I ended up paying ~$450 for a Custom 823. I ordered a smoke version with an FA nib from Japan for 30000 yen, had to pay customs fees and then ordered an aftermarket red ebonite feeds from flexiblenibs. I've never regretted it for a second.
1.) lamy 2000. It will never leave that slot until Lamy stops making it. And in no particular order 2.) Platinum 3776 Soft Fine 3.) pilot custom 74/92 (either one) Soft Fine 4.) TWSBI Vac700R 5.) Pilot vanishing point (recommend the steel nib "special alloy" model, it's identical to the gold nib, costs half as much and can swap nibs with the gold nib units) 6.) Pilot e95S 7.) Pelikan M200/M205 8.) Parker Sonnet 18k 9.) Sailor 1911 standard or pro gear standard 10.) A vintage gold nib pen like an eversharp skyline or a pelikan 140. If you have money to spend, a pilot custom 823 is glorious.
This is so fun. I love my pens, but I love hearing about them/seeing them, too. So much nicer than hearing yet more about the state of the world right now!
I have one regret regarding the Lamy 2000, I heard about the "sweet spot" and ended up procrastinating WAY TOO long to purchase it. Being that all of my pens, with this one exception, are stub nibs, I'm accustomed to keeping the angle. Thank you for your videos David.
Such a solid video. You have well reasoned arguments for all your favorites and talking through those gives insight into the unique niches that different pens can fit in our armamentaria. Keep killing it with these videos - BTW you have great inflection and tone, great radio voice!
I have a TWSBI Vac 700R, and even though I love it dearly, and it was my first 'next level' pen, the medium nib has a weird feedback, which almost feels scratchy, but I have learned to live with it. It also leaked out the back of the Vac system (back of the pen) for some reason. However cleaning it seemingly solved the issue.
Very solid list with many pens on there that I really like. Still glad you recommended that stargazer in your pocket pens list. I constantly have it inked up. The 3776 is also one of my favourite pen models and I own it in a couple of finishes. Personally I prefer the Decimo to the VP though there is considerably fewer colours to choose from for that model. I recently acquired a 1911s and while the nib did not instantly wow me I have somehow ended up using it everyday?! Haha
i dont mean to be so offtopic but does anybody know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me
Nice list! I've noticed that whenever anyone mentions a TWSBI on a next level pen list it's almost always the 580 or the vac700. I never see the TWSBI classic which at around $50 could be at the higher end for a beginner level pen or the lower end for a next level pen. I've had the Classic Burgundy for a couple months and it's just a good solid writer. I'd like to see it get some attention too.
I think that's a high entry level pen by definition. Next level must have something special, be it an amazing steel nib like the Diplomat, a cool filling system like the Vac TWSBIs, a great writing gold nib like most of the entries on the list, so the classic TWSBI definitely doesn't belong here. It's an amazing entry level pen, and the piston filler makes it special in its class, but it would be towards the bottom here. I wish this particular list had a Pelikan or two on it but I see how the M200 would fit the same category as the TWSBI Classic, bottom of this list but top of entry (despite the price and value difference tipping heavy towards the TWSBI), while the M400 or 600 would fit an even higher bracket (i.e. the next video on this list). It's also subjective so feel free to ignore my whole ramble.
@@retardno002There's essentially no difference between an M200 and an M400 other than steel vs gold ... and I suspect that most people couldn't distinguish them (better than random chance) when blindfolded.
Great selection, David. You are one of my go-to sources when I consider a new pen purchase. I just ordered my first really “expensive “ pens after watching your reviews - a Conid Minimilistica Monarch with a titanium nib. Have a Happy Holidays! Thanks for all your great contributions this year!
I really like the Conid Kingsize with the rounded ends someone on UA-cam showed us. But the price is high with them. The most expensive pen in my mind is the Lamy Imporium in Titanium or the new LX finish. My most expensive pens are my TWSBI Diamond 580 AL R Nickel Grey in EF and my TWSBI Mini AL Blue in EF. They cost me 80€. But I also have to throw my Lamy CP1 in. It costs less 33€, I picked it up for the full manufacturers price of 38€. The CP1 would be the more expensive one (in the US). Thats why I threw it in.
Nice video David! I would personally put a Pelikan M200 or M400 in this list and move the Custom 823 to the advanced list. I think the Pilot Custom 74 could also go in this list. Great explanations for the pens!
At around 7:40 you state: "A reason for NEEDING a fountain pen..." LOL!!! Yeah, right. A fountain pen is a need, not a want... That's pretty funny! That's EXACTLY how I justify my luxury item purchases. :) I do appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Thanks!
I mean, I really NEEDED that Diplomat Aero Factory 14K F. I needed that joy in my life. :) I needed a pen with this amount of neatness. And I think I have another need, its name is Pelikan M1005 Stresemann F.
I’m always thrilled about the love you give the Pilot Stargazer as it seems to fly under a lot of people’s radars. Yes, I also have a couple of VP’s, the Vac Mini (another similar TWSBI choice), FC’s, and Sailors, even the 823, and I do love that Stargazer as much as any. Something about that nib is such a nice writing experience.
