Vac 700 Vs 580 Thoughts

[Bklyn]

I have a TWSBI 580 USA that I like but I love larger nibs. Is it possible to get a Goulet #6 nib to fit my 580?

 

Also, for those how have a VAC 700 as well as a 580, does the VAC feel different? Do you like the larger nib and slightly larger grip of the Vac 700?

 

Is the Vac better for long periods of writing? Do any of you have strong opinions on ope pen over the other? LOVE to get some thoughts as I am thinking of picking up a Vac 700 as well. (Is that a duplication of what is almost the same as the 580 or does it feel different?)

 

A good summer to you all.

[Reevers]

I believe TWSBI 580s use #5 nibs... well at least I hope they do since I've just ordered a #5 Bock nib!

Edited June 26, 2015 by Reevers

[Buzz_130]

I don't have the 580, but I do have a 700. Additionally, I have three different nibs for the 700 so I can quickly try out inks with different nib sizes (up to 1.1) with a very simple swap. If I'm sitting down for a long writing session, I have to remember to loosen the vac filler. When completely screwed down, the ink supply is cut off (unless you modify the pen, which I haven't). The diameter of the pen, the weight of the pen, and the overall length are good. In general, I enjoy thinner pens for long writing sessions.

 

This will lead to the answer to your last question--it depends. Long writing session comfort is a personal decision. I can write with a Parker 45 or Sheaffer Balance for long periods of time, but some find the thin sections and light weight to not fit their writing needs. Others find the MB 149 too thick for their comfort. Balance is also very important to me, and that is also subjective to the user.

 

If you are interested in the 700, it's a good pen from a company that stands behind their product (as you know from your 580). The filling system is excellent at this price range, and the huge reservoir lets me use a wet 1.1 with no concerns on running out of ink in a page or two. It's worth adding to your collection if the big nib, filling system, and huge reservoir are part of your buying decision.

 

Buzz

[Bklyn]

I believe TWSBI 580s use #5 nibs... well at least I hope they do since I've just ordered a #5 Bock nib!

Thanks so much!

[Bklyn]

I don't have the 580, but I do have a 700. Additionally, I have three different nibs for the 700 so I can quickly try out inks with different nib sizes (up to 1.1) with a very simple swap. If I'm sitting down for a long writing session, I have to remember to loosen the vac filler. When completely screwed down, the ink supply is cut off (unless you modify the pen, which I haven't). The diameter of the pen, the weight of the pen, and the overall length are good. In general, I enjoy thinner pens for long writing sessions.

 

This will lead to the answer to your last question--it depends. Long writing session comfort is a personal decision. I can write with a Parker 45 or Sheaffer Balance for long periods of time, but some find the thin sections and light weight to not fit their writing needs. Others find the MB 149 too thick for their comfort. Balance is also very important to me, and that is also subjective to the user.

 

If you are interested in the 700, it's a good pen from a company that stands behind their product (as you know from your 580). The filling system is excellent at this price range, and the huge reservoir lets me use a wet 1.1 with no concerns on running out of ink in a page or two. It's worth adding to your collection if the big nib, filling system, and huge reservoir are part of your buying decision.

 

Buzz

Buzz, this is great information! Thanks a lot. It gives me much to consider.

[Ernst Bitterman]

I've got a 540 rather than a 580, but that's not a serious issue. I like my 700 a lot, but I find without the specially-made bottle it's challenging to get a FULL fill, so the capacity difference isn't a big item on my list.

 

The 700 has a more exaggerated step above the section than the 540; I don't find it problematic, but that's down to my own approach to holding the pen. Some have complained. I do find the unstopping for protracted writing a little annoying, but not to the point that I've popped off the gasket. It is a really big pen, but it's no heavier than the 540 (within the tolerances of my ability to tell-- I haven't weighed them). In a fantastically long writing session, you will find a full 700 will last longer than a full 580, but apart from the possible issue of the step and your own inclinations regarding posting, there's very little to tell between the two of them.

 

I think, with the previous versions' cracking issues sorted out, that the 580 is probably a better long-term value, because it seems to me that the seals on piston-fillers last longer than on vacuums, and the forward seal on the 700 is a pretty specialized lump of rubber. Of course, I'm talking fountain pen "long-term" so if you're so concerned with 30 years hence that's not much of an issue either.

[Bklyn]

I've got a 540 rather than a 580, but that's not a serious issue. I like my 700 a lot, but I find without the specially-made bottle it's challenging to get a FULL fill, so the capacity difference isn't a big item on my list.

 

The 700 has a more exaggerated step above the section than the 540; I don't find it problematic, but that's down to my own approach to holding the pen. Some have complained. I do find the unstopping for protracted writing a little annoying, but not to the point that I've popped off the gasket. It is a really big pen, but it's no heavier than the 540 (within the tolerances of my ability to tell-- I haven't weighed them). In a fantastically long writing session, you will find a full 700 will last longer than a full 580, but apart from the possible issue of the step and your own inclinations regarding posting, there's very little to tell between the two of them.

 

I think, with the previous versions' cracking issues sorted out, that the 580 is probably a better long-term value, because it seems to me that the seals on piston-fillers last longer than on vacuums, and the forward seal on the 700 is a pretty specialized lump of rubber. Of course, I'm talking fountain pen "long-term" so if you're so concerned with 30 years hence that's not much of an issue either.

I thank you. This is such good insight. Much appreciated.