Two feedback points: (1) I love your thorough review of the PenBBS 480, especially the notes about the material (with cautions), as I need that information. (2) I also appreciate the links you added to other reviews and information above. GREAT JOB! I watch more of your reviews than any other single reviewer for good reason!
What are you doing to me, Doug? I'm trying to resist the urge to buy more fountain pens in 2020! Seriously, though, appreciate you enhancing my appreciation of PenBBS...
Doug got to agree with they have some nice colors bought about 6 of the 266’s a couple years ago, now buying 480’s. Still have a few colors to acquire. Just found a cedar tonight which is my favorite. Even purchased pen rest couple of years ago in cedar. Been trying for 6 months for cedar and amber 480. Looking forward being able to swap nibs I like med and broad goulet nibs
Totally agree with your opinion of Penbbs. I just tried my first nib swap based upon your statements in previous reviews and it worked like a charm. I had a .8 mm nemosine from Birmingham and it’s glorious. I put it in a 456 which has become my favorite model.
Professor Doug A great review and a beauty pen sir. Interesting that the old and new Cedars are so similar in colour and pattern, what with dye lots and the like. Whatever you do don't cross the streams.
I have a 471 which gives me great joy. As for Moonman, I have a few: N1, 80 Mini, and 80 Mini E. The last two are interesting, combining a straight lift of the Parker 45 front end with a Japanese pocket pen aesthetic. Works for me!
I have the Moonman M80s and M80 mini. The Chinese Parker 45 is an interesting story where Parker tried to corner the Chinese fountain pen market back in the late 70's and gave away all the tooling and designs to the Parker 45 to Hero. It isn't surprising there are a lot of Chinese clones of the 45.
@@InkquiringMinds Should have grabbed some, but didn't just want cartridge convertor. Oh well, I am sure there will be more shiny precious from PenBBS soon enough.
Hi glad to see you on screen again with a great in depth video.I have a cedar 352 in a cedar finish which i love & have never had a problem with the filling mechanism.I love the quality of penbbs pens,but just lately i have notice a steepening of prices compared to other Chinese pens.Yes the Sailor pro gear is really a small pen i opted for the 1911 Large.I prefer larger pens.
Right on. I might wait on a Sailor 1911 Large. Some of their top models have inched up in price but the 308 has remained rock solid at $13.99. Shipping has increased due to China Post raising rates across the board.
Thanks for another good one, Doug. Really enjoy your appreciation for PENBBS and in fact, it was your videos that first introduced me to the brand, and my experience has been as good as yours. I was watching a Goulet live a couple months ago and somebody in the chat asked if they would ever stock PENBBS pens, and Rachel replied, No as they aren't a proper pen company. I still don't know what she meant by that but I believe it's what you touched on - infrequent finishes and models in limited runs, maybe. Great video!
Thanks, James. Rachel is right, Penbbs isn't a "proper" pen company. They have limited and sporadic runs and a tiny distribution to the west through Etsy - no western distributor. Goldspot does carry them in odd models and finishes in inflated prices but I suspect they bulk buy from Alibaba or something like that. goldspot.com/collections/penbbs-pens
@@InkquiringMinds Oh, yeah. How interesting... I didn't even realise Goldspot had them. Thanks again for the ongoing fun and tips found in your videos. Looking at my own PENBBS collection, you are definitely a key enabler - that's the online influencer status right there
Good review, Doug. I have this same pen in fine and have been using it all week (with Birmingham Fountain Turquoise. This is one of my favorite pens, and I really didn't see that coming. I agree, too, that Penbbs is quite possibly the best Chinese pen maker. Certainly the one that holds my interest the most as they bring out new models and resins.
I like PenBBS pens, and I think they are a terrific brand positioning between the most known Chinese pen companies. But I'm finding myself drifting from the new pens and up and coming brands and getting more attracted to the vintage path... especially with Sheaffer and Parker 😅. Well, except this end of the year, when I discovered the Sailor pens and decided to reward myself for all those stressful double-triple shifts with a Japan imported Sailor Pro Gear Slim Four Seasons: Snow Camelia... it was love at first sight 🖋️🤍❄️🤩. Gracias por el video Doug. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy 😃.👌
I've been scouting what could be my first Sailor and either I'm going to go for a Pro Gear or wait and save for a 1911 Large. Is the Pro Gear really small?
Pro Gear and 1911 both come in three sizes. Small - 1911 Standard/Pro Gear Slim Midsize - 1911 Large/Pro Gear Large - both called King of Pen The sizes in both lines match or are at least really close in size from the pictures I've seen.
I was able to get a 352--your least favorite--in Cedar and I like it, a lot, the pen and the finish. Now, I see the 309 piston filler in Cedar with a clear barrel, but I have heard complaints about that model. Oh well. Thanks for showing that nib switch and writing with the Fuliwen broad, very helpful! My favorite Thanksgiving quip, so far: I don't know what to wear to the living room for Thanksgiving this year. I might not go. Cheers!
Yes. I'd say the 309 is my least favourite of the models I own. The sticking piston is a pain. The 352 just doesn't appeal to me, too thin for a flat top style for me. Cheers and stay safe!
