Thank you for this humonguosly informative video and for showing techniques in detail again, especially the "Seven Strokes to Inky Happiness"! It is very valuable and has already given me a pleasant writing experience dozens of times. 🥰
Doug I've been enjoying your videos glad I ran into them I've been collecting pens just ordinary ones that you can buy at your local store such as Walmart target etc. and a few Lamy safari and pilot Metropolitan as of lately and, some older Schaefer fountain pens from about 25 years ago. I am just starting to venture into the $50-$75 pens I have lots to learn especially about the Nibbs I only know that I enjoy medium to bold wet juicy lines and smooth writingswirls and shiny acrylics. I want to thank you for your videos especially the budget ones because that fits right in my budget I look forward to earning from you thank you
I was able to join your channel as a member. Thanks for all you do- means a lot to someone like me, who is interested in pens, but doesn’t have the time and resources to try out everything on my own! Super Warship is quite a name; but not out of line if you think about the name Flight of Time! Nice and informative video; as always. One question: sorry for digressing. But, what is your opinion of Lamy Dailog CC? Given the price point, would you say that it is in any way better than Pilot Vanishing Point? The context is: I did not have a very good experience with Vanishing Points. The nibs dried out in a very short period of time, and I had to either dip the nib into an ink bottle or jerk the pen down to make the ink flow again. Surprisingly, everyone has only good things to say about Vanishing Point. Did I get defective pens? I tried more than one, 1 medium, 2 fine and 2 extra fine nibs: all gave me the same result. Thanks
Thanks for joining! Welcome aboard! As to the Dialog CC just search my channel and you'll find my review. It is a well-built pen, of course, by Lamy. I sold mine as I couldn't get used to the shape in my hand. It felt like writing with a heavy breadstick. As to the Vanishing Point, that is one knock against them for many people - they will dry out. You might want to hold off on a Dialog CC until we discover how the new Nahvalur (Narwhal) Eclipse works and writes. I should have one in another week.
From what I've read, the makers of the Super Warship took their design queues from the Star Trek Warp nacelle of the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE! I contemplated getting one, but had been putting it off. I have a number of the same other Vac Fillers you have so I think I'll just stick with them!
I’ve been wondering where Ben Walsh (Gravitas) got his pens made. Now we know. I have the Gravitas vac filler in clear acrylic. I really like that pen, and now I know where I can get spare parts if I ever need them. Thanks for the vid, Doug. While these pens suck (see what I did there?), your review is awesome!
Thanks, Doug! Surprising how many "affordable" vac fillers there are given the extra parts, bother, etc. I even like the mondo cheapo 3013, no rusty nut yet but I see condensation on it so I'm sure I won't be left out. I agree, some of the Asvine finishes that are on the P20, e.g., would look great on the V126. Cheers!
for the 3013, see if you can get a plastic/ acrylic screw for it. M5 x 8mm should be the fit for it, no need to screw it all the way. Better than trying to keep the screw dry or trying to put nail polish to keep it rusting on a regular basis. Hope this helps!
I love it when you tear all the stuff apart & compare it. The side effect, tho, is that I want to go try all the inexpensive pens that measure up to the big guns.
Asvine V126 is one of favourites in my collection now :). Its been my goto pen for the past many months now. Its dimenstions, weight, smooth writing all are very good for my writing style.
The conce0t of an affordable vacuum filler pen that also happens to be a demonstrator is great, I like how it looks, and I have to say, you do sing and play pretty well.
Thanks Doug, for your curiosity and the subsequent demonstration of interchangeable filling mechanisms. It no longer surprises me that many FP parts are interchangeable. Many industries have been doing this for decades. Even alleged competitors have to develop interchangeable components because this is the will of the almost always identical and powerful Wall Street shareholders. There is talk of synergy effects to reduce costs and increase profits. The similarities between so many FP brands/models are probably due to the increased use of 3D printers. This can lead to similarities. With high-priced offers, marketing has to talk away such similarities. Or simply ignore them, as with budget items.
Great review, nice to know if I need parts for my Asvine V200 I can buy one of the more reasonable pens with the same parts and cannibalize that one. I have had My V200 for almost a year now, have it with the Asvine nib and I love it. Also love your hat!
@@InkquiringMinds , true eventually you have to refill or clean the inkwell if you change the ink. I have a large bottle of Pilot Blue/Black thatr I use to fill my bottles of that color and the inkwell when needed. I do love my Asvine V200, maybe more than my Pilot 823. Both have a lpot of ink capacity.
