Prera Vs. Vanishing Point Nib Sizes

[InkSniper]

Does anyone know how the Vanishing Point nib sizes compare to those on the Prera? In other words, will a M in the Vanishing Point be equivalent to a M in the Prera?

[browser]

Goulet Pens has an interactive tool that might help you decide. I've included the link below:

http://www.gouletpens.com/Nib_Nook_s/1114.htm

[maverink]

pilot nibs are generally consistent across their range

[trulylefty]

I find that the Prera is slightly narrower than the same VP. See photo. The ruler is in cm.

 

 

[InkSniper]

Thanks to all, and particular you, lefty, for posting those pix. To me, the VP fine looks almost like the Prera medium, which will be perfect for me.

Thanks!

[trulylefty]

I can't get over how much I love my medium Prera, even though I usually want a very fine line.

 

Glad it was helpful.

[InkSniper]

Yes, I love my Prera's, particularly considering the cost. But I'm now wanting a more convenient note-taking pen (a-la "click" type mechanism) and have my eye on the Vanishing Point Decimo.

[inotrym]

I love my yellow Prera and the way Pilot Blue comes out of the F nib.

I have my eyes on the VP/Decimo for quite some time, and I'll probably grab one by the end of the year.

 

But before I do, I could really use some insight from someone who owns both pens.

 

So my questions:

 

A ) Should I go for the EF or the F nib? (considering that I want the closest match to the F Prera)

 

B ) Do the nibs feel the same? (the Prera is pretty rigid, which I like. That said, I have never tried a "springy" nib)

 

C ) Should I prefer the steel VP nibs? ( will they be any closer to the "Prera feel"? )

 

D ) VP vs Decimo. Which one is more comfortable for prolonged writing?( I am really happy with the FC eMotion. Weight 28 grams uncapped, section width around 11 to 12 mm. I tend to like bottom/nib heavy pens)

 

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Buzz_130]

We have a Prera and two VPs, so I can't comment on the Decimo.

 

A) Go with the F nib--the Pilot nibs are pretty consistent.

The nibs do not feel the same. You would hope not if you are going to invest in a VP! You will find the soft touch (not flex or semiflex) to be a very nice writing experience. You may also find that the ease of changing out the nib units to be something that you want to try, especially if you like the pen body style/color.

C) You would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a gold nib and a steel nib. Many here will probably take exception to that statement, but you will be very happy with either one of the pens. If you plan on using an modern iron gall ink, your decision process might be different (and I would do some research about the rest of the components of the nib unit to make sure it's compatible).

D) The VP is a comfortable writer, but it's a much thicker pen than your Prera. The clip location is also a love/hate relationship with many of the owners. If you have the opportunity, try holding one to make sure that you like the feel. It's also a moderately heavy pen due to it's construction. It's very well balanced, so you won't have any problems there, but it's something to try before you buy. My wife absolutely loves the convenience of hers.

 

I'm not sure where you are from, but you should carefully consider buying your pen from Mr. Richard Binder at http://www.richardspens.com for your VP purchase. It'll be a finely-tuned writing machine that you'll enjoy for decades. I've purchased 3 of these pens from him.

 

Buzz

[inotrym]

Thanks for the info Buzz!

 

I don't have any "tricky" inks other than BSB which of course I wouldn't dare to use in a pen of this price range!

 

I like fat pens and the Prera is actually the thinnest pen I can use comfortably for a long time (even the Metropolitan section feels somewhat narrow to me).
I also like heavy pens but only if the weight is "gathered" towards the nib.

 

I live in Greece and will probably buy from Europe as to avoid the whole import/taxes fuss. Unfortunately I can't try the pen before buying it.

I quite comfortably use a Vista, a Penmanship and a Plumix, so hopefully the clip won't be a problem.

 

Thanks again for the help!

 

If someone can compare the Decimo to the VP, please feel free to jump in!

[trulylefty]

I have both a decimo and a VP. The decimo is definitely slimmer and less weighty. Somewhere online you can find the weights and diameters.

 

The placement of the clip doesn't bother me, but many people have commented that the decimo is better on that because it has a lower profile (it isn't raised as high). If the VP clip might bother you, the decimo probably won't. I love my Preras, but I find the decimo slightly more comfortable for long writing sessions than the VP.

[inotrym]

Thanks for your help!

 

I'll take your advice and probably go for the Decimo in F. I liked the glittery finish better, either way!

[holgalee]

You can also consider a vintage vanishing point, the faceted one from the 90s is quite nice as it has a wider girth than the decimo, a low clip profile and lighter weight than the modern vanishing point.

 

The ef nib is very fine and somewhat scratchy while the f nib is buttery smooth. It has a touch of spring, as someone else mentioned.

Edited August 25, 2014 by holgalee

[inotrym]

I wouldn't mind a vintage VP. The clip design seems a little better actually.

But, I don't know where to find one..

 

Thanks for the tip! I'll look around the net and then make up my mind!

[KBeezie]

VP, Metro, and Petit1 all shown with their "Fine" nib in my "inked" page for today. Different inks of course.

 

http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/inked/rhodia_aug_25_2014.jpg

[inotrym]

Indeed, nib size seems consistent. I'll definately go for the F nib.

 

For some reason though, the Metro seems to produce a crisper line.

Perhaps it's because of the ink...

 

Thanks for the writing sample, Karl!