Very enjoyable review/debate? I like the size and girth of the 408 (and how it posts), but prefer the rounded cigar silhouette of the 308. Looks better with brass fittings too IMO. The ink is fab. I'll check to see if it's possible to seal plastic against staining.
By far, barnone, PenBBS is, in deed, the best value and innovator in our habit.... more than a quarter of my collection, well over 75 fountain pens, which includes several "high-end"/grail-worthy mentions... PenBBS is in deed, the LEADER, and beyond just Chinese makers...
I agree with most of what you said about PenBBS and the 480 and 309 are my favorite. However, I own more moonmans than PenBBS because of ,well, variety. I hate the copies and clones that moonman makes, and I think it degrades the brand a lot. But when moonman is not copying they do a stellar job in design. The M6/M8, eye dropper lineup and the T1, which came out along with the copies you mentioned, are great pens in their own right . Both PenBBS and Moonman are on top of their quality game, ahead of Jinhao and etc., but I think Moonman achieved more in terms of variety in manufacturing. They know how to work with Brass, Aluminum, Wood, Acrylics while PenBBS is limited to their Acrylics (their aluminum pens aren’t that good; I am trying to like my 350, but it’s just not as sophisticated as my namisu even though it writes better....) if someone is not into acrylic pens they won’t consider any of PenBBS’ variety. Ultimately, they are just the same acrylic pen with different filling mechanisms, to which I applaud to but don’t care for. PenBBS did admit that the magnet piston was a flawed design that has quirks that they are passionate of. Down the line, I think Moonman has a better advantage. While they are copying these pens, they are learning how to detail a fountain pen design which is something PenBBS lacks. Part of the reason why I prefer the 480 is that decorative ring at the section. Compare to the 308, that detail makes the pen much more refined when uncapped. I believe that these details are the biggest difference between these Chinese pens and the $200 Italian or German pens that we all love. In that respect, I think moonman is closer or better equipped to get there, despite PenBBS’s superior nib. In the end these are my wishful thinking. Moonman might just be the profit driven manufacturer that disregards intellectual properties and all that, but I certainly hope not. And wish that there are more T1s and M6s to come. Sorry for the rant. I think I reacted because you almost convinced me that PenBBS is better.
This is most excellent, Thom! Thank you for this. I'm going to use this comment information as a reference in my Saturday video on the Moonman P135 as I think you make some compelling points.
I own less Moonman pens than PenBBS pens, but that isn't saying much as I have six Moonmans, and I am likely to get more, although I do have at least three times as many PenBBS pens. Sadly their eyedroppers are copies too, as the copied smaller brands, but they certainly aren't original. I still like them, but I know what they are. If Doug likes the P135, and we will see on Saturday, I might get it, as I like the look, but the original inspiration Montblanc is just not in the budget. I would love the pen that inspires the M1000, but at low to mid four digits price point it isn't in the cards.
Finish number 01, eh? Base finish or best finish? I was low key obsessed with this finish before, but after seeing it up close, the obsession grows! I’ll just have to wait until I see one in the wild... hopefully soon. Also, quick thought about dry writers from an artist perspective. I was talking with an amazing fountain pen artist based in Denmark on Instagram the other day (isn’t the internet amazing?) about Pilot nibs (very wet) vs Platinum/Sailor (on the dry side) and he said he much preferred the latter, for the greater degree of control they offered. I’m in agreement, and I realize that I am more excited to create with my “dry writers” over wetter pens. My Penbbs 456 has been my go-to pen these last few weeks.
This is good to know thank you. It is interesting to hear how sketch artists needs are met by various ink, nibs and pens. Since Chinese calligraphy involves sketch-like strokes, I wonder if the purposely dry Chinese nibs are to aid in writing Chinese characters? I know the fude nib is useful for that.
Some characters are really intricate with a bunch of small strokes on them. If it smears or bleeds together you can't read it. I like my pens a little more dry too. I try to draw and know some Japanese. But I read some stuff on FPN that said something like Asian pens don't suit western writing and I was thinking...bullpuckey (it's a family channel right?) I can write with a fude nib too AND I'm left handed. Why do people try to make stuff so hard?
@@amyr.862 People suffer from "me-itis"... it is all about me and my experience. People like what they like and are fiercely brand-loyal and parochial in attitude. I like to come at everything with the attitude... "it is just a pen for corn sakes!"
As usual, I can't disagree with anything you say. But there is a frustration built into PenBBS' wealth of models and finishes. Basically, every combination turns into a special edition, not to be repeated. If you want Model X in Finish Y, and it's gone, is it ever coming back?
LMAO! Okay okay, Sheaffer Balance. BUT, I will quality my mistake by saying Parker did their own clone of the Balance just as Sheaffer did there own clone of the Duofold! LOL Not that that changed my brain fart at all.
@@chrisrap52 Of course I am joking. But hasn't every company done a flat top and a cigar shape and a torpedo shape? How many shapes are there. But, of course, I meant to say Sheaffer Balance in the video.