As someone new to this fountain pen hobby, looking at getting my first Vac filler, this has been incredibly insightful! Thank you so much! A question and an idea: since so many of these pens look to have shared parts and similar construction, might any of them be compatible with and thread into TWSBI's VAC 20A ink bottle? That little filling system continues to be one of the most attractive aspects of the Vac700R to my mind...though I get it's probably more gimmick than substance.
I can't say about the TWSBI Vac 700 because I've never owned one. I would suspect it wouldn't work as the sections of all these vac fillers are different. The vac mechanism might fit but not the sections.
I think it makes sense, I mean, fountainpens are a niche product: the hardware supplies may come from the same manufacturer, and also makes sense the only different one being the Wing Sung, which is a "bigger" company. Thank you for the video.
Wow, very interesting. Of note, out of all the pens I’ve owned, it’s my Nahvalur Original + that’s given me the most trouble…(in close 2nd is the Hong Dian N7, which recently just crumbled into pieces in my hands.) I had such high hopes for these pens, but here we discover they’re all just the same?! I was trying so hard to not break the $150 pricepoint…
The section reminds me of moonman m800's section. Regarding the the nib, you can replace it with Bock nibs or any no6 nibs. Which makes it more compatible with other nibs more so than the v126 (as that nib collar in the asvine cannot take bock) I do like the shape and look of the whole pen. So imo, it's a very nice one.
Thanks for the excellent review! Looking at what I have inked right now, I notice I may be going through a bit of a vax filler phase. 8 pens inked and three are Asvine vac fillers, 3 are piston fillers, one is cartridge and the last is a Wing Sung pump/aerometric (?) filler with their conical nib. But this one won't be joining my other ones. I like the design well enough--though, I think the grey version looks better--but the writing sample and observations put me right off this pen. I suspect I will be adding another Asvine to the pile. I am really liking the 126 and have an Amber and a Teal. The both write very, very well. I clearly "need" to get one of the frosted ones. :)
Fascinating comparison, I've seen this pen quite a bit, and was almost tempted, but I've already got a number of vac-fillers from your array, so it would be a bit pointless. For the record, my favourite is probably the 456, though I can't think for the life of me why it doesn't have an ink window in the opaque ones.
Hi, regarding the natami pen, I noticed that the official site said the body is made from metal, and the nib is clearly a steel nib, so is the "titanium" on title from sellers just a lie?
Retailers vary with what they say about these products. There might be some titanium in the cap and barrel of this pen, but I suspect it is an alloy. The nib is steel.
After dealing with all the Oring crap n my Asvine V126, I wish it was just a piston filler. I mean Vacuum fillers are heavier and more complicated and prone to issues. I got over them fast!
Another great review, Doug. I had thought about getting this pen for a while, if nothing else for the interesting design. But design does not mean it is going to be a great pen. I will stick with my Asvine V200, the V169, and my Pineider Avatar Twin Tank Touchdown which is possibly the best vacuum filler I own. Yes it is more money than the pens you showcased but I think it is better than the Pilot Custom 823 which is saying a lot. I do not own the penBBS 456. Based on your rankings, I have missed perhaps the best of the lot.
Bobby has the Wing Sung 3013 with the Wing Sung medium soft nib every once in awhile. Those work. It isn't as nice as the nib on the Wing Sung 699 but it's similar. He uses a WS 698 feed. It allows a lot more ink flow. Thats the only way that you can get those pens to work.
wait wait wait, you compared so many different companies, but but, why didn't include the TWSBI Vac700?? i would be very interested to know if TWSBI also uses the same parts~!
funny - others also said the Warship was bad..must be really poor quality control - I ordered the tinted version and got lucky I guess with a super smooth nib and no nib burping...although I'm generally not a poster! fun to know it swaps with Asvine though as I have M and EF nibs there that I can maybe swap in!
Thanks, Doug, for saving me a few bucks, as I will not even consider buying this dumb idea of a pen. The comparison of innards was enlightening, and supports a discussion I had this afternoon with my neighborhood (sort of) pen seller/blogger/very cool guy, Joe the Gentleman Stationer. I was talking about Lamy, and how plenty of no brand and sort of brand pens are nearly identical. Jinhao has nearly identical cheap plastic pens to the Safari, though I call them Safoni, or Sophony. and there are lots more, with all kinds of interesting designs. I buy them by the dozen and penable people. Is there a law about that? Anyhow, you have supported my assertion, and who doesn't like to be right?
