7 minutes in and paused the video to go and place an order from a certain well known Chinese website. Now have returned to watch the remainder of the review. Much appreciated
Thanks for another excellent video, Douglas. I always seem to be late to buying these pens. I never find the interesting colours in stock when I go to buy them. Bravo sir - UA-cam channel of the Year 2020! 🏆🎖
I finally got my hands on the updated version. It works great. The mechanism is working well. I think the seals hold to the barrel very snugly. So I greased the barrel and seems to work better. There are so many of the old versions out there. I went to the penBBS store on Etsy and there it was. It can also be a great eyedropper? Thanks for your review.
Great review, Doug! I love my 355's! I'm grateful to you for turning me on to PenBBS. I now have about 25 of their various models & counting. I think the 500 slightly edges out the others as my favorite because I love the design so much, and it functions so well. Finally, as I've said before, your handwriting is fantastic in both cursive and print! Also, love the Star Wars & Spaceballs references.
Thanks so much Jeff! I've never considered my cursive anything more than chicken scratching, but it does improve with a fountain pen. With a ballpoint; forget it! :)
Beautiful quote!! Heck...I feel insignificant just zooming out on google maps. We REALLY ARE such a small thing on this planet...let alone the galaxy...let alone the universe.
That is a wonderful and beautiful pen and the blue galaxy makes it even lovelier. I will be on the hunt for one after I recuperate from the series shopping damage as of late starting with Fountain Pen Day, which by the way, the Blue Stripe M800 Souveran landed yesterday. It's just amazing. It's stunning to look at and the medium nib writes perfectly and wet. Perfect tuning by either/both Pelikan and/or AppelBloom. The medium nib line is a bit larger than average (no worries here). I can't wait to see your Maiora Impronte Terre Oversized review next week. It's an absolute beauty. Thank you, Doug! Stay healthy and Merry Christmas!
Feel free to shoot me an email with a photo of that Pelikan M800! That is a grail pen for sure! I am filming the Impronte video tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
I sure will = ). It is a grail pen definitely. With that 20% discount, I had to jump on it. I'm so very glad I did. I've also bought two pens from Brett Arnold @ WalltownCraftworks. Holy smokes, he is an artist and produces functional pieces of art. One is called Violet Abalone and the other is a Cinnabar Swirl that looks like a trippy candy cane with silver and gold DiamondCast which looks like glitter in the light! It's stunning. Both are stunning. I should have them by next week sometime. So between those three and the PenBBS 456 Blue Galaxy. I'm tapped! Merry Christmas to me! Yahoooooooo!!!!!
Great review of yet another great PenBBS 👍 I like the size and weight of it. The new bayonet for me is still a pain to manage... but not a deterrent at all. I wish now PenBBS reissues more colors like they just did the 456 this week end. I need more 355 ... and 500 😀
I purchased an improved PENBBS 355 on 21 November 2022 after watching your video , and after filling for the second time I’ve encountered problems with the central black ‘ plug ‘ turning within itself and then pulling completely out pouring ink . I have reported the issue to PENBBS 355 and am awaiting a reply . I believe the constant ‘ torquing effect ‘ of the bayoneted lugs engaging and disengaging has caused to central friction fit black ‘ plug ‘ to wear loose and slide out with the whole mechanism when the piston is pulled outwards on the suction stroke. . I hope to receive a positive response from PENBBS . Unfortunately the issue arose outside the EBay return to seller date . I shall report on this issue when PENBBS responds . I also own two PENBBBS model 456 S plus am awaiting delivery of a Black on copper 499. I am most impressed with the other models but feel the 355 is too cute to be reliable long term. My opinion only .
Unscrewing the section to check the ink level gives me too much anxiety, but I have resorted to it a few times. It is nice that the blind cap is flat at the bottom, making it a little more secure to place nib up on the table. Great review, and one of the best models without question.
Thanks for yet another PenBBS demo. I was lucky enough to score a PenBBS 456 "Hidden Path" from their etsy over the weekend. I think it was sold our in mere hours, but it's been shipped, so we can only hope on swift delivery.
That is awesome! I have a "hidden path" Moonman M600. It is a fascinating finish and very rare for Penbbs. I've only seen it in a 480 before (ChrisRap52's) and the 456 disappeared fast. Not as fast as those five "Kun" finishes though. That was about one minute.
