Can't Decide....

[atc729]

Hello all,

 

I'm thinking of getting a new fountain pen, but I've recently run in to some trouble. I thought I knew what I wanted, but I'm not so sure now. I thought I would post on here and try to get some opinions of those that are in the fountain pen community.

The pen I thought I wanted was the TWSBI 580AL http://www.gouletpens.com/tw-580al-silver/p/TW-580AL-Silver I really like the look of this and I enjoy the idea of having a demonstrator style pen as I do not have one.

The new-comer to this is the Faber-Castell Ambition http://www.gouletpens.com/faber-castell-ambition-black-resin-fountain-pen/p/FB-Ambition-Black I feel like this style is more of a classy and adult look and seems to be a bit sturdier. I haven't used either of these pens and would love to hear what people have to say about these two.

Thanks in advance!

Alex

 

[delano]

There are a few threads here -- ok, many more than a few -- that discuss TWSBI's propensity to crack (580 is intended to challenge that), as well as their rock-solid lifetime warranty. Strong arguments for and against.

 

Faber-Castell has none of that controversy, and you're right -- the Ambition looks a tad bit dignified, but to me a bit bland. Between the two, I'd go for the 580. More choices, sharp looking and as dignified as the one you buy and the ink you put in it.

[unclepoop]

I like them both. I would first get the Ambition with the 580 on deck. But that is this noob's opinion just on their appearances and not how they write.

[ptgearguy]

I prefer the Faber-Castell. I am not a fan of demonstrators though--they just look like cheap plastic to me:D

[Notgatherox]

I have a 580 and an Ambition.

 

I like them both but prefer the 580 because of its larger ink capacity and girth. Also, the Ambition does have a small section.

 

 

~Epic

Edited May 28, 2015 by Lord Epic

[deepak23]

That narrow section on the Ambition is going to be a pain for long writing...

[JotterAddict62]

Just make up your own mind. It will be your pen whatever it will be.

[Blue_Moon]

F-C Basic. Less expensive and more girth.

[bardharlock]

Frankly, I'd go with the TWSBI all the way. It's a piston-filling demonstrator for $60! That said, these pens are very different to my eyes. Do you prefer snap caps or screw caps? Do you prefer to post or not? Do you use cartridges or are you going to spend even more on the Ambition and pick up the converter? Also, the step down on the Ambition would personally drive me crazy! Finally, for less than the cost of the Ambition + converter, you could get the TWSBI and a bottle of Noodler's Ink. That could keep you up and running for quite a while.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own a single Faber-Castell fountain pen. I hear they offer excellent quality. I own a TWSBI 580USA and a TWSBI Diamond Mini Classic that I've had going on one year now. I feel TWSBI offers some of the best bang for the buck going in the fountain pen world. I hear TWSBI offers excellent customer service, but I've never had to avail myself of these services as my TWSBI pens have been excellent.

 

P.S. - Do you need a more grownup looking pen? I'm nearly 42 years old and my work pen is a lime green Pilot Prera. Who would steal that? And, if they did, I could spot the ugly thing a mile away.

Edited May 29, 2015 by bardharlock

[J85909266]

Consider the TWSBI Vac 700. It Holds more ink than the 580, has a bigger, more impressive nib and it posts. Not to mention it is a vacuum filler, which is way more fun than a piston.

[atc729]

Frankly, I'd go with the TWSBI all the way. It's a piston-filling demonstrator for $60! That said, these pens are very different to my eyes. Do you prefer snap caps or screw caps? Do you prefer to post or not? Do you use cartridges or are you going to spend even more on the Ambition and pick up the converter? Also, the step down on the Ambition would personally drive me crazy! Finally, for less than the cost of the Ambition + converter, you could get the TWSBI and a bottle of Noodler's Ink. That could keep you up and running for quite a while.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own a single Faber-Castell fountain pen. I hear they offer excellent quality. I own a TWSBI 580USA and a TWSBI Diamond Mini Classic that I've had going on one year now. I feel TWSBI offers some of the best bang for the buck going in the fountain pen world. I hear TWSBI offers excellent customer service, but I've never had to avail myself of these services as my TWSBI pens have been excellent.

