Pilot Namiki Falcon Elabo

[pe2dave]

2011-03-02T11:03:21Z

Pen review:

Pen Pilot Namiki Falcon Elabo, black, SF (soft fine) nib in rhodium.

 

 

Seller: http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/kendo-karate/

 

First Impressions: 6/10

Well wrapped for delivery. First look? Big, black and shiny.

 

Appearance and Design: 6/10

 

Appearance:

Nominal torpedo shape? Chrome trim, plain clip.

Plain, not elegant IMHO. Perhaps even a little on the chubby side?

 

Design:

 

As a pen it works. Seems to be well made, I'm still unsure if this is

the metal or plastic model.

http://www.andys-pens.ukhome.net/falcon.shtml shows mine, though whether

that is the 'Elabo' I'm unsure. Looking down the barrel I can see metal. From

the weight I would suggest it is a metal + plastic body.

The nib, in Rhodium, is oddly shaped, probably to aid flexing. A (so far) negative

aspect of this design is that I can't yet find out how the nib/feed come out

of the pen when I want to clean it. Any suggestions?

 

One and a half turns to close the cap.

 

My only downer on the design is the filling system, see later. I don't view

this as a good design. I believe it to be the 'CON-70' converter.

 

 

 

Weight and Dimensions: 5/10

 

34.4g inked

138mm capped

126mm uncapped

156mm posted

11mm diameter, at grip

12.4mm max diameter of barrel.

Cap 14mm diameter.

 

[[ Oddities. It struck me that my hand was a long way from the tip

of the nib, so I measured and compared: Distance from tip to first

point at which pen can reasonably be held:

Namiki: 18mm

Cross 17mm

Lamy CP1 17mm

Parker 13.1mm

TWSBI Montesa 18.5mm

Pelikan 19.3mm

Noodlers flex 15mm

so despite my concern it isn't particularly long nibbed, by comparison

with other pens ]]

 

 

 

Nib and Performance,

 

Nib:

Marketed as semi flex. I have little previous experience with flex,

limited to Noodlers flex nib pen, which was my reason for buying this

one. IMHO it is firmer than the Noodlers, though that may change as I

use (and flex) the nib - I have no experience with a Rhodium nib, does

it soften and flex more over time? I'm half convinced that the

Noodlers has done just that over the month I've had it. Hard to

compare the Noodlers weighing in at 3 feathers, with this

(comparative) monster. OK 10.2gms to 34gms, that's quite a

difference. I accept it will take some getting used to.

 

I found (and still find) the nib 'scratchy'. I have yet to determine if this

is the size (it is a genuine Japanese 'Fine', i.e. EF by Eu standards) or

the nib which is scratchy. I feel it when moving the pen across the page

and am concerned about a dig when I move the nib up the page. So far

I have simply smoothed it a little with 12000 grit abrasive. There is so little

metal on the tip I am concerned about doing more.

 

Performance:

 

I bought this pen as a fine writer. It is. I bought it for writing,

rather than decorative scripts, i.e. I wanted comfort. 5/10 for

comfort, more so over a long period, it is weighty, not something I'm

used to. I took a liking to the flex nib from Noodlers, just plain

fun. This nib has flex but it requires work, i.e. more pressure than

the Noodlers. The flex goes (within my measuring accuracy) from 0.26mm

to 0.8mm. I'm not keen on stressing the nib much beyond that

currently. That may change. Roughly a factor of three seems sufficient

as a semi flex.

 

For me, the pen seems fat in my hand. The caveat there is that I have

spent the last month with a pen that is 8.5mm where I grip it. From

that to 11mm may not seem much, but my hand notices it.

 

It started to skip. It then dried up. This after working cleanly with

a wet line for a couple of pages. I inverted it, shook it a couple of

times and off it went again. I'm using Noodlers BSinAR (silly name,

great ink) and the coloring drifts from very dark (the black swan)

through to a pale pink (Oz rose?), then skips and dries. Pressure

shows the railway lines. I filled it, or at least ejected some ink and

re-filled it, and off it went. I am unsure of the cause, a hypothesis

being that steady writing without much movement causes a pressure

imbalance between the atmosphere and the ink reservoir. More

investigation needed, but not a good sign.

 

As of owning this pen for 24 hours, I cannot say I am at home with it

as yet.

 

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5491840508_9b8043863a_o.jpg

 

 

The above just to compare the two.

 

Filling System: 3/10

 

The Pilot CON-70 filling system, see

http://www.melpens.com/Pilot/Converter_CON_70_Push_Type.aspx which

shows it. Most peculiar. Sort of pump the black top, whilst trying to

grip the pen body/converter body which is chromed! It works, but is

simply inefficient and bad design IMHO. I really have no idea how the

system works, how well made or durable the design is. By the time

the pen was full my fingers were fully inked. Mmmm...

 

 

 

 

Cost and Value:

Cost US$205 + $15shipping. £42 UK import + clearance fee.

