bit... so I think it might be possible to make a near invisible repair. TWSBI is great about sending out replacement parts for the cost of postage, but I wanted to do this test. I'd like to be able to do a quick-n-dirty repair when I'm traveling, camping etc... Prior to super glue I used stretchy silicone tape. that worked too.
I have found the TWSBI plastic to be a bit brittle. With reasonable care they're as durable as any other pen, but they can crack in near invisible hairlines that turn your fingers blue with seeping ink.
I absolutely love your reviews. Please do more of them!
Thanks for the review. I think for the price I might risk getting one early but I stopped getting TWSBI pens after the 540 came out and mine cracked. Hopefully they solved that issue but the leading edge of the section looks suspect.
An excellent review. I have only used my white ECO with stub nib so far (also have black with EF) and am very impressed. I could not agree with you more about your comment wishing that all nibs wrote like this right out of the box. I sincerely hope this pen holds up over time because my initial thought is, "How can they sell such a great pen for only $28.99?"
The cap seems to pop off as you hold your pen quite high. I tend to grip it quite close to the grooves in the grip section.
That table shake when the ink bottle is sitting at an angle...
Nice review Dan. The pen looks great but I'm going to skip it. I have way too many TWSBIs I don't use. Will I see you at DC?
Cool beans! Looking forward!
I’ve never had the cap fall off when posted
Thanks for the review. I'm glad to see the TWSBI aesthetic still holds in their $30 pen.
Excellent review Dan, very enlightening and artistically filmed! Great
Daaaaamn Daniel, back at it again with the white pen!
These reviews are so gooood, where'd he goo
There is a thing I like about your reviews as of late. I am noticing a parallel between your reviews and a show called "Auto Week." They would review a particular car or truck, giving you acceleration, braking, how it feel behind the drivers seat or as a passenger. On occasion they would have a 6 month then a year review how the vehicle held up to day to day driving. I really like that you're finding a similar method. I would guess is completely by chance.
Excellent review. I really appreciated the comparison with the other TWSBI pens. I have to agree with what some of the others have said and I noticed it when you that other place, you have a very nice speaking voice and presentation.
I like how dramatic the beginning of this review was.
In UK suppliers are asking £28.99 which equates to $43.50. Or $36.40 + 20% VAT [sales tax]
Ripped off yet again
I have a white one in a Medium Nib on its way. Do I have to put the silicon Grease on it as soon as I get it?
My biggest purchase disappointment so far; absolutely lacking adequate ink flow when it comes to note-taking writing pace. And i got two of those, and both were having the same inadequate ink flow capacity. Sad this is not highlighted in all those videos around. I can accept it’s a nice looking pen, though.
I'm sorry but what does that mean
How has it held up?
I'm hesitant to buy a pen where the majority of the body is made from clear plastic (probably ABS), as clear plastic is inherently more brittle than opaque plastics due to the manufacturing process, which can lead to stress fractures over time.
Also, how is the line thickness variation - if any?
I'm a fan of the brand and have been anticipating the ECO for a long time. I've a black one on the way and hope its medium nib is as good as the one you received. I see a bottle of Omas Turquoise in my future too. Thanks for another fine review, Dan.
***** Medium nib on mine is very smooth, but a touch dry with Aurora Black and Visconti Sepia. Line width seems the finer side of a medium. I may adjust for flow down the line. Quite attractive for the price. I don't mind the o-rings. For me they work visually with the demonstrator design echoing the piston rings, seal the cap well and should help prevent cracks, though I've never had a cracking issue with TWSBI's. I wish the barrel wasn't completely round to prevent rolling as I'm not a poster (unlike yours, my ECO posts very securely). Tough pen to beat for the price.
Now where's that Vac Mini?!
Glenn Higley I also have never experienced any cracking in any of my TWSBI's. My cap also post very securely.
Is the eco less susceptible to the common plastic cracking issues that plaques the other pens? It's more or less my only concern haha
cool. i'll hold off before i get one, then. thanks for the great review btw!
flametakuya most of the issues were due to the feed collar or the section cracking,so im pretty sure it will be more durable.
Good idea with the drawers Mr Smith! Excellent review
Excellent review thanks ...told me everything I need to know. Looks like a great value pen.
I've waited so long for this! Thanks!
Sorry, when you were comparing the Eco to the other Twsbi pens, did you say there is a model 540? I thought it was only 580. Is that right? Thanks!
The 540 is the previous version of the 580. They're essentially the same pen with only minor differences between them.
Ah, I see! I only got to know Twsbi pens recently and I have never heard of the 540 until now. Thank you!
Medium nib of lamy safari or twsbi eco which is more finer...?
I'm in the process of choosing between this pen, the Classic, the Conklin Duragraph, and the Lamy Safari. I really like a twist cap, but I have also been really impressed by how many nibs the Lamy has, and that a lot of their pens use the same ones. Of course Twsbi does too I believe. I just don't know if I enjoy a see through pen. Dang my indecision.
Do you feel like the Eco is a sturdy pen? The main thing I have against Twsbi is the plastic issues I have heard with it breaking. I know that we cant tell yet since it only just came out but I just worry about buying something that would breaking easily.