 

P.S. - Do you need a more grownup looking pen? I'm nearly 42 years old and my work pen is a lime green Pilot Prera. Who would steal that? And, if they did, I could spot the ugly thing a mile away.

 

I don't really NEED a distinguished looking pen, I just feel like it's my style, but so is the TWSBI. I do post my pens when I write. I don't really care about how the cap goes on, but I don't own any twist caps. I would have to get a converter for the Ambition. I think I might go with the TWSBI though. It seems more people are voting that. I can always get the Ambition later, there's no limit how many we can own right?!

[J85909266]

I can tell you that a TWSBI with the ink swishing around, looking all shiny and awesome is going to get way, way more attention than the FC.

 

I've used nothing but various classically and modern styled fountain pens at work for months, and today I brought my new Vac 700 filled with Noodler's Navy. People are going nuts. Everyone wants to see it.

[delano]

there's no limit how many we can own right?!

 

I think there's actually a communal obligation to obtain as many fountain pens as we can, so as to help develop a better product in the end. Of course, it's a slow process

[Buzz_130]

I don't care for metal sections, and the size of the metal section on the F-C simply makes this a non-starter, for me.

 

I only have the Vac700 from TWSBI, but it's a family favorite. The plastic is clearly plastic, but the sizing and balance are very good. I like a pen that I can take apart for thorough cleaning (which means this pen becomes a test bed for some of the more interesting inks), and the quick change on the nibs means I can experiment with the feel of different sizes of nibs without buying new pen bodies. There's a lot to be said for a good pen in the affordable range.

 

Buzz

[AAAndrew]

... there's no limit how many we can own right?!

Only the limitations of how many have been produced at any one moment. Otherwise, as delano pointed out, there is an obligation to acquire so as to encourage the making of more. A virtuous cycle, you see.

 

So, "Both" is the only responsible answer you'll get from the Slippery Slope Club, aka FPN.

[Lubee]

I went the TWSBI route as my first FP purchase for a number of years, I liked its distinct styling and it looked awesome in orange and even better with Antique Copper ink in it. But thats me I like the unconventional

[sandy101]

Faber Castell pens have lovely nibs. I have the Loom and it is a beautiful writer - and I believe the FC Loom is the best FP you can get for less than £30. I know nothing about the other brand, but FC make excellent pens.

[The Blue Knight]

I'm in the Faber Castell camp. Superb German German Design and really nice nibs I really like my Ondoro. Also you could save a few bob and buy at amazon $15 which could get you a nice ink to go with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castell-Ambition-Fountain-Pen/dp/B000KTB3YI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434406197&sr=8-1&keywords=faber+castell+ambition&pebp=1434406199300&perid=3DF187F04E684E408677

 

What pens do you already? I think the Faber Castell would make an excellent first or even second mid tier pen. Really would give you a nice solid pen to use.

Edited June 15, 2015 by The Blue Knight

[haruka337]

Buy both.

[Blackhorse]

I like the TWSBI 580 Rose Gold I recently got it. BUT...they are NOT designed to post well. The TWSBI mini however does post really well. The TWSBI is designed to be a pen that is easily taken apart and fiddled with. Mine is a (M) and writes like one...just enough line width to show good shading with the right inks. Also, the 580 is designed not to take a cartridge, ever.

 

Now...sit down and relax. Think about this...your TWSBI and FC pens are in the $65 - $75 range delivered via USA vendors. Right? For the same cost using eBay vendors in Japan you could be into either a Platinum Century 3776 or a Pilot Custom 74...and either one of those is to my thinking a big step up from the TWSBI for sure...and likely the FC as well. If you don't think clear demonstrators are grown up enough...check this out:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B007R9Z3UO/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

 

For the same money ($75 shipped) THAT'S what you should be doing.

 

Just sayin'.

Edited June 15, 2015 by Blackhorse