This is perhaps one of the best comparison videos I’ve seen. Well spoken. Clear. Organized. And unbiased. It led me to subscribing to your channel. Thank you for the excellent work! You solidified my decision.
I was admiring the platinum 3776 that a physician that I work for owned and he said, “here, take it, you’ll probably use it more than me!!” I’m still in shock. My first gold nib!! I write every day with it! Thanks for the reviews!
@@yleexot I love it. The color is dark blue. It is transparent resin but kinda hard to tell it’s translucent. It has a medium nib. It’s thinner than western nib mediums but I like it cause I can write smaller with it.
lol that's epic... possibly the reason is that when you write using a good fountain pen it inspires you to use beautiful legible penmanship... and I think that would violate a doctor's hippocratic oath or something...
@@jamesponza sadly since Obamacare government mandates all electronic records including prescriptions sent online to the pharmacy. So for physicians no chance of writing anything at work by hand hence no use for the pen. By the I know a physician who has a perfectly beautiful hand writing. :)
Ahhhhhh Where was this video two weeks ago when I was looking into which one to make my first goal nibbed pen. My custom 74 just came in the mail yesterday that’s the one I decided to go with. Awesome video
Obviously they’re all very good pens. Have them all in different nibs too. I am an artist and so if I could only have one it would be the 3776 UEF with carbon black or de Atrementis black purely for drawing. Tomorrow I might give a different answer…
Nice job Tom. That was a good explanation of each of the pens 🖊. Using an overall approach, I would have to choose the Pilot Custom 74. The consistency of their nibs and price are the determining factors.
The 3776 is my favorite fountain pen ever, this feedback is amazing. The pen is telling to me that Im in control all the time, I like the sound, I like the ink flow, I like the confort in my hand. And in addition you can leave it with ink 6 months without use and then you can use it normally, its just my darling
@@DrManuelSardinha This is a complete wrong appreciation. Each one decide what is the most comfortable intrument to write, or draw in my case. Also, have in mind that the japanese medium is like a fine german/usa nib. I cant imagine what happend if you discover the music or zoom nibs :P
I own all 3, but if I were to choose one, I'd go with the Platinum 3776. The feedback is unique and satisfying. Plus the slip and seal mechanism really works from my experience.
I have been doing this very research! Thanks for the info. My choice is going to be the Pilot custom 74. The smooth nib and quality writing experience for the lesser price.
Have all three. But love the Custom 74 Medium and Platinum Century 3776 over Sailor 1911S F. It is the smooth flow and wetness of the Pilot Medium Nib that was a clincher.
Ack! Don't make me chose! I have the 3776 in an UEF, B and MS, the Custom 74, M, and the 1911S (Wicked Witch) MS, and a Profit, M. I just wrote with those that were inked (3776 B wasn't) and the smoothest was Custom 74, but the most comfortable was the 3776 MS. BTW, another great video!
The Pilot is probably my pick for the better buy for the nib alone. I have all three, but only one each of the Platinum 3776 and Pilot 74 while I have multiple 1911S editions/colors. The thing about Sailor is that I can see myself buying more 1911S editions while I'm content with having just one of the other two brands.
Pilot 74, as I had no experience with the other 2, except for a brief over the counter writing... I would still say, if you want function, over form, and price matters to you, choose the 74... Can't go wrong.
