For my next FP, I'd like something a little unusual. I'd also like something Italian.

I think I've narrowed it down to either the Omas 360 or the Stipula DaVinci. Both seem somewhat unusual and quirky.

I've held an Omas 360 in hand, and the one thing I don't like about it is its lightness. But I do like the feel of the pen, and the way it writes. I've seen photos of the ebony version of the pen, and it looks beautiful, but it is more than I want to spend (I'd like to keep it less than $500).

The stipula is very unusal looking, and it has a cool open/close mechanism (similar idea to the Namiki Vanishing point). I like the way it looks in black, and there is also a wood version that I've seen for just under $500. The only problem is, I've never seen one in person. I've read reviews that said it was a heavier pen (which I like), and in general, the reviews were positive.

So, if it were you, which would you choose, and why?

Thanks!

I bought my first Omas without knowing that it would be the beginning of an addiction. It was a small black Paragon with broad nib and, let me tell you, nothing writes like an Omas.

I have a Magnum 360, and I agree that it is a light pen. It looks heavy, so when you grab it your hand is expecting a heftier pen... but you get used to it!

I have no experience with Stipulas, and I have to admit that the Da Vinci looks great, but a 360 is a 360.

Good luck with your choice!

Alejandro


(From Novelli)

Hi have a 360 Vision (demonstrator) piston filler in amber and gold trim.
I believe it's between the "magnum" and the mezzo in size.
I think it is visually stunning, and the demonstrator aspect
of it enhances the ultra modern/sci fi appeal of the pen for me.
I LOVE the 3 sided grip, but anyone who is considering a 360 ought to test drive one.
Mine didn't write well out of the box, and in my small sample, I've found that
Omas QC is not the best, so there's another reason to test drive one.
But after some work by the inimitable Richard Binder, my 360 writes like a dream
of course, and it's one of my very favorite pens.9
Have never tried a Stipula.
J

Only you can decide which is best for you.

The 360 looks odd shape but it is one of the most comfortable pens I have written with for prolong periods.

I love OMAS nibs : glassy smooth.
I own/owned Blue Royale Paragon (nice blue celluloid), Venice Blue Paragon, Bologna, 360 (Blue Black). None have failed me, especially those with Mottishaw Broad Stubs.

I test drove the Da Vinci at LA Show that Lex was selling. It was a cracked ice pattern. It is a very substancial retractable cartridege only pen. Lex claims that you can also insert a regular converter in there since Elizabeth tried it and it worked. The retractible nib and the trap door mechanism is smooth and slick unlike the Boheme which is nice but not as nicely doen in details.

You are basically getting the extremes in weight and pen barrel shape.

Depends on how you intend to use the chosen pen, you will have to decide heavy Vs Light, gadget retracteable nib Vs fixed nibs.

That's what makes this hobby fun : constant dilemma

I have used several OMAS, and although the 360 was not a great fit for my hand I still regard it as a fantastic pen. The OMAS that I have kept include an Arco, Extra Lucens LE, Tokyo, and Ogiva Vision. I think that I kept those largely because they are wonderful writers that are extremely light. I also have Stipula Duetto (highly recommended) and have tried the Davinci at various pen shows. I really liked the Davinci's mechanism. It has a very solid feel to it, but the pen was gigantic and very heavy. I simply could not see carrying it in a shirt pocket or using it for long term writing. All other things being equal, I would go for the 360 if it fits your hand, just because of the weight factor. IMHO, I think weight can be overly seductive- we pick up heavier pens and the heft seems appealing because it seems to imply quality/solidity on a visceral level. But I know many people, myself included, who eventually gravitate towards our lighter pens because of comfort. In my case, I have a wonderful Dupont Orpheo that I haven't inked in years because I just keep going for the lighter ones on my desk.

