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Noodlers Pens - Complete Lineup


SamCapote

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I had a series of conversations with Nathan Tardif ("Chief Cook & Bottle-Washer" of Noodlers Ink) to find out why he is screwing around with selling pens, when Noodler's is known for making inks. Basically, with Baystate Blue, he wants to take over the world. :ltcapd:

 

He has an extensive background and history of owning and working on pens long before he started seeing most the USA ink companies leave the "States" and then stepping into that ink product line with typical American gusto. I am a relatively recent arrival (a few years ago) at FPN, so I don't know all the history, players, and developments over the last 5-15 years. Nathan says he was looking to find an inexpensive but functional fountain pen, and refillable rollerball pen that can appeal to people stuck in the disposable, manufactured "stick pen" model, and perhaps not aware or attracted to higher quality fountain pens. I believe Nathan has altruism, frugality, and functionality as his overall design guidelines. I mention all this because you need to look at these pens from their intended purpose, and not hold them to the same standards as our higher quality fountain pens. These are in a category above the Dollar Pens that FPN member smeden has sold for $7 here.and below the $40 TWSBI pen that FPN member Speedy has been selling.

 

I have a combination of 6 sample pens Nathan sent me for free (full disclosure). I purchased the burgundy swirl (Nathan corrected me as the color is "Vulcan Coral"), rollerball, and the top 5 myself. The available Noodler pens are at www.isellpens.com & www.gouletpens.com and another is in the works, with an unknown delivery date, using a two slit "Music Nib."

 

First let me post two thumbnails to show the lineup, and size comparisons to a couple other models. There are 3 categories of pens that are all called "Creaper Pens" (misspelling of "creeper" comes from the Noodlerized image and takeoff of the "Grim Reaper" name) based upon Nathan's criteria of a ventless feed into the ink supply. He feels that characterizing inks that creep out of the slit onto the surrounding nib as a negative feature is not really a big deal, as it is only cosmetic and can be quickly wiped off with a tissue if desired. If a nib has a vent hole like the Preppy and most standard fountain pen nibs, they are not "Creapers." All you anti-creeper ink critics, the Noodlerized Grim Reaper is coming to touch you soon!

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens1s.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens2s.jpg

 

The 3 categories of Noodler Pens are: Eyedropper, Rollerball, and Piston Filler.

 

The
1st category of
Eyedropper pens
started with a stock Preppy eyedropper that has been included in various bottles of Noodler's ink, such as Kung te-Cheng, and is shown above. Obviously, it was not a Noodler's pen, just a Preppy in the Noodler's ink box. The coming version of a more Noodlerized Eyedropper pen is shown in the samples above & below, but has not been released yet. Nathan said he will likely put these in ink bottles as a replacement for the Preppy, but not sure if he will sell them separately. These use the Flex nibs & same ebonite feeds as are in the piston fillers.
They work well, and are a nice improvement over the Preppy
. They have "Noodler's Ink" etched into the clear plastic barrel. The nib and feed will be discussed below.

 

The
2nd
category of
Rollerball pens
is a $14 eyedropper version of the Dollar pen. The Swiss made rollerball tip with hard, porous wick pulls out as shown below, and is available as a replacement part for only 25 cents. Apparently the wick can dry out with ink, and if you cannot bring it back by wetting, you can cut off part of the wick and try again. Worse case scenario, you pull out the rollerball tip and replace it with a new one. The rollerball works superbly, never skipping and not accumulating extra ink on the "upside of the ball" leading to globs of undesired ink. I have used a lot of rollerballs over the years, and I have to say that this is the nicest quality I have ever had. It keeps up no matter how fast I write with it. I tried to make it skip, but could not.

