Pilot Custom 74 Demonstrators -- How Clear Are The Colored?

[TinkerTailor]

I'm looking to buy a Pilot 74 demo. This will be my first demonstrator. Right now I'm torn between the clear, the smoke, and the orange.

 

The clear isn't that exciting (to me) but it is the most classically demonstrator-ish.

 

The orange is eye-catching, but maybe a bit much (again, to my taste).

 

And the smoke is very nice, but I can't tell if it's too dark. Unless you are holding it closely or up to light, can you tell it's a demonstrator?

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

 

[BillZ]

I have the orange model. It's easy to view the working and it isn't too garish. I am not that particularly fond of demos in general but this one caught my eye. 14K F nib and the c70 converter. The only other demo I have is a Platinum Yamanaka Lakes LE. I can't put into words why I am not fond of demos I just am not. Good luck with your quest

[cleosmama]

I have the Violet one, and you can surely tell it's a demonstrator. I've seen the orange one, and I have a smoke demonstrator in another Pilot pen. The colors are not so dark as to hide the inner workings (the converters).

 

I am very fond of demos 'cause I like to see the ink.

[rudyhou]

i have a smoke black custom 74. it is dark enough to be a deep grey pen that you won't know it is a demo pen from a distance, but light enough you can still easily notice the inner mechanics when you hold it in your hand. it is a great color finish.

[Newjelan]

I have Smoke and I agree with Rudyhou - it's a subtle demonstrator. I have the Orange as well and it's a great looking pen too.