Very much on the ball as usual Doug with this in depth review.I have 22 penbbs pens but can you believe it not one of them is a Galaxy.I would be intrested to know what the centennial pen is like with the Italix nib on.You can buy sections for the Chaplain's Tankard with any nib for £18 which is a steal because i only want the nibs😁.
Thanks, Edward! I wrote extensively in my journal last night with the Centennial / Italix and it is smooth like glass. I'm having some flow issues but that's probably because I'm using Jack Frost that has shimmer and sheen and the pen is such a gusher that the feed can't keep up.
Ooh! I would love to see how Penbbs extra fine performs! I’ve been loving my Penbbs 456 in fine. Question: are Penbbs writing experiences relatively similar across models? I’d love to do a review of a less expensive model to my 456 just for comparison sake. Btw, the Star Wars references for a galaxy finish pen? Dad joke chic. 10/10.
The nibs are relatively similar between the same sizes. The feel in the hand is very different between all of the models. The best CC Penbbs pen in my opinion is the 480.
Professor Doug, May the Schwartz be with you. Not sure if you are aware of the Mel Brooks genius as he had all the cast drink from styrofoam cups so if one was accidentally left on the set it would not look out of place and require a reshoot. Glad to see you are still a fan of the blue Penbbs pens, thought there was some slippage for a minute of two.
Funny enough I have a jinhao centennial and it wrote beautifully right out of the box. My Monteverde that its a "copy" of wrote like crap and no matter what I did I couldn't fix it so I put a Goulet Nib in it and its wonderful now!!!
My Jinhao Centennial (Ice Blue) wrote perfectly as well. The nib was just a bit fine for me and I wanted the Italix nib in a better pen. Now it is superb! Thanks!
Zowie! I hope to order PENBBS in the new year and you’re such a great salesman my first: 355 & 480! Plus new nib for purple m800 Moonman inked immediately with Black swan in Australian Roses. Perfect combo for gorgeous resin! Next will be the galaxy M800- wonderful pen for my arthritic thumb & wrist (inspiring a possible fly fishing trip to Colorado or Montana as soon as possible)! Using these pens for my post cards makes the project lots more fun! Being dazzled by your display of resins I’ve lost this train of thought: which 🌵PEN bbs is most girth & light? 480? And how’s about bent nibs for some line variation? Up bend? Down bend nib from where? I seem to recall you had a down bend or two you really liked-no idea which review but lemme know so I can educate me self on it! Well thanks for great reviews-when does Leonardo arrive? Love the new intro snippet but you might maybe end review with a little more music . ..just saying ....it’s nice.
The girthiest and lightest Penbbs has to be the 308. The only "down bent" nib I know of is a Cross but it isn't a fude by any stretch. Fude type bend nibs are bent up at the tip. You can get #6 size bent fude nibs from Bobby on Etsy (ChinesePen) and eBay (office_supplies_pen).
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for helping my bad memory! I’m working on a sketch “comic” book about Marfa & need a few more tools.,..yay! Didn’t you have a pen that arrived with a slight bend down -was it the Cross?--see what happens when I watch while drawing & csnt look up! Arghh! For some reason I think that would be a great nib besides a new fude -it would be easier to write in some tight spots with a fine line?
@@RBartsy Yes, it was a Cross Bailey. I have another one ready to be reviewed as well. But they just have a characteristic downward bend to them that has nothing to do with how the nib writes. Unlike the mini-fude upturned nib which does affect how the nib writes. Sketch on sister! :)
Hey Sir Doug, I have been adjusting nibs the same way....on my quartz countertop, before inking. It seems to be working well for me. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for My Cousin Vinny. I hereby nominate you, Sir Doug, on behalf of the Academy for excellence in pen review videos. Your editing skills and choice of film clips....worthy of note. 🎖🏆
Yep, the Galaxy finish is one of their finest. I already have a 355 Galaxy but a few days ago the 456 Galaxy became available again so I had to order one. They have raised the shipping cost significantly (around $7 to europe). On the other hand all my PenBBS pens arrived two weeks after I got the shipping notification.