I agree on all points presented Penbbs are the BEST!! I do so wish they'd reissue some of the 355 line though. I got on the boat a little too late and have very little chances of getting the finishes I'd like.
@@InkquiringMinds Ooooh I dunno about that one. The Etsy page only has eight of the "355" pens available, while there are over thirty of the "456". I feel like I'm watching the 355 go extinct =[ like I'll have to buy "Mark-1" versions from ebay soon. =[
@@InkquiringMinds I got several, and they are great. Would get more, if the ever bring them back. Same with the 500 in some fun finishes, as I only got a couple of those as well.
Two little things, my English is terrible and I may not have understood well, but you say it uses Parker cartridges? The other is related to the dyeing of the section, note that when placing the nib in the feeder, the fastener (I don't know what it's called) was cracked / broken (14:02). Some ink may have come out there and is staining the inside of the section, something that in theory should not happen since they have two o-rings for this. Saludos desde Argentina
Thanks, Lucho! Yes, you understood correctly. The Penbbs pens will accept Parker short cartridges. Parker long cartridges will not fit. And you are correct about that particular nib collar. It has a small crack in it and the Fuliwen broad nib leaked into the section. I cleaned it out okay. The nib and feed assembly from the new 480 is fine and does not leak. But even with no leaking, ink can get on the front edge of the section if you aren't careful. That's why I only fill the converters with ink from a syringe on these light acrylics - to reduce the staining.
@@InkquiringMinds I have similar issue on my Moonman S1, as the ink gets between the nib unit, and the section. Gets past the o-ring, and even liberal amount of silicon grease. I just learned to live with it.
This is very beautiful. It looks like the Penbbs 349 model is no longer available, I watched a video in spanish and it looks a little bigger than the 308, it looks the size as this 480. May be the 480 is the new 349. the ring is like this, thinner than the 308, more discrete.
I really love my 480 in Snow (with snowflakes on the nib!). I am thinking to find another finish. Thanks for another great review and a reminder to ink up that pen! Curious why they purposely make the nibs write dry??
Good choice! They are dry on purpose because their major market is users in the east who write in characters not cursive or printing like the west. A drier pen is easier to control with the tiny strokes of Asian writing. Plus, it is easier to make a dry nib wetter than a wet nib drier.
I had to agree with you regarding Moonman ; they do have some their own styled, sadly people seems all flock to buy the clones , models like the N3 and the M5 are really great originals but AFAIK, not selling as good as the copies , and for a correction that B nib you had is from Fulin, not Fuliwan which are 2 different Mfr and 2 different company
Very nice review. I have to say that, while I have nothing but respect for Douglas, my experiences with PENBBS pens has left me less than completely enthusiastic about their products. I have purchased about ten of their pens and some have fallen short of my expectations. Such as two 309 pens with pistons filling mechanisms that were defective and a 456 with a nib that was rather poor. I could, and did, replace the nib on the 456 with a Goulet nib and it has become a fine pen but the 309s were virtually unusable. Otherwise, they have been lovely pens but I am always mindful of PENBBS's inconsistent quality. Are they worse than, say, Moonman or Wing Sung? Not really, but caveat emptor is the watchword to use whenever one buys an inexpensive Chinese pen regardless of manufacturer. Nonetheless, I think Douglas' review was thorough and insightful and I urge him to keep up the good work.
Thank you for your perspective and experience! It is most welcome and valuable. I have one 309 that was a gift and the piston filler is not good at all. The 487 and the 492 are also failures in my book. But my 456, 308, 323, 355 and 480 models are all wonderful.
The 480 is a great pen. I have that same cedar one and it is beautiful and the RM nib is fantastic. However pen is a bit too small, too light for me... I wish it was a couple mm girthier.
@@InkquiringMinds Because of you I got one of the M800, and might get another, or even Leonardo. Although my car radiator blew this week, so that was a four figure fix, so no fancy pens till next year. Also you all should watch Appelboom video on Leonardo factory. All old fashioned lathes with no CNC machine in sight, so it is craftsmanship you pay for.
They do look like great pens for the money. If any of the premium resins popped up in the past couple of months I missed them. I check the etsy page a few times a week at least. If I get sick of waiting I'll "settle" for a clear color. I was going to devote it to dark ink anyway so seeing the ink's not a priority. Black and sepia are useful but kinda boring to look at 😝
No. They don't 'dry out'. Penbbs has their nib manufactured so they are intentionally "dry" meaning the tines are closed up. They do this on purpose because their major market is users in the east who write in characters, not users in the west who print and/or cursive write. Westerners generally prefer wetter pens for cursive writing where the lines flow. Plus, it is easier to make a nib wetter than to make a wet nib drier.
@@InkquiringMinds Also the paper they commonly use really doesn't deal well with wetter pens, so definitely market based, whereas us niche western users with Clairfoutain, Rhodia, or other fountain pen friendly paper prefer wetter pens to let our inks shine, shimmer, sheen, or shade, but that is not case everywhere.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks. I asked because PenBBS shows the RM at 0.7mm which is broad by most standards, just curious how it compares to the F which most are reviewing.