I love Sailor and Platinum the best, but I also think that each of these pens has at least one feature that makes it stands out from the others. I'd say that Pilot has a more bouncy nib, and Platinum and Sailor a more firm nib (except for 3776 Soft nibs of course). That's neither a pro than a con though, it really depends on what one prefers. Otherwise, the three pens look similar and feel similarly like a quality pen, when handled (good quality resin, build, etc) My remarks on each pen, but its very personal and down to my personal tastes : Pilot 74 pros : - its clip (I just love this clip ! Best shape ever, looks like the clip you would draw if you had to draw a generic cartoon fountain pen, I just love it ! I also understand that this same feature could be a con for someone else) Pilot 74 cons : - I don't find my favourite nib size, the F is scratchy, and the M is too broad for my taste. I usually navigate between these two nib sizes in general, but on this pen, neither is to my liking. I do have one opaque black Pilot 74 with a Soft MF nib that I like, but I 've had it for many years and it's generally a very hard to find nib size for this model (I am in Europe) - in M size, the nib is too glassy smooth for me, it glides uncontrollably, I don't like the type of feedback it gives (or maybe it's the absence of feedback, that puts me off). I've heard that people who have a strong grip and a strong writing pressure, will tend to prefer that. Maybe it's true... I do have a light grip and light writing pression, so it makes sense that glassy smooth is not for me then. - I can't stand the con 70. I don't like a vacuum filler to start with, and its a vacuum style converter. Hard to fill up, and very hard to clean. It might have a capacity of 1 ml, but it's a real hassle to even manage to get it to fill up half way. I always end up using old Pilot cartridges that I refill with a syringe, or treating the con70 like an old cartridge and refilling it with a syringe also. - everyone talks about how smooth Pilot's nibs are, but I find their F nibs very toothy, and their EF nibs scratchy to the point of being almost unusable. I suppose the "smoothness" starts at the M nib. Sailor 1911 pros : - I absolutely love the way the nibs are ground, it's my perfect balance of smooth, medium wetness, and delicious feedback. Feedback doesn't mean toothy ! With Sailor the nibs are smooth but they give you a feeling when you write, it's a smooth feeling, very enjoyable. - my favourite nib size might be MF, but I also appreciate the M and the F a lot. Sailor knows how to grind a gold nib. - the nibs are good looking. Especially the dual tone nibs, gold inlaid in silver or silver in gold : but their simple tone silver or gold nibs are also very good looking, in a subdued, serious way. - I like the variety of nib sizes - and the variety of colours for the pen body, with all the yearly new éditions Sailor 1911S cons : - the pen body might be just a tad under my preferred size, but it's not really a con, it doesn't prevent me from enjoying the pen (I have female small to medium hands) Platinum 3776 century pros : - the cap really keeps the nib from drying out for more than a year (I tried !). Granted, Sailor and Pilot also have very efficient inner cap systems that keep the nib ok for a very long time too. - The M nib on the 3776 is absolutely one of my favourite Ms. On the thinner side of M (which I appreciate), wet just as it needs to be.... - same for the F nib. The 3776 F is probably the smoothest of all three models in F. I love this pen in F. - the converter is the best of the three, robust, easy to use, easy to clean, large enough. - a variety of nib size, including one or two soft nibs options (the Soft F is great !) - the nibs are just Gorgeous!!!! Flat and large, like a classy bird with it's wings open, and a breather hole in the shape of a mini 💜 heart ! What more can you ask for ? - the feeling you get from nib on paper, is different from the Sailor 's , but as enjoyable. Smooth but not glassy smooth and uncontrollable. Smooth but with a delicious, satisfying feedback that makes you feel you are in control of the nib, and still it writes effortlessly. I love that. Platinum 3776 cons : None really. On one of my 3776 that is now several years old, the grip section has developed a thin hairline crack. I haven't called Platinum about it, because it's actually not preventing me from using the pen. I have no idea if it's specific to Platinum or if it's just bad luck and could have happened to any other model from any brand ? I have several 3776 in assortments of colours, and this has never occurred on any other of my 3776, so I suspect that it's a "one off" issue. All in all, in my view : First place goes to 3776, closely followed by the 1911 (I almost wanted to put them ex-aequo) Last is pilot 74. But this is very personal, and all three are great pens. Edited for spelling
I wish pilot would let some of the other 7 nib sizes they have for the 74 in Japan come over to America. In Japan you can pick from 11 different nib sizes with the custom 74 not just 4
I use all three brands and thier different size offerings. All three have very minor differences. Of these 3 choices it will be the Pilot 74. I like the feel in hand and the smooth paper feel also. The Sailor and Platinum are great writers very reliable and beautiful to use. There is no mistake in your choice of preference! I lean towards Pilot as a Brand, but have no bias towards Sailor or Platinum if limited to one of the three I would be completely happy using anyone of the three!! 😊 My Choice of the options will be the Pilot Custom 74 in a Medium Nib. Great video & enjoyed the content!! Thanks!!!
I have a Custom 74 and a Sailor Pro Gear Slim. I've tried the 3776. For me, the Pilot wins. The nib is smooth and bouncy and juicy. It just makes me go ahhhh when I write with it. I like the Sailor and have found the Platinum too stiff for my tastes.
I would give the nod to the Platinum 3776, due to a larger nib and section, allowing it to feel more substantial in the hand. I do have all three in my collection as well.
I've never tried a Pilot 74, but I have a 1911s and a 3776 and they are both wonderful writers. I would choose the 3776 only because of the size over the 1911s. It just fits my hand a little better. But, tbh, my Sailor Pro Gear (regular size) is THE smoothest pen I've ever used.