 

The only downside I see with this Rollerball Creaper is you
need to have a denser ink
as shown by writing samples with Everflo Orchid ink below (compared to Noodlers Piston Filler Flex Nib). It is not laying down as thick of a line with this particular ink as I want. It might also be nice if eventually there was a larger rollerball point available. Nathan says he uses Baystate Blue in his--which sounds like a great choice once I get some new tips. With removal of the entire tip, it is a straight tube, and easy to flush clean. Nathan recommends rinsing with a mixture of 1/4 household ammonia & 3/4 water (and additional water rinsing) if you are changing inks. You must fill it from the rollerball tip in the bottle, empty, and refill 2nd time, then wipe off section, and dab away extra ink between section and center rollerball tip rod.

 

Personally, I think this is the most unique and high quality choice in the Noodler Pen lineup.
Let me say that again:
Personally, I think this is the most unique and high quality choice in the Noodler Pen lineup !!!

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens10s.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens11s.jpg

 

The
3rd category of Piston Filled Pens
has a few sub-categories. I don't have any of the $24 Ebonite (brown or green) bodies with vented nib (so it's not "A Creaper"), which
can be seen at the bottom of this isellpens.com link
, so I'm only going to mention it in passing. The photos below show the heart of the various piston filler Noodler's pens. The green pen is the new Eyedropper model referenced above.

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens8s.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens9s.jpg

 

 

The first Piston Filler "Noodler" pen was in fact a rebranded Dollar pen that used a longer slit nib going up to the section (so this is "A Creaper"), and different pocket clip to avoid catching on shirt threads. Others have reviewed it. I don't think that was especially noteworthy as compared to the $7 stock Dollar mentioned earlier. You can see it above (on left). It did not have the newer "Flex Nib," and used the stock Dollar plastic feed. Fortunately, not many of these were released.

 

The next version of Noodler's Piston Filler uses a slimmer, colored resin pen model platform, and adds an ebonite feed. There was a mixture of steel nibs released mostly to Todd Nussbaum's isellpens.com that used a stiffer nib, and some with a Flex nib. I don't have any of the stiff nibs, so will just discuss the Flex Nib models. In the photo above, the middle two pens (demonstrator and "Vulcan Coral") are the current Piston Filler models, with the demonstrator shown taken completely apart. The nib/feed just pulls straight out by gripping the top of nib and underside of feed if necessary with a latex/nitrile glove. The plunger unscrews as if expelling ink, and keep twisting to disengage back from piston rod. Then pull out plastic piston rod with nylon seal using a tweezers. Some more views of the nib and feed shown below.

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens5s.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens6s.jpg

 

 

 

There are a variety of colors of this pen model that can be seen at the retailers, and there are
more details at NoodlersInk.com here
. The Flex Nib is a simple stainless steel with platinum alloy tipping. The Creaper slit goes into the section, but honestly, the flow and nib feel have quite a bit of variation from pen to pen. Overall, this is not what I would consider a fast writing nib/feed setup. I did find that pulling the nib/feed out 1-2 mm could greatly enhance the flow. Apparently there is a plastic 1/4 circle stop when fully inserting the nib/feed, that can partially obstruct the flow. So if you don't mind playing with the nib/feed, advancing or removing, rotate slightly and reinsert, you can find an optimal performing configuration. The nib flexes from about 1mm to 2mm, or fine to just over medium. If you flex more, or stroke too fast, you may get railroad tracks or skipping. So you have to discover the right flow rate pace since this is not your typical vented feed system. Apparently this setup was used in earlier years, and there are details in the insert about swapping other nibs, using rubber bands, and plumber's silicone grease, but I couldn't make much sense out of all the "Rube Goldberg" self-repair suggestions for a $14 dollar pen...but then I don't go to yard sales or collect coupons either. Nathan does say that you can buy 3 replacement seals for a dollar, so that is good to know.

 

OK, this is getting pretty long winded, and I've probably lost most of you by now, so let me just post my last couple of photo thumbnails so you can see my writing samples of the Flex Nib, and comments I made on nib/feed adjustments for better flow.

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens3s.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens4s.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/pens/Noodlers/NoodlerPens7s.jpg

 

Amen.

Edited by SamCapote

With the new FPN rules, now I REALLY don't know what to put in my signature.