@@richardc6932 Yes. Almost exclusively. I've only purchased three from outside Etsy, my first 308 and a 355 improved model from eBay and the limited edition 492 mag filler from Taobao.
I don't think I have 29 PenBBS pens, although it is definitely in the double digits. I better not count. :) It is really all chrisrap52's fault, not me at all. ;)
@@InkquiringMinds We all do. Really he is their best salesman. Speaking of which I am really enjoying my gold nib prototype from Long. Has juicier lines than my WS601s, and a much smoother. Shame it is in cartridge convertor pen, as I go through each fill quickly. I think the ink collector holds as much, if not more ink than the convertor.
This is a very understated finish which does represent a wooden finish as already please stop showing us all these beautiful finishes as with budget restrictions i just can't buy at the moment 😁😁.
PenBBS pens look like Italian made resin beauties, while FPR's pens look and feel like they are made in India. I wouldn't mind that, if they worked, but they often do not, plus they have QC and leakage issues, etc. Can't even compare, and PenBBS is often cheaper. Ebonite and nib variety is what PenBBS lacks, but if I wanted Indian pen, then there are other Indian fountain pen brands with less issues, Ranga, Kanwrite, etc.
This is why they call TH-cam ' the great enabler'. Hey you'll never guess who popped up on my recommend feed. I couldn't resist bringing this to your attention. ( Yikes! You're not related are you? Shades of: this is my brother Darrell and this is my other brother Darrell) th-cam.com/video/j63Dc8k-Se4/w-d-xo.html
I agree that PenBBS pens are nice-looking, work good, and are fetish-worthy. But to me they aren't inexpensive. $5 is inexpensive. $20 is affordable. $50 is fancy. $100 is unaffordable. $250 is Penultimate Dave territory. Am I way off base? It would be fascinating to hear what your and your viewers' price categories are. Who here has paid over $100 for one fountain pen? Not me.
You are correct in that the Penbbs range runs into what you would categorize as "fancy". But I think $13.99 US for a turned acrylic pen with a #6 steel nib and Penbbs quality of build is one of the best bargains in fountain pens. Yes, you can buy a metal Jinhao x450 for $6US, but that is a very different animal from a turned acrylic pen.
Maybe inexpensive meaning cheap for a small batch fancy pen with a choice of filling mechanisms that doesn't feel like they cut some corners to reach that price point. It's cheap for what you get. It's got the look and features of a prestige brand but not the prestige cuz China. You get pen nerd features but don't have to miss a car payment or pay credit card interest to have said features. It just looks like you did.
Two feedback points: (1) I love your thorough review of the PenBBS 480, especially the notes about the material (with cautions), as I need that information. (2) I also appreciate the links you added to other reviews and information above. GREAT JOB! I watch more of your reviews than any other single reviewer for good reason!
Thank you so much Keith! That is much appreciated!
First rule of fountain penning: Never watch Doug's videos while pen-hungry!
Mid-week pen munchies!
And when are we not pen hungry?
What are you doing to me, Doug? I'm trying to resist the urge to buy more fountain pens in 2020! Seriously, though, appreciate you enhancing my appreciation of PenBBS...
Just wait until the January 2021 sales then! ;)
@@InkquiringMinds Or they could succumb now, and get a Christmas present, and go in on the January 2021 sale when the time comes.
@Jamerelbe Resistance is futile. Give into the urge.
Doug got to agree with they have some nice colors bought about 6 of the 266’s a couple years ago, now buying 480’s. Still have a few colors to acquire. Just found a cedar tonight which is my favorite. Even purchased pen rest couple of years ago in cedar. Been trying for 6 months for cedar and amber 480. Looking forward being able to swap nibs I like med and broad goulet nibs
Thank you, Rick! The 480 is a good one for swapping in Goulet nibs.
Totally agree with your opinion of Penbbs. I just tried my first nib swap based upon your statements in previous reviews and it worked like a charm. I had a .8 mm nemosine from Birmingham and it’s glorious. I put it in a 456 which has become my favorite model.
Great to hear! I'm hoping my favourite 456 will be on sale soon.
Professor Doug A great review and a beauty pen sir. Interesting that the old and new Cedars are so similar in colour and pattern, what with dye lots and the like. Whatever you do don't cross the streams.
That would be BAD!
Very nice Doug I bought a 480 in Sunset a month ago,and recently a 456 in winter night that's a great finish too all well made .
Excellent. Sunset is an awesome resin.
'Tis a beauty to be sure. I love that resign. Beautiful. Thanks, Doug!
Many thanks!
I have a 471 which gives me great joy.
As for Moonman, I have a few: N1, 80 Mini, and 80 Mini E. The last two are interesting, combining a straight lift of the Parker 45 front end with a Japanese pocket pen aesthetic. Works for me!
I have the Moonman M80s and M80 mini. The Chinese Parker 45 is an interesting story where Parker tried to corner the Chinese fountain pen market back in the late 70's and gave away all the tooling and designs to the Parker 45 to Hero. It isn't surprising there are a lot of Chinese clones of the 45.