The Studio still is the nicest pen in my collection. I tried so many and I like so many, but for my use case the Studio is just perfect. I tried several different EF nibs and I found one in black that feels perfect. It's extremely durable, the only thing is that I absolutely loved the feeling of the brushed finish, but because I carry the pen daily clipped to the inside of my jeans pocket and I used it for hundreds of hours it still looks kinda brushed but feels absolutely smooth at this point. I also tried other Studios but the polished grip section just don't work for me, it slips through my fingers and I tend to grip it much harder. My favourite colour is pink and they have a lovely limited edition in rose, so maybe it's time to get another Studio. But I would take the old black grip section and put it on the new rose body. Also one day I want to get one of the EF gold nibs. This will be absolutely awesome. I even prefer the Studio to the Lamy 2000 because I like the metal body and the clip just works perfect. Like I said I clip it to my pocket every day and I bent so many clips in my life, but this one just stays in shape and didn't lose any strength which is astonishing because it's not spring loaded. I bought and sold many pens over the past years, but the Studio will never leave me, I absolutely love it to death.
What a fun list. I certainly can't criticize since I have and enjoy a # of these! I'm shy of Sailor pens so they're on my list for 2019 -- especially that 1911 Large sea glass. I want to particularly endorse your point that, while these are just "next level", one could be content with just these. Each of mine are in frequent rotation.
My favourite next level pen is my Platinum 3776 Chartreuse Blue with rhodium trim and a lovely EF nib, inked with J Herbin Eclat de Saphir: perfect combo for me - I reach for it above all others; agree with you about Sailor nibs: there is something close to perfect about the size of the 1911 Profit Large - the girth of the section, the length of the barrel and that lovely long-tined precise nib; also love my Pilot Custom 74!; great vid, thanks :)
Oh my gosh. I didn't know that Pilot stamped the production date on the nib. I learned something new today! Checked my 912 FA and it's production date was September 2017. SO Cool!
thank you for the video, i think it would be really interesting if you made a video about the thought process involved when purchasing next level pens, how do you go about making the decision to start purchasing $100 pens when you're just spending $20 and then to go from $100 pens to $500 pens and then eventually making your way to $1000 pens, you own many grail pens and i know you can give us a perspective that no one else in the hobby can, please consider my idea, you have a lot of knowledge to give
I'd like to a few pens off you. I don't have any pens yet but the beginner ones are catching my eye like the lamy metro wingsung 698 jinhao . Look at me using Fountain Pen world lingo and I don't even have a pen yet!!! 😅
Spectacular video, Dave. I enjoyed seeing some of the pens I own, and you’ve got me thinking about my next purchases. Oh dear-here we go again. The Lamy 2000 is one of my favorites, even with that severely constricted gold nib. And being able to swap out the bibs on my Pilot That Masquerades as a Ballpoint Pen (I.e. Vanishing Point,) gives me the advantages of being able to multiply the pen
This was both helpful and infuriating. LOL Now I want even more pens. Thanks for the great list and top 10. I left a question on the Pilot 74 review that came up from watching your videos all morning.
Solid lineup. I have at least half of those ... but probably because I buy based on your reviews. I do think the Pilot 823 should be in another category. There's quite a big difference in price between it and the next cheapest pen. Most everything else on the list is under $200.
Hi David! What a great selection! Funny as it may sound, I am at this exact point - Lamy Studio is my nicest pen - and I'm actively considering buying something from the "next level" tier - probably a Lamy 2000, then maybe a Platinum 3776.
Dave, love your videos. Great selections here! Just wondering why the Platinum 3776 was left off the recap portion? I like mine - a bouncy B nibbed Chartres.
I wondered if anyone would notice that. It's because that's the 11th pen that I added at the last minute...and then neglected to add it to the last part of the presentation.
Vanishing point is a great pen. I do like the previous design of the pen with clip that is more flush with the pen and less rounded body better. I wish there was a modern option with that design.
It’s a tough choice to figure out a top 10. I have a Parker 45 model which I love and use daily. My next pen is the Sailor with a fine nib. In hindsight, I should’ve got a fine medium nib, as this one has taken me ages to get used to. It’s been worth persevering with however, as it’s now a pen I turn to when studying.
David thanks for this video. I have some of this list and one of them is the Stella 90s in same color than you. I researched before pulling the trigger and your video convinced me that I should have it. That was my first gold nib and to me is the best nib of all my collection. Happy holidays! 😀😀😀✒️✒️✒️
I recently bought my first "next level" pen. My collection only had 6, but I took the opportunity to get a Pilot Falcon. As a relatively new collector, i pick nib types slightly over color/size etc. The Falcon has the extra fine "soft" and the demonstrations I saw had it on my list. I do a lot of writing throughout the day, as well as in my Travelers Passport, so writing as fine as possible was important. VERY light pen, and as weight is often compared to quality the initial impression was not as high as imagined. But, after using it for a week, this is by FAR my favorite to date. Because you can get a SUPER EF line with no pressure, slight pressure will spread the times enough to give a nice deviation. I don't know if I could justify spending more than the $150 the Falcon costs............but I have the frickin fountain pen bug, and I'm afraid it's terminal.. Great list/review as usual! Spreadsheet a great idea!Cheers
While the Falcon doesn't typically make my overall "top" lists, it's a great pen. Maybe sometime I need to have a list of pens with unique features...the Falcon would definitely make the list for the nib alone. Thanks for watching.
Great list, David--especially since I have most of them and several are next on my list of wants. In fact, just got the Aero in blue from Goulet yesterday. If I had the money, I could see myself getting most of the colors!
Thanks for this list: it is informative and entertaining. I am struggling to understand, though, why anybody wants 5 or more of the exact same pen with only cosmetic differences. I personally have bought duplicate pens on four occasions, and regret them all. What pleasure, fun, or utility am I losing out on, not owning 5 Pilot Vanishing Points? Perhaps different nib sizes or designs?