Super War Ship any generic sci-fi movie! :) I bought a pen like this, but I thought it had an unbalanced weight and I didn't like the nib. I ended up exchanging it for an architect nib that I have here. But it's still (and getting worse!) unbalanced with the pen cap posted on the back... It's pretty, but not very balanced.
No, I wouldn't call Pilot 823 an affordable pen and I agree that the colours are a bit boring. You have to add at least a zero to the price to get the price in Swedish Kronor (SEK). 🙂 I think I will look into the 699 and V126 instead. The 456 seems more difficult to get at the moment. 😇🩷🙏😁
I love my Asvine 126, with a friction fit Hongdian soft EF nib........Something about the Penbbs 456 F nib put me off...so I switched in a Wing generic EF nib made to fit the Pilot 78?...And I like it better....but still a step below the Asvine.
Always love your guitar bits.
Glad you like them!
Beautiful vide Doug! I use your double filling trick all the time when I use a vac filler: works as a charm!
Cool, thanks
Brilliant comparisons, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Love the intro! The production value of your video is excellent. This video had it all. Very informative. 👍
Much appreciated!
Thank you for this humonguosly informative video and for showing techniques in detail again, especially the "Seven Strokes to Inky Happiness"! It is very valuable and has already given me a pleasant writing experience dozens of times. 🥰
Glad you enjoyed it!
Doug I've been enjoying your videos glad I ran into them I've been collecting pens just ordinary ones that you can buy at your local store such as Walmart target etc. and a few Lamy safari and pilot Metropolitan as of lately and, some older Schaefer fountain pens from about 25 years ago. I am just starting to venture into the $50-$75 pens I have lots to learn especially about the Nibbs I only know that I enjoy medium to bold wet juicy lines and smooth writingswirls and shiny acrylics. I want to thank you for your videos especially the budget ones because that fits right in my budget I look forward to earning from you thank you
Thank you so much!😊
Extended musical opening! Happy Saturday and thank you!
Enjoy!
Very thorough review!
I was able to join your channel as a member. Thanks for all you do- means a lot to someone like me, who is interested in pens, but doesn’t have the time and resources to try out everything on my own!
Super Warship is quite a name; but not out of line if you think about the name Flight of Time!
Nice and informative video; as always.
One question: sorry for digressing. But, what is your opinion of Lamy Dailog CC? Given the price point, would you say that it is in any way better than Pilot Vanishing Point?
The context is: I did not have a very good experience with Vanishing Points. The nibs dried out in a very short period of time, and I had to either dip the nib into an ink bottle or jerk the pen down to make the ink flow again. Surprisingly, everyone has only good things to say about Vanishing Point. Did I get defective pens? I tried more than one, 1 medium, 2 fine and 2 extra fine nibs: all gave me the same result.
Thanks
Thanks for joining! Welcome aboard! As to the Dialog CC just search my channel and you'll find my review. It is a well-built pen, of course, by Lamy. I sold mine as I couldn't get used to the shape in my hand. It felt like writing with a heavy breadstick. As to the Vanishing Point, that is one knock against them for many people - they will dry out. You might want to hold off on a Dialog CC until we discover how the new Nahvalur (Narwhal) Eclipse works and writes. I should have one in another week.
From what I've read, the makers of the Super Warship took their design queues from the Star Trek Warp nacelle of the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE! I contemplated getting one, but had been putting it off. I have a number of the same other Vac Fillers you have so I think I'll just stick with them!
Then they missed because it isn’t anything like the USS Enterprise.! Lol
They seem to have copied the Gravitas Vac Filler. 🫤
Oh, so every time you take off the cap you have to say 'engage'.
@@willemgroenewegen5934 Or 'Make it so.'
I’ve been wondering where Ben Walsh (Gravitas) got his pens made. Now we know. I have the Gravitas vac filler in clear acrylic. I really like that pen, and now I know where I can get spare parts if I ever need them. Thanks for the vid, Doug. While these pens suck (see what I did there?), your review is awesome!
Thanks Oscar!
Thanks, Doug! Surprising how many "affordable" vac fillers there are given the extra parts, bother, etc. I even like the mondo cheapo
3013, no rusty nut yet but I see condensation on it so I'm sure I won't be left out. I agree, some of the Asvine finishes that are on the
P20, e.g., would look great on the V126. Cheers!
Excellent! Well said, @davidmcguigan5497!
for the 3013, see if you can get a plastic/ acrylic screw for it.
M5 x 8mm should be the fit for it, no need to screw it all the way.
Better than trying to keep the screw dry or trying to put nail polish
to keep it rusting on a regular basis. Hope this helps!