Not a bargain. The UK purchase is UK 20 more with a reasonable

expectation of customer service without shipping it across the world.

5/10

 

 

Conclusion:

I now have a definition of a 'big' pen for me.

 

I'll probably add to this once I'm more used to the pen.

 

Dave

[farseer911]

Wow really down on the Elabo.

 

Just a note, you bought a soft fine nib, not a lot of flex in that nib and probably smaller than you are use to. you may have been happier with the Soft medium falcon nib, a lot more flex in that bad boy and closer to a western fine.

 

I think your weight is off, because the manufacture weight of my FALCON ELABO is 37 grams, and a 15.5mm diameter of barrel, which may lead me to believe you have just a falcon not a FALCON ELABO, which the nib is a bit harder and not really considered a wet noodle....

 

anyone else chime in for me.

[rollerboy]

Based on the fact the pen has rhodium trim, the provided link, and the weight, I'd say the reviewer definitely has the newer, heavier Falcon Elabo. The resin Falcon is a *lot* lighter. According to richardspens.com the metal Pilot Falcon Elabo is 34 grams, the resin Namiki Falcon is 18 grams.

 

I have the resin Falcon and it's one of my faves. I've got a CON-20 in it and I just wish it took the CON-70 the reviewer doesn't like. I agree the repeated button pushing action is not all that convenient, but there's no need to get inky fingers doing it. The CON-70 is one of the higher capacity converters around. Certainly it's the highest capacity of Pilot's converters ... and unlike the CON-20 you can see your ink level. I've found the key to filling a CON-70 is to press about 5 to 7 times with no pause between presses. It's not like the CON-20 where you pump, wait 5 seconds, pump.

[farseer911]

Based on the fact the pen has rhodium trim, the provided link, and the weight, I'd say the reviewer definitely has the newer, heavier Falcon Elabo. The resin Falcon is a *lot* lighter. According to richardspens.com the metal Pilot Falcon Elabo is 34 grams, the resin Namiki Falcon is 18 grams.

 

I have the resin Falcon and it's one of my faves. I've got a CON-20 in it and I just wish it took the CON-70 the reviewer doesn't like. I agree the repeated button pushing action is not all that convenient, but there's no need to get inky fingers doing it. The CON-70 is one of the higher capacity converters around. Certainly it's the highest capacity of Pilot's converters ... and unlike the CON-20 you can see your ink level. I've found the key to filling a CON-70 is to press about 5 to 7 times with no pause between presses. It's not like the CON-20 where you pump, wait 5 seconds, pump.

 

there is the Falcon Collection by Namiki which is resin, there is the Falcon Collection by Pilot which has the metal body and then there is the Falcon Elabo Collection by Pilot Falcon the wet noodle nib. They all have different specs weights and sizes especially barrel diam between the falcon and the falcon elabo but only a 3g weight difference, but a huge weight difference and size variation and could never be confused with the Falcon Collection by Namiki. But then again I could be totally wrong.

[pe2dave]

Based on the fact the pen has rhodium trim, the provided link, and the weight, I'd say the reviewer definitely has the newer, heavier Falcon Elabo. The resin Falcon is a *lot* lighter. According to richardspens.com the metal Pilot Falcon Elabo is 34 grams, the resin Namiki Falcon is 18 grams.

 

I have the resin Falcon and it's one of my faves. I've got a CON-20 in it and I just wish it took the CON-70 the reviewer doesn't like. I agree the repeated button pushing action is not all that convenient, but there's no need to get inky fingers doing it. The CON-70 is one of the higher capacity converters around. Certainly it's the highest capacity of Pilot's converters ... and unlike the CON-20 you can see your ink level. I've found the key to filling a CON-70 is to press about 5 to 7 times with no pause between presses. It's not like the CON-20 where you pump, wait 5 seconds, pump.

 

Thanks for that. I am quoting after the first fill. I backed out of a purchase of a pen with the older converter because of the higher capacity of the CON-70. I hope I do get used to it... and keep my fingers cleaner :-)

 

Any idea about removing the nib/feed?

 

Dave

[Groat]

there is the Falcon Collection by Namiki which is resin, there is the Falcon Collection by Pilot which has the metal body and then there is the Falcon Elabo Collection by Pilot Falcon the wet noodle nib. They all have different specs weights and sizes especially barrel diam between the falcon and the falcon elabo but only a 3g weight difference, but a huge weight difference and size variation and could never be confused with the Falcon Collection by Namiki. But then again I could be totally wrong.

 

I'm relatively sure that there is just the resin Falcon and the metal one. The Elabo and Falcon Collection by Pilot are the same pen, if memory serves me correct.

 

I've got one of the resin models and enjoy it, but I wouldn't call it a flex pen. It's just a very 'soft' nib. It came with the CON-50 converter, which isn't worth a bean. I have empty cartridges that I refill instead, which works surprisingly well. The resin model is far too light though; it feels almost like there's nothing in your hand at all. Some may like the sensation, but it gets used less by me as a result.