I currently am still on my first FP but when it comes to other pens such as a Pilot G2 when I find a favorite I like to get multiple of different ink colors. I imagine it is much the same with using FPs as you find one that is just a pleasure able experience you want more than one so you can use multiple colors, and to prevent yourself from forgetting what is in each of 3 same externals pens you get multiple colors so you can easily ID them
@@ciannacoleman5125 Since I wrote this comment I seem to have bought 17 Pilot Petit1's. Now I'm headed to the kitchen to eat some humble pie, over the sink.
Super listing, Dave. Thanks bunches. I have several from your "entry-point" listing but only have three from this line-up and can hardly wait for your next listing. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Small sugestion ,could you make a video about fountain pens ink ... how to get it ,what make sence money vise .I am finding ink from 4$ for 30ml botle to 40$ for ml botle ect ,so educate us a bit about that topic,I am sure there are alot people who are new to this hobby that would gratly aprisate it,also have in mind us that are unable to buy stuff form USA ,or if we can it doesnt make sence because shiping is more than ink itself. thank you sir! Kind regards Enis
Got on UA-cam to look for a video of you reviewing the Sailor 1911, and what do I find? You've talked about it today! Love the videos, keep up the great work!
I wish I had kept on the Pilot Pluminix stub nib level. Awesome for £10 with a con 40 converter. I still have it and use it every day. My bank balance would be better for it.
II've watched this video several times. I'm still contemplating a "next level" pen purchase. I am new and obsessed with fountain [pens and can't afford to purchase a plethora of expensive pens. Hmmmm.....Diplomat Aero?
I am currently saving up for a Pilot Custom 823. :) I would love to own any of the pens in your grail pen video, but there are only two that I can see myself ever being able to purchase: a Kanilea pen (I don't know how I would ever manage to decide on one from among my favorite finishes: Nui Nalu, Haleakala Silhouette, and the new Hanauma Bay); and a Visconti Homo Sapiens - I think the Bronze Age is my favorite. I love the warmth of the metal with the black lava material. However, the Pilot Custom 823 may just be the end-all be-all pen for me. I love my Pilot nibs so much, and I am primarily a pen user so the combo of a big, lovely nib with that huge ink capacity is likely to do me in. I can see buying that pen and never reaching for any of my other pens again, LOL. (And I say this because I have tried several Custom 823s owned by various pen friends. I might even opt to order it from Japan so I can get the FA nib on it. Yes, I have been researching and thinking about this a lot, why do you ask? I also set up a sinking fund in my budget called "Custom 823." LOL)
Great helpful video! I'd like to get my first next level fountain pen. I want it to be a sailor pen as I heard they are fairly wet writers, but want it to be metal and have a longer grip section. So the only option is the Barcarolle. I could only find two presentation videos without any writing samples, so no real reviews at all... is there any chance you might review the Barcarolle in the near future?
@@FigbootonPens May I then ask, if in your general experience sailor pens with the same nib tend to write similar. Basically does a medium nibed pro gear write as wet and smooth as a medium nibed 1911? Thanks in advance for any info you can give.
To paraphrase the Matrix, do not try to count the levels. That's impossible. Instead, only realize the truth... THERE ARE NO LEVELS. Then you will see that it's not the pen that is at a level, it is yourself.
Hi. Thank-you for top 10. Some of my next level considerations are here, with a couple I am now considering because of your mentions. Oh.. dud you neglect the link to the spreadsheet, or am I missing it?
Try refreshing the page. It's at the very bottom of the list in the comments. I added it a couple minutes after posting. Or just search for "EDC" on my channel.
Falcon, metal, sef, this, a whole bunch of Safaris, hopefully, in the future, the dorsal fin and a night sky Sakura, that’d be all that I’ll ever need, so, anyone want to teach me urushi lacquering so that I could afford them all 😂
Funny that I always wanted Lamy Studio but never picked it up. Last time I was pretty much dead set on getting one (aquamarine one, obviously), penshop had special display of Sheaffer pens in Ferrari designs. Bright red Sheaffer 300 caught my eyes and I got it instead of Lamy Studio. Amazing pen, my first Sheaffer and it is one of my favourites. Vanishing Point was always novelty for me, I owned one in medium, sold it, owned another in fine, sold it, it is impressive technically but in effect pretty boring pen. Same with Lamy 2000, stellar performer, boring to look at, boring to use. I love my Sailor 1911 Standard in turquoise, but I also love my Cross Bailey Light in the same colour, and use it much more. Visconti Rembrand was my most expensive pen purchase for a long time, I got lucky on good medium nib and perfect blue pattern, loving it. Don't really use it. And my next level pen, my most favourite pen and the best pen in my collection is still, for 20 years now, Rotring Freeway in Medium. I got it in high school and used it since than. Trouble-free, durable, timeless, slightly ugly but pretty much template of how to make a fountain pen. Because of that pen I have sucessfull carier, because of it I've became interested in fountain pens. There is a reason, why they hold theyr value.
It's at the very bottom of the list in the notes. Or you can just search for "EDC" on my channel. There actually two videos...watch the older one first...not the "update" one.
Tkank you, I see it now. Sorry for the trouble, I scanned through the list of links and missed that one. Perhaps it's a sign that I shouldn't be watching youtube videos in the middle of the night...
Alternatively, as you start spending more money on pens you can very intentionally not keep track so there's no evidence of what youv'e done or how much you have sitting in your little pen binders....