Great video as always Doug, waiting for a restock of cedar and many other finishes
They are as rare as Tuzi, Sean. Thank you my friend! :)
@@InkquiringMinds Should have grabbed some, but didn't just want cartridge convertor. Oh well, I am sure there will be more shiny precious from PenBBS soon enough.
Hi glad to see you on screen again with a great in depth video.I have a cedar 352 in a cedar finish which i love & have never had a problem with the filling mechanism.I love the quality of penbbs pens,but just lately i have notice a steepening of prices compared to other Chinese pens.Yes the Sailor pro gear is really a small pen i opted for the 1911 Large.I prefer larger pens.
Right on. I might wait on a Sailor 1911 Large. Some of their top models have inched up in price but the 308 has remained rock solid at $13.99. Shipping has increased due to China Post raising rates across the board.
Thanks for another good one, Doug. Really enjoy your appreciation for PENBBS and in fact, it was your videos that first introduced me to the brand, and my experience has been as good as yours. I was watching a Goulet live a couple months ago and somebody in the chat asked if they would ever stock PENBBS pens, and Rachel replied, No as they aren't a proper pen company. I still don't know what she meant by that but I believe it's what you touched on - infrequent finishes and models in limited runs, maybe. Great video!
Thanks, James. Rachel is right, Penbbs isn't a "proper" pen company. They have limited and sporadic runs and a tiny distribution to the west through Etsy - no western distributor. Goldspot does carry them in odd models and finishes in inflated prices but I suspect they bulk buy from Alibaba or something like that. goldspot.com/collections/penbbs-pens
@@InkquiringMinds Oh, yeah. How interesting... I didn't even realise Goldspot had them. Thanks again for the ongoing fun and tips found in your videos. Looking at my own PENBBS collection, you are definitely a key enabler - that's the online influencer status right there
Good review, Doug. I have this same pen in fine and have been using it all week (with Birmingham Fountain Turquoise. This is one of my favorite pens, and I really didn't see that coming. I agree, too, that Penbbs is quite possibly the best Chinese pen maker. Certainly the one that holds my interest the most as they bring out new models and resins.
Thanks James! :D
I like PenBBS pens, and I think they are a terrific brand positioning between the most known Chinese pen companies. But I'm finding myself drifting from the new pens and up and coming brands and getting more attracted to the vintage path... especially with Sheaffer and Parker 😅. Well, except this end of the year, when I discovered the Sailor pens and decided to reward myself for all those stressful double-triple shifts with a Japan imported Sailor Pro Gear Slim Four Seasons: Snow Camelia... it was love at first sight 🖋️🤍❄️🤩.
Gracias por el video Doug. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy 😃.👌
I've been scouting what could be my first Sailor and either I'm going to go for a Pro Gear or wait and save for a 1911 Large. Is the Pro Gear really small?
Pro Gear and 1911 both come in three sizes.
Small - 1911 Standard/Pro Gear Slim
Midsize - 1911 Large/Pro Gear
Large - both called King of Pen
The sizes in both lines match or are at least really close in size from the pictures I've seen.
@@InkquiringMinds KOP is definitely the best option if you like girthier pens.
Well vintage is a long and deep rabbit hole...happy hunting.
I was able to get a 352--your least favorite--in Cedar and I like it, a lot, the pen and the finish. Now, I see the 309 piston filler in Cedar
with a clear barrel, but I have heard complaints about that model. Oh well. Thanks for showing that nib switch and writing with the
Fuliwen broad, very helpful! My favorite Thanksgiving quip, so far: I don't know what to wear to the living room for Thanksgiving
this year. I might not go. Cheers!
Yes. I'd say the 309 is my least favourite of the models I own. The sticking piston is a pain. The 352 just doesn't appeal to me, too thin for a flat top style for me. Cheers and stay safe!
Very enjoyable review/debate? I like the size and girth of the 408 (and how it posts), but prefer the rounded cigar silhouette of the 308. Looks better with brass fittings too IMO. The ink is fab. I'll check to see if it's possible to seal plastic against staining.
It is worse on my Leonardo.
By far, barnone, PenBBS is, in deed, the best value and innovator in our habit.... more than a quarter of my collection, well over 75 fountain pens, which includes several "high-end"/grail-worthy mentions... PenBBS is in deed, the LEADER, and beyond just Chinese makers...
I totally agree!
Another great pen - another great video c:
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks for another video!
You’re most welcome!
"Debate with myself"...... Right there with you.
......and then you insert Herb Alpert...... 💜🎼🖋💜
🎺
And the expressive eyebrows of one, fabulously talented..... John Belushi 🌠
I can't believe I dropped the pen! LOL
I always lose when I do that.
I agree with most of what you said about PenBBS and the 480 and 309 are my favorite. However, I own more moonmans than PenBBS because of ,well, variety. I hate the copies and clones that moonman makes, and I think it degrades the brand a lot. But when moonman is not copying they do a stellar job in design. The M6/M8, eye dropper lineup and the T1, which came out along with the copies you mentioned, are great pens in their own right .
