Bryan-Thank you for one of the best ‘flex reviews that I seen. I have several of the same pens tested and your analysis was spot on. Again thanks! New Subscriber
Great video! I have five Neponsets and there is very little consistency with the nibs in each of them. They’re all distinct in feel, line variability, and flexibility, ranging from a nail in one to a ridiculously soft feel with an almost-obscenely wide line in one of the others. I’ve found that the real joy of Noodler’s pens is finding a vintage (or otherwise special) nib that fits whatever model you’re working with, and using the self-serviceability of their designs to my advantage. I have A LOT of Creapers, Ahabs, and Konrads of all kinds that I’ve fitted with vintage nibs from Watermans, Mabie Todd’s, Wahls, Sheaffers, and even Osmiroid’s calligraphy nibs (namely the Sketch Nib w/ an overfeed and the way-underrated Copperplate nib). My favorite is definitely one of the two Noodler’s Safeties I have, namely the one with a first generation #6 adjustable nib from a Wahl-Eversharp Doric. That pen is breathtaking in its looks, writing, everything… They’re not the perfect writing instruments, but I just try to take Nathan’s pens for what they are and make the best of them… which usually involves an entertaining series of nib tryouts and tweaking to perfection. 😁
Also, my intro to flex pens was Noodler's Ahab. I loved those pens, but once I used a SFM on a PIlot, I was spoiled for the Ahab. Since then I've tried a lot of nibs, and my favorites are a vintage Waterman 0552 and Pilot Custom Heritage 912 with FA nib. :)
I just want to add that I've got an Indian Click Aristocrat with a steel flex nib for around $15 and it opens to 1mm with 335g of pressure. It looks exactly like the FPR Darjeeling
I have a Noodlers Triple Tail with a 3 tine nib same as on the Neponset. Flexes beautifully and has never let me down. The converter has never leaked. You have to keep the feed primed with FPR ultra flex nibs as they can run dry and rail road.
I too have a Tripletail, and it is great. The Neponset I have is a failure. However, I put the Neponset nib in a Gama Forever, and it now works. My FPR Himalaya with the ultra flex nib is pretty good too.
Also had this problem with the FPR ultraflex. I solved it by opening up the feel channel a bit with a file and used a VERY "wet" ink (Iroshizuku) and viola, it lays down ink like I have an endless supply!
Awesome review! I love any pen/nib that allows me to add line variation to my writing and lettering projects. I've used dip pens for lettering/calligraphy and various other artistic projects for years. The diversity that the dip pen offers is what initially drew me to fountain pens. Even without the flex, fountain pens cause the user to slow down and make deliberate strokes. Over the years, there has been quite a few "flex" pens added to my collection. I am able to get beautiful line width with almost all. The only gripe I have with any of them so far is the amount of adjustment and maintenance they require. I've often wondered if that is due to the fact that all the flex pens I have purchased have been under the $30 mark. I've debated for a few years now about buying more expensive pens that are favorite among other users, like the Pilot Falcon, (even though it is not a true flex, is soft enough to give line variation.) The only reason I have yet to do so is that I am scared to death that even though the are considered to be much more reliable and low maintenance, I will be disappointed in the amount of variation available. Argh! And on another note, while listening to your review, I could not help but crack up when you said the word "Kiowa" when referencing Noodler's Kiowa Pecan ink. (And I mean that in the best possible way, so please don't take it as me being critical.) There are so many different brands of pens and ink that the names can be extremely difficult to pronounce and we all butcher them when we attempt to do so. I guess Kiowa is one of those for some. Having grown up in Oklahoma, I've never thought about how some of the tribal names might be difficult for some to pronounce. But for future referenc, Kiowa is pronounced exactly like it is spelled: K • I (long I) • O (long O) • WA (wuh). - K I O WUH. Hope that makes sense. Regardless, great video and keep it up. :)
I am sorry about the mispronunciation. That is one I have wondered about since I'd heard it pronounced 2 ways. Anyway, if you are looking for great flex, it is impossible to beat a vintage pen. But if you are looking for modern and less maintenance, you will have to spend money - Pilot FA nibs (not the falcon) on more expensive pens like the 912. Or the Custom Urushi. A Pelikan M1000 is a good one too. I've also used the WahlEversharp Decoband (new pens) and the ASC Bologna Extra, which have great flex nibs. They are expensive!