And Dog Bless our lovely little internet, for putting meaning and porpoise into life. See, a "pen collector" of any note or magnitude could easy be mistaken as a greasy little isolation-prone wierdo, cackling and fondling little bippets of plastic as PROOF. Ummm. proof of WHAT no one knows. BUT TODAY, just now, as the collector is holding up his talismans on the internet - now, he is performing a service! Letting everyone KNOW, passing out the low-down from on high, so to speak. Why, if it wasn't for these brave reviewers out in the trenches, telling us how great all their pens are, _we might even be zipping about buying pens our own selves!_ Gadzooks.
What about completely restored vintage pens? The cheapest 14K gold nib bought alone from Lamy costs $100. You can buy some beautiful 14K nib completely restored pens for that cost.
The 74 has never been one of my favorites. I don't exactly have a reason why. I own one, but it never really blew me away. I feel the Stargazer or even the CH92 bring much more to the table.
I enjoyed figboot's list. If I had made a similar list I would have left off the 92, stargazer & the 823 (too spendy) and included the Custom 74. The Custom 74 is also a much better bang for buck than the stargazer. In fact if I ranked mine the 74 would grab the top spot. So I think it is just a matter of preferences. I dare say that most would consider the 74 an all around better pen and better value than the stargazer but the stargazer's function is essentially old school vest pen. Small knockabout and portable. ymmv
Figboot on Pens I put it on par with, maybe slightly better, the Diplomat Aero. Buttery smooth nib, just a tiny bit of bounce, and a great feed and flow. My only knock is the length is a little short for my hand.
I wish all fountain pens and all pens had a 17mm like the Namiki Emperor girth handle up to the top of the barrel and flush, no step. God bless, Proverbs 31
Not a fan of the Vanishing Point style. They look too much like ballpoint pens. And indeed, the awkward placement of the clip. But that is just me. I'm more into sigar shaped pens.
I think I will stick with my entry level FP , I'm having too much hobbies (Leica photography, trumpets , collecting vinyl and then investing in my audiophile vintage gear ) , I'm now unemployed and having a lamy al star with italic nib, a vintage reynolds accent , a wing sung with a lamy F nib and a platinum plaisir bought at a preppy's price . My limit is and will be just about 30 bucks .
There ya go, I just flinched and ordered a Diplomat Aero. I've been on the fence, despite having held it in my hand. My oh my,,, is there a limit to wanting just one more pen?
@@FigbootonPens The most striking and original one in my opinion: ORANGE. Matching it with Monteverde Mandarin orange ink freebie at Goulet's offer right now. Although I must admit it was a toss-up with the brown colour... The hand feel and that nib!!!
I ended up paying ~$450 for a Custom 823. I ordered a smoke version with an FA nib from Japan for 30000 yen, had to pay customs fees and then ordered an aftermarket red ebonite feeds from flexiblenibs. I've never regretted it for a second.
1.) lamy 2000. It will never leave that slot until Lamy stops making it.
And in no particular order
2.) Platinum 3776 Soft Fine
3.) pilot custom 74/92 (either one) Soft Fine
4.) TWSBI Vac700R
5.) Pilot vanishing point (recommend the steel nib "special alloy" model, it's identical to the gold nib, costs half as much and can swap nibs with the gold nib units)
6.) Pilot e95S
7.) Pelikan M200/M205
8.) Parker Sonnet 18k
9.) Sailor 1911 standard or pro gear standard
10.) A vintage gold nib pen like an eversharp skyline or a pelikan 140.
If you have money to spend, a pilot custom 823 is glorious.
So, question:
3776 vs c74, which would you choose? Do you recommend the soft medium nibs of pilot btw?
And vac 700 vs 580 or even eco?
@@AdrianMutu87 twsbi eco is the best twsbi hands down, and honestly the 3776 is unmatched for it's price,
This is so fun. I love my pens, but I love hearing about them/seeing them, too. So much nicer than hearing yet more about the state of the world right now!
I have one regret regarding the Lamy 2000, I heard about the "sweet spot" and ended up procrastinating WAY TOO long to purchase it. Being that all of my pens, with this one exception, are stub nibs, I'm accustomed to keeping the angle. Thank you for your videos David.
I'm a really rigid writer. I hold the same angle so sweet spots are fine for me. I should get a 2000. I probably should have many years ago.
Such a solid video. You have well reasoned arguments for all your favorites and talking through those gives insight into the unique niches that different pens can fit in our armamentaria. Keep killing it with these videos - BTW you have great inflection and tone, great radio voice!
I have a TWSBI Vac 700R, and even though I love it dearly, and it was my first 'next level' pen, the medium nib has a weird feedback, which almost feels scratchy, but I have learned to live with it. It also leaked out the back of the Vac system (back of the pen) for some reason. However cleaning it seemingly solved the issue.
Very solid list with many pens on there that I really like. Still glad you recommended that stargazer in your pocket pens list. I constantly have it inked up.
The 3776 is also one of my favourite pen models and I own it in a couple of finishes.
Personally I prefer the Decimo to the VP though there is considerably fewer colours to choose from for that model.
I recently acquired a 1911s and while the nib did not instantly wow me I have somehow ended up using it everyday?! Haha
i dont mean to be so offtopic but does anybody know a tool to get back into an instagram account??
I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me
@Enrique Quinn Instablaster =)
Nice list! I've noticed that whenever anyone mentions a TWSBI on a next level pen list it's almost always the 580 or the vac700. I never see the TWSBI classic which at around $50 could be at the higher end for a beginner level pen or the lower end for a next level pen. I've had the Classic Burgundy for a couple months and it's just a good solid writer. I'd like to see it get some attention too.