Was pretty much decided on the Platinum, but the Sailor is making me hesitate. I REALLY want that ultra extra fine nib avail with the Platinum. Good video, thanks.
I have all three of these pens. Falcon>All three. Leonardo Momento Zero which is around the same price, also is better. It has a steel nib, but if flows fantastic thanks to it's superior feed and the pen just feels so warm to hold.
Fully agree with that. Leonardo MZ is better balanced; girtier than the Sailor/Pilot and longer than the Platinum. Writes very well and looks much stunning than any of the Japanese.
I have the Sailor 911S and the Platinum 3776. Both are great. I would give my vote to the Platinum 3776 due to its weight and impeccable build quality.
If I had to choose just one, I would replace my lost Platinum #3776 Century Black Diamond (black resin with rhodium trim) in UEF. And the reason would unquestionably be for the UEF nib.
This is tough. Having (and using) only the 1911s, makes me slightly biased against it, only because I know what I dont like about it. It's a little to slim for me (I know it's the slim version, but I already have a regular pro gear...). If you were to ask me right at this very second, I'd probably go with the pilot, but tbh, I've had my eye on both for a long time. The pillt would edge out the platinum only for the reason that it is smoother, but that can change for me from day to day lol. I like the color options of platinum better and the nib variety there too, so I may even be changing my mind as I type this out 🥴
Pilot - I particularly enjoy a very smooth nib. Having said that I also love my Sailor 1911 fine nib and my Kaweco Sport Brass medium nib. Obviously I am terribly confused - they are all wonderful!
Great video & info! I don’t have a Pilot 74, but have the others, both in medium, funny enough. I love the 3776 for its smoothness, when I want that, and adore my 1911-S. Sailor’s nibs are just different, it was fun to see it compared with Pilot & Platinum, yet, they are on a different plane to me.
I have the 3 of them and the one I tend to reach out to more often is the Pilot Custom 74. It's the more comfortable in my hand, I prefer the nib on this one (I have the 3 of them in EF) and the ink capacity is the best of the 3 with the Con-70 converter.
I’d go with the 3776 if I had to choose just one. In general, I prefer larger Sailor nibs and also like the build quality of Pilot best, but of these three, the overall package of the 3776 is the sweet spot (also: slip and seal!) And if I could choose a cartridge format: Pilot, please. Why would one go with Standard International instead? Hard to clean and refill due to the small diameter at the mouth and also prone to eventual tears at the mouth.
I have a Sailor pro gear and that nib definitely better than the one on 1911 but still a bit stiff. Platinum 3776 gives a comfortable writing experience.
The international cartridge is generally some kind of misunderstanding (I only have Kaweco Sport with it, but I won’t take more pens with them), and the Pilot cartridge is the best in the world - it has a large capacity, fits very tightly, thanks to the cone shape it is easy to clean cotton swabs.
I have all of these, and far and away Pilot has the best nib, build and ink capacity. Pilot is the smoothest writer too. So I pick Pilot, although it's the most boring in terms of colour choices.
I'd pick Pilot. I like the smoothness of their nibs when writing. I like a finer line, and find the Sailor scratchy. I haven't tried the 3776, but I'll take your word for it that it is not as smooth as the Pilot.
I have the 74 SF It is too wet I have the 3776 UEF and it is too feedbacky almost scratchy The 3776 SF is almost bouncy The 1911S EF is stiff and very smooth with exactly the right amount of ink flow and writes like an XXF needle So it gets my vote
What a nice video! Thank you for sharing. What is the difference in writing between the Sailor Medium-Fine and Fine? They look very close to each others but I am sure there is a difference!
It's very close. The difference in line width is so small. It would only be a fraction of a millimeter. Also, the medium-fine would be just a slight degree smoother with less feedback than the fine nib.
@@GoldspotPens I guess that's the case even with the difference between Sailor's F and EF: it's more about the nib finish and consequent writing feel than line width difference.
Of the three I have the 3776. I do have the 1911L and for the Pilot I have the 743. I tend to like the girthier section, so I got the larger Sailor and Pilot pens. Yes, the Platinum nib is scratchier but with their Soft Fine nib, there is a noticeable smoothness to the writing. I had to go overseas to acquire the nib. It is a shame it is not available domestically. As for the Sailor, it writes a bit scratchy but it is a dream to use with the wider "L" model. Overall all three manufacturers make wonderful pens.
i own both 1911s M and 3776 M. I just can't get enough of the pencil like feedback of 1911 nib, smooth yet controlled. The platinum nib is fine, however, the barrel is just a tiny teeny too thin for me, comparing to sailor. I would choose sailor 1911s over 3776 any second of the day!