You and me both Stephan. I was surprised the Galaxy 456 were so plentiful (Beini put up 30) and lasted so long. I think it is what I was saying the video about the Galaxy being opaque and most would rather see the ink. Beini also mentioned on IG that the increased shipping cost was because China Post raised rates, but that they would go down again in future.
@@InkquiringMinds I'm not a big fan of demonstrator pens so I tend to take the opaque versions whenever there is one available. I'm a bit wary about the Amber finish as it seems to be more translucent than I like. And there are so many stunning opaque finishes (Galaxy, Niangao, Sunset, Autumn, Hawaii, Moon River etc.) that I can't buy all pens in every version of that list let alone the other finishes. This is a rabbit hole.
Another great video as always. Personally the 355 has yet to peak my interest as Penbbs hasn't really brought out any interesting finishes aside from Galaxy, Niango, and Amber. Hopefully they'll come out with a clear model next year as looking at the filling mechanism definitely adds another element of "coolness" (IMO), I also do hope they'll introduce a 309 V2 as the 309 really suffers from sticky pistons which have basically killed it for me. Did you buy chance pick up/check out one of the new finishes for the 456? The new nib design looks really interesting as it's a serotonin symbol? Either way it looks really dope.
I refrained from falling for the feeding frenzy this time and restricted myself to a single Galaxy 456. But I was VERY tempted by the two tone white/blue 456 with the Dopomine symbol on the nib!
This IS the improved version with the bayonet piston capture system. If the theads on the filler knob are metal it is the improved version. If they are plastic, it is the old system.
I may have to see if I can find one of those 355-NianGao models. I know its going to cost a pretty penny to persuade an owner to part with it...but it may be worth it...lol.
Pretty pen but the filling system seems needlessly complicated. Despite your careful explanation the chances of spillage in normal use seems higher than with a converter. It is a clever system much to be admired by engineers.
PenBBS nib options, hmmm. Yes, so easily swappable with other #6nibs and considering the price of the pen to begin with, no big hurt. I recall your video on the "pen nerds gone wild" buying frenzy, lol!
@@InkquiringMinds Look forward to the Maiora. Btw, remember "Too Shiny For Ya?" Saw what appears to be a variation on that theme, "Executive Vibe," selling what appears to be a Jinhao x450 with a Zebra calligraphy nib for $50, discounted from $100. They call it Stonegraph and offer a familiar array of x450 finishes. It is the only offering on the website. Unlike Too Shiny that offered free pens for $50 shipping.
Dear Doug. thanks for this. I have the new version. Issue is that when I pull the piston out all the way and then continue to screw counterclockwise until it stops, I cannot push the piston back into the pen to draw up ink. It feels like it is stuck. Any suggestions?
1. Could you just eyedrop this boy and never turn the knob? 2. That's a lovely wet nib. Is it the same as I have on my 308? I will try pushing it a bit to see if I can get similar results. 3. I hate those divots on the cap. 4. Thanks for the review.
1. There is no need, for me, to eyedrop this pen. The filling is dead simple. It is as easy as filling a Homo Sapiens. 2. I don't know what nib you have on your 308 but if it is a "F" it is the same. 3. Me too. 4. You are most welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting as always Ichiro.
For a non-engineer’s mind, why would I want to go through all the steps involved in filling and operating the 355, especially when I can just buy their vac or “negative pressure” fountain pen? I just don’t get it. Is there a reason the Japanese (or Pilot/Namiki at least) only offer a vac filler and the Germans or Italians use the negative pressure system in a more straight forward way? In product analysis, I would suggest that engineers can fail to analyze the end user’s ease-of-use? Maybe PENBBS can afford to produce pens that give customers a wider array of options, largely because it is China (lower per unit costs/not mass producing a pen like Lamy would, for example) it can do so so much more cheaply. [Why am I responding to this review? I had already watched the more recent, and I did not want to hear about the 456. So, I pulled up this older review. Don’t worry, you are still the guy I go to for these explanations!] KW
I hope you don't need a Penbbs intervention. I mean you've got the dupfold monkey on your back as it is. Snatching up all the preemie finishes 😊 (I did the picture in picture thing and saw the new stock. As much as I should jump on it I'm trying to control myself...need to get mom a present)
Doug should just open up a museum and everyone gets some serenading with or without the words - like to hear even more while oooogling the Penbbs’s!! Calgary is on the way to (almost) everywhere coming & going-North/South and East/West-with almost no need to adjust itinerary (unless you’re going to hell. then you’re on your own cuz’ this museum would be heavenly nice!)