I think that's a high entry level pen by definition. Next level must have something special, be it an amazing steel nib like the Diplomat, a cool filling system like the Vac TWSBIs, a great writing gold nib like most of the entries on the list, so the classic TWSBI definitely doesn't belong here. It's an amazing entry level pen, and the piston filler makes it special in its class, but it would be towards the bottom here. I wish this particular list had a Pelikan or two on it but I see how the M200 would fit the same category as the TWSBI Classic, bottom of this list but top of entry (despite the price and value difference tipping heavy towards the TWSBI), while the M400 or 600 would fit an even higher bracket (i.e. the next video on this list). It's also subjective so feel free to ignore my whole ramble.
I own basically every Twsbi strictly after the Micarta ... Why would you buy a Classic if you don't already have a 580 or 700!?
@@retardno002There's essentially no difference between an M200 and an M400 other than steel vs gold ... and I suspect that most people couldn't distinguish them (better than random chance) when blindfolded.
(To be abundantly clear: My point is that levels and tiers are clickbait wankery ... Just buy what makes sense for you 🤷♀️)
Hey, you kept the Lamy Studio off of the final line-up! That was my first FP purchase. I still love it.
Great selection, David. You are one of my go-to sources when I consider a new pen purchase. I just ordered my first really “expensive “ pens after watching your reviews - a Conid Minimilistica Monarch with a titanium nib.
Have a Happy Holidays! Thanks for all your great contributions this year!
Nice. I hope you enjoy your Conid. The one I have is fantastic!
I really like the Conid Kingsize with the rounded ends someone on UA-cam showed us. But the price is high with them. The most expensive pen in my mind is the Lamy Imporium in Titanium or the new LX finish. My most expensive pens are my TWSBI Diamond 580 AL R Nickel Grey in EF and my TWSBI Mini AL Blue in EF. They cost me 80€. But I also have to throw my Lamy CP1 in. It costs less 33€, I picked it up for the full manufacturers price of 38€. The CP1 would be the more expensive one (in the US). Thats why I threw it in.
The Conid Minimilistica Monarch looks very cool
Nice video David! I would personally put a Pelikan M200 or M400 in this list and move the Custom 823 to the advanced list. I think the Pilot Custom 74 could also go in this list. Great explanations for the pens!
At around 7:40 you state: "A reason for NEEDING a fountain pen..." LOL!!! Yeah, right. A fountain pen is a need, not a want... That's pretty funny! That's EXACTLY how I justify my luxury item purchases. :)
I do appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Thanks!
I mean, I really NEEDED that Diplomat Aero Factory 14K F. I needed that joy in my life. :) I needed a pen with this amount of neatness. And I think I have another need, its name is Pelikan M1005 Stresemann F.
I’m always thrilled about the love you give the Pilot Stargazer as it seems to fly under a lot of people’s radars. Yes, I also have a couple of VP’s, the Vac Mini (another similar TWSBI choice), FC’s, and Sailors, even the 823, and I do love that Stargazer as much as any. Something about that nib is such a nice writing experience.
The Studio still is the nicest pen in my collection. I tried so many and I like so many, but for my use case the Studio is just perfect. I tried several different EF nibs and I found one in black that feels perfect. It's extremely durable, the only thing is that I absolutely loved the feeling of the brushed finish, but because I carry the pen daily clipped to the inside of my jeans pocket and I used it for hundreds of hours it still looks kinda brushed but feels absolutely smooth at this point. I also tried other Studios but the polished grip section just don't work for me, it slips through my fingers and I tend to grip it much harder. My favourite colour is pink and they have a lovely limited edition in rose, so maybe it's time to get another Studio. But I would take the old black grip section and put it on the new rose body. Also one day I want to get one of the EF gold nibs. This will be absolutely awesome. I even prefer the Studio to the Lamy 2000 because I like the metal body and the clip just works perfect. Like I said I clip it to my pocket every day and I bent so many clips in my life, but this one just stays in shape and didn't lose any strength which is astonishing because it's not spring loaded. I bought and sold many pens over the past years, but the Studio will never leave me, I absolutely love it to death.
Fairly hard to beat a 585-nib Studio: So smooth.
What a fun list. I certainly can't criticize since I have and enjoy a # of these! I'm shy of Sailor pens so they're on my list for 2019 -- especially that 1911 Large sea glass. I want to particularly endorse your point that, while these are just "next level", one could be content with just these. Each of mine are in frequent rotation.
Bought that lamy for my dad a few years back, never seen him use it once lol
Pain.
Pain.
@@zaksansing9443 sorry for him
My favourite next level pen is my Platinum 3776 Chartreuse Blue with rhodium trim and a lovely EF nib, inked with J Herbin Eclat de Saphir: perfect combo for me - I reach for it above all others; agree with you about Sailor nibs: there is something close to perfect about the size of the 1911 Profit Large - the girth of the section, the length of the barrel and that lovely long-tined precise nib; also love my Pilot Custom 74!; great vid, thanks :)
Starting to wonder, how big your collection actually is..... 🙂👌
Oh my gosh. I didn't know that Pilot stamped the production date on the nib. I learned something new today! Checked my 912 FA and it's production date was September 2017. SO Cool!