I know all these pens - according to the comfort of writing, I would arrange them as it is in the title (the last place definitely gets 3776 - a very hard nib-nail and an unsuccessful thick plastic cartridge - the level of some ink is difficult to distinguish).
I have to vote Platinum 3776 --- I have two with BROAD nibs which are so smooth and among my very favorites to write with. I also LOVE the translucent lilac - so pretty. I almost never use the word 'pretty' but it is. .
Platinum 3776 gets my vote. I have all three of these pens. For brand preference overall, I'd go with Pilot, but when the Custom 74 is in the mix, the Platinum 3776 edges it out for me. Why? Build quality, more comfortable size and grip, a writing experience that is high on feedback but also very smooth -- not scratchy. Great value for the cost if you don't get a pricey special edition. While the Custom 74 is a nice writer, they feel a bit "mushier" to me, and I don't prefer the smaller nib. Sailor is fantastic if you go up in size to the full-sized Pro Gear, but that puts it in a different price bracket. Sailor PGS is just too small and slim.
I vote for...lamy 2000. Mine in EF lays a thicker line than my 3776 in M nib. Go figure. Both are smooth, but lamy is a bit smoother with a hint of feedback.
Lol; I own a model of all three. Because Japanese nibs are finer, I prefer their Broad nibs. My Custom 74 medium writes well, I've learned to love my Sailor M, M-F nibs, and My 3776 with a custom medium stub a gorgeous writer. If I had to pick one, a Sailor Broad nib would be it.
Sailor was my first gold nib this summer. Pilot Custon 74 is my new Christmas gift. The Pilot M nib is so much smoother than the Sailor M. I won’t be buying anymore Sailors.
I would vote for the Pilot Custom 74 if it came with converter. You didn’t say it did and I checked your website and it doesn’t say a converter is included. If it is then Pilot wins for best value and size for me. Sailor is too pricey as is the Platinum.
This is perhaps one of the best comparison videos I’ve seen. Well spoken. Clear. Organized. And unbiased. It led me to subscribing to your channel. Thank you for the excellent work! You solidified my decision.
Thank you for your comment. I'm flattered! -Tom
I chose the pilot based on smoother nib feel and preference for the con70’s capacity. Lower pricing was appreciated too.
I was admiring the platinum 3776 that a physician that I work for owned and he said, “here, take it, you’ll probably use it more than me!!” I’m still in shock. My first gold nib!! I write every day with it! Thanks for the reviews!
Sweet! What color and how do you like it?
@@yleexot I love it. The color is dark blue. It is transparent resin but kinda hard to tell it’s translucent. It has a medium nib. It’s thinner than western nib mediums but I like it cause I can write smaller with it.
lol that's epic... possibly the reason is that when you write using a good fountain pen it inspires you to use beautiful legible penmanship... and I think that would violate a doctor's hippocratic oath or something...
@@jamesponza sadly since Obamacare government mandates all electronic records including prescriptions sent online to the pharmacy. So for physicians no chance of writing anything at work by hand hence no use for the pen. By the I know a physician who has a perfectly beautiful hand writing. :)
Nothing is free, especially a $200 pen. We can guess how you paid him back
Ahhhhhh Where was this video two weeks ago when I was looking into which one to make my first goal nibbed pen. My custom 74 just came in the mail yesterday that’s the one I decided to go with. Awesome video
Obviously they’re all very good pens. Have them all in different nibs too. I am an artist and so if I could only have one it would be the 3776 UEF with carbon black or de Atrementis black purely for drawing. Tomorrow I might give a different answer…
Nice job Tom. That was a good explanation of each of the pens 🖊.
Using an overall approach, I would have to choose the Pilot Custom 74. The consistency of their nibs and price are the determining factors.
The 3776 is my favorite fountain pen ever, this feedback is amazing. The pen is telling to me that Im in control all the time, I like the sound, I like the ink flow, I like the confort in my hand. And in addition you can leave it with ink 6 months without use and then you can use it normally, its just my darling
@@DrManuelSardinha Medium
@@DrManuelSardinha This is a complete wrong appreciation. Each one decide what is the most comfortable intrument to write, or draw in my case. Also, have in mind that the japanese medium is like a fine german/usa nib. I cant imagine what happend if you discover the music or zoom nibs :P
I have all 3. Sailor writes "surgically" crisp lines. Platinum is the most elegant. Pilot stays in the middle
I own all 3, but if I were to choose one, I'd go with the Platinum 3776. The feedback is unique and satisfying. Plus the slip and seal mechanism really works from my experience.