In terms of price, I think that the 360 is a much more common pen and I would be really surprised if you could not find it for less than $500. I have seen many, many listings on eBay, the Pentrace Greenboard, etc. The Stipula Davinci is a newer model and a little harder to get discounts on just because of relative rarity. I believe that Fahrney's, for example, has it for $416 but I am sure that the 360 could be had for less.

Good Luck on your choice:)

Let me add to the chorus of Omas fans:

I just received my first Omas pen yesterday - a black Ogiva with a Fine nib, and it is a sweet, sweet writer. The 18K nib really is different from my other modern nibs and is by far my favorite fine nib. It is wet, smooth and has just a big of flex, which makes for very interesting and fun writing. Also, I had fun today disassembling the piston, which is surprisingly easy to do, and I was delighted by how I can take the pen apart and clean it entirely with no trouble at all. It's a very well-built pen, and one of my top writers. I'd go for the 360!

Thanks for the replies.

I am leaning more towards the Omas 360 at this point. One major factor is that I have not seen the Stipula Davinci in person (not available in any local pen stores).

I haven't actually purchased a pen in a while. Is there a good place that has good prices on the Omas pens? Last pen I bought was from Fountainpenhospital in NY. Not sure how their prices compare. Will have to do some shopping around...

Thanks!

Don't know about prices, but if I were to buy another Omas, it'd be from John Mottishaw.
Will be more $ than ebay, but you'll be assured of perfection.

i'll second jeen's recommendation for buying an omas from mottishaw - just received an ogiva vision from him and it's perfecto so far. be advised that some omas' have qc issues with regards to leaking - my arco paragon (which was not from mottishaw) did. but the nibs are like but-ta. don't have the 360 so can't comment on it, but the 360 wild celluloid looks tasty.

i have bertram's inkwell's da vinci infinity model. the amber celluloid acetate and pink gold accents make it the most attractive of pens. it's certainly way heavier than any of the regular omases, if that's what you like. be advised that it tends to dry out quicker than most other pens - i suspect b/c the trapdoor does not provide an airtight seal. my clip does not grab securely onto my dress shirts welll - i suspect b/c the clip is attached to the rotating head and would otherwise scratch up the body whilst turning. i'd be careful bending over! i think the black limited da vinci has a retracting clip which may secure the pen to pockets better.

the final decision should be yours, however. i'd try both pens in the resin, so to speak, before spending that amount of coin.

Make it a third for getting the OMAS from Mottishaw.

He makes sure the ink flow is properly adjusted and any other leaking issues resolved before shipping the pen. I saw him demonstrated that pen-check before handing over the pen to me for inspection. Then I changed my mind over-night and decided to have him stub my Blue Royale.

As for the Da Vinci, Lex Villines was offering it for sale on PT a while ago after the LA Show, you may want to email him and see if it is still available. It is safe to buy from him as he is a honorable gentleman who wants to make sure you are happy with his pens.

Hope this helps.

Thanks everybody, the deed is done.

Purchased a 360 Vision Hi-Tech from Nibs.com (i.e. Mottishaw et al.).

Only downside was that I had to pay tax since we are both in California

Can't wait to get the pen.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Congrats!
What kind of nib did you choose?
Note: stay away from red and orange and perhaps permanent inks
for your demonstrator to avoid staining.
Enjoy,
J

Congratulations!

Also add violet to the list of forbidden inks for your Vision. I have had no trouble with the following inks in my demonstrators:

Black Quink
Noodler's Blue Black (may I suggest it for your new Omas?)
Aurora Blue
Aurora Black
Montblanc Blue Black
Sheaffer Blue Black

Enjoy it!

Alejandro

Thanks for the congratulations. I ordered it with a medium nib (I know, I'm fairly boring...). Normally, I use the pelikan royal blue ink (see, I really am boring) in all of my pens. The 360 will be my pen at the office, and I like to use blue ink on original documents.

I hope it gets here quickly...

Yippie! UPS tracking says it will be delivered TODAY!!! I guess that's the advantage of being in the same area as the company, even though I had to pay sales tax. Can't wait to get it.