Opus 88 Demonstrator Clear is my choice! You have given a model list which includes my favorites! Regards!
thank you for the video, i think it would be really interesting if you made a video about the thought process involved when purchasing next level pens, how do you go about making the decision to start purchasing $100 pens when you're just spending $20 and then to go from $100 pens to $500 pens and then eventually making your way to $1000 pens, you own many grail pens and i know you can give us a perspective that no one else in the hobby can, please consider my idea, you have a lot of knowledge to give
I'd like to a few pens off you. I don't have any pens yet but the beginner ones are catching my eye like the lamy metro wingsung 698 jinhao . Look at me using Fountain Pen world lingo and I don't even have a pen yet!!! 😅
Spectacular video, Dave. I enjoyed seeing some of the pens I own, and you’ve got me thinking about my next purchases. Oh dear-here we go again. The Lamy 2000 is one of my favorites, even with that severely constricted gold nib. And being able to swap out the bibs on my Pilot That Masquerades as a Ballpoint Pen (I.e. Vanishing Point,) gives me the advantages of being able to multiply the pen
This was both helpful and infuriating. LOL
Now I want even more pens.
Thanks for the great list and top 10.
I left a question on the Pilot 74 review that came up from watching your videos all morning.
Solid lineup. I have at least half of those ... but probably because I buy based on your reviews. I do think the Pilot 823 should be in another category. There's quite a big difference in price between it and the next cheapest pen. Most everything else on the list is under $200.
Hi David! What a great selection! Funny as it may sound, I am at this exact point - Lamy Studio is my nicest pen - and I'm actively considering buying something from the "next level" tier - probably a Lamy 2000, then maybe a Platinum 3776.
Dave, love your videos. Great selections here! Just wondering why the Platinum 3776 was left off the recap portion? I like mine - a bouncy B nibbed Chartres.
I wondered if anyone would notice that. It's because that's the 11th pen that I added at the last minute...and then neglected to add it to the last part of the presentation.
Vanishing point is a great pen. I do like the previous design of the pen with clip that is more flush with the pen and less rounded body better. I wish there was a modern option with that design.
It’s a tough choice to figure out a top 10. I have a Parker 45 model which I love and use daily. My next pen is the Sailor with a fine nib. In hindsight, I should’ve got a fine medium nib, as this one has taken me ages to get used to. It’s been worth persevering with however, as it’s now a pen I turn to when studying.
have been binge-watching your videos for several days. they are so helpful and you made it very interesting. Thank you. (you are very cute :)
David thanks for this video. I have some of this list and one of them is the Stella 90s in same color than you. I researched before pulling the trigger and your video convinced me that I should have it. That was my first gold nib and to me is the best nib of all my collection. Happy holidays! 😀😀😀✒️✒️✒️
I recently bought my first "next level" pen. My collection only had 6, but I took the opportunity to get a Pilot Falcon. As a relatively new collector, i pick nib types slightly over color/size etc. The Falcon has the extra fine "soft" and the demonstrations I saw had it on my list. I do a lot of writing throughout the day, as well as in my Travelers Passport, so writing as fine as possible was important. VERY light pen, and as weight is often compared to quality the initial impression was not as high as imagined. But, after using it for a week, this is by FAR my favorite to date. Because you can get a SUPER EF line with no pressure, slight pressure will spread the times enough to give a nice deviation. I don't know if I could justify spending more than the $150 the Falcon costs............but I have the frickin fountain pen bug, and I'm afraid it's terminal.. Great list/review as usual! Spreadsheet a great idea!Cheers
While the Falcon doesn't typically make my overall "top" lists, it's a great pen. Maybe sometime I need to have a list of pens with unique features...the Falcon would definitely make the list for the nib alone. Thanks for watching.
The Falcon is the only pen on my Next Level List. I draw with my fountain pens, for which it sounds like a winner.
Thank you for introducing me to Franklin Christoph, that is my favorite from this group.
I, too, love love love the stargazer, and it's pretty much your fault.
Great list, David--especially since I have most of them and several are next on my list of wants. In fact, just got the Aero in blue from Goulet yesterday. If I had the money, I could see myself getting most of the colors!
Does the paint chip off ?
@@labibsaud8064 yes it does..i have to take very good care of my pin stripe grey and black model
Thanks for this list: it is informative and entertaining.
I am struggling to understand, though, why anybody wants 5 or more of the exact same pen with only cosmetic differences. I personally have bought duplicate pens on four occasions, and regret them all. What pleasure, fun, or utility am I losing out on, not owning 5 Pilot Vanishing Points? Perhaps different nib sizes or designs?
I currently am still on my first FP but when it comes to other pens such as a Pilot G2 when I find a favorite I like to get multiple of different ink colors. I imagine it is much the same with using FPs as you find one that is just a pleasure able experience you want more than one so you can use multiple colors, and to prevent yourself from forgetting what is in each of 3 same externals pens you get multiple colors so you can easily ID them
@@ciannacoleman5125 Since I wrote this comment I seem to have bought 17 Pilot Petit1's. Now I'm headed to the kitchen to eat some humble pie, over the sink.
@@ichirofakename 😂 Enjoy your pens!
Super listing, Dave. Thanks bunches. I have several from your "entry-point" listing but only have three from this line-up and can hardly wait for your next listing.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Small sugestion ,could you make a video about fountain pens ink ... how to get it ,what make sence money vise .I am finding ink from 4$ for 30ml botle to 40$ for ml botle ect ,so educate us a bit about that topic,I am sure there are alot people who are new to this hobby that would gratly aprisate it,also have in mind us that are unable to buy stuff form USA ,or if we can it doesnt make sence because shiping is more than ink itself. thank you sir!
Kind regards
Enis
Thanks Enis. Not too long ago, I did a video on my favorite inks...but look for more ink reviews in the near future.
Leonardo Momento Zero would also be a great pick.
Got on UA-cam to look for a video of you reviewing the Sailor 1911, and what do I find? You've talked about it today! Love the videos, keep up the great work!
