Twsbi 580 Vs Pilot V "special Alloy"

[LordBaggins]

I am trying to think a little ahead, here, and get an idea of a goal I want to start shooting for. I am thinking of getting my next fountain pen in the $50-$100 range in the next several months. Currently I own a Pilot Metro (F), Pilot 78G (B ), and a TWSBI Eco (EF). I tend to write small, and generally with about a 50 degree angle to the page. Eventually I would like to own both a VP and a Lamy 2000.

 

So, here's the dilemma: neither the VP with a gold nib, nor the Lamy 2k are in the desired price range right now, so they'll probably be a couple years out. I am both a student, and a full-time employee in a law office. Piston-fillers and a super-easy deployment both have a lot of draw for me. I can get the TWSBI in the States for around the $50-$70 range, depending on model, and I can get that "Special Alloy" VP shipped from Japan for around $90. I have been stalking reviews on both for months now, but I am having a really hard time picking one over the other. It's also nice to think I can swap out nib units for either if I want to switch (in the case of both) or upgrade (in the case of the VP).

 

Do any of you have experience with both? Preferences for one over the other (and why)?

 

The pen will be used as my edc, the daily go-to for notes and dictation in the office, light notes for school, and my future "Ink Tests for the Common Office" reviews. Right now, my Eco with the EF nib is lasting between one and two weeks per fill, and I am not bothered by having to fill more often.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[LordBaggins]

Sorry - posted before preview re: the title

[SoulSamurai]

You already have a TWSBI Eco, I don't think another TWSBI will do anything your Eco doesn't already. Meanwhile a Pilot Capless is by far the best fountain pen for making notes at a meeting/while focusing heavily on something else, or while standing up (juggling a cap while standing and holding a notebook is what got me to pull the trigger on a Decimo myself). So I think the Capless is the better choice of the two for you as it brings something new. It's also more fidget-with-able.

 

I'm sure you've already read about how the clip on the Pilot can be a problem for some people of course, and about how the medium nib is wider than expected leading many to prefer the fine nib.