That was back in April Detman. I ordered April 30 and it took 13 weeks at the height of the first wave. It is much better now. Some people are getting their Penbbs orders in 8 days!
@@oscarmedina1597 These Penbbs pens were in stock. In fact, most of them were snapped up the moment Beine put them on the virtual shelves. Plus, she sent them out within hours of purchasing. This was all at the height of the spring Covid worldwide shipping nightmare. Things are MUCH better now. My 456 Galaxy has already left China and is on the way to me. I'm hoping to see it in two to two and a half weeks.
@@InkquiringMinds Mr. Indi, lately I was going through few Indian pen manufacturers and I have found a particular manufacturer who is producing top notch handmade pens. Lotus pens. www.lotuspens.com Sir, please check their site. You might be interested in their design.
Sir, Now my pass-time after my research and studies is watching your videos. I have always been using fountain pens. Now, I have developed a keen interest in understanding different pen mechanisms and the history of the people who developed those. Mr. Indi, THANK YOU so much for initiating me into this world.
@@k.manikantantirumulpad4865 You and me both! We are learning together. I started using fountain pens when I was in grade school and only know investigating how they work and their history. Fascinating stuff. Thanks!
Those who complain that you have too much Penbbs content should just cancel their financial contribution that they pay to be entertained by your reviews here. Hang on...no one pays anything, perhaps they should just put a sock in it or start their own anti-Penbbs channel. That's better.
The Galaxy finish is lovely. I had to go order one. Thanks Doug.
7 minutes in and paused the video to go and place an order from a certain well known Chinese website. Now have returned to watch the remainder of the review. Much appreciated
Excellent! I hope you enjoy as much as I do!
Thanks for another excellent video, Douglas. I always seem to be late to buying these pens. I never find the interesting colours in stock when I go to buy them. Bravo sir - UA-cam channel of the Year 2020! 🏆🎖
Many thanks! I had my alarm set for 6am, 7am, 8am and 9am on three consecutive Sunday mornings waiting for the 456 drop.
@@InkquiringMinds oh … you mean you have to be serious … Lordy. I’ll try that. Thanks.
Another fine purchase and another fine video :) "Smiles"
Glad you enjoyed it, Chels!
I finally got my hands on the updated version. It works great. The mechanism is working well. I think the seals hold to the barrel very snugly. So I greased the barrel and seems to work better. There are so many of the old versions out there. I went to the penBBS store on Etsy and there it was. It can also be a great eyedropper?
Thanks for your review.
Great review, Doug! I love my 355's! I'm grateful to you for turning me on to PenBBS. I now have about 25 of their various models & counting. I think the 500 slightly edges out the others as my favorite because I love the design so much, and it functions so well. Finally, as I've said before, your handwriting is fantastic in both cursive and print! Also, love the Star Wars & Spaceballs references.
Thanks so much Jeff! I've never considered my cursive anything more than chicken scratching, but it does improve with a fountain pen. With a ballpoint; forget it! :)
Beautiful quote!!
Heck...I feel insignificant just zooming out on google maps.
We REALLY ARE such a small thing on this planet...let alone the galaxy...let alone the universe.
Billions and Billions!
Master Rathbun, yet another stellar video with enlightening video montages. I, too, would like some Bubbles in my writing experience.
Go for it! As Rodney Dangerfield once said "Maybe you can straighten out my Longfellow!" LOL
That is a wonderful and beautiful pen and the blue galaxy makes it even lovelier. I will be on the hunt for one after I recuperate from the series shopping damage as of late starting with Fountain Pen Day, which by the way, the Blue Stripe M800 Souveran landed yesterday. It's just amazing. It's stunning to look at and the medium nib writes perfectly and wet. Perfect tuning by either/both Pelikan and/or AppelBloom. The medium nib line is a bit larger than average (no worries here). I can't wait to see your Maiora Impronte Terre Oversized review next week. It's an absolute beauty. Thank you, Doug! Stay healthy and Merry Christmas!
