Sabonis 192

[Zeroblade]

I got this pen through a raffle from the pay it forward thread, and in exchange I'd write a (by now, long overdue) review about it. So here it is!

 

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4980/sabonis1.jpg

 

First impressions:

 

Before I got the pen, I did a bit of research and noticed that Sabonis is a pretty unknown brand from Mexico. Only small sites had (poorly labeled) stock of it, so I can assume it's not strongly marketed internationally just yet.

Upon reciept, the pen didn't come in a fancy-schmancy box, so I can't evaluate its packaging, if there was any at all. The pen itself was quite weighty, and on first glance, it's rather classy.

 

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/7286/sabonis2.jpg

 

Appearance and Design:

 

It's quite the simple-looking pen, that's for sure. Chrome trim on black. The first thing that catches your eye is the inclined jewel - reminiscent of the Waterman Hemisphere's own cap top - with the lightning bolt 'S'. This was quite the clever way to really show off the brand without being too pretentious. It's classy and simple. The cap band, however, is a little distracting for me. "SABONIS" is engraved on it, which in a way looks okay, but I would've preferred it if the bands were kept completely clean because it does detract a bit from the minimalist design the rest of the pen has.

The cap does not... cap easily. It has to be aligned a bit exactly with the pen itself for it to click in, otherwise, it'll just snag at the edges. Furthermore, the cap doesn't quite post securely, and if you forcibly post, it might scratch or otherwise damage the barrel. Not exactly amusing. Not only that, the cap doesn't have an inner cap that also protects the screw for the jewel, which means that it may get stains later on as you use it.

 

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9409/sabonis3.jpg

 

Weight, Size, and Comfort:

 

I don't have accurate measurements, but if you've got a 51, just imagine a pen with about the same length and width, capped or uncapped, posted or otherwise. Despite its size the pen is pretty hefty. A little heavier than a Vanishing Point. That is to say, it's within my preferred range of weight, so it's alright with me. The section is just simple, smooth plastic, so it shouldn't bother anyone either, except maybe those who have a problem gripping smooth objects.

 

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/1600/sabonis4.jpg

 

Filling System:

 

Cartridge/Converter, international-sized. Usually no big problem for me, but I only have one converter that can fit international-sized pens, which is a bit of a pain if I ever wanted to use another pen like it. But that's more a situational problem than anything else. It being fine-medium, I doubt it would run out within a day or two. Maybe half a week to a week, if you write with only it.

 

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7910/sabonis5.jpg

 

The Nib:

 

The Sabonis 192 comes with a plain steel nib. It's got the Sabonis logo on it, but all signs point to it being another "Iridium Point Germany" nib. That said, it's actually not so bad, compared to the other IPG pen I had, which was downright horrible. It's smooth and very stiff, which is to be expected from a contemporary nib.

 

Overall: 6.5/10

 

The 192 is not a bad pen at all, really, save for some parts of the cap's design. However, I'm the type that looks for the little something extra that gives some merit to the pen, and to be frank, this pen doesn't have that bit of oompff that I want. It's tough, elegantly designed, generally comfortable to use, and writes fine, but I guess it's not really for me.

[MYU]

Nicely done. Sabonis is a strange company... I don't understand their model numbering nomenclature. I do like their logo, though.

[Kabe]

They are german, and seem to be only available in Mexico and Peru

[Kabe]

wwhat's the ink form the sample?

[leandrobf109]

They are german, and seem to be only available in Mexico and Peru

 

Also available in Argentina. Kind regards,

 

Leandro.

[Kabe]

Weird...

[kurazaybo]

I have two pens of the Sabonis brand, they are very well made and I really think the quality exceeds their price. I agree they may not be very exciting but they feel and work remarkably good. I have also seen Sabonis branded ink, will give it a try.

[M@rtin]

nice pen!

[Kabe]

Have you seen the brand in Argentina, Martin?

[M@rtin]

From time to time appears some specimens at Mercadolibre