Monteverde Invincia Deluxe

[JamesTheBard]

What's in the Box?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7802579356_0bc7167927_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Ink, Pen, and Case by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

This is the first pen that I've purchased made by Monteverde. I had ordered a custom pen/nib from Richard Binder and was feeling sad that such unfortunate timing on my part would leave me with a new pen to play with.

 

Pen shows can be so inconvenient.

 

I had an itch. I needed some new ink and a new pen to ink with the aforementioned new ink which leads me to ordering a Monteverde Invincia Deluxe (Stealth) with a 1.1mm stub nib.

 

Packaging

My Monteverde Invincia Deluxe (Stealth) arrived in the typical Goulet fashion: a box filled with an impenetrable fortress of bubble wrap and Noodler's Liberty's Elysium-colored shrink wrap. I have to give it to the Goulets on packaging and protections.

 

After the requisite 10 minutes of opening, I was greeted to a simple, faux-leather case with the Monteverde logo imprinted in silver on its top.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7802528950_d867e95285_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Box (Front Top) by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

It's stlyish enough, and leave a suitable impression: (1) you've spent enough money to warrant a box, (2) there's something awesome inside the box, and (3) you're not quite in the "pro" league yet---spend more.

 

Don't let that pesky (3) get you down. As with books (and those chocolate samplers that seem to float about), it's all about what's on the inside that counts.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7802533764_4130ea1c72_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Inside the Box with Pen by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

I think I'll let the images speak for themselves.

 

The Pen

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7802525192_7bbf372c68_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Pen at an Angle by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

After extracting the pen from it's case, I immediately notice something: the pen is heavy. It's weight is significant enough to injure someone by throwing it at a would-be pen thief. The pen is solid metal with the carbon fiber laid over top of it.

 

Overall, the "black chrome" accents between the carbon fiber make it a very striking pen. If you don't like carbon fiber, I think one would probably be better served looking at the Monteverde Invincia line.

 

Plus, the carbon fiber makes my pen look faster.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7802528066_d0bed8e7d3_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Converter Inserted by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

The nib is pretty big. It's also pretty black. The Monteverde logo is stamped into it twice along with the company name on the left tine. The right side of the nib is reserved for the size of my nib (which reads 1.1 as it is a stub nib).

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7802526756_1c8feb9c54_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Converter Removed by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

The internals are pretty impressive. The converter is threaded which means that you don't have to guess if the converter is seated properly. The seal is very secure and you know when the converter is in all the way. The pen also accepts standard international converters without threads so even if the awesomeness that is the converter decides to die, you will still be able to ink the pen.

 

The converter screws into the metal collar pictured above.

 

Laying down the Ink

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7802864744_10cb28d78f_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Pen Posted with Writing Example by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

The pen writes well posted and unposted. The weight of the cap isn't enough to unbalance it, and stays on pretty well while writing. I don't worry about it falling off.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7802525514_213647dfe5_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Nib Close-up by jamesthebard, on Flickr

 

The nib is not akin to writing with an ice skate across a frozen rink. The nib has a touch of feedback (something I prefer) and it's very pleasant to write with. The nib is pretty big, but even with my smaller hands it's not an issue.

 

The pen is very, very weighty. I say it again because if you don't like heavy pens, this one will feel like an anchor. I don't mind them, but I know plenty of people who do.

 

Final Thoughts

 

I like the pen. I like the way it looks, enjoy the way it writes, and the quality that it seems to ooze as I look at it.

 

I'm not saying it doesn't have issues. But overall, it's a good pen and a good price with a very good nib out of the box.

 

I will post more as I get more miles out of the pen. This is more geared towards first impressions.

 

Update 1

Here's a scan of how the Invincia Deluxe writes:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7803061280_6dcd03cb4a_z.jpg

Monteverde Invincia Deluxe - Writing Sample by jamesthebard, on Flickr

Edited August 17, 2012 by JamesTheBard

[His Nibs]

A very nice review...and photos...James!

 

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the stub. It took about 3 years of constant cajoling and sending of samples to YAFA to convince them to produce a stub for Monteverde and Conklin pens. They've been very well received.