Feel free to shoot me an email with a photo of that Pelikan M800! That is a grail pen for sure! I am filming the Impronte video tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
I sure will = ). It is a grail pen definitely. With that 20% discount, I had to jump on it. I'm so very glad I did. I've also bought two pens from Brett Arnold @ WalltownCraftworks. Holy smokes, he is an artist and produces functional pieces of art. One is called Violet Abalone and the other is a Cinnabar Swirl that looks like a trippy candy cane with silver and gold DiamondCast which looks like glitter in the light! It's stunning. Both are stunning. I should have them by next week sometime. So between those three and the PenBBS 456 Blue Galaxy. I'm tapped! Merry Christmas to me! Yahoooooooo!!!!!
Thanks for taking the time to make another fine video.
Thanks for watching!
Great review of yet another great PenBBS 👍 I like the size and weight of it. The new bayonet for me is still a pain to manage... but not a deterrent at all. I wish now PenBBS reissues more colors like they just did the 456 this week end. I need more 355 ... and 500 😀
Thanks 👍 It will be interesting to see what is next on Jialong's agenda. He usually drops something new at the start of a new year.
I purchased an improved PENBBS 355 on 21 November 2022 after watching your video , and after filling for the second time I’ve encountered problems with the central black ‘ plug ‘ turning within itself and then pulling completely out pouring ink . I have reported the issue to PENBBS 355 and am awaiting a reply . I believe the constant ‘ torquing effect ‘ of the bayoneted lugs engaging and disengaging has caused to central friction fit black ‘ plug ‘ to wear loose and slide out with the whole mechanism when the piston is pulled outwards on the suction stroke. . I hope to receive a positive response from PENBBS . Unfortunately the issue arose outside the EBay return to seller date . I shall report on this issue when PENBBS responds . I also own two PENBBBS model 456 S plus am awaiting delivery of a Black on copper 499. I am most impressed with the other models but feel the 355 is too cute to be reliable long term. My opinion only .
Sorry to hear this!
Unscrewing the section to check the ink level gives me too much anxiety, but I have resorted to it a few times. It is nice that the blind cap is flat at the bottom, making it a little more secure to place nib up on the table. Great review, and one of the best models without question.
Hey, Sam! The good thing is, with 2.25mls of ink, you don't need to check that often.
@@InkquiringMinds very true. Also I sometimes can see the ink sloshing when I hold the pen up to a back light.
Great review. I think Aurora is my favorite, using green ink.
Good choice!
Thanks for yet another PenBBS demo. I was lucky enough to score a PenBBS 456 "Hidden Path" from their etsy over the weekend. I think it was sold our in mere hours, but it's been shipped, so we can only hope on swift delivery.
That is awesome! I have a "hidden path" Moonman M600. It is a fascinating finish and very rare for Penbbs. I've only seen it in a 480 before (ChrisRap52's) and the 456 disappeared fast. Not as fast as those five "Kun" finishes though. That was about one minute.
I cant wait to get my penbbs in the mail
Which model and finish?
@@InkquiringMinds the 309 8n clear demonstrator I can't wait
When you wait, but forgot to mention, that it was worth the wait. Thank you Sir Doug for a Galactic review. Thank you for the intros as well Sir
My pleasure!
Enjoyed your review,look forward to the next.At least you didn't drop this one.
You and me both! LOL
Very much on the ball as usual Doug with this in depth review.I have 22 penbbs pens but can you believe it not one of them is a Galaxy.I would be intrested to know what the centennial pen is like with the Italix nib on.You can buy sections for the Chaplain's Tankard with any nib for £18 which is a steal because i only want the nibs😁.
Thanks, Edward! I wrote extensively in my journal last night with the Centennial / Italix and it is smooth like glass. I'm having some flow issues but that's probably because I'm using Jack Frost that has shimmer and sheen and the pen is such a gusher that the feed can't keep up.
Very nice. Add to cart.
Enjoy! Thanks, John!
Ooh! I would love to see how Penbbs extra fine performs! I’ve been loving my Penbbs 456 in fine.
Question: are Penbbs writing experiences relatively similar across models? I’d love to do a review of a less expensive model to my 456 just for comparison sake.
