Pilot 742 FA vs Waterman 3

[watch_art]

So I have two flex, or maybe more appropriately semi-flex, pens. The Pilot Custom 742 with #10 FA nib and a vintage Waterman 3... in camo.

So here is a side by side written sample of the two pens.

 

The Waterman has better flow hands down. Starts up every time with no starter strokes to get the ink going and flow stays on strong unless I attempt some wide fast strokes. And by wide, I mean at the wide end of things. See the lines at the bottom of the page. And if I want to start a stroke wide, it STILL starts up wonderfully.

 

The Pilot has good flow but smoothness is where it really shines. This pen would be an absolute dream to draw with if it had more consistent flow on some of the wider lines. I have to SLOW down A LOT to make a mark sometimes. The only lines I can draw quickly are the short thin kinds. There's almost no chance of starting if I want a wide line. No ink will come out unless I start small, then flex. Kind of annoying sometimes. You can see a few spots where a quick down stroke didn't show up all the way. In my writing I don't mind it, but when I draw I really like all my lines to show up.

 

I think the Waterman is also finer than the Pilot. I'd like the Pilot to have a thinner line so that the variation is more noticeable in my writing.

 

 

 

Thanks for looking.

Edited April 17, 2010 by watch_art

[Lloyd]

While vintage wet noodles rule, Mike-It-Work certainly helped my 743's FA.

[nvbrennan]

While vintage wet noodles rule, Mike-It-Work certainly helped my 743's FA.

 

With flow adjustment, Lloyd, or regrind?

[watch_art]

he got a flow adjustment and regrind to xxxf. ...or maybe just xxf.

Edited April 17, 2010 by watch_art

[wykpenguin]

Doesn't seem to be XF to me except on the test strokes. Try easing the pressure a bit to get thinner lines. Writing faster also helps. If you need to press hard to get flex, then perhaps you should get something that is more flexy.

[laplume]

Such interesting comparative review, this one is. My limited experience with vintage pens is the same. While modern pens so have smoother tips, vintage ones are toothy by their flow and performance is remarkable.