Both PenBBS and Moonman are on top of their quality game, ahead of Jinhao and etc., but I think Moonman achieved more in terms of variety in manufacturing. They know how to work with Brass, Aluminum, Wood, Acrylics while PenBBS is limited to their Acrylics (their aluminum pens aren’t that good; I am trying to like my 350, but it’s just not as sophisticated as my namisu even though it writes better....) if someone is not into acrylic pens they won’t consider any of PenBBS’ variety.
Ultimately, they are just the same acrylic pen with different filling mechanisms, to which I applaud to but don’t care for. PenBBS did admit that the magnet piston was a flawed design that has quirks that they are passionate of.
Down the line, I think Moonman has a better advantage. While they are copying these pens, they are learning how to detail a fountain pen design which is something PenBBS lacks. Part of the reason why I prefer the 480 is that decorative ring at the section. Compare to the 308, that detail makes the pen much more refined when uncapped. I believe that these details are the biggest difference between these Chinese pens and the $200 Italian or German pens that we all love. In that respect, I think moonman is closer or better equipped to get there, despite PenBBS’s superior nib.
In the end these are my wishful thinking. Moonman might just be the profit driven manufacturer that disregards intellectual properties and all that, but I certainly hope not. And wish that there are more T1s and M6s to come.
Sorry for the rant. I think I reacted because you almost convinced me that PenBBS is better.
This is most excellent, Thom! Thank you for this. I'm going to use this comment information as a reference in my Saturday video on the Moonman P135 as I think you make some compelling points.
I own less Moonman pens than PenBBS pens, but that isn't saying much as I have six Moonmans, and I am likely to get more, although I do have at least three times as many PenBBS pens. Sadly their eyedroppers are copies too, as the copied smaller brands, but they certainly aren't original. I still like them, but I know what they are. If Doug likes the P135, and we will see on Saturday, I might get it, as I like the look, but the original inspiration Montblanc is just not in the budget. I would love the pen that inspires the M1000, but at low to mid four digits price point it isn't in the cards.
Finish number 01, eh? Base finish or best finish? I was low key obsessed with this finish before, but after seeing it up close, the obsession grows! I’ll just have to wait until I see one in the wild... hopefully soon.
Also, quick thought about dry writers from an artist perspective. I was talking with an amazing fountain pen artist based in Denmark on Instagram the other day (isn’t the internet amazing?) about Pilot nibs (very wet) vs Platinum/Sailor (on the dry side) and he said he much preferred the latter, for the greater degree of control they offered. I’m in agreement, and I realize that I am more excited to create with my “dry writers” over wetter pens. My Penbbs 456 has been my go-to pen these last few weeks.
This is good to know thank you. It is interesting to hear how sketch artists needs are met by various ink, nibs and pens. Since Chinese calligraphy involves sketch-like strokes, I wonder if the purposely dry Chinese nibs are to aid in writing Chinese characters? I know the fude nib is useful for that.
@@InkquiringMinds yeah, that could be. Definitely that’s what makes those extra fine lines from Japanese nibs. Could be a similar thing.
Some characters are really intricate with a bunch of small strokes on them. If it smears or bleeds together you can't read it. I like my pens a little more dry too. I try to draw and know some Japanese.
But I read some stuff on FPN that said something like Asian pens don't suit western writing and I was thinking...bullpuckey (it's a family channel right?) I can write with a fude nib too AND I'm left handed. Why do people try to make stuff so hard?
@@amyr.862 People suffer from "me-itis"... it is all about me and my experience. People like what they like and are fiercely brand-loyal and parochial in attitude. I like to come at everything with the attitude... "it is just a pen for corn sakes!"
Like Nike says...just do it. It seems like a lot of harebrained stuff has passed into the conventional fountain pen wisdom.
As usual, I can't disagree with anything you say. But there is a frustration built into PenBBS' wealth of models and finishes. Basically, every combination turns into a special edition, not to be repeated. If you want Model X in Finish Y, and it's gone, is it ever coming back?
Which makes them highly collectible! :)
Some of them do circle back, but you never know for sure, so better join the feeding frenzy when the new colors drop.
11:17 That Parker Balance [sic] clone is almost as nice as my Sheaffer Duofold, Doug.
LMAO! Okay okay, Sheaffer Balance. BUT, I will quality my mistake by saying Parker did their own clone of the Balance just as Sheaffer did there own clone of the Duofold! LOL Not that that changed my brain fart at all.
@@InkquiringMinds What model is Parker's Balance clone?
@@chrisrap52 Of course I am joking. But hasn't every company done a flat top and a cigar shape and a torpedo shape? How many shapes are there. But, of course, I meant to say Sheaffer Balance in the video.
I have to agree with you Doug ; Penbbs are a great pen maker, there quality is really good
Thanks, Luc! Your gifted Penbbs nib is still #1!
I agree on all points presented Penbbs are the BEST!!
I do so wish they'd reissue some of the 355 line though. I got on the boat a little too late and have very little chances of getting the finishes I'd like.
You might be in luck as they seem to be keeping a constant flow of 355's in stock. I notice the 491 has completely disappeared though.