I love it when you tear all the stuff apart & compare it. The side effect, tho, is that I want to go try all the inexpensive pens that measure up to the big guns.
Asvine V126 is one of favourites in my collection now :). Its been my goto pen for the past many months now. Its dimenstions, weight, smooth writing all are very good for my writing style.
Thanks for sharing!
always enjoy your videos - when will you review the Majohn P139 with the no 8 nib?
I just got one today!
The conce0t of an affordable vacuum filler pen that also happens to be a demonstrator is great, I like how it looks, and I have to say, you do sing and play pretty well.
Thank you so much, @creato938!
Looks like maybe, finally, a possible entry for the sonic screwdriver 😁
Thanks Doug, for your curiosity and the subsequent demonstration of interchangeable filling mechanisms. It no longer surprises me that many FP parts are interchangeable. Many industries have been doing this for decades. Even alleged competitors have to develop interchangeable components because this is the will of the almost always identical and powerful Wall Street shareholders. There is talk of synergy effects to reduce costs and increase profits. The similarities between so many FP brands/models are probably due to the increased use of 3D printers. This can lead to similarities. With high-priced offers, marketing has to talk away such similarities. Or simply ignore them, as with budget items.
Good points!
Great review, nice to know if I need parts for my Asvine V200 I can buy one of the more reasonable pens with the same parts and cannibalize that one. I have had My V200 for almost a year now, have it with the Asvine nib and I love it. Also love your hat!
Thanks so much!
Wonderful review as always. My tip for a full fill of a Vac filler is to use a Pineider Ink Well. It works every time with no mess.
But then you have to clean the inkwell and the eyedropper and/or syringe.
@@InkquiringMinds , true eventually you have to refill or clean the inkwell if you change the ink. I have a large bottle of Pilot Blue/Black thatr I use to fill my bottles of that color and the inkwell when needed. I do love my Asvine V200, maybe more than my Pilot 823. Both have a lpot of ink capacity.
As someone new to this fountain pen hobby, looking at getting my first Vac filler, this has been incredibly insightful! Thank you so much! A question and an idea: since so many of these pens look to have shared parts and similar construction, might any of them be compatible with and thread into TWSBI's VAC 20A ink bottle? That little filling system continues to be one of the most attractive aspects of the Vac700R to my mind...though I get it's probably more gimmick than substance.
I can't say about the TWSBI Vac 700 because I've never owned one. I would suspect it wouldn't work as the sections of all these vac fillers are different. The vac mechanism might fit but not the sections.
And the metal part of the lid is also screw-on. It comes out of the acrylic part, so it's even easier to clean.
Felt like mine would break if I tried any harder.
good info, thanks.
Thank you, @ichirofakename!
I think it makes sense, I mean, fountainpens are a niche product: the hardware supplies may come from the same manufacturer, and also makes sense the only different one being the Wing Sung, which is a "bigger" company.
Thank you for the video.
Thank you, @jorge23483!
Wow, very interesting. Of note, out of all the pens I’ve owned, it’s my Nahvalur Original + that’s given me the most trouble…(in close 2nd is the Hong Dian N7, which recently just crumbled into pieces in my hands.) I had such high hopes for these pens, but here we discover they’re all just the same?!
I was trying so hard to not break the $150 pricepoint…
Thanks for sharing!
The section reminds me of moonman m800's section. Regarding the the nib, you can replace it with Bock nibs or any no6 nibs. Which makes it more compatible with other nibs more so than the v126 (as that nib collar in the asvine cannot take bock)
I do like the shape and look of the whole pen. So imo, it's a very nice one.
Thanks for the excellent review!
Looking at what I have inked right now, I notice I may be going through a bit of a vax filler phase. 8 pens inked and three are Asvine vac fillers, 3 are piston fillers, one is cartridge and the last is a Wing Sung pump/aerometric (?) filler with their conical nib.
But this one won't be joining my other ones. I like the design well enough--though, I think the grey version looks better--but the writing sample and observations put me right off this pen.
I suspect I will be adding another Asvine to the pile. I am really liking the 126 and have an Amber and a Teal. The both write very, very well. I clearly "need" to get one of the frosted ones. :)
The Wing Sung is a modern vacumatic and with the conical nib is the 601a.
Fascinating comparison, I've seen this pen quite a bit, and was almost tempted, but I've already got a number of vac-fillers from your array, so it would be a bit pointless.
For the record, my favourite is probably the 456, though I can't think for the life of me why it doesn't have an ink window in the opaque ones.
It isn't part of the design. At least the section comes off so you can check.