What about build quality of platinum 3776 fountains in comparison to sailor and pilot?
@@vinaynagdev03 I find the build quality for all pens alike. I can't score one above the other two.
I have been doing this very research! Thanks for the info. My choice is going to be the Pilot custom 74. The smooth nib and quality writing experience for the lesser price.
Have all three. But love the Custom 74 Medium and Platinum Century 3776 over Sailor 1911S F. It is the smooth flow and wetness of the Pilot Medium Nib that was a clincher.
Ack! Don't make me chose! I have the 3776 in an UEF, B and MS, the Custom 74, M, and the 1911S (Wicked Witch) MS, and a Profit, M. I just wrote with those that were inked (3776 B wasn't) and the smoothest was Custom 74, but the most comfortable was the 3776 MS.
BTW, another great video!
They are all amazing and my vote is split between sailor and platinum. After much deliberation, I’d say its sailor all the way!
The Pilot is probably my pick for the better buy for the nib alone. I have all three, but only one each of the Platinum 3776 and Pilot 74 while I have multiple 1911S editions/colors. The thing about Sailor is that I can see myself buying more 1911S editions while I'm content with having just one of the other two brands.
Pilot 74, as I had no experience with the other 2, except for a brief over the counter writing... I would still say, if you want function, over form, and price matters to you, choose the 74... Can't go wrong.
Have all three brands but the Pilot 74 is my favorite…..I think I am only missing one color 😃 but love it for its smooth writing experience!
I love Sailor and Platinum the best, but I also think that each of these pens has at least one feature that makes it stands out from the others.
I'd say that Pilot has a more bouncy nib, and Platinum and Sailor a more firm nib (except for 3776 Soft nibs of course). That's neither a pro than a con though, it really depends on what one prefers.
Otherwise, the three pens look similar and feel similarly like a quality pen, when handled (good quality resin, build, etc)
My remarks on each pen, but its very personal and down to my personal tastes :
Pilot 74 pros :
- its clip (I just love this clip ! Best shape ever, looks like the clip you would draw if you had to draw a generic cartoon fountain pen, I just love it ! I also understand that this same feature could be a con for someone else)
Pilot 74 cons :
- I don't find my favourite nib size, the F is scratchy, and the M is too broad for my taste. I usually navigate between these two nib sizes in general, but on this pen, neither is to my liking. I do have one opaque black Pilot 74 with a Soft MF nib that I like, but I 've had it for many years and it's generally a very hard to find nib size for this model (I am in Europe)
- in M size, the nib is too glassy smooth for me, it glides uncontrollably, I don't like the type of feedback it gives (or maybe it's the absence of feedback, that puts me off). I've heard that people who have a strong grip and a strong writing pressure, will tend to prefer that. Maybe it's true... I do have a light grip and light writing pression, so it makes sense that glassy smooth is not for me then.
- I can't stand the con 70. I don't like a vacuum filler to start with, and its a vacuum style converter. Hard to fill up, and very hard to clean. It might have a capacity of 1 ml, but it's a real hassle to even manage to get it to fill up half way. I always end up using old Pilot cartridges that I refill with a syringe, or treating the con70 like an old cartridge and refilling it with a syringe also.
- everyone talks about how smooth Pilot's nibs are, but I find their F nibs very toothy, and their EF nibs scratchy to the point of being almost unusable. I suppose the "smoothness" starts at the M nib.
Sailor 1911 pros :
- I absolutely love the way the nibs are ground, it's my perfect balance of smooth, medium wetness, and delicious feedback. Feedback doesn't mean toothy ! With Sailor the nibs are smooth but they give you a feeling when you write, it's a smooth feeling, very enjoyable.
- my favourite nib size might be MF, but I also appreciate the M and the F a lot. Sailor knows how to grind a gold nib.
- the nibs are good looking. Especially the dual tone nibs, gold inlaid in silver or silver in gold : but their simple tone silver or gold nibs are also very good looking, in a subdued, serious way.
- I like the variety of nib sizes
- and the variety of colours for the pen body, with all the yearly new éditions
Sailor 1911S cons :
- the pen body might be just a tad under my preferred size, but it's not really a con, it doesn't prevent me from enjoying the pen (I have female small to medium hands)
Platinum 3776 century pros :
- the cap really keeps the nib from drying out for more than a year (I tried !). Granted, Sailor and Pilot also have very efficient inner cap systems that keep the nib ok for a very long time too.