Also, you might look at Desiderata pens. Pierre makes these pens to hold dip nibs in a fountain pen that he makes entirely by hand. I have one and will post a video about it soon.
I've tried a lot of flex. The hands down best is getting a nibmeister's spencerian grind. Now the caveat to this is that after playing with the pen for a few days, I put it away b/c it seemed too scratchy and caught on the paper... so after sitting out of rotation for several years, I picked it up again and it has become my favorite pen. I'm using a very light touch and rarely catch on upstrokes... I'm also getting the habit of lifting my elbow off the table so I can glide across the page... when I'm in the zone, it feels like I'm using a paintbrush in how the nib flexes... Now this is more expensive than getting a lucky flex nib of a garage sale, but it's also a "sure thing" in terms of a new pen that does its job. Desiderata pen would be 2nd choice btw (loses out on convenience)
I've not tried a custom modern nib. I do have 2 Desiderata pens, but the best I've tried are my vintage pens. I have one #4 Waterman nib that is astoundingly soft and wet. I can't imagine another pen with its level of flex.
@@bryanmarsh9886 A spencerian Pilot 92 or Falcon will cost about the same as the Desiderata retail. It's a bit more convenient as they use c/c and are easier to clean. I know some enjoy the hunt for pens like your vintage Waterman, but for me this was the best option. BTW, there is options to also increase flexibility without grinding down to a needlepoint. I'm not so much in love w/ that pen though it is much easier to use w/out thinking... and perhaps by using it, I learned to lighten my touch. Of course as there is always something more w/ pens and nibs, now I'm curious about using a flex nib w/ an Oblique or Stub cut :)
I have 2 full flex pens. The fountain pen revolution Indus in red, and a Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the fa nib. I skipped Noodler's (un intended pun)! Too fiddly. I also have a vintage 1940s Waterman's with a 14k gold nib with semi flex which I don't like to push too much. It's my favourite vintage pen which was given to me by my friend. My favourite is the Indus with the ultra flex nib, as its great value and it performs really well. The most reliable is the Pilot with the 18k gold Rhodium plated nib. But then it was £135 plus £12.50 import fees from Japan. I have bought another Indus pen now, the demonstrater version. I got a free Muft (means 'gift'), transparent eyedropper pen with each purchase. Great customer support as well from Fpr. Have fun.
I have a Conway Stewart vintage fountain pen with a 14k gold semi flex fine stub nib. My favourite pen in beautiful green and black celluloid with cracked ice finish. I use it with Seitz kreuznach Palm green ink on Clairfontaine paper. £35. My best new flex pen is my Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the fa nib. Blows everything else away with it's Rhodium plated 14k gold nib. The Falcon nib has cutaway shoulders. £150.
I have the Fpr Indus with the ultra flex nib and also a Custom Heritage 912 with the fa nib. Both perform really well. The Pilot is best but then it's 3 times the price.
That’s a bummer about your Noodler’s Safety. I have two, one with a No. 6 adjustable Doric nib and the other with a wide No. 2 Waterman Manifold nib, and they both work perfectly.
I don’t know if they were improved since you got your pens but I have three Boston safeties and are all awesome slowly been putting waterman nibs in them to make them even better
I have 6 of them now and they are at least as good as my Waterman pens. I wouldn't trade them. But your experience is sure to be different. Each one of these old pens has its own personality, and is a bit of an adventure.
Sorry, just coming back to your fantastic review :) What was the pressure for the FPR gold flex, I can't find the point at which you tell us how much pressure it takes :)
To me only the first pen you wrote with is worth it. Even if it is more rare and expensive (I doubt it would be the most expensive, but still) than all the others it is not worth wasting money on any other flex. I would invest in this one and other vintage that are just great writers.
Honestly, I agree, but many people aren't willing to get into vintage pens. I haven't found a modern pen that can compare, though. I currently have a Parker, 2 Moore, 2 Waterman's, and 3 WahlEversharp vintage flex pens and I am amazed by them each time I use them.
@@bryanmarsh9886 Well I dont say tont get into vintage fp at all. There are are several vintage models that are great for everyday writters. Flex nibs is not for everyone and though entertaining are not as usefull. But still if someone really wants a collection out of them is better to gother money and invest in the really good ones than waste money on the not so good ones. That is a general rule when collecting I thing.