Btw, the Star Wars references for a galaxy finish pen? Dad joke chic. 10/10.
The nibs are relatively similar between the same sizes. The feel in the hand is very different between all of the models. The best CC Penbbs pen in my opinion is the 480.
@@InkquiringMinds thanks for the recommendation! More pens to drool over!
@@stepheninks Will it never end???
@@InkquiringMinds do I want it to?
Galaxy the best finish. End of. Did you get the recent Dopamine finish? The naming are just brilliant for some of the finishes
I did not pickup a Dopamine! I was on my best behaviour and restricted myself to one pen; a Galaxy 456. :)
I envy your collection of penbbs！but those beautiful pens you have shown in this video，mostly I cannot find them already，even in China。。
Yes. They go quickly and you rarely see them again.
Professor Doug, May the Schwartz be with you. Not sure if you are aware of the Mel Brooks genius as he had all the cast drink from styrofoam cups so if one was accidentally left on the set it would not look out of place and require a reshoot. Glad to see you are still a fan of the blue Penbbs pens, thought there was some slippage for a minute of two.
I am a voracious and rabid fan of anything Mel Brooks, from "Your Show of Shows" to "Get Smart" to all of the movies.
Funny enough I have a jinhao centennial and it wrote beautifully right out of the box. My Monteverde that its a "copy" of wrote like crap and no matter what I did I couldn't fix it so I put a Goulet Nib in it and its wonderful now!!!
My Jinhao Centennial (Ice Blue) wrote perfectly as well. The nib was just a bit fine for me and I wanted the Italix nib in a better pen. Now it is superb! Thanks!
@@InkquiringMinds I got mine in bold and its great. I have a couple of Italics but they don't have the smoothness so I tend not to use them as much.
@@JustOutHereTinkering Take a look at the Italix nibs at mrpen.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d208_Italix_Nib_Units_and_Spares.html They are as smooth as silk.
Great review!
Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!
Zowie! I hope to order PENBBS in the new year and you’re such a great salesman my first: 355 & 480! Plus new nib for purple m800 Moonman inked immediately with Black swan in Australian Roses. Perfect combo for gorgeous resin! Next will be the galaxy M800- wonderful pen for my arthritic thumb & wrist (inspiring a possible fly fishing trip to Colorado or Montana as soon as possible)! Using these pens for my post cards makes the project lots more fun! Being dazzled by your display of resins I’ve lost this train of thought: which 🌵PEN bbs is most girth & light? 480? And how’s about bent nibs for some line variation? Up bend? Down bend nib from where? I seem to recall you had a down bend or two you really liked-no idea which review but lemme know so I can educate me self on it! Well thanks for great reviews-when does Leonardo arrive? Love the new intro snippet but you might maybe end review with a little more music . ..just saying ....it’s nice.
The girthiest and lightest Penbbs has to be the 308. The only "down bent" nib I know of is a Cross but it isn't a fude by any stretch. Fude type bend nibs are bent up at the tip. You can get #6 size bent fude nibs from Bobby on Etsy (ChinesePen) and eBay (office_supplies_pen).
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for helping my bad memory! I’m working on a sketch “comic” book about Marfa & need a few more tools.,..yay! Didn’t you have a pen that arrived with a slight bend down -was it the Cross?--see what happens when I watch while drawing & csnt look up! Arghh! For some reason I think that would be a great nib besides a new fude -it would be easier to write in some tight spots with a fine line?
@@RBartsy Yes, it was a Cross Bailey. I have another one ready to be reviewed as well. But they just have a characteristic downward bend to them that has nothing to do with how the nib writes. Unlike the mini-fude upturned nib which does affect how the nib writes. Sketch on sister! :)
Hey Sir Doug, I have been adjusting nibs the same way....on my quartz countertop, before inking. It seems to be working well for me. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for My Cousin Vinny. I hereby nominate you, Sir Doug, on behalf of the Academy for excellence in pen review videos. Your editing skills and choice of film clips....worthy of note. 🎖🏆
Thank you muchly Stacy! That's kind of you. I adore Marisa Tomei. Marvelous actress.
I second that nomination. And since my name is Oscar, I hereby bestow the award.