I'll be posting a review on the 1911 L Sea Glass in the near future...and giving it away. So maybe you'll end up with one for free.
You’re not so much a pen addict, as an art connoisseur. Very instructive, by the way.
I wish I had kept on the Pilot Pluminix stub nib level. Awesome for £10 with a con 40 converter.
I still have it and use it every day.
My bank balance would be better for it.
I love the excel idea if I knew how to add the price part that would be awesome but I dont use excel that much
Would you consider a Leonardo Officina Italian pens?
Can’t wait for the next level .keep up the good work
Excellent job once again!
Now is it unfair to ask the net worth of your collection at this point?
II've watched this video several times. I'm still contemplating a "next level" pen purchase. I am new and obsessed with fountain [pens and can't afford to purchase a plethora of expensive pens. Hmmmm.....Diplomat Aero?
I am currently saving up for a Pilot Custom 823. :) I would love to own any of the pens in your grail pen video, but there are only two that I can see myself ever being able to purchase: a Kanilea pen (I don't know how I would ever manage to decide on one from among my favorite finishes: Nui Nalu, Haleakala Silhouette, and the new Hanauma Bay); and a Visconti Homo Sapiens - I think the Bronze Age is my favorite. I love the warmth of the metal with the black lava material. However, the Pilot Custom 823 may just be the end-all be-all pen for me. I love my Pilot nibs so much, and I am primarily a pen user so the combo of a big, lovely nib with that huge ink capacity is likely to do me in. I can see buying that pen and never reaching for any of my other pens again, LOL. (And I say this because I have tried several Custom 823s owned by various pen friends. I might even opt to order it from Japan so I can get the FA nib on it. Yes, I have been researching and thinking about this a lot, why do you ask? I also set up a sinking fund in my budget called "Custom 823." LOL)
The 823 is a fantastic pen. No problems at all if that's the last pen you ever buy. :-)
The only omission I see is the Pelikan M800/805 or even the M600/605!
Great content!
100% why buy any pens at all if you don't already have an M600/800/1000 already!?
i love founten pen i like this video i liked
Great review. Thanks!
Great stuff
My concern about the Pilot Vanishing Point is with the end being open, doesn’t the ink tend to dry quickly?
It has a hidden latch mechanism that close when the nib is not engaged
Great helpful video! I'd like to get my first next level fountain pen. I want it to be a sailor pen as I heard they are fairly wet writers, but want it to be metal and have a longer grip section. So the only option is the Barcarolle. I could only find two presentation videos without any writing samples, so no real reviews at all... is there any chance you might review the Barcarolle in the near future?
Sorry...I unfortunately do not have a Baracolle in my collection. Thanks for watching!
@@FigbootonPens May I then ask, if in your general experience sailor pens with the same nib tend to write similar. Basically does a medium nibed pro gear write as wet and smooth as a medium nibed 1911? Thanks in advance for any info you can give.
You did ask for any omissions. The Edison Collier is a great next level pen.
Edison makes some great pens.
Seconded! It is an extremely elegant and excellent pen to have at any ‘level’ in a pen aficionado’s life of loving, buying and using fountain pens.
How many levels are there, and what happens when you attain the final level of fountain pen?
Pen Nirvana?
To paraphrase the Matrix, do not try to count the levels. That's impossible. Instead, only realize the truth... THERE ARE NO LEVELS. Then you will see that it's not the pen that is at a level, it is yourself.
Then you own the pen that rules them all. (And in darkness binds them.)
Hi. Thank-you for top 10. Some of my next level considerations are here, with a couple I am now considering because of your mentions. Oh.. dud you neglect the link to the spreadsheet, or am I missing it?
Try refreshing the page. It's at the very bottom of the list in the comments. I added it a couple minutes after posting. Or just search for "EDC" on my channel.
Falcon, metal, sef, this, a whole bunch of Safaris, hopefully, in the future, the dorsal fin and a night sky Sakura, that’d be all that I’ll ever need, so, anyone want to teach me urushi lacquering so that I could afford them all 😂
Funny that I always wanted Lamy Studio but never picked it up. Last time I was pretty much dead set on getting one (aquamarine one, obviously), penshop had special display of Sheaffer pens in Ferrari designs. Bright red Sheaffer 300 caught my eyes and I got it instead of Lamy Studio. Amazing pen, my first Sheaffer and it is one of my favourites.
Vanishing Point was always novelty for me, I owned one in medium, sold it, owned another in fine, sold it, it is impressive technically but in effect pretty boring pen. Same with Lamy 2000, stellar performer, boring to look at, boring to use. I love my Sailor 1911 Standard in turquoise, but I also love my Cross Bailey Light in the same colour, and use it much more.
Visconti Rembrand was my most expensive pen purchase for a long time, I got lucky on good medium nib and perfect blue pattern, loving it. Don't really use it.
And my next level pen, my most favourite pen and the best pen in my collection is still, for 20 years now, Rotring Freeway in Medium. I got it in high school and used it since than. Trouble-free, durable, timeless, slightly ugly but pretty much template of how to make a fountain pen. Because of that pen I have sucessfull carier, because of it I've became interested in fountain pens. There is a reason, why they hold theyr value.
Hi! I can't find the links to the work book and wideo? Am I looking in a wrong place?
It's at the very bottom of the list in the notes. Or you can just search for "EDC" on my channel. There actually two videos...watch the older one first...not the "update" one.
Tkank you, I see it now. Sorry for the trouble, I scanned through the list of links and missed that one. Perhaps it's a sign that I shouldn't be watching youtube videos in the middle of the night...