Well you are right, if someone is into flex nibs so much then I think he should invest only on vintage pens and preferably on the high end of those too. Wasting money on modern flex pens is not worth it
Which is your favorite gold flex nib & feed, the one with the least pressure, flexes the most (with the feed keeping up) and writes the best, disregarding the looks and comfort? Thank you.
I own several very good flex nibs. My current favorite is my Waterman's No. 44. It has a fantastic #4 nib that goes from EF to more than BBB. It has a way of making my writing look better than it is.
How do measure the weight needed to flex? I mean your hand would give varying amounts of pressure from the start before flexing. how do you tare it in a way where you can always start with the same force of your hand?
I don't entirely understand your question the scale measures even the slightest pressure on the pen. This isn't a perfect way to measure flex, it does, however, help show the varying amount of force needed on each nib, with each being tested in the same manner.
Cool. It'd be nice to have calligraphy handwriting even if the letters are so small w/ a hair line super ultra full flex nib- hopefully they invent that, soon. God bless, Proverbs 31
It is a safety pen made by Moore. It is called an "Un-Leakable". It is roughly 100 years old. Maybe older. I have 3 of them, and I restore them myself.
It is a Moore 'Non-leakable' fountain pen. It is a 'safety' pen, which is the inspiration behind the Noodlers Boston Safety (shown in more detail in another video). I now have 4 of these Moores.
Bryan-Thank you for one of the best ‘flex reviews that I seen. I have several of the same pens tested and your analysis was spot on. Again thanks! New Subscriber
Awesome review! I'm looking forward to getting the exact same FPR green ebonite even! Thank you so much for your time and effort.
Great video!
I have five Neponsets and there is very little consistency with the nibs in each of them. They’re all distinct in feel, line variability, and flexibility, ranging from a nail in one to a ridiculously soft feel with an almost-obscenely wide line in one of the others.
I’ve found that the real joy of Noodler’s pens is finding a vintage (or otherwise special) nib that fits whatever model you’re working with, and using the self-serviceability of their designs to my advantage. I have A LOT of Creapers, Ahabs, and Konrads of all kinds that I’ve fitted with vintage nibs from Watermans, Mabie Todd’s, Wahls, Sheaffers, and even Osmiroid’s calligraphy nibs (namely the Sketch Nib w/ an overfeed and the way-underrated Copperplate nib).
My favorite is definitely one of the two Noodler’s Safeties I have, namely the one with a first generation #6 adjustable nib from a Wahl-Eversharp Doric. That pen is breathtaking in its looks, writing, everything…
They’re not the perfect writing instruments, but I just try to take Nathan’s pens for what they are and make the best of them… which usually involves an entertaining series of nib tryouts and tweaking to perfection. 😁
I couldn't wait, I ordered one of the 14k flex FPR's. Largely because of this review thank you.
So, how is it? Are you satisfied with it? Does it railroads? Details, please ...
Also, my intro to flex pens was Noodler's Ahab. I loved those pens, but once I used a SFM on a PIlot, I was spoiled for the Ahab. Since then I've tried a lot of nibs, and my favorites are a vintage Waterman 0552 and Pilot Custom Heritage 912 with FA nib. :)
I'm seriously drooling over those vintage pens.
Too relitable
Thank you for this.
I am definitely buying one of these FPR 14k flex nibs next month....finally.
I just want to add that I've got an Indian Click Aristocrat with a steel flex nib for around $15 and it opens to 1mm with 335g of pressure. It looks exactly like the FPR Darjeeling
the video I was searching for.
thanks!
I have a Noodlers Triple Tail with a 3 tine nib same as on the Neponset. Flexes beautifully and has never let me down. The converter has never leaked. You have to keep the feed primed with FPR ultra flex nibs as they can run dry and rail road.
I too have a Tripletail, and it is great. The Neponset I have is a failure. However, I put the Neponset nib in a Gama Forever, and it now works. My FPR Himalaya with the ultra flex nib is pretty good too.
Also had this problem with the FPR ultraflex. I solved it by opening up the feel channel a bit with a file and used a VERY "wet" ink (Iroshizuku) and viola, it lays down ink like I have an endless supply!
