I'm thinking about getting an Omas pen. I know this is subjective, but what are your favorites for a "first Omas?"

I'm thinking about the 360. Do you prefer the "large" or the mezzo size?

Do you think the 360 gives the best mixture of good looks and writing comfort?

Also, what's your favorite store (US) for buying OMAS.

Thanks.

Do not get the Mezzo!!! I was talking to John Mottishaw and his apprentice and they were even saying that the pen is not very well made at all. The parts are cheap and they have a high number of failures!! The Standard 360 is a great pen, solid and a piston filler. The 360 is really a pen that needs to be tried first before bought. I took to my 360 right away and I think it best describes the way I hold the pen in my had while I write!!.

The paragon is another good pen but a lot of people do not like the faceted edges of the barrel. The fullsize is a piston filler and also a smooth writer. Great pen too!!

The Ogiva is another great pen that is slightly larger than the paragon. The faceted edges are not extreme and feels more like a standard fountain pen. Very comfortable writers and considerably cheaper than the Paragons. The Ogiva is also a Piston filler with a wonderful 18kt gold nib with an ebonite feed. IF you want to get your feet wet in the world of OMAS, the Ogiva is a wonderful start!!

Hope this helps

TNS

I'd second the Ogiva recommendation. Good way to get into Omas without breaking the bank. Mottishaw is a great place - no doubt about what you'd be getting. Also some reliable sources on ebay at great prices. Keep us posted.

I have seen plenty of OMAS Ogiva in black sell for under 140 brand new on Ebay and it is the same 2 people selling them. I highly recommend them. In fact Both Southpaw and I bought our Paragons and my 360 from the same guy. Shipping took about a week due to the fact that he only ships one or two times a week.

Zero Problems!!

TNS

All good choices, but may I also suggest OMAS Bologna which is often over-looked.

It is a light big c/c filler pen almost the same length as a 360. Just as smooth a writer and possibly around the same price as an Ogiva. Mine wrote right out of the box.

Also the matte black cotton resin looks really good IMHO.

All my OMAS have a wet juicy flow and I like it like that.

Enjoy, the Bologna is 3rd pen from left next to a M800 and OMAS 360 is on the far right :

I chose to go with the Ogiva as my first Omas pen. While I have not yet recieved it (it should be here today!) I was very impressed with the buying experience when dealing with John Motttishaw at www.nibs.com He spent time on the phone learing about my writing style and has tuned the pen for me. The folks there also test the pens for any leaks or other problems, a big bonus if you aks me. They have the OMAS Ogiva Guilloche GFT on special. It is definatly worth a call to them.

Jim Couch