You convinced me. I picked the white up off of their website since Goulet was sold out. Now to pick a good ink. Thinking of Lamy Turquoise or Noodlers Midway.
Macrov I just finished putting four days of hard use on my first, but I'm sure not my last, Eco - I think it's the best TWSBI yet.
How has this pen held up, I am seriously considering it.
ThisIsAPrettyLongUserNameWhyTheFuckWouldHeDoThatSoThatEveryoneWouldThumbsUpIt
Thanks for the review. :) Is the nib as firm as the 540 / 580 ones?
Hello THE Nibsmith, congratulations for all your tests, I need a little help I am looking for a fountain pen to draw with a regular line that glides well medium and resistant tips with a regular flow and very dense ink do you have a model for me advise
One possible alternate Chinese pen that may give the Eco a run of its money is the Wing Sung 698
Great review Dan, as usual!
Awesome review. Very thorough and informative. Thank you
Great review on the Eco, Dan!
another excellent review! Thank you, Dan!
4:51 you misspelled turquoise, your favorite ink's color.
So what.
So after the last 7 months, how has the Eco held up? I ask because mine just came in the mail today. And I would like to know if it held together nicely for you in the long run. I was very pleased with the Eco on its first inking and writing sample and I echo your thoughts on how smooth it is. As I prepare to put the Eco into my rotation your input on its durability is most appreciated.
Daniel Smith I have had mine for about 5 months now, it’s a great pen. My only complaint is actually a positive one and it’s that it holds so much ink so finishing the Ink takes a long time for me somehow.
Please compare the TWSBI Eco to the TWSBI Vac 700R
Awesome Video & Lovely Pen Dude. Keep up the great work. Nick.
is that a gerstner tool box?
Thanks! I'll definitely purchase one now!!
Great review! Love the Omas ink color.
are the piston unit of the eco and 580 interchangeable? the piston in my 580 broke.
Is it compatible with the TWSBI inkwell?
Fantastic need-to-know review.
Nice review. I think I need one of these! - roc
1.8 mL? It looks like a heck of a lot more. Perhaps 18 mL looks and sounds more reasonable, or am I just hearing everything wrong?
Ok, I'm new to fountain pens and it' very probable I'm visually missjudging. ¿Perhaps the 'tube' has thick walls and therefore the actual internal volume is much less than what it seems? I'b be very glad to stand rectified.
I really fell in love with fountain pens recently and am currently learning to write with my right hand so as to not smudge all over the place. :)
+ratonL nope, it's 1.8.
So, I've recently discovered the beauty of fountain pens and what they allow one to do.
I hope you don't mind me asking, but.- what pen would you recommend for a beginner, considering I'm learning to write with my right hand to avoid all probable smudging? Or doesn't it really matter. (·_·)?
I'm also a leftie learning to write with my right hand! Might be a bit late to the party, but I ordered a Pilot Metropolitan in fine along with a bottle of Noodler's Heart of Darkness, which comes with a free pen. Next up I'm planning on getting this thing, unless I find a better candidate, and probably a set of random ink samples from GouletPens.com
Im a lefty too, but i just changed my writing angle so my hand is facing upwards, to avoid smudging
👌🏼
Congrats ! , I think it is the first cheap FP you've reviewed in all your life , isn't it ?
***** May be.....
Hello. If you have more expensive pens like pilot custom heritage 912 ,or pelikan souveran . Is there any point in getting the eco? Thanks
It depends. If you would hesitate to take those pens somewhere or let someone who's never used a fountain pen use one, it might be worth it to have an Eco. It's cheap, a solid writer, and if it gets broken/lost/stolen you're only out $30.
The Nibsmith thank you. Other than these reasons. It does not really worth it , correct? How good does it write? Do you use it yourself?
love your drawers trick :)
I'm told the Eco nib can be changed with mini has anyone tried this
This will be my next pen.
sadly 50 is NOT affordable by any means to me so i was surprised to here the number 20.
Turqulose?
Is that like cellulose?
Great review, thanks.
Excellent review.
The shipping to Australia cost as much as the pen itself :/
what blue ink is that?
thx it looks quite nice :o
It is Omas Torqouise he said.
Now that's a review!
0:16 I felt that
Has anyone ever cracked a 580 before? I thought it only happens on pens made before 2013........
Pinglei He
Twice.
Which is why I'm unlikely to buy an ECO, the lack of metal rings kinda worries me-more areas where it could crack.
Tangylives 580? Really.... ?
+Pinglei He (Pinglei's Pen Journey) I've owned my 580 since it was released and it has been a wonderful writer. It's been knocking around in my pen case for a long time now with no issues.
Nice review!
The o rings will break off at some point. And it will be displeasing.
Great review.
Thanks👍
Nice review
"available in white and black" boy oh boy , just you wait
metal does not cost that much. I don't see how the need to replace it with plastic.
@4:52 It's Omas TurqUOIse, not -uio.
Witting Turnpike
typo at 4:51 ;)
Will Prairie
Bahringer Underpass
Tierra Turnpike
I bought one today!
Meagan Stravenue
Fadel Rapids
Mante Crescent