Awesome review! I love any pen/nib that allows me to add line variation to my writing and lettering projects. I've used dip pens for lettering/calligraphy and various other artistic projects for years. The diversity that the dip pen offers is what initially drew me to fountain pens. Even without the flex, fountain pens cause the user to slow down and make deliberate strokes. Over the years, there has been quite a few "flex" pens added to my collection. I am able to get beautiful line width with almost all. The only gripe I have with any of them so far is the amount of adjustment and maintenance they require. I've often wondered if that is due to the fact that all the flex pens I have purchased have been under the $30 mark. I've debated for a few years now about buying more expensive pens that are favorite among other users, like the Pilot Falcon, (even though it is not a true flex, is soft enough to give line variation.) The only reason I have yet to do so is that I am scared to death that even though the are considered to be much more reliable and low maintenance, I will be disappointed in the amount of variation available. Argh!
And on another note, while listening to your review, I could not help but crack up when you said the word "Kiowa" when referencing Noodler's Kiowa Pecan ink. (And I mean that in the best possible way, so please don't take it as me being critical.) There are so many different brands of pens and ink that the names can be extremely difficult to pronounce and we all butcher them when we attempt to do so. I guess Kiowa is one of those for some. Having grown up in Oklahoma, I've never thought about how some of the tribal names might be difficult for some to pronounce. But for future referenc, Kiowa is pronounced exactly like it is spelled: K • I (long I) • O (long O) • WA (wuh). - K I O WUH.
Hope that makes sense.
Regardless, great video and keep it up. :)
I am sorry about the mispronunciation. That is one I have wondered about since I'd heard it pronounced 2 ways. Anyway, if you are looking for great flex, it is impossible to beat a vintage pen. But if you are looking for modern and less maintenance, you will have to spend money - Pilot FA nibs (not the falcon) on more expensive pens like the 912. Or the Custom Urushi. A Pelikan M1000 is a good one too. I've also used the WahlEversharp Decoband (new pens) and the ASC Bologna Extra, which have great flex nibs. They are expensive!
Also, you might look at Desiderata pens. Pierre makes these pens to hold dip nibs in a fountain pen that he makes entirely by hand. I have one and will post a video about it soon.
Thank you, nice review 👍
I've tried a lot of flex. The hands down best is getting a nibmeister's spencerian grind. Now the caveat to this is that after playing with the pen for a few days, I put it away b/c it seemed too scratchy and caught on the paper... so after sitting out of rotation for several years, I picked it up again and it has become my favorite pen. I'm using a very light touch and rarely catch on upstrokes... I'm also getting the habit of lifting my elbow off the table so I can glide across the page... when I'm in the zone, it feels like I'm using a paintbrush in how the nib flexes... Now this is more expensive than getting a lucky flex nib of a garage sale, but it's also a "sure thing" in terms of a new pen that does its job. Desiderata pen would be 2nd choice btw (loses out on convenience)
I've not tried a custom modern nib. I do have 2 Desiderata pens, but the best I've tried are my vintage pens. I have one #4 Waterman nib that is astoundingly soft and wet. I can't imagine another pen with its level of flex.
@@bryanmarsh9886 A spencerian Pilot 92 or Falcon will cost about the same as the Desiderata retail. It's a bit more convenient as they use c/c and are easier to clean. I know some enjoy the hunt for pens like your vintage Waterman, but for me this was the best option. BTW, there is options to also increase flexibility without grinding down to a needlepoint. I'm not so much in love w/ that pen though it is much easier to use w/out thinking... and perhaps by using it, I learned to lighten my touch. Of course as there is always something more w/ pens and nibs, now I'm curious about using a flex nib w/ an Oblique or Stub cut :)
I have 2 full flex pens. The fountain pen revolution Indus in red, and a Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the fa nib. I skipped Noodler's (un intended pun)! Too fiddly. I also have a vintage 1940s Waterman's with a 14k gold nib with semi flex which I don't like to push too much. It's my favourite vintage pen which was given to me by my friend.
My favourite is the Indus with the ultra flex nib, as its great value and it performs really well.
The most reliable is the Pilot with the 18k gold Rhodium plated nib.
But then it was £135 plus £12.50 import fees from Japan.
I have bought another Indus pen now, the demonstrater version.
I got a free Muft (means 'gift'), transparent eyedropper pen with each purchase. Great customer support as well from Fpr. Have fun.
Nice review!
The paper is a Canefields sugarcane paper notepad. Wonderful paper for fountain pens.
I have a Conway Stewart vintage fountain pen with a 14k gold semi flex fine stub nib. My favourite pen in beautiful green and black celluloid with cracked ice finish. I use it with Seitz kreuznach Palm green ink on Clairfontaine paper. £35.
My best new flex pen is my Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the fa nib.