- The M nib on the 3776 is absolutely one of my favourite Ms. On the thinner side of M (which I appreciate), wet just as it needs to be....
- same for the F nib. The 3776 F is probably the smoothest of all three models in F. I love this pen in F.
- the converter is the best of the three, robust, easy to use, easy to clean, large enough.
- a variety of nib size, including one or two soft nibs options (the Soft F is great !)
- the nibs are just Gorgeous!!!! Flat and large, like a classy bird with it's wings open, and a breather hole in the shape of a mini 💜 heart ! What more can you ask for ?
- the feeling you get from nib on paper, is different from the Sailor 's , but as enjoyable. Smooth but not glassy smooth and uncontrollable. Smooth but with a delicious, satisfying feedback that makes you feel you are in control of the nib, and still it writes effortlessly. I love that.
Platinum 3776 cons :
None really.
On one of my 3776 that is now several years old, the grip section has developed a thin hairline crack. I haven't called Platinum about it, because it's actually not preventing me from using the pen. I have no idea if it's specific to Platinum or if it's just bad luck and could have happened to any other model from any brand ? I have several 3776 in assortments of colours, and this has never occurred on any other of my 3776, so I suspect that it's a "one off" issue.
All in all, in my view :
First place goes to 3776, closely followed by the 1911 (I almost wanted to put them ex-aequo)
Last is pilot 74.
But this is very personal, and all three are great pens.
Edited for spelling
I wish pilot would let some of the other 7 nib sizes they have for the 74 in Japan come over to America. In Japan you can pick from 11 different nib sizes with the custom 74 not just 4
I use all three brands and thier different size offerings. All three have very minor differences. Of these 3 choices it will be the Pilot 74. I like the feel in hand and the smooth paper feel also. The Sailor and Platinum are great writers very reliable and beautiful to use. There is no mistake in your choice of preference! I lean towards Pilot as a Brand, but have no bias towards Sailor or Platinum if limited to one of the three I would be completely happy using anyone of the three!! 😊 My Choice of the options will be the Pilot Custom 74 in a Medium Nib. Great video & enjoyed the content!! Thanks!!!
The Custom 74 was my first gold nib purchase, the 3776 in Chartres Blue was my next one. Both are my every day writers.
You said Pilot’s the smoothest and cheapest, sold. Thank you.
This video is awesome. I would go for the Pilot and that smooth ink flow.
I have a Custom 74 and a Sailor Pro Gear Slim. I've tried the 3776. For me, the Pilot wins. The nib is smooth and bouncy and juicy. It just makes me go ahhhh when I write with it. I like the Sailor and have found the Platinum too stiff for my tastes.
I agree, the 3776 has a very hard nib, when you start writing after other pens - you already feel a micro-impact at the moment the nib hits the paper.
I would give the nod to the Platinum 3776, due to a larger nib and section, allowing it to feel more substantial in the hand. I do have all three in my collection as well.
Pilot Custom 74, with the smoothest nib, the whopping 1ml capacity of CON-70 and great price value, is what I’m going to go for.
I've never tried a Pilot 74, but I have a 1911s and a 3776 and they are both wonderful writers. I would choose the 3776 only because of the size over the 1911s. It just fits my hand a little better. But, tbh, my Sailor Pro Gear (regular size) is THE smoothest pen I've ever used.
Was pretty much decided on the Platinum, but the Sailor is making me hesitate. I REALLY want that ultra extra fine nib avail with the Platinum. Good video, thanks.
I have all three of these pens. Falcon>All three. Leonardo Momento Zero which is around the same price, also is better. It has a steel nib, but if flows fantastic thanks to it's superior feed and the pen just feels so warm to hold.
Fully agree with that. Leonardo MZ is better balanced; girtier than the Sailor/Pilot and longer than the Platinum. Writes very well and looks much stunning than any of the Japanese.
@@alexwhiteowl I was going to buy the Sailor or the Platinum and when I saw at the store the MZ and tried it I bought it instead.
I have the Sailor 911S and the Platinum 3776. Both are great. I would give my vote to the Platinum 3776 due to its weight and impeccable build quality.
I haven't tried Sailor, but I own both the Pilot Custom 74 and the Platinum 3776 in both celluloid and acrylic. I prefer the Custom 74's bouncy nib.
I have the Custom 74 and the 3776. My choice of the two is the Custom 74, the wetter, softer nib makes it better for me.
