Hi all,
After some hard work saving up, I'm going to buy another pen. It's going to be either an Aurora Optima (black resin; chrome plated trim) or an Aurora 88 (black resin; gold plated cap).
I was just wondering which you'd all advise? Since they're both piston fillers and both have the same size nib, my decision boils down to size and finish. I'm just wondering, which do those of you who've owned or handled either (or both!) of these pens think will be the most durable finish - the chrome or the gold plating? As far as size goes, I'm attracted to the girth of the optima - how does the 88 compare in the hand? It looks longer (which I like), but seems rather slim.
Grateful for any opinions and thoughts, as I can't get to see the pens in person - whichever I choose will be coming via airmail...
Thank you!

Hi. First of all you cannot go wrong with either pen. The 88 is slightly longer than the Optima,as for the girth I do not feel you will notice. The Optima is a short stubby pen which does need to be posted. If I had to choose between the two I would go for the 88. This should'nt take anything away from the Optima which is a great pen it's just that I prefer the 88.

Hope this helps,

Ronin

Hi. I have both of these pens and I agree with Ronin. They are both fabulous pens - the Optima might be a bit sexier if you go with a Mare or an Auroloide finish (blue or green are perhaps the best of the bunch!); however, the 88 is a classic, understated fountain pen with all the curves in the right places and real workhorse. So, if I had to choose between the two, I would pick the 88.

I should also note that you do have two choices of size for the 88, among other choices in materials.

Here is a link to a blog posting that I wrote on the Aurora 88 and Optima - http://penenvy.blogspot.com/2007/12/is-also-for-aurora.html

Ronin, Mike, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

I agree with you about the 88; it has lovely lines. In comparison, the black resin optima, handsome as it is, starts to remind me of the profile of the sailor sapporo that I use quite a lot at the moment - so I guess the 88 would also be something very different. What I really like about the optima is that really classy touch of the engraved/stamped barrel indicating that it's made by Aurora. Very nice touch!

I like the pics on your blog, Mike! Now, the Auroloide finish - that is something very special! You're tempting me there! Unfortunately I can only stretch to the price of an auroloide finish if I downsize to optima mini. And as tempted as I still am, I've kind of ruled that out on the assumption that the mini is very mini - unless anyone can correct me on this...? Certainly the posts and reviews about the mini on FPN suggest that it's not much smaller than pens like the Pel 200 or the sapporo. But without handling one I'd be a little worried in case it did turn out really tiny. Though I have to say - the auroloide finish looks stunning from the photographs.

Aaahhhh, decisions, decisions, decision... ;-)

Dont forget the large 88 goest for 300$.I think the Optima is more expensive.

The Sailor Sapporo is the only pen I have that I post; I use my Optima constantly without posting. I think that, while you couldn't go wrong and are likely to enjoy whichever pen you buy, it's really a matter of visual appeal. The gold-capped Ottantotto is a mid-century classic. The chrome-trimmed Optima, while it is actually an earlier style (30s), has a bit more of a modern look because of the way the trim and black plastic resin work off each other. Here's how I would decide: if most of your daily pens are torpedo shaped, get the Optima, because it has flat ends; if most of your daily pens have flat ends, get the 88. As for durability, I'd say it's pretty academic. You'd have to abuse either pen to notice a difference. (The metal cap will show scratches more, but it will also resist cracking.)

I agree with the others that you will get a great pen with either of these Auroras. A lot depends on your own concept of visual appeal. I personally might lean a bit more toward the 88. The 88 is a classic shape like a MB 146 or 149 and will not go out of style any time soon. The 88 is less expensive than an Optima, and it does use the same nib as the Optima.

I generally do not post FP's. I find I am a bit more comfortable posting both my (oversized) 88 and my Optimas. The feel in my hand is quite similar for both models. My Auroras are all super writers. But the 88 has just enough of an individual personality that it stands out from the others.

Have fun with your decision.

Now people, you are whetting my appetite for my new pen with all this talk, so I had better decide quick smart!
You're all making really helpful points, for which I am grateful. JN - that's a good point; of my current daily users, none are torpedo-shaped; in fact, my main users right now are a CS 58, Pel 200 with wonderful binderised flex nib, and sailor sapporo - so not only fairly similar profile (ok, the 58 has those pointy tips), but also similar sizes. This kind of inclines me against the black full-size Optima.
Frank - you're right; I hadn't thought about the similar profile between the 88 and the MB, but now I think of it, yeah, that is one classic looking pen.
Having ruled out the Optima, I guess I'm looking at the 88. But (!!!) there is always that aureloid Mini Optima; different enough in size and finish for me to be more and more drawn to it. Just wondering - does anyone know anything about the nib? I assume the nib will be very small; based on Phthalo's FPN review of the Sole Aurea Minima, the nib is smaller than that of the Pelikan 300. Just wondering how it writes compared to the nibs on the larger Aurora pens?
Thanks again for all your thoughts and feedback!

Well - I did it!
I finally took the plunge. After much thought I went for the leftfield option - the tiny auroloid optima mini. The reasons were twofold - compared to my other pens, this was more different than the alternatives, and I found on in the UK at a great price so no long wait while it's sent from overseas.
Thnks again, all , for your views and opinions. Maybe my first FPN review will be of my new optima!

You might still want to consider an 88 for the future, great as is the mini Optima. The 88 is such a classic, reliable, tactile, wonderful pen---the only one you may ever need (says the 88 worshipper who just bought a Tuckaway...blame it on Ethernautrix's photographs...). Nevertheless...really...the 88 is a must.

Adair,
I think you're right; in fact, I'm already looking forward to getting myself an 88 as soon as I've saved up for it! The blinged up 88 is one decadent pen. Now there's a phrase I never thought I'd say - just goes to show what pens do to us!

Just out of curiosity, what colour did you pick for the auroloide?

BTW,when you do get your 88, make sure you get a medium italic nib. The perfect nib for a perfect pen, imho.

The modern 88 and the Optima share the same basic guts and nib. I own both, if you want some colour, go with the Optima or if you prefer understated elegance, go with the 88. It's a no lose proposition either way.

Have you considered a vintage 88? Less money and for me, a better pen. But then "nostalgia" is my middle name!

Rgds