@@oscarmedina1597 Love it, Oscar! Funny too!
Yep, the Galaxy finish is one of their finest. I already have a 355 Galaxy but a few days ago the 456 Galaxy became available again so I had to order one. They have raised the shipping cost significantly (around $7 to europe). On the other hand all my PenBBS pens arrived two weeks after I got the shipping notification.
You and me both Stephan. I was surprised the Galaxy 456 were so plentiful (Beini put up 30) and lasted so long. I think it is what I was saying the video about the Galaxy being opaque and most would rather see the ink. Beini also mentioned on IG that the increased shipping cost was because China Post raised rates, but that they would go down again in future.
@@InkquiringMinds I'm not a big fan of demonstrator pens so I tend to take the opaque versions whenever there is one available. I'm a bit wary about the Amber finish as it seems to be more translucent than I like. And there are so many stunning opaque finishes (Galaxy, Niangao, Sunset, Autumn, Hawaii, Moon River etc.) that I can't buy all pens in every version of that list let alone the other finishes. This is a rabbit hole.
@@stephanfeinen3923 A very colourful and affordable rabbit hole. Could be worse, we could be hooked on Montblanc!
ok, that's a new record. My 456 Galaxy arrived today, just 10 days after I ordered it and it's gorgeous!
@@stephanfeinen3923 I'm so jealous! I can't wait for mine! Mine hasn't made it across the ocean yet.
Another great video as always. Personally the 355 has yet to peak my interest as Penbbs hasn't really brought out any interesting finishes aside from Galaxy, Niango, and Amber. Hopefully they'll come out with a clear model next year as looking at the filling mechanism definitely adds another element of "coolness" (IMO), I also do hope they'll introduce a 309 V2 as the 309 really suffers from sticky pistons which have basically killed it for me.
Did you buy chance pick up/check out one of the new finishes for the 456? The new nib design looks really interesting as it's a serotonin symbol? Either way it looks really dope.
I refrained from falling for the feeding frenzy this time and restricted myself to a single Galaxy 456. But I was VERY tempted by the two tone white/blue 456 with the Dopomine symbol on the nib!
Doug- penbbs has a pen called the improved 355 galaxy. Is that different and if so which do you prefer?
This IS the improved version with the bayonet piston capture system. If the theads on the filler knob are metal it is the improved version. If they are plastic, it is the old system.
I may have to see if I can find one of those 355-NianGao models.
I know its going to cost a pretty penny to persuade an owner to part with it...but it may be worth it...lol.
Good luck. You won't see them again for a while. It took two years for the 456 Galaxy to come around again.
Pretty pen but the filling system seems needlessly complicated. Despite your careful explanation the chances of spillage in normal use seems higher than with a converter. It is a clever system much to be admired by engineers.
Yes, true. I think the 456 vacuum filler is much simpler. I'll have my Galaxy 456 in a few weeks so I'll be able to do more "galaxy" cutaways. :D
PenBBS nib options, hmmm. Yes, so easily swappable with other #6nibs and considering
the price of the pen to begin with, no big hurt. I recall your video on the "pen nerds gone
wild" buying frenzy, lol!
Refresh Refresh Refresh! LOL
@@InkquiringMinds Look forward to the Maiora. Btw, remember "Too Shiny For Ya?" Saw what appears to
be a variation on that theme, "Executive Vibe," selling what appears to be a Jinhao x450 with a Zebra
calligraphy nib for $50, discounted from $100. They call it Stonegraph and offer a familiar array of x450
finishes. It is the only offering on the website. Unlike Too Shiny that offered free pens for $50 shipping.
@@davidmcguigan5497 Yes I remember. It was Too Shiny For Ya that got me hooked on Jinhao to start with two years ago! LOL
Dear Doug. thanks for this. I have the new version. Issue is that when I pull the piston out all the way and then continue to screw counterclockwise until it stops, I cannot push the piston back into the pen to draw up ink. It feels like it is stuck. Any suggestions?
You have to keep turning it counterclockwise after it stops to turn the piston to unstick it in the barrel, then push.
1. Could you just eyedrop this boy and never turn the knob?
2. That's a lovely wet nib. Is it the same as I have on my 308? I will try pushing it a bit to see if I can get similar results.