If I had to choose just one, I would replace my lost Platinum #3776 Century Black Diamond (black resin with rhodium trim) in UEF. And the reason would unquestionably be for the UEF nib.
Pilot, price, converter size and nib smoothness.
This is tough. Having (and using) only the 1911s, makes me slightly biased against it, only because I know what I dont like about it. It's a little to slim for me (I know it's the slim version, but I already have a regular pro gear...). If you were to ask me right at this very second, I'd probably go with the pilot, but tbh, I've had my eye on both for a long time. The pillt would edge out the platinum only for the reason that it is smoother, but that can change for me from day to day lol. I like the color options of platinum better and the nib variety there too, so I may even be changing my mind as I type this out 🥴
What is street price?
It might just be brand loyalty… but I love Pilot pens!
3776 just.. hits different. incredible workhorse pen
Pilot - I particularly enjoy a very smooth nib. Having said that I also love my Sailor 1911 fine nib and my Kaweco Sport Brass medium nib. Obviously I am terribly confused - they are all wonderful!
Great video & info! I don’t have a Pilot 74, but have the others, both in medium, funny enough. I love the 3776 for its smoothness, when I want that, and adore my 1911-S. Sailor’s nibs are just different, it was fun to see it compared with Pilot & Platinum, yet, they are on a different plane to me.
I do have Pilot CH 92s, those are great pens, too!
@@jemellia_ The 92 has a less good overall weight balance than the 74, though.
I have the 3 of them and the one I tend to reach out to more often is the Pilot Custom 74. It's the more comfortable in my hand, I prefer the nib on this one (I have the 3 of them in EF) and the ink capacity is the best of the 3 with the Con-70 converter.
Smashing comparison. Thanks.
I’d go with the 3776 if I had to choose just one. In general, I prefer larger Sailor nibs and also like the build quality of Pilot best, but of these three, the overall package of the 3776 is the sweet spot (also: slip and seal!) And if I could choose a cartridge format: Pilot, please. Why would one go with Standard International instead? Hard to clean and refill due to the small diameter at the mouth and also prone to eventual tears at the mouth.
I have a Sailor pro gear and that nib definitely better than the one on 1911 but still a bit stiff. Platinum 3776 gives a comfortable writing experience.
The international cartridge is generally some kind of misunderstanding (I only have Kaweco Sport with it, but I won’t take more pens with them), and the Pilot cartridge is the best in the world - it has a large capacity, fits very tightly, thanks to the cone shape it is easy to clean cotton swabs.
How do the EF nibs compare?
I have all of these, and far and away Pilot has the best nib, build and ink capacity. Pilot is the smoothest writer too. So I pick Pilot, although it's the most boring in terms of colour choices.
I'd pick Pilot. I like the smoothness of their nibs when writing. I like a finer line, and find the Sailor scratchy. I haven't tried the 3776, but I'll take your word for it that it is not as smooth as the Pilot.
3776. The size, nib options, variety of standard finishes, frequently on sale.
Be patient, save your money, and go Sailor. Then thank me.
I have the sailor and the pilot and i feel that pilot's writing experience is arguably the best.
I went with the 1911 because of the perfectly tuned Sailor nibs. They write great
Well as I own three Pilot Custom 74s, one Sailor 1911s and no Platinum 3776s I have to go with the Pilot Custom 74 as my pick. For the best pen.
@@DrManuelSardinha Some of us like the predictability of the Pilot pens.
I have a Platinum, and I'm trying to decide which to get next. May have to go with the Pilot.
Platinum nib is same size as pilot 742.
I have the 74 SF
It is too wet
I have the 3776 UEF and it is too feedbacky almost scratchy
The 3776 SF is almost bouncy
The 1911S EF is stiff and very smooth with exactly the right amount of ink flow and writes like an XXF needle
So it gets my vote
Pilot 74 is the clear winner. It is more affordable, has a smoother nib, and highest ink capacity with the con-74 converter.
@@DrManuelSardinha smooooooooth operator!!
No one will ever write a song about the feedback operator
What a nice video! Thank you for sharing. What is the difference in writing between the Sailor Medium-Fine and Fine? They look very close to each others but I am sure there is a difference!
It's very close. The difference in line width is so small. It would only be a fraction of a millimeter. Also, the medium-fine would be just a slight degree smoother with less feedback than the fine nib.
@@GoldspotPens I guess that's the case even with the difference between Sailor's F and EF: it's more about the nib finish and consequent writing feel than line width difference.