Blows everything else away with it's Rhodium plated 14k gold nib. The Falcon nib has cutaway shoulders. £150.
15:45 same sound I made when I opened my Noodlers Ahab and the stench hit me...lol
It’s sad you did not have a Pilot Custom 912 FA. Would really like to know how it compares.
I have the Fpr Indus with the ultra flex nib and also a Custom Heritage 912 with the fa nib. Both perform really well.
The Pilot is best but then it's 3 times the price.
That’s a bummer about your Noodler’s Safety. I have two, one with a No. 6 adjustable Doric nib and the other with a wide No. 2 Waterman Manifold nib, and they both work perfectly.
"I don't like that..."
Lol...my sentiments exactly regarding noodlers pens
Have you tried flexing a Zebera G nib like this. If so how much pressure does it take?
How does the gold vs steel nibs compare
I don’t know if they were improved since you got your pens but I have three Boston safeties and are all awesome slowly been putting waterman nibs in them to make them even better
I have 6 of them now and they are at least as good as my Waterman pens. I wouldn't trade them. But your experience is sure to be different. Each one of these old pens has its own personality, and is a bit of an adventure.
Sorry, just coming back to your fantastic review :) What was the pressure for the FPR gold flex, I can't find the point at which you tell us how much pressure it takes :)
311 grams
@@bryanmarsh9886 Thank you, I just did a top down pan and realized it's written next to the pen in the beginning.
What you tried the FPR's ultra flex steel nib? If you do, how does it compare to the 14K FPR flex nib?
I do have both, I will need to do a comparison of them. I can say that the FPR super flex nib us better than the Conklin.
To me only the first pen you wrote with is worth it. Even if it is more rare and expensive (I doubt it would be the most expensive, but still) than all the others it is not worth wasting money on any other flex. I would invest in this one and other vintage that are just great writers.
Honestly, I agree, but many people aren't willing to get into vintage pens. I haven't found a modern pen that can compare, though. I currently have a Parker, 2 Moore, 2 Waterman's, and 3 WahlEversharp vintage flex pens and I am amazed by them each time I use them.
@@bryanmarsh9886 Well I dont say tont get into vintage fp at all. There are are several vintage models that are great for everyday writters. Flex nibs is not for everyone and though entertaining are not as usefull. But still if someone really wants a collection out of them is better to gother money and invest in the really good ones than waste money on the not so good ones. That is a general rule when collecting I thing.
Well you are right, if someone is into flex nibs so much then I think he should invest only on vintage pens and preferably on the high end of those too. Wasting money on modern flex pens is not worth it
@@gpolykra
I agree. If you love flexing, modern flex = frustration. Save for vintage flex instead.
Which is your favorite gold flex nib & feed, the one with the least pressure, flexes the most (with the feed keeping up) and writes the best, disregarding the looks and comfort?
Thank you.
I own several very good flex nibs. My current favorite is my Waterman's No. 44. It has a fantastic #4 nib that goes from EF to more than BBB. It has a way of making my writing look better than it is.
Very nice. That's a chunky ebonite one about US$275:-) Where do you buy your flex vintage pens from (online preferable)?
How do measure the weight needed to flex? I mean your hand would give varying amounts of pressure from the start before flexing. how do you tare it in a way where you can always start with the same force of your hand?
I don't entirely understand your question the scale measures even the slightest pressure on the pen. This isn't a perfect way to measure flex, it does, however, help show the varying amount of force needed on each nib, with each being tested in the same manner.
Cool. It'd be nice to have calligraphy handwriting even if the letters are so small w/ a hair line super ultra full flex nib- hopefully they invent that, soon.
God bless, Proverbs 31
What is the name of the pen at 8:09 ?
It is a safety pen made by Moore. It is called an "Un-Leakable". It is roughly 100 years old. Maybe older. I have 3 of them, and I restore them myself.
What is the exact name of that Moore flex?
It is a Moore 'Non-leakable' fountain pen. It is a 'safety' pen, which is the inspiration behind the Noodlers Boston Safety (shown in more detail in another video). I now have 4 of these Moores.
Very nice. I can’t really find one, so I think I’m going to try the pilot custom 912 or pilot metal falcon.
This video was unimpressive due to lack of preparation. How do you demonstrate a flex nib if the ink is low, there IS no ink, or the ink isn't fresh?
Badly prepared review. If someone wants to review fountain pens by using writing examples, the pens have to be filled up with ink.