 

As you probably know, there are three versions of the Invincia Deluxe. The Black Chrome that you have (the Stealth is actually a different Invincia model, shown here):

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/InvinciaStealthCapPen_small.jpg

 

 

as well as the Rose Gold and the Chrome:

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Invincia%20Deluxe/invincia_deluxe_04.jpg

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Invincia%20Deluxe/invincia_deluxe_02.jpg

 

In my experience, your Black Chrome is the most popular, followed by the Rose Gold.

 

I hope that you continue to enjoy it!

 

Regards,

 

Norman Haase

[Esterfella]

Nice review. I like stealth and carbon fiber pens, and weightiness does not bother me. Does the "feedback" border on "toothiness"?

 

 

[breaker]

nice review and pics!

thanks!

[FLJeepGuy]

I just purchased an Invincia Stylus Stealth with the stub nib and absolutely love the pen. The weight is just right for me as is the balance if I don't post the cap. I really like the combination of brushed and matte finishes on the pen and the black nib really completes the look. I will most likely purchase the rose gold shown above sometime in the near future as well.

 

I'm really glad that the option for a stub nib was available. The flow is perfect, and it is very smooth. The feedback is just that, not scratchy, nor do the nib edges catch in the paper. Just an overall nice writing experience.

 

Two other things about this pen that stand out are:

 

The cap screw mechanism has a high end machined feeling. It closes smoothly with a bit of a detent just before full closure that leaves no doubt that the cap is on securely and that the cap has no chance of unscrewing itself in a pocket or otherwise accidentally. Also, the screw-in converter is really excellent. I wish this was an industry standard rather than using a friction fit design. It seals tightly, and won't work itself loose.

 

I'm highly impressed with this pen and see more Monteverde pens in my collects in the future!

[jandrese]

Cool, thanks for sharing. These stub nibs really are great, I have the Conklin version. How is the metal section to grip? There are some dramatic curves and angles there abouts.

[FLJeepGuy]

I have fairly dry hands so I don't usually experience problems with metal sections. The section on my Stealth is more of a matte finish and isn't really slippery at all. I also find that it fits my grip just right. The step down from the barrel and the threads are far enough back to not be in the way, and the contoured shape of the grip area makes it really comfortable to hold. Also, the pronounced collar at the end of the section before the nib keeps fingers from sliding too far in that direction.

[JamesTheBard]

A very nice review...and photos...James!

 

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the stub. It took about 3 years of constant cajoling and sending of samples to YAFA to convince them to produce a stub for Monteverde and Conklin pens. They've been very well received.

 

As you probably know, there are three versions of the Invincia Deluxe. The Black Chrome that you have (the Stealth is actually a different Invincia model, shown here):

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/InvinciaStealthCapPen_small.jpg

 

 

as well as the Rose Gold and the Chrome:

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Invincia%20Deluxe/invincia_deluxe_04.jpg

 

http://www.hisnibs.com/images/Monteverde/Invincia%20Deluxe/invincia_deluxe_02.jpg

 

In my experience, your Black Chrome is the most popular, followed by the Rose Gold.

 

I hope that you continue to enjoy it!

 

Regards,

 

Norman Haase

The cajoling has paid off pretty well. I'm a huge fan of stub and flex nibs and this one is pretty good. I will blame the "Stealth" title on my reading of reviews on the Stealth which were a bit easier to find than the Deluxe. I'm enjoying the pen immensely with the Noodler's Red Black.

 

Nice review. I like stealth and carbon fiber pens, and weightiness does not bother me. Does the "feedback" border on "toothiness"?

No, just enough to let you know you're writing. There really isn't any true toothiness to it. The only time it drags or exibits this toothiness is when I get to the end of a line and realize that I've rotated the pen 30 degrees or so and am attempting to write with only one tine.

 

I just purchased an Invincia Stylus Stealth with the stub nib and absolutely love the pen. The weight is just right for me as is the balance if I don't post the cap. I really like the combination of brushed and matte finishes on the pen and the black nib really completes the look. I will most likely purchase the rose gold shown above sometime in the near future as well.

 

I'm really glad that the option for a stub nib was available. The flow is perfect, and it is very smooth. The feedback is just that, not scratchy, nor do the nib edges catch in the paper. Just an overall nice writing experience.