Of the three I have the 3776. I do have the 1911L and for the Pilot I have the 743. I tend to like the girthier section, so I got the larger Sailor and Pilot pens. Yes, the Platinum nib is scratchier but with their Soft Fine nib, there is a noticeable smoothness to the writing. I had to go overseas to acquire the nib. It is a shame it is not available domestically. As for the Sailor, it writes a bit scratchy but it is a dream to use with the wider "L" model.
Overall all three manufacturers make wonderful pens.
i own both 1911s M and 3776 M. I just can't get enough of the pencil like feedback of 1911 nib, smooth yet controlled. The platinum nib is fine, however, the barrel is just a tiny teeny too thin for me, comparing to sailor. I would choose sailor 1911s over 3776 any second of the day!
1911s is a thinner pen than 3776. I've got both. Are you sure you're not talking about the 1911l?
How do you measure the line thickness? I have calipers but it would be almost impossible to get an accurate measurement on the line thickness
Calipers and a loupe
Out of these three, the Custom 74, but only due to size. The Sailor 1911L is damn near perfect.
The 3776 ..the best pen out of the three !!!
I thought the coarse nib was bigger than the bb nib
I know all these pens - according to the comfort of writing, I would arrange them as it is in the title (the last place definitely gets 3776 - a very hard nib-nail and an unsuccessful thick plastic cartridge - the level of some ink is difficult to distinguish).
I have to vote Platinum 3776 --- I have two with BROAD nibs which are so smooth and among my very favorites to write with. I also LOVE the translucent lilac - so pretty. I almost never use the word 'pretty' but it is. .
I would vote for the platinum. Biggest section, slip n seal, nice colors
Thanks, I have Pilot Custom and I love it!
I will try them at the next pen show, that is really the only way to really tell..
I love my Platinum nibs ( B and M) but 2 of my brand new sections cracked after one week, so I vote for Sailor ( 21k HM)
Platinum 3776 gets my vote. I have all three of these pens. For brand preference overall, I'd go with Pilot, but when the Custom 74 is in the mix, the Platinum 3776 edges it out for me. Why? Build quality, more comfortable size and grip, a writing experience that is high on feedback but also very smooth -- not scratchy. Great value for the cost if you don't get a pricey special edition. While the Custom 74 is a nice writer, they feel a bit "mushier" to me, and I don't prefer the smaller nib. Sailor is fantastic if you go up in size to the full-sized Pro Gear, but that puts it in a different price bracket. Sailor PGS is just too small and slim.
I vote for...lamy 2000. Mine in EF lays a thicker line than my 3776 in M nib. Go figure. Both are smooth, but lamy is a bit smoother with a hint of feedback.
Custom 74...love the nib bounce.
I have all three, but I reach for my Pilot Custom 74 (actually I have the Japanese "Profit" version) the most.
Pilot Custom 74 for a smoother writing experience.
Sailor 1911, size was my factor. Also I received one as a gift this year and love it.
I would choose a Sailor Pro Gear Slim ;-) , because I like flat tops better
Lol; I own a model of all three. Because Japanese nibs are finer, I prefer their Broad nibs. My Custom 74 medium writes well, I've learned to love my Sailor M, M-F nibs, and My 3776 with a custom medium stub a gorgeous writer.
If I had to pick one, a Sailor Broad nib would be it.
Sailor was my first gold nib this summer. Pilot Custon 74 is my new Christmas gift. The Pilot M nib is so much smoother than the Sailor M. I won’t be buying anymore Sailors.
I would vote for the Pilot Custom 74 if it came with converter. You didn’t say it did and I checked your website and it doesn’t say a converter is included. If it is then Pilot wins for best value and size for me. Sailor is too pricey as is the Platinum.
Yes, the converter comes with it 👍
Platinum 3776 Century
Row row row your boat, Sailor all the way 😁
Platinum 3776 is my choice.
One of each!!! (Vote: Pilot)
It's all about fat juicy nibs for me - I need to try out the coarse, zoom, and music nib options to make a choice.
Does anyone take a note With A Fountain Pen.? Or am I the only one
Pilot custom 74, cause smoothest nib and shape of it I like most
3776 for me.
Platinum for me, please 🙂
I have the Sailor.
Platinum 3776
#3776 for the feedback and unusual nib.
im pilot for life.. but i wanna try to get a sailor also!
Pilot 74 ..smoothest writer
أحب أن أجرب الأقلام بنفسي
I think the Pilot 74 wins this one.
Me with my elite: 🤔
pilot custom 74
Pilot.
Pilot
🌹🌹🌹⚘⚘
pilot