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Sam,

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. I have been so confused about the various versions of the Creaper, but this review has cleared things up. I have one of the Dollar Demonstrators with the flex nib and plastic feed, but would really prefer an ebonite feed. I'm glad that will be an option now.

"Instant gratification takes too long."-Carrie Fisher

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That marbled one looks beautiful. I already have a regular piston-filler (Why doesn't it have a name yet besides "Piston-Filling Pen?) in burgundy, and it writes great, maybe just a tad wide.

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Thanks for the great breakdown of info Sam! Very helpful to have info about all the different "versions" of this pen.

 

I'm really enjoying watching Nathan's line of Noodler's pens evolve.

 

Also I'm coming up on my 1st anniversary with my Noodler's Preppy eyedropper that came with Kung Te-cheng. Never had a problem. I've only completely flushed it once, I re-siliconed the threads for the first time last night, and still with the original o-ring. I just keep topping it off and it still writes like a dream every time I reach for it. :yikes: Talk about durability and affordability!

 

I really can't wait for those new eyedroppers. I stay pretty up to date on the latest Noodler's news but this is the first I've heard of these. Thanks Noodler's!

B)

Edited by Truppi327

Best,

Mike Truppi

 

<img src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/5673/inkdz2.png" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" height="60"/><img src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/606/letterji9.png" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" height="60"/><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qVJOiluU9_4/THoFdqPGYOI/AAAAAAAAA1w/gmV637q-HZA/s1600/InkDropLogoFPN.jpg" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" height="60" /> 8/24/10

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Does anyone know where a piston filler with a flex nib may be purchased?

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

 

Lisa in Raleigh, NC

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You've done a really good well thought out review,

 

Thank you,

 

Regards,

 

Pickwick

They came as a boon, and a blessing to men,
The Pickwick, the Owl and the Waverley pen

Sincerely yours,

Pickwick

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Thanks for all the comments! Always great to know a review is useful as a data point.

 

Does anyone know where a piston filler with a flex nib may be purchased?

 

LA, if you mean one of the Noodler's....there are some in route this week to isellpens.com and gouletpens.com Otherwise, I don't know about a higher quality pen with one. As far as I know, a quality Flex Nibbed FP is still a rare commodity in general.

With the new FPN rules, now I REALLY don't know what to put in my signature.

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Thanks, Sam -- I did mean Noodler's. And thanks for your review!

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

 

Lisa in Raleigh, NC

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I have one of the piston fillers. I'm trying to run the ink out of it so I can silicon it, the piston leaks like a sieve when I filled it but is ok now that it's almost out of ink.

 

Where does the $24 pen listed as "ebonite aeromatic/eyedropper" fit into the equation? Haven't seen anything on it yet but I've been curious about it.

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Man! I wish I had that completely clear demonstrator piston-filler, I really dislike how the Dollar one with the black section looks. I guess I ordered my flexible nib too early, before that model was out. Oh well!

 

Thanks for the thorough review.

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Man! I wish I had that completely clear demonstrator piston-filler, I really dislike how the Dollar one with the black section looks. I guess I ordered my flexible nib too early, before that model was out. Oh well!

 

Thanks for the thorough review.

 

You and me both! I was too anxious to get a flex nib to wait for a better looking model. The black section really is ugly, isn't it?

"Instant gratification takes too long."-Carrie Fisher

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Great post! I think it definitely helps explain some of the differences. I think the most confusing part is that some of these pens have been released to all retailers, some to select retailers as 'test markets', and others coming in the near future.

 

As far as Noodler's pens go, the following pens are available to all retailers (we at gouletpens.com have them, as well as isellpens.com):

- Noodler's "Nib Creaper" Refillable Rollerball Pen ($14)

- Noodler's Piston Fill Resin Fountain Pens ($14)

- Noodler's Ebonite Aerometric/Eyedropper Fountain Pens ($24)

 

The Noodler's Flex Nib Fountain pens were made available to isellpens.com in a limited quantity as a 'test market', which proved to do very well. In the next few weeks, they'll be made available to all retailers. I *think* these are also considered "Nib Creapers" but correct me if I'm wrong. I'll know it for sure when I see them in person!