@@InkquiringMinds Ooooh I dunno about that one. The Etsy page only has eight of the "355" pens available, while there are over thirty of the "456". I feel like I'm watching the 355 go extinct =[ like I'll have to buy "Mark-1" versions from ebay soon. =[
@@Detman101 Well that's true. They rotate production through the models and are currently in 456 mode. I'm expecting the 456 Galaxy any day now.
@@InkquiringMinds Awesome. I doubt I'll beat you to it...but when I do see it, I'll send up a signal flare.
@@InkquiringMinds I got several, and they are great. Would get more, if the ever bring them back. Same with the 500 in some fun finishes, as I only got a couple of those as well.
Two little things, my English is terrible and I may not have understood well, but you say it uses Parker cartridges?
The other is related to the dyeing of the section, note that when placing the nib in the feeder, the fastener (I don't know what it's called) was cracked / broken (14:02). Some ink may have come out there and is staining the inside of the section, something that in theory should not happen since they have two o-rings for this.
Saludos desde Argentina
Thanks, Lucho! Yes, you understood correctly. The Penbbs pens will accept Parker short cartridges. Parker long cartridges will not fit. And you are correct about that particular nib collar. It has a small crack in it and the Fuliwen broad nib leaked into the section. I cleaned it out okay. The nib and feed assembly from the new 480 is fine and does not leak. But even with no leaking, ink can get on the front edge of the section if you aren't careful. That's why I only fill the converters with ink from a syringe on these light acrylics - to reduce the staining.
@@InkquiringMinds I have similar issue on my Moonman S1, as the ink gets between the nib unit, and the section. Gets past the o-ring, and even liberal amount of silicon grease. I just learned to live with it.
This is very beautiful. It looks like the Penbbs 349 model is no longer available, I watched a video in spanish and it looks a little bigger than the 308, it looks the size as this 480. May be the 480 is the new 349. the ring is like this, thinner than the 308, more discrete.
Yes, correct
Are these nibs different from the penbbs 456s? Nice video as always. Penbbs really produces pens that have great value.
The fine nibs are the same across the models.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks!
Main problem I seem to have have is getting hold of these pens with medium size nibs. Kiagalu is the best for that yet.
Penbbs sell the nib charms in medium all the time for only $8.
I really love my 480 in Snow (with snowflakes on the nib!). I am thinking to find another finish. Thanks for another great review and a reminder to ink up that pen! Curious why they purposely make the nibs write dry??
Good choice! They are dry on purpose because their major market is users in the east who write in characters not cursive or printing like the west. A drier pen is easier to control with the tiny strokes of Asian writing. Plus, it is easier to make a dry nib wetter than a wet nib drier.
@@InkquiringMinds Very interesting! Makes sense. Thank you.
I had to agree with you regarding Moonman ; they do have some their own styled, sadly people seems all flock to buy the clones , models like the N3 and the M5 are really great originals but AFAIK, not selling as good as the copies , and for a correction that B nib you had is from Fulin, not Fuliwan which are 2 different Mfr and 2 different company
Thanks, Frank! I didn't look close enough, but you are correct about Fulin. I've never heard of the brand.
Very nice review. I have to say that, while I have nothing but respect for Douglas, my experiences with PENBBS pens has left me less than completely enthusiastic about their products. I have purchased about ten of their pens and some have fallen short of my expectations. Such as two 309 pens with pistons filling mechanisms that were defective and a 456 with a nib that was rather poor. I could, and did, replace the nib on the 456 with a Goulet nib and it has become a fine pen but the 309s were virtually unusable. Otherwise, they have been lovely pens but I am always mindful of PENBBS's inconsistent quality. Are they worse than, say, Moonman or Wing Sung? Not really, but caveat emptor is the watchword to use whenever one buys an inexpensive Chinese pen regardless of manufacturer. Nonetheless, I think Douglas' review was thorough and insightful and I urge him to keep up the good work.
Thank you for your perspective and experience! It is most welcome and valuable. I have one 309 that was a gift and the piston filler is not good at all. The 487 and the 492 are also failures in my book. But my 456, 308, 323, 355 and 480 models are all wonderful.
@@InkquiringMinds Just pretend they are eyedroppers, and then they are fine pens that fit well in hand.
The 480 is a great pen. I have that same cedar one and it is beautiful and the RM nib is fantastic. However pen is a bit too small, too light for me... I wish it was a couple mm girthier.
Indeed! This is why I love my Moonman M800 Galaxy so much - it is girthier and a touch heavier and has my favourite Penbbs nib in it.
@@InkquiringMinds Because of you I got one of the M800, and might get another, or even Leonardo. Although my car radiator blew this week, so that was a four figure fix, so no fancy pens till next year. Also you all should watch Appelboom video on Leonardo factory. All old fashioned lathes with no CNC machine in sight, so it is craftsmanship you pay for.
@@martinlebl631 That was a great video.
They do look like great pens for the money. If any of the premium resins popped up in the past couple of months I missed them. I check the etsy page a few times a week at least. If I get sick of waiting I'll "settle" for a clear color. I was going to devote it to dark ink anyway so seeing the ink's not a priority. Black and sepia are useful but kinda boring to look at 😝
My spidey senses tell me premium resins are going to pop up any day now.