 

Two other things about this pen that stand out are:

 

The cap screw mechanism has a high end machined feeling. It closes smoothly with a bit of a detent just before full closure that leaves no doubt that the cap is on securely and that the cap has no chance of unscrewing itself in a pocket or otherwise accidentally. Also, the screw-in converter is really excellent. I wish this was an industry standard rather than using a friction fit design. It seals tightly, and won't work itself loose.

 

I'm highly impressed with this pen and see more Monteverde pens in my collects in the future!

I agree. The cap screw mechanism oozes quality as well as the screw-on converter. The nib is great and very smooth without tooth.

 

 

Cool, thanks for sharing. These stub nibs really are great, I have the Conklin version. How is the metal section to grip? There are some dramatic curves and angles there abouts.

I haven't had an issue with the grip myself. I'm working on an ink review and so far, there hasn't been any issues with it at all. I will suggest not trying to write outside during the typical Charleston, South Carolina day near about 2pm due to the fact that (1) your hand will sweat enough to cause any pen to become slippery and (2) that your pen may actually turn to slag due to the aforementioned heat.

[iamchum]

Im starting to regret getting the regular invincia. I thought, big deal, different converter and construction, but the nib is the same.

LOL, btw, my box broke, literally, in the store, when the salesperson opened it up to show me the pen I had bought. I literally laughed my pants off.

 

Nice review btw, pictures always dazzle

 

Also, do you know where I can get replacement nibs for this pen? I'm not real happy with the M nib I have. It has a bit more feedback than I personally like.

[RockFL]

"Also, do you know where I can get replacement nibs for this pen? I'm not real happy with the M nib I have. It has a bit more feedback than I personally like."

 

 

Goulet Pens carries a good selection of Monteverde products, including replacement nibs and converters.

 

Goulet Pens

Edited October 20, 2012 by RockFL

[goldiesdad]

Great review and really cool ink ... now on my radar ...

[His Nibs]

 

Also, do you know where I can get replacement nibs for this pen? I'm not real happy with the M nib I have. It has a bit more feedback than I personally like.

 

Hi iamchum. I carry replacement nibs here, including the stub nib. They're $24.00 each, and include the feed and collar (which hold the nib/feed together).

[bodah]

Hello Dylan,

I have two Invincia's. One a deluxe and one a plain invincia. I bought the deluxe first and love it. I was told that all Invincia nibs regardless of deluxe or plain invincia could swap nibs. I ordered new nibs and I don't think I'm ever going to get the longer #6 black nib on the plain invincia. Is there something I should be doing different? I did get a medium nib onto the plain invincia but it was so long that I couldn't close the cap. I'm kind of new around here, but you seemed like someone who knows what is what, so I hope you can help out. Cheers.

 

Also, do you know where I can get replacement nibs for this pen? I'm not real happy with the M nib I have. It has a bit more feedback than I personally like.

 

Hi iamchum. I carry replacement nibs here, including the stub nib. They're $24.00 each, and include the feed and collar (which hold the nib/feed together).

[His Nibs]

Hello Dylan,

I have two Invincia's. One a deluxe and one a plain invincia. I bought the deluxe first and love it. I was told that all Invincia nibs regardless of deluxe or plain invincia could swap nibs. I ordered new nibs and I don't think I'm ever going to get the longer #6 black nib on the plain invincia. Is there something I should be doing different? I did get a medium nib onto the plain invincia but it was so long that I couldn't close the cap. I'm kind of new around here, but you seemed like someone who knows what is what, so I hope you can help out. Cheers.

 

Also, do you know where I can get replacement nibs for this pen? I'm not real happy with the M nib I have. It has a bit more feedback than I personally like.

 

Hi iamchum. I carry replacement nibs here, including the stub nib. They're $24.00 each, and include the feed and collar (which hold the nib/feed together).

 

Hi Bodha,

 

It sounds like you have a current generation Invincia Deluxe, and an original generation Invincia.

 

About three or four years ago, Monteverde redesigned the pen with a larger nib/feed/collar/section. They are not interchangeable. You can see the size change here:

 

Link

 

If that's the case, I won't be able to help you with a replacement nib for your older Invincia (although perhaps you can seek out one in the Buy/Sell forum). The newest version of the large nib (as you no doubt have on your Invincia Deluxe) can be seen below, and they're $24.00.