[pe2dave]

 

I'm relatively sure that there is just the resin Falcon and the metal one. The Elabo and Falcon Collection by Pilot are the same pen, if memory serves me correct.

 

I've got one of the resin models and enjoy it, but I wouldn't call it a flex pen. It's just a very 'soft' nib. It came with the CON-50 converter, which isn't worth a bean. I have empty cartridges that I refill instead, which works surprisingly well. The resin model is far too light though; it feels almost like there's nothing in your hand at all. Some may like the sensation, but it gets used less by me as a result.

 

To try and close this thread out. I agree Groat. It is the metal Falcon. Identical to the one sold in the UK. Just Pilot who don't realise the confusion they cause by all these names.

 

==================

 

Re the nib/feed removal? WARNING These pens do not have a removable nib/feed.

The 'nib unit' is one item, up to where the section screws into the body? I.e. the point of insertion of a converter or cartridge. There is no joint that can be opened between the nib and the pen body, which is the second of the three metal rings. You have been warned.

 

I refuse to say how I found this out, just assume it was painful.

My thanks to Michael at Cult Pens for his help in digging me out of a hole (and a great 24 hour turn around for a replacement nib unit)

 

I can now go back to this pen and do a longer term assessment.

 

Learning point? If you are a fiddler, find out before you buy if

the pen has a removable nib and feed.

 

Dave

[watch_art]

 

Any idea about removing the nib/feed?

 

Dave

 

 

yep. soak in hot water a minute or two to loosen any ink and sort of expand things, pinch nib and feed, pull.

[pe2dave]

 

Any idea about removing the nib/feed?

 

Dave

 

 

yep. soak in hot water a minute or two to loosen any ink and sort of expand things, pinch nib and feed, pull.

 

Err, no. See my previous post. This pen does not have a separable nib/feed, it is a nib unit (much to the discredit of Pilot IMHO)

 

Dave

[watch_art]

So then unscrew it like a Pelikan/Esterbrook/Edison/Visconti... etc?

[pe2dave]

So then unscrew it like a Pelikan/Esterbrook/Edison/Visconti... etc?

 

 

Unscrew the nib unit, yes. The nib+feed as a pair, from the section? No.

that was the reason for the warning. Hopefully to stop others trying.

[watch_art]

I want one of these units so I can take it apart.

[pe2dave]

I want one of these units so I can take it apart.

 

Post the photos when you do, I'll be interested.

 

Dave

[watch_art]

Doesn't somebody here have a tore up unit I can play with?

[Kessel]

Once you get used to the CON-70, imho, you'll find that it's one of the best converters on the market. Its capacity is practically unmatched for a converter.

[pe2dave]

I want one of these units so I can take it apart.

 

Post the photos when you do, I'll be interested.

 

Dave

 

 

Well, if you can't pull, push.

Insert a round, squared off rod into the section, towards

the nib, and the nib/feed pop out, as intended I guess.

 

Due care returning the feed+ nib into the section. Only one way. Look for the triangle shape, the odd point lines up with a channel in the feed.

 

Question: Where the heck can I get a replacement feed in the UK?

 

Dave

[watch_art]

I want one of these units so I can take it apart.

 

Post the photos when you do, I'll be interested.

 

Dave

 

 

Well, if you can't pull, push.

Insert a round, squared off rod into the section, towards

the nib, and the nib/feed pop out, as intended I guess.

 

Due care returning the feed+ nib into the section. Only one way. Look for the triangle shape, the odd point lines up with a channel in the feed.

 

Question: Where the heck can I get a replacement feed in the UK?

 

Dave

 

http://www.cultpens.com/index.html

Cult Pens

The SQL Workshop

Unit 5 Tiverton Trade Centre

Lowman Way

Tiverton

EX16 6SR

 

or fax us on 01884 259824 (international +44 1884 259824).

[pe2dave]

 

http://www.cultpens.com/index.html

 

Cult Pens

The SQL Workshop

Unit 5 Tiverton Trade Centre

Lowman Way

Tiverton

EX16 6SR

 

 

Duly contacted. Now to see if it is worthwhile repairing!

 

Dave

[pe2dave]

 

http://www.cultpens.com/index.html

 

Cult Pens

The SQL Workshop

Unit 5 Tiverton Trade Centre

Lowman Way

Tiverton

EX16 6SR

 

 

Duly contacted. Now to see if it is worthwhile repairing!

 

Dave

 

No.

75 UK pounds for the nib unit. Feed not sold as a separate unit. Nice one Pilot.

 

One make to avoid in future.

 

Dave

[watch_art]

The nib and feed can be removed.

From:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/189997-namikipilot-falcon-question/page__view__findpost__p__1919034

 

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n9/kmpn/pen/pilot/falcon/95625c81.jpg