Hi, regarding the natami pen, I noticed that the official site said the body is made from metal, and the nib is clearly a steel nib, so is the "titanium" on title from sellers just a lie?
Retailers vary with what they say about these products. There might be some titanium in the cap and barrel of this pen, but I suspect it is an alloy. The nib is steel.
After dealing with all the Oring crap n my Asvine V126, I wish it was just a piston filler. I mean Vacuum fillers are heavier and more complicated and prone to issues. I got over them fast!
Another great review, Doug. I had thought about getting this pen for a while, if nothing else for the interesting design. But design does not mean it is going to be a great pen.
I will stick with my Asvine V200, the V169, and my Pineider Avatar Twin Tank Touchdown which is possibly the best vacuum filler I own. Yes it is more money than the pens you showcased but I think it is better than the Pilot Custom 823 which is saying a lot.
I do not own the penBBS 456. Based on your rankings, I have missed perhaps the best of the lot.
I love the 456!
Only wish that they made a hooded nib vacuum filler .
Bobby has the Wing Sung 3013 with the Wing Sung medium soft nib every once in awhile. Those work. It isn't as nice as the nib on the Wing Sung 699 but it's similar. He uses a WS 698 feed. It allows a lot more ink flow. Thats the only way that you can get those pens to work.
Thanks, @kattz753, for the excellent information!
Do you have another channel with your music on it?
No. But you can see some of my full-length music videos on this channel. Here's "We Just Disagree" th-cam.com/video/qwqO7a0dog0/w-d-xo.html
In other words, if that vacuum filler burps your hand gets piston. And maybe it was named for the Battleship Atami of the Japanese navy fleet.
LOL I doubt a Chinese company would name their pen after a Japanese warship! LOL
wait wait wait, you compared so many different companies, but but, why didn't include the TWSBI Vac700?? i would be very interested to know if TWSBI also uses the same parts~!
They do.
funny - others also said the Warship was bad..must be really poor quality control - I ordered the tinted version and got lucky I guess with a super smooth nib and no nib burping...although I'm generally not a poster! fun to know it swaps with Asvine though as I have M and EF nibs there that I can maybe swap in!
Thanks for sharing
Just as a FYI, these are now on Amazon for a couple of dollars more.
so gravitas does not make their own pens?
I don't know for sure. I expect he designs and turns them. But nibs and vac hardware may be outsourced like many other brands.
Thanks, Doug, for saving me a few bucks, as I will not even consider buying this dumb idea of a pen. The comparison of innards was enlightening, and supports a discussion I had this afternoon with my neighborhood (sort of) pen seller/blogger/very cool guy, Joe the Gentleman Stationer. I was talking about Lamy, and how plenty of no brand and sort of brand pens are nearly identical. Jinhao has nearly identical cheap plastic pens to the Safari, though I call them Safoni, or Sophony. and there are lots more, with all kinds of interesting designs. I buy them by the dozen and penable people. Is there a law about that? Anyhow, you have supported my assertion, and who doesn't like to be right?
Thank you so much, @judyjacobs5827!
this doesnt surprise me as Ben Walsh at Gravitas may be designing the pens, however the Gravitas pens are being manufactured in China
well i guess if my gravitas ultem ever has an issue i know i can get replacement parts LOL
True!
You must have just got a bum nib…I have 2 super warships and both came with impeccable nibs. Some of the finest fines I’ve ever used.
"they all suck", love it
LOL
Don´t know exactly why but just don´t like vacum fillers. nice review thou
Super War Ship any generic sci-fi movie! :) I bought a pen like this, but I thought it had an unbalanced weight and I didn't like the nib. I ended up exchanging it for an architect nib that I have here. But it's still (and getting worse!) unbalanced with the pen cap posted on the back... It's pretty, but not very balanced.
I agree.
No, I wouldn't call Pilot 823 an affordable pen and I agree that the colours are a bit boring. You have to add at least a zero to the price to get the price in Swedish Kronor (SEK). 🙂 I think I will look into the 699 and V126 instead. The 456 seems more difficult to get at the moment. 😇🩷🙏😁
The PenBBS shop on Etsy is currently on a break. But they always have some 456.
Sally on esybuy has some. www.etsy.com/listing/1250902191/
Thank you! 😇🩷🙏🙌
I love my Asvine 126, with a friction fit Hongdian soft EF nib........Something about the Penbbs 456 F nib put me off...so I switched in a Wing generic EF nib made to fit the Pilot 78?...And I like it better....but still a step below the Asvine.