 

We're getting in the Noodler's "Nib Creaper" Fountain Pen ($14) later this week at gouletpens.com. We're serving as a 'test market', so we'll have a limited quantity to start, and if they do well then I imagine they'll make them readily available to all. These are just like the clear demonstrator refillable rollerball pens, but with a ventless fountain nib of course.

 

Very excited for the music nibs in the future - those sound very neat!

 

Hope I haven't further confused anyone.

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We're getting in the Noodler's "Nib Creaper" Fountain Pen ($14) later this week at gouletpens.com. We're serving as a 'test market', so we'll have a limited quantity to start, and if they do well then I imagine they'll make them readily available to all. These are just like the clear demonstrator refillable rollerball pens, but with a ventless fountain nib of course.

 

 

And just to clarify, the Nib Creaper fountain pens that we are getting later this week are NOT flex nibs. They are simply 'ventless' nibs. We'll be able to be much clearer about the differences once we get them in and can take pictures/do video!

Brian Goulet</br><a href='http://www.gouletpens.com' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>www.GouletPens.com</a></br><a href='http://twitter.com/GouletPens' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>GouletPens on Twitter</a></br><a href='http://blog.gouletpens.com' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Goulet Pens blog</a>

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Wow, SamCapote! This is really helpful! I mean... okay, I didn't read it, but I know it's useful and helpful, and I'll know it's here if I decide I want to look into these pens. Thank you for doing this comprehensive review!

_________________

etherX in To Miasto

Fleekair <--French accent.

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The Noodler's Flex Nib Fountain pens were made available to isellpens.com in a limited quantity as a 'test market', which proved to do very well. In the next few weeks, they'll be made available to all retailers. I *think* these are also considered "Nib Creapers" but correct me if I'm wrong. I'll know it for sure when I see them in person!

 

Very excited for the music nibs in the future - those sound very neat!

 

Hope I haven't further confused anyone.

 

I am 99.99999% sure you will be getting ventless nibs with the slit going to the section (making them Creapers), unlike the $24 ebonite green/brown with vented hole that is not a Creaper.

 

People may want to keep in mind if Nathan gets quantity going on the Flex nibs, and sold separately, they would be exceedingly easy to swap for the non-Flex nib. Just to tone down the expections of the Flex nib a tiny bit...and Nathan mentions it in his Black Swan video, you must write at a measured pace, and be willing to adjust the nib/feed protrusion from the section if you are not getting a good result starting out. There is a sweet spot that you will find, and thereafter can leave it in that position. I suspect the Music nib will need a more generous ink flow feed design.

With the new FPN rules, now I REALLY don't know what to put in my signature.

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Can anyone clarify the whole creaper thing? Are there three creapers: the stylograph/rollerball, the super-slit flex nib, and the ventless (not yet seen, to my knowledge) nib?

 

It is in the review. Unlike my dear ethernautrix's strategy, you will have to read it to find out your answer. :roflmho:

With the new FPN rules, now I REALLY don't know what to put in my signature.

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Can anyone clarify the whole creaper thing? Are there three creapers: the stylograph/rollerball, the super-slit flex nib, and the ventless (not yet seen, to my knowledge) nib?

 

It is in the review. Unlike my dear ethernautrix's strategy, you will have to read it to find out your answer. :roflmho:

 

I did! I promise! I think I figured out my confusion - whenever I read "ventless" I thought "slitless" (what a terrible looking word). All is clear now.

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Interesting review. I am tempted to try the piston filler. I bought two of the Ebonite model, and have been loving those. I would love them to be just a sixteenth of an inch thicker in the body; otherwise, wonderful. Very nice to write with, I love the tactile feel of the ebonite. I'd love a piston filler mechanism in one of these; they really do have a feel of being a much more 'vintage' pen than anything else I have bought new, pretty much. I wish someone in the UK would pick these up as a dealer, making them much more affordable. I got stung forf customs duty plus 'handling charges' on mine. :-(

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