I see you and I read you, Doug lol
@@amyr.862 gph.is/1ISiuJH
Teehee thank you!
Doug, you mentioned PenBBS deliver their pens intentionally a bit 'dry' out of the box. Would you mind elaborating on this?
No. They don't 'dry out'. Penbbs has their nib manufactured so they are intentionally "dry" meaning the tines are closed up. They do this on purpose because their major market is users in the east who write in characters, not users in the west who print and/or cursive write. Westerners generally prefer wetter pens for cursive writing where the lines flow. Plus, it is easier to make a nib wetter than to make a wet nib drier.
@@InkquiringMinds Also the paper they commonly use really doesn't deal well with wetter pens, so definitely market based, whereas us niche western users with Clairfoutain, Rhodia, or other fountain pen friendly paper prefer wetter pens to let our inks shine, shimmer, sheen, or shade, but that is not case everywhere.
@@martinlebl631 Exactly.
I cannot find a Fuliwen Broad nib on eBay. Help !!!
My mistake, it was on Bobby's Etsy tinyurl.com/y2ww6pxn
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks, I bought 2 sets. I have a set, but these disappeared for a while. Great for grinding.
Have you done any reviews of PenBBS with a medium nib, or do you always get fine?
I have a couple of mediums and an extra fine. I have written with them but they've not appeared in any reviews as yet.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks. I asked because PenBBS shows the RM at 0.7mm which is broad by most standards, just curious how it compares to the F which most are reviewing.
The fine mini-fude Penbbs nib makes a .5mm horizontal stroke which is a bit thicker than the usual eastern fine.
Doug, just curious as to the landed cost to you in Canadian funds including any taxes and duties. As well what was delivery time? 👍🇨🇦
There were no duties on the pen. I paid $35.07 Cdn for the pen which included $9US for shipping. The delivery was just over a month, about 4.5 weeks.
@@InkquiringMinds do you go to Etsy to purchase these pens?
@@richardc6932 Yes. Almost exclusively. I've only purchased three from outside Etsy, my first 308 and a 355 improved model from eBay and the limited edition 492 mag filler from Taobao.
Deep lagoon blue?
Better than just "blue".
I don't think I have 29 PenBBS pens, although it is definitely in the double digits. I better not count. :) It is really all chrisrap52's fault, not me at all. ;)
I blame Chris.
@@InkquiringMinds We all do. Really he is their best salesman.
Speaking of which I am really enjoying my gold nib prototype from Long. Has juicier lines than my WS601s, and a much smoother. Shame it is in cartridge convertor pen, as I go through each fill quickly. I think the ink collector holds as much, if not more ink than the convertor.
This is a very understated finish which does represent a wooden finish as already please stop showing us all these beautiful finishes as with budget restrictions i just can't buy at the moment 😁😁.
I'm afraid I have a few more Penbbs pens that arrived and I haven't reviewed yet, in some nice finishes like Niangao and Galaxy. Sorry. :)
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for the warning 😁😁
@@ericrollo615 Just put away the wallet before you watch the videos.
Unless you saved your payment info on Etsy. :)
PenBBS pens look like Italian made resin beauties, while FPR's pens look and feel like they are made in India. I wouldn't mind that, if they worked, but they often do not, plus they have QC and leakage issues, etc. Can't even compare, and PenBBS is often cheaper. Ebonite and nib variety is what PenBBS lacks, but if I wanted Indian pen, then there are other Indian fountain pen brands with less issues, Ranga, Kanwrite, etc.
Very true.
This beauty could be a piston filler.
* Sheaffer Balance
This is why they call TH-cam ' the great enabler'.
Hey you'll never guess who popped up on my recommend feed. I couldn't resist bringing this to your attention. ( Yikes! You're not related are you? Shades of: this is my brother Darrell and this is my other brother Darrell)
th-cam.com/video/j63Dc8k-Se4/w-d-xo.html
I agree that PenBBS pens are nice-looking, work good, and are fetish-worthy. But to me they aren't inexpensive. $5 is inexpensive. $20 is affordable. $50 is fancy. $100 is unaffordable. $250 is Penultimate Dave territory. Am I way off base? It would be fascinating to hear what your and your viewers' price categories are. Who here has paid over $100 for one fountain pen? Not me.
You are correct in that the Penbbs range runs into what you would categorize as "fancy". But I think $13.99 US for a turned acrylic pen with a #6 steel nib and Penbbs quality of build is one of the best bargains in fountain pens. Yes, you can buy a metal Jinhao x450 for $6US, but that is a very different animal from a turned acrylic pen.
@@InkquiringMinds Bargain is a useful category. Don't get me wrong, I like PenBBS pens - I have two.
Maybe inexpensive meaning cheap for a small batch fancy pen with a choice of filling mechanisms that doesn't feel like they cut some corners to reach that price point. It's cheap for what you get.
It's got the look and features of a prestige brand but not the prestige cuz China. You get pen nerd features but don't have to miss a car payment or pay credit card interest to have said features. It just looks like you did.
Good point. Unlike my point, which nobody takes.