3. I hate those divots on the cap.
4. Thanks for the review.
1. There is no need, for me, to eyedrop this pen. The filling is dead simple. It is as easy as filling a Homo Sapiens. 2. I don't know what nib you have on your 308 but if it is a "F" it is the same. 3. Me too. 4. You are most welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting as always Ichiro.
16:24 Have you got three hands?
LOL The magic of the camera. That is my pinkie and my index fingers of my left hand. It does look odd though doesn't it?
For a non-engineer’s mind, why would I want to go through all the steps involved in filling and operating the 355, especially when I can just buy their vac or “negative pressure” fountain pen? I just don’t get it. Is there a reason the Japanese (or Pilot/Namiki at least) only offer a vac filler and the Germans or Italians use the negative pressure system in a more straight forward way? In product analysis, I would suggest that engineers can fail to analyze the end user’s ease-of-use? Maybe PENBBS can afford to produce pens that give customers a wider array of options, largely because it is China (lower per unit costs/not mass producing a pen like Lamy would, for example) it can do so so much more cheaply. [Why am I responding to this review? I had already watched the more recent, and I did not want to hear about the 456. So, I pulled up this older review. Don’t worry, you are still the guy I go to for these explanations!] KW
Is it just an issue of a little added capacity by clearing the piston up to a higher point? How much additional capacity do I get?
The added capacity is a big thing. The 355 can hold 2.25ml and the 456 holds 1.8ml so that is significant.
@@InkquiringMinds Somehow I knew you would have a rational reason for appreciating the 355’s design. Thanks again! K
I hope you don't need a Penbbs intervention. I mean you've got the dupfold monkey on your back as it is. Snatching up all the preemie finishes 😊
(I did the picture in picture thing and saw the new stock. As much as I should jump on it I'm trying to control myself...need to get mom a present)
Unless Jialong comes up with a new model, I'm done for a while in getting any more Penbbs. I still have more I haven't inked yet.
Nice. A new hope...for me 😏
Doug should just open up a museum and everyone gets some serenading with or without the words - like to hear even more while oooogling the Penbbs’s!! Calgary is on the way to (almost) everywhere coming & going-North/South and East/West-with almost no need to adjust itinerary (unless you’re going to hell. then you’re on your own cuz’ this museum would be heavenly nice!)
@@RBartsy You funneee!
Holy shinola!!
13 weeks and 5 days!?!?!
The mail delivery is getting worse... >_
That was back in April Detman. I ordered April 30 and it took 13 weeks at the height of the first wave. It is much better now. Some people are getting their Penbbs orders in 8 days!
@@InkquiringMinds Ooooooh....okay, I see. That changes everything...lol. Thank you for the update!
My last PenBBS shipment took 9 weeks to Chicago (order place in September)
The delay can vary, depending on whether the pen is in stock. The postal systems from the two countries also have a lot to do with it.
@@oscarmedina1597 These Penbbs pens were in stock. In fact, most of them were snapped up the moment Beine put them on the virtual shelves. Plus, she sent them out within hours of purchasing. This was all at the height of the spring Covid worldwide shipping nightmare. Things are MUCH better now. My 456 Galaxy has already left China and is on the way to me. I'm hoping to see it in two to two and a half weeks.
👌
Thank you, K. Manikantan Tirumulpad!
@@InkquiringMinds Mr. Indi, lately I was going through few Indian pen manufacturers and I have found a particular manufacturer who is producing top notch handmade pens. Lotus pens.
www.lotuspens.com
Sir, please check their site. You might be interested in their design.
Sir,
Now my pass-time after my research and studies is watching your videos. I have always been using fountain pens. Now, I have developed a keen interest in understanding different pen mechanisms and the history of the people who developed those. Mr. Indi, THANK YOU so much for initiating me into this world.
@@k.manikantantirumulpad4865 You and me both! We are learning together. I started using fountain pens when I was in grade school and only know investigating how they work and their history. Fascinating stuff. Thanks!
Those who complain that you have too much Penbbs content should just cancel their financial contribution that they pay to be entertained by your reviews here. Hang on...no one pays anything, perhaps they should just put a sock in it or start their own anti-Penbbs channel. That's better.
Well said Nick! THANKS!