 

Link

 

Feel free to contact me directly here.

Edited February 3, 2013 by His Nibs

[tonybelding]

This is very interesting to me because I bought an Invincia Color Fusion (Spitfire Red!) way back when they were first introduced, and I had multiple problems with it. The nib was too dry (I adjusted it), the converter didn't want to stay in place, and the cap was improperly vented (causing it to dry out quickly, but I plugged it with glue). I can see Monterverde have replaced the old converter with a screw-in type, so that's at least one problem they've addressed. I might be willing to give them another chance.

 

Other things I recall were that mine posted nicely, and I liked the subtle, smooth tension when the cap screwed on, but I thought the tension on the pocket clip was too strong, and the pen overall was heavier than I usually prefer.

 

Looking at the deluxe models... I've got to say, the rose gold is quite attractive to me.

[English]

James,

 

Great review and pics!

 

Just got my Nighthawk - the Goulet's variation on the Invincia Deluxe. Really like the pen, but had a question for you. Every time I write with this pen I seem to end up with ink all over my finger. Not sure if it may have a small leak or if my hand is sliding down too close to the nib. Wondered if you may up have experienced anything like that.

 

Like you inked mine up with N. Red-Black. Also tried regular black too. Ordered a 1.1 nib in addition to the fine one that came on the pen. Haven't gotten around to changing out the nib to the 1.1 - but the writing sample you posted may be motivating me to swap nibs sooner rather than later.

 

Again, great review and post!

[papabear16]

I'm intrigued by the Goulet version as well. It suits both of my professions—fountain pens suit lawyers, and carbon fiber suits former aerospace engineers. How are you all still liking your Invincias (Goulet or otherwise)?

[sabatorious]

This is very interesting to me because I bought an Invincia Color Fusion (Spitfire Red!) way back when they were first introduced, and I had multiple problems with it. The nib was too dry (I adjusted it), the converter didn't want to stay in place, and the cap was improperly vented (causing it to dry out quickly, but I plugged it with glue). I can see Monterverde have replaced the old converter with a screw-in type, so that's at least one problem they've addressed. I might be willing to give them another chance.

 

Other things I recall were that mine posted nicely, and I liked the subtle, smooth tension when the cap screwed on, but I thought the tension on the pocket clip was too strong, and the pen overall was heavier than I usually prefer.

 

Looking at the deluxe models... I've got to say, the rose gold is quite attractive to me.

 

I had the same issue of the pen drying out. I have the Invincia with black and white carbon fiber design. It got worse when I moved to the Mile High City (higher elevation). It dries out within minutes. What kind of glue did you plug the cap with? I tried filling the hole created for connecting the pocket clip with wax, but that has not done a good job sealing it up.

 

The funny thing is although Monteverde/Yafa has been responsive and worked on my pen three or four times, the issue has not been resolved. I gave up on the pen, left it in my office desk pen cup, but recently picked it up and was impressed with the weight and how it writes but it still dries out

[papabear16]

 

I had the same issue of the pen drying out. I have the Invincia with black and white carbon fiber design. It got worse when I moved to the Mile High City (higher elevation). It dries out within minutes. What kind of glue did you plug the cap with? I tried filling the hole created for connecting the pocket clip with wax, but that has not done a good job sealing it up.

 

The funny thing is although Monteverde/Yafa has been responsive and worked on my pen three or four times, the issue has not been resolved. I gave up on the pen, left it in my office desk pen cup, but recently picked it up and was impressed with the weight and how it writes but it still dries out

 

This is interesting, because I've been lucky and haven't experienced this problem at all. In fact, I barely used my Nighthawk over the holidays, but when I picked up after returning to the office, it wrote well immediately. Perhaps my cap design is a little different?

 

Anyway, if anything my love for this pen has grown. It's very reliable, could take a hit if a need be, and writes a beautiful line. And while I suppose it is heavy, I've never noticed that being a problem for me.

[Gloucesterman]

I ended up sending my back to Yafa/Monteverde twice. The 2nd time was a charm and it has worked fine ever since.

 

Also, it was the first "stub" I ever used and I liked it enough to buy another Invincia Cold Fusion with a fine nib.

 

I also feel I was treated very well by Clara who was in charge of the customer service.