5280 Summit (a pen from Paradse pens)

[journeyman42]

Now that I have gotten my first Fountain pen working I am looking around for another. The 5280 brand by Paradise Pen Company caught my eye, but I can't find any solid information about it. Do any of you much wiser people know anything more about this pen?

 

Thanks in advance.

[asamsky]

Well, they have Schmidt iridium points according to the picture, which is probably good. I think you could probably get an equally nice-looking, more proven pen for $140. Perhaps a Pelikan or a nice vintage Parker 51?

[Dr.Grace]

I've never heard of it. However, it looks like it has a Schmidt steel nib, so it's probably a decent writer. However, one thing I'd ask about is whether it's top-heavy when posted. It looks like it might not be well balanced.

[goodguy]

It looks like a nice pen but I personaly think its way overpriced.

For this price I'd get a Pelikan M605 from Pam for 120$ with a gold nib.

Edited April 4, 2008 by goodguy

[Doug C]

This is a Franklin Christoph pen that is available directly from them for a little less ( look at their website) that I believe in made in Taiwan). Not a bad thing (I have one of them), but you can get a German pen for the same $$. I agree that if you want a wonderful quality fountain pen for the same money, look at a Pelikan 200 range at one of the better online shops.

[journeyman42]

Thank you everyone for your great suggestions. I took a look at the Franklin Christoph pen (the M-14) and noted the signifigant savings. I'll also look at the other ones suggested. I am glad that you are all available as a resource to thoes uf us who are new to fountain pens.

 

 

[futhark]

The ergonomics of the barrel to section transition on that pen look mighty awkward to me.

[Dr.Grace]

It looks like a nice pen but I personaly think its way overpriced.

For this price I'd get a Pelikan M605 from Pam for 120$ with a gold nib.

 

 

He's referring to Pam Braun, from Oscar Braun Pens. I don't see the M605 listed on her site any more, but you can call her to find out the price on a nice Pelikan M400. That would be a much better pen at a similar price. There are many other options, including a Pilot Custom 74 (which you can order from well-known sellers in Japan) or a Sailor 1911M (see Pam).

 

[Robert Hughes]

...made in Taiwan. Not a bad thing (I have one of them), but you can get a German pen for the same $$.

Just for curiosity, is this implicit generalization (that German pens are inherently superior) still valid, or merely a leftover memory from the days when "Made in Taiwan" was synonymous with "cheap disposable junk"? I recall seeing some German-made export items from the late 40's that left much to be desired in the Q&A department.

Edited April 4, 2008 by Robert Hughes

[journeyman42]

I have taken a look at the other pens suggested, I do like the Pilot Custom 74 it has the simple smooth lines and is more of a cylinder in shape. For some strange reason I tend to like my pens to look as close a straight tube as possible. Some tapering around the ends are ok though and the Custom 74 fits that bill the another one I like is the Dunhill sidecar, which also has that cigar shape.

 

Thanks for all the input and the leads on other pens. I am in the process of mulling it over.

 

 

[Doug C]

...made in Taiwan. Not a bad thing (I have one of them), but you can get a German pen for the same $$.

Just for curiosity, is this implicit generalization (that German pens are inherently superior) still valid, or merely a leftover memory from the days when "Made in Taiwan" was synonymous with "cheap disposable junk"? I recall seeing some German-made export items from the late 40's that left much to be desired in the Q&A department.

 

 

All I meant to say was that that same basic pen (the FC) can be had in a slightly simpler form for closer to $70. I have one, and it is a nice enough pen, but not even close to a Pelikan, assuming he chooses to spend $100 plus.

 

And there is a difference in cost of labor.

[journeyman42]

I have been mostly talked out of this pen (for now), but when I was inquiring I sent a list of questions to Paradse pens and the sent back a good reply so I thought I would post it in case anyone else wanted to know.

 

(Questions in black and answers in blue)

 

1) Normally I get my information about a pen from 3rd party reviews, such as those on the Fountain Pen Network. Are there any third party reviews available for the fountain version of this pen?

 

Since this is a private label brand of Paradise Pen Company there probably aren't many 3rd party reviews currently our there.

 

2) What sort of customer feed back is it receiving?

 

Customer feedback has been VERY positive on the entire Summit collection. It has been one of our top sellers ever since we introduced it and I have yet to hear of any negative feedback regarding the collection.

 

3) How long has it been out?

 

We just launched the collection last Fall.

 

4) What is the return rate from customers?

 

So far we have sold over 800 pieces between the 3 modes/colors and I have only gotten 2 back because of defects (.0025%) and our customer return rate has been less than 3% overall. Many of these pieces were sold over Xmas though so it is natural to expect returns on any items after the holidays.