Very well made video. You currently are the best UA-cam pen reviewer on UA-cam. Just improve your handwriting
Nice list David! But I think you need to try the Sailor ProColor 500 it's a great pen with a very good steel nibs.
I have a couple. Need to play around with them more.
Hi Dave, may I ask where can I download the excel workbook mentioned? I am developing one for my own as well, and would like to see how you do it.
ua-cam.com/video/Gc_9aKLbh3A/v-deo.html
Figboot on Pens Thanks Dave! I’ve never thought about a log for inks before, probably I should!
Are you paid by pilot and lamy? There are so many top class pens in the world. I would never consider buying any one of the ones you have listed.
What about the platinum president?
This guy gets me
Alternatively, as you start spending more money on pens you can very intentionally not keep track so there's no evidence of what youv'e done or how much you have sitting in your little pen binders....
Plausible Deniability isn't just for politicians!
And Dog Bless our lovely little internet, for putting meaning and porpoise into life. See, a "pen collector" of any note or magnitude could easy be mistaken as a greasy little isolation-prone wierdo, cackling and fondling little bippets of plastic as PROOF. Ummm. proof of WHAT no one knows. BUT TODAY, just now, as the collector is holding up his talismans on the internet - now, he is performing a service! Letting everyone KNOW, passing out the low-down from on high, so to speak. Why, if it wasn't for these brave reviewers out in the trenches, telling us how great all their pens are, _we might even be zipping about buying pens our own selves!_ Gadzooks.
@@dogfacedboy6947 any spare adderall?
Do you recommend anything for as Investment Pen Collections
While pens typically maintain a fair amount of their value, they are usually not good investments.
What about completely restored vintage pens? The cheapest 14K gold nib bought alone from Lamy costs $100. You can buy some beautiful 14K nib completely restored pens for that cost.
Vielen Dank
Hi David, would you consider a Pilot Custom 74 as a good substitute for the Stargazer? The Custom 74's are very nice 14k gold nibs at $100 or under.
The 74 has never been one of my favorites. I don't exactly have a reason why. I own one, but it never really blew me away. I feel the Stargazer or even the CH92 bring much more to the table.
@@FigbootonPens I will have to try them. I have two 74's and I love them so no doubt I will be blown away by better pens. 😁
I enjoyed figboot's list. If I had made a similar list I would have left off the 92, stargazer & the 823 (too spendy) and included the Custom 74. The Custom 74 is also a much better bang for buck than the stargazer. In fact if I ranked mine the 74 would grab the top spot. So I think it is just a matter of preferences. I dare say that most would consider the 74 an all around better pen and better value than the stargazer but the stargazer's function is essentially old school vest pen. Small knockabout and portable. ymmv
@@inharmonik I can understand someone preferring more solid pens as the 74 is all plastic and very light. I love having so many choices. 👍
@@SpiroHarveyit is remarkable how many of those excellent choices come from Pilot.
The platinum 3776 isn't in your round up section?
Yah... It's because that's the 11th pen that I added at the last minute...and then neglected to add it to the last part of the presentation.
Talk about burning your pockets lol
How long did pilot sell the stargazer. I hadnt heard of it.
Not sure when it debuted, but I've had mine for 4-5 years.
@@FigbootonPens thank you, mate. I have so many videos to catch up on. Great content!
pilot elite or e95s
Any Edison Pen?
Does that mean that, say, Custom 91 was made in 2009?
It's when the pen was originally launched, so yes, the 91 debuted in 2009.
Shocked the Faber Castell E-Motion didn't make the list.
I own an E-Motion, but haven't got around to reviewing it. It's on the "eventually" list...
Figboot on Pens I put it on par with, maybe slightly better, the Diplomat Aero. Buttery smooth nib, just a tiny bit of bounce, and a great feed and flow. My only knock is the length is a little short for my hand.
I wish all fountain pens and all pens had a 17mm like the Namiki Emperor girth handle up to the top of the barrel and flush, no step.
God bless, Proverbs 31
if you close your eyes or dont look at the screen its like joe buck is giving you advice on what pens to buy
Not a fan of the Vanishing Point style. They look too much like ballpoint pens. And indeed, the awkward placement of the clip. But that is just me. I'm more into sigar shaped pens.
I think I will stick with my entry level FP , I'm having too much hobbies (Leica photography, trumpets , collecting vinyl and then investing in my audiophile vintage gear ) , I'm now unemployed and having a lamy al star with italic nib, a vintage reynolds accent , a wing sung with a lamy F nib and a platinum plaisir bought at a preppy's price . My limit is and will be just about 30 bucks .
There's no problem with that. There's a lot of great entry-level pens out there.
There ya go, I just flinched and ordered a Diplomat Aero. I've been on the fence, despite having held it in my hand. My oh my,,, is there a limit to wanting just one more pen?
I don't think you'll be disappointed..which color?
@@FigbootonPens The most striking and original one in my opinion: ORANGE. Matching it with Monteverde Mandarin orange ink freebie at Goulet's offer right now. Although I must admit it was a toss-up with the brown colour... The hand feel and that nib!!!
Top 100 from the NY Magazine - I have serious doubts - nymag.com/strategist/article/best-pens-gel-ballpoint-rollerball-felt-fountain.html?#comments
Doubts about their list...or mine?
Cute guy with very nice collections!
Well if you wanna call a bald guy cute....
dude every time he breathes its painful and sounds like hes out of breath
My friend please get a pop filter for your mic love your videos. Just a lil help to improve your audio.
i move away from the mic to breathe in