Pilot Battle

[DFv]

The question is simple:

 

Pilot 823 F or Pilot 743 SFM

 

Best regards

[Bounce792]

For what?

[jar]

Is neither an option? Will this be graded on a curve? Will there be a makeup test? Why wasn't this covered in class? I lost my notes. Is this Open Book?

[penwash]

Both.

or None.

 

Do you like Pilot pens?

[ehemem]

823. Smoke. Fine nib. No question.

[Jezza]

There's not much to go on from your question. Either one is an outstanding pen. I'm not quite sure why you would compare the SFM to the standard fine; why not the soft fine instead? Regardless, you've hit on one of the biggest differences. The 743 come in a much larger range of nibs. I have the soft fine, and it's my favourite nib of any manufacturer. Springy, great flow, perfect out of the box. The standard fine is good, too. The 823 obviously holds more ink, but if you travel a lot or change inks frequently, the vacuum filler can be bothersome. The 823 requires you to slightly unscrew the blind cap to write for prolonged periods. That may or may not annoy you.

 

The 823 is a noticeably heavier pen. If you prefer to write with the cap unposted, I think the 823's added mass makes it more balanced. If you prefer writing with the cap posted, I find the 743 is better balanced. The 823 gets heavy to the point of fatiguing my hand for prolonged periods of posted writing.

 

I'm sure there are other difference and perspectives I haven't mentioned. You really just need to decide which pen suits the way you write.

[DFv]

Thanks Jezza!!!

[JunkyardSam]

I don't have a 743 (yet) but I have the Amber 823 F and it's just a wonderful pen. I'm absolutely glad I got it. Someone commented that it was weighty - but the weight is so evenly distributed it somehow doesn't feel as heavy as my metal Falcon even though they're statistically the same weight unposted.

 

The filling system is a blast - however I REALLY didn't like unscrewing the blind cap. That 2mm gap at the end of an otherwise gorgeous pen looked like something was wrong with it. Luckily you can remove the conical o-ring from the tip of the post and then the pen works without that requirement! I've used the pen for months with no issues. Goulet has a video explaining how to do it - just be VERY careful not to overtighten when reassembling the pen.

 

I'm planning to replace the F nib with a nib from a 743 eventually - either FA, EF, or PO. Still deciding...

 

The 823 looks amazing in person and feels great. To me it feels "luxurious" in my hand and it's easily one of my favorites. I absolutely recommend it!

Edited November 18, 2016 by JunkyardSam

[Jjf1989]

I got both and swapped the soft fine into my 823. Best pilot pen I own. I love the filling system and unscrewing the blind cap is fun to me. It makes it feel like I'm using some very precise machine.

[pararis]

Why does it have to be a "battle"?

 

Looks like a simple choice to me.

[maverink]

823 F for me anyday nothing beats it in that price