Sheaffer Agio Vs. Prelude

[JonB55198]

Hi Group,

I currently have a Sheaffer Agio. I was wondering if the Prelude is much of a step up. I was going to try to find a good deal on the 22k gold version. But, my main concern is whether or not it actually writes better. The Agio writes reliably, but a bit wet. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

-Jon

[wednesday_mac]

My fine-point Agio is a scratchy writer and I'm not pleased with it. It drags on the paper like a ballpoint, sets my teeth on edge and seems of cheaper workmanship than the old Sheaffer cartridge pens I have.

 

My fine- and medium-point Prelude nibs (I think they're steel) look like the Agio nib, but they're smooth writers, so I prefer them. The Prelude body is also thicker, heavier than the Agio. My father liked the first one I had so well, he nicked it and I had get another for myself.

 

My conclusion: Agios are cheap. Preludes are a bit further up the scale. I won't buy another Agio, but I have three Preludes plus the one my father took. None of the Preludes I have write particularly wet.

 

I've never written with a gold nib, so you're on your own there. Someone else should chime in and let you know shortly. Probably.

Edited January 17, 2011 by wednesday_mac

[bogiesan]

Hi Group,

I currently have a Sheaffer Agio. I was wondering if the Prelude is much of a step up. I was going to try to find a good deal on the 22k gold version. But, my main concern is whether or not it actually writes better. The Agio writes reliably, but a bit wet. Any thoughts? Thanks.

-Jon

 

I have pursued the Sheaffer nib, not the pen body. You want a nice Sheaffer experience? Locate NOS (new, old stock) products on ebay or at any of the many vendors listed on the FPN (including Pen Hero's store) that handle older style Sheaffer pens.

 

Highly recommended: I have purchased many vintage NOS Sheaffer products from Teri: Peyton Street Pens

 

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/media/01/a20791d1291e289c73f3ec_m.jpg

 

Steel fine nib, classic body shape and steel cap, $25 plus shipping. Slick!

Beats the heck outa your Prelude or your Agio unless, of course, you prefer the modern finishes on the Agio

http://www.penherostore.com/catalog/Agio459_0.jpg

 

or the clean styling of the Prelude.

 

http://www.penherostore.com/catalog/Prelude3680.jpg

 

david boise ID

[JonB55198]

Great input guys. Does anyone know where to get a fluted gold Sheaffer Prelude for the best price? I'd buy one used if one was available. Anyone have any leads? :-)

 

Does anyone have opinions one if I should get fine, medium or broad? Most of my pens are medium. Does anyone find a certain width to be the most useful?

[JonB55198]

I have pursued the Sheaffer nib, not the pen body. You want a nice Sheaffer experience? Locate NOS (new, old stock) products on ebay or at any of the many vendors listed on the FPN (including Pen Hero's store) that handle older style Sheaffer pens.

 

Highly recommended: I have purchased many vintage NOS Sheaffer products from Teri: Peyton Street Pens

 

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/media/01/a20791d1291e289c73f3ec_m.jpg

 

Steel fine nib, classic body shape and steel cap, $25 plus shipping. Slick!

Beats the heck outa your Prelude or your Agio unless, of course, you prefer the modern finishes on the Agio

 

It's a shame they don't have any with extra fine nibs left in stock. I don't have any pens with an extra fine nib in my collection yet.... but that pen does look nice.

[bogiesan]

 

It's a shame they don't have any with extra fine nibs left in stock. I don't have any pens with an extra fine nib in my collection yet.... but that pen does look nice.

 

Yes, but that's part of the fun of the hunt; you never know what NOS dealers are going to uncover!

My purchases from Peyton have all been serendipitous.

Keep looking.

 

david boise ID

[JonB55198]

Update:

 

I now have Agio, Prelude and Targa 1000, Targa 1003, Targa 1005 :-)

Edited January 27, 2011 by JonB55198

[NORTON]

Update:

 

I now have Agio, Prelude and Targa 1000, Targa 1003, Targa 1005 :-)

 

So, what do you think about the Prelude? I think the Prelude nib is quite stunning, notwithstanding its "drool".

[JonB55198]

So, what do you think about the Prelude?

 

Hey Norton,

 

I'll let you know when I ink it. Right now its sitting on my desk because I bought a bunch of different pens from various online auctions. I actually might be selling the Prelude because I bought another one from the same guy in a different color. At the time I didn't now he had both for sale. The color of the one I have is matte blue with gold plated hardware. :-) It looks great. I bet it is going to write great. I will update you shortly :-)

 

-Jon