I have two inexpensive Sailor pens, both with the calligraphy nib (the one that looks like someone took a pair of pliers to it and bent it upward).

Now may be the time for me to get my first 'real' Sailor---I'm thinking of the Zoom nib, but what's a decent entry-level pen? The Professional Gear or the 1911? And do you have a favorite dealer in the USA?

Thanks. I appreciate your input! ^^

If you have the possibility (but I know it's quite hard), I'd strongly advise you to go to a b&m store and try the nibs first before buying. Maybe you could also consider the Sapporo as a first pen. It is quite affordable, and you can chose from 6 different nibs (from EF to Music). You can see writing samples here for example.

Otherwise, I think that "Pro Gear or 1911" is mainly a question of personal taste. Both are about the same size. It is just the shape which varies. Just take the one you like best! One last thing as well, concerning the zoom nib... Make sure it is really the nib you want... Before getting my Cross Concord Emperor nib, I had bought a Sapporo with a Zoom nib... that was a mistake... I now see that this nib is not for me, and the pen remains unused...

Cya around,
Shinichiro.

Well, I think Shinichiro gave you a couple of very good advices !

The main difference between the 1911 and the ProGear is their shape, torpedo for the first one and flat-top for the second one. The nib (decoration) are also slightly different, and I have to say I do prefer the two tone ProGear nib (but it's personal )

I bought a Sapporo first with a M nib, just because it was cheaper than a ProGear. But I bought a ProGear (M nib) a month later, so it's wasn't that cheaper eventually

Now I want to try a MF nib, and I'm in love with the Spring Blue Sapporo. So I'll sell my black Sapporo soon in order to get this gorgeous blue one

Oh, I also forgot to warn you... You should take care with those Sapporo pen...for you an easily become addicted...and you might want to collect them in all their (lovely) different colors... As a proof of what I'm saying, just read the post above mine!

P.S.: Yeah...the blue is gorgeous...but the white is not bad at all...and I saw a nice red one too...and....

Thanks! Hey, if the Sapporo remains unused, there will be plenty of eager takers here on this board.

I'm probably going to hit myself when I hear the answer but what's a 'b&m store?' Regardless, there ain't no such try-and-buy animal where I live. *cries*

Unless I am mistaken, the Pro Gear is a tad larger in diameter than the 1911. My 1911 has a 14K nib and the Pro Gear has a 21K two-tone nib that is a little bit larger overall that the 1911's. It doesn't seem like a big difference on paper and in pictures, but there is a measurable difference in feel between the two pens. My Pro Gear feels better in my hand due to the larger diameter. Weight is about the same. I would also recommend checking out the pens in person before buying, if you have the opportunity.

There are other, older models that may be a good starter pen for you... the Profit line, or 1911M, is less expensive (and smaller) than the larger 1911 and Pro Gear pens. They have 14k nibs, but some are available with 21k nibs (from the Japanese market, which you can find here on the marketplace).

For me, personally, the Pro Gear is my favorite pen that I have from Sailor. I also have a 1911 in sterling, which I bought because I really wanted a Sailor with a snap cap, and I can swap out the sections between it and my progear, and use the cool two-tone 21k H-F nib in either pen... then I went and got another ProGear, in orange, well, because I saw it in person, and was smitten by the color. Only problem was they didn't have it in H-F, only H-EF, and while I like fine nibs, the HEF is just a little too fine... it lost some of the smoothness that the H-F has, and the lines are really very similar.

Oh, the main difference between the pens is the length... the 1911 is longer, so if you want to use it un-posted, it won't be so short. The ProGear really wants to be posted, as it is a short, squat pen without its cap.

-George

I look a quick look at both the 1911 and Pro Gear (online, of course). As far as looks alone go, I prefer the 1911.

Now to figure out where to buy one. AND where the money's coming from---I just put in a new patio and it's not like I'm buying a handful of Heros.

Well if you prefer the look of the 1911 you should go for it. It is a bit longer, which may be a good thing if you don't post your pens (even if I don't post my ProGear, but I understand people who wants to post it )

I don't know where you live, but if you're in the US I think Oscar Brown will get you the best price. Otherwise, I've bought my Sapporo from melpens with a excellent price and a first class service (no affiliation, just a very happy customer)

It's a 'brick & mortar' store. This means a 'real' shop, where you could test the pen, not an online-store.

DOHHH!!!!!

I knew I'd hit myself. Thanks.

do you prefer the flat top or a streamline look?

it's likely that simple. me, i prefer the 1911. but the pg is pretty nice too.

The Mottishaw organization, www.nibs.com, handles Sailor. You will find excellent information about the models, help with selecting a nib, and reasonable prices. I have a 1911 (similar to ProGear) and 1911m (similar to Sapporo). The 1911m has a zoom nib and I use it for highlighting rather than writing. As a writer, I prefer the larger 1911 (F nib) for writing due to its larger size, weight, and girth. As well, the 21kt nib is excellent if you want precision. Lots of food for thought.