 

5) Do you have any written information about the pen and nib that I could get through the internet or have mailed to me?

 

The nib is a Schmidt iridium nib. The pen is only offered as a fine point due to the magnetic design of the pen. Although it is listed as a fine point the nib in fact behaves more simiilar to most companies medium point nibs. The pen also comes standard with a converter.

 

6) Have you tried the pen out? What do you think its best points are?

 

I have tried all of the pens in the collection and while I do like writing with the fountain pen I will admit that I use the rollerball far more often. Since the pen comes with a steel nib you should expect it to be more rigid than a gold nib but it does write very nice and it allowed us to keep the price down on this item. I think that the most unique points of the collection are the magnetic cap on the FP's and RB's. The cap stays on the pen by the use of a magnet and posts on the back end of the pen using the same technology. They come in a gorgeous gift box and each pen comes with a 3-year warranty. Because this is a private-label line of ours you can expect the highest level of service should you encounter any problems with the pens. We are typically able to turn repairs around in less than 1 week and oftentimes will simply replace the pen rather than repair it should anything go wrong. The Carbon Fiber version has certainly been the most popular of the bunch but it's hard to beat a sterling silver pen for $115-140.

 

7) Which of the more popular pens on the market do you think it is most like in functionality?

 

Because of it's magnetic cap I'm not sure that any pens on the market can be considered completely comparable to this collection. I think that from a size/weight standpoint it is very similar to an ST Dupont Orpheo. The pens all have a spring clip so it is very similar to Dupont in this regard as well. While I will admit that I am slightly biased I really do think that this collection has one of the highest price/value ratios in the industry. By producing these pens ourselves we have been able to cut-out middlemen/distributors so that the savings is passed on to the customer. If a big name brand were to come out with something similar I can guarantee that it would be 2-3 times the price at a minimum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fatehbajwa]

I was very keen on it, but wrote to Paradise Pen asking about it being Sterling Silver................this is the response..............

 

 

" Fateh-

 

Thank you for your email. I noticed you placed an order for the Summit

Silver Zig Zag Fountain Pen, thank you! We will be processing your order

soon. I'm sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you. The pen you

ordered is sterling silver plated and is hallmarked. Please let me know if

you have any further questions. Have a wonderful day!

 

Sincerely,

 

Andrea Hochstetler "

 

 

 

Wish it was sterling silver and not plated.

[penbuyer]

I was very keen on it, but wrote to Paradise Pen asking about it being Sterling Silver................this is the response..............

 

 

" Fateh-

 

Thank you for your email. I noticed you placed an order for the Summit

Silver Zig Zag Fountain Pen, thank you! We will be processing your order

soon. I'm sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you. The pen you

ordered is sterling silver plated and is hallmarked. Please let me know if

you have any further questions. Have a wonderful day!

 

Sincerely,

 

Andrea Hochstetler "

 

 

 

Wish it was sterling silver and not plated.

 

Dear Fateh,

 

I was looking through FPN and came across your post regarding the Sterling Silver 5280. My name is Jim Paradise and I am the head buyer for Paradise Pen Co. I wanted to clear up some confusion regarding this pen. The barrel and cap are in fact produced from solid sterling silver. The appointments, (i.e. - clip, center ring, etc.) are not sterling silver but instead a chrome plated alloy. Since sterling silver is such a soft metal it does not make sense to use it for the parts that receive a little more wear and tear. Anyways, I hope that this answers your question more correctly.

 

Thanks,

Jim

[fatehbajwa]

Thanks Jim................my order is on the way!!!!!!!!

[Aysedasi]

He's referring to Pam Braun, from Oscar Braun Pens. I don't see the M605 listed on her site any more, but you can call her to find out the price on a nice Pelikan M400. That would be a much better pen at a similar price. There are many other options, including a Pilot Custom 74 (which you can order from well-known sellers in Japan) or a Sailor 1911M (see Pam).

 

 

There's a slight problem with that link.

 

I think it should be

 

Oscar Braun Pens

Edited July 30, 2008 by Aysedasi

[rogerb]

When you get it, do you become a member of The Mile High Club? (5280 feet!)

[fatehbajwa]

When you get it, do you become a member of The Mile High Club? (5280 feet!)

 

Already a member there............. :roflmho:

[fsnow55]

I bought this pen from their store in the Galleria. Pluses are getting good, friendly service from a B&M store. The cap closes magnetically, which closed the deal for me as I'm a sucker for novelty. I knew beforehand that it'll probably be cheaper elsewhere, but if I save all my purchases for online, pretty soon, all our shops will be abandoned and our malls deserted.

 

Still, it's good to know that it's a Franklin-Christoph pen.