Comparison Of Yard - O - Led Viceroy To S.t. Dupont Olympio Xl

[SHK]

Hello,

 

I'm interested in two fountain pens:

1.- Yard-O-Led Viceroy Grand

2.- S.T. Dupont Olympio XL

 

I don't have a local shop to check both pens, so it would be nice if a FPN members could help out who has both of them.

I know that both are big fountain pens, but I would like to know more about both of them.

I also know that a view can be subjective as well but I want to get an overall imprssion of both pens.

This should not become a thread to point out which pen is better only to face the facts.

 

This is what I would like to know:

1.- How is the feeling of the pen during writing and in general?

Without cap posted!

2.- How are both sections?

Because the YOL is more curved, while the Dupont is straight.

3.- The nib performances?

Stiff, Smooth, ...

 

This is all at the moment.

I'm very thankful for help.

 

Sascha

[Ghost Plane]

I only have the YoL Grand. One of the few pens I don't post. It's long enough, balanced enough, and wide enough for optimum comfort. Probably why I have 3 of them now. :embarrassed_smile:

 

The nibs are fantastic, wet, and have a quaint habit of singing to one on occasion. Do NOT mistake this for being dry. My B nib is up there with Visconti or MB for float, yet not so tactile as my Aurora B. Draws a more precise line while still being a fantastic B nib.

 

These are sturdy pens, c/c fillers which is good for me when I travel. The only thing that might annoy the anal types is the ability of the section to attract fingerprints. A quick wipe down with a cotton hanky takes care of that. I'd advise a swipe with a silver polishing cloth on occasion, but not too often if you enjoy the contrast in the patina, as I do.

 

The only known issue with these pens and I suspect it's fairly rare, is section leaks. I've experienced it twice in 10+ years of heavy usage and had the entire nib and section replaced by YoL with no charge beyond the postage it cost me to send it to Filofax. LOVE their customer service. Someone else had the same problem a few years back.

 

These are pens I'd grab for a desert island if I knew I'd be isolated without service and have to use only those pens. The M nibs are good, too, as I had one until I swapped with a fellow user for their B.

 

Can't speak to the Dupont. Only one I ever test drove, the section hit my fingers wrong. But the nib was nice for an M. I simply prefer bigger nibs than Dupont seems to provide.

Edited June 28, 2011 by Ghost Plane

[jar]

Boy, tough cause they are two really really great pens.

 

The Yard-o-Led feels quite different when using it posted versus unposted. I find that both work but it may be slightly better when unposted than posted yet I still use mine posted.

 

The ST Dupont feels the same posted or unposted. That is because the cap on the Olympio/Orpheo posts very deeply so the overall length change is only about a quarter inch.

 

I'd say that the ST Dupont nibs have been just slightly better overall compared to the Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand, but again, they would both be described as moderately wet, luscious and extremely smooth. In the broad nib the Yard-o-Led is slightly more stubby than the ST Dupont.

 

When it comes to sections I'd give the nod to an older lacquered section ST Dupont Olympio/Orpheo over a modern Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand but prefer the Modern Yard-o-Led to the modern ST Dupont. The silver section of the modern Yard-o-Led tends to warm and has that distinctive silver feel that is so different than the feel of rhodium or palladium even if textured.

 

There is more variety in the ST Dupont pens but I certainly can't fault hand chased and hammered Stirling Silver either.

 

In the US I'd say that Yard-o-Led wins hands down on customer service, Filofax has a great reputation there, but then I've also never needed customer service on any of my ST Duponts.

 

Which would I choose? Well, both. Which do I have more of? The ST Duponts.

[skipwilliams]

I've had a Dupont XL Olympio in the original Vertigo for the past 14 years and it's a stupendous pen. One of my I'll-never-sell pens, not withstanding it was an anniversary present from my wife. Unfortunately, no YOL experience.

 

Regarding the Dupont:

 

I write with the pen unposted, as the balance is much better, IMO. I firmly disagree with "jar" regarding this. Yes, there is only ~1/4" in length difference between un/posted; but the balance difference is vast. Putting that heavy cap out on the end of the barrel is a huge change.

 

The black, lacquered section that I have us superb, no need for something curved.

 

I have two nibs, one F and one M reground to a CI. Both are superb, write at once when touching the paper, ultra smooth, and have virtually no flex. Out of 250 pens, one of my top 10 for sure in writing quality and performance.

 

Skip

 

This is what I would like to know:

1.- How is the feeling of the pen during writing and in general?

Without cap posted!

2.- How are both sections?

Because the YOL is more curved, while the Dupont is straight.

3.- The nib performances?

Stiff, Smooth, ...

 

This is all at the moment.

I'm very thankful for help.

 

Sascha

[SHK]

Thanks for the informations up till now.

My tendcy is going to the YOL Grande Victorian, because of this great looking pattern.

It really looks amazingly nice.

 

Thanks

Sascha

[Ghost Plane]

It's even better in person

[jar]

You simply can't go wrong with that choice.

[mjchuang9]

Definitely S.T Dupont. Perfect combination of goldsmith and lacquer. Holding the pen can really feel Samourai spirit in your hand. Also the great pattern too.

 

 

Edited July 7, 2011 by mjchuang9

[jar]

I thought it might be interesting to add some pictures showing both.

 

The Yard-o-Led is a Viceroy Victorian Grand and the ST Dupont is an XL Palladium and Placed Lacquer.

 

Hope this helps.

 

http://www.fototime.com/DC76AF0D6B93001/standard.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/6F7B1CA4188FF60/standard.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/D2D4FD68D7DFC47/standard.jpg

 

The nibs are both fairly firm, both are moderately wet writers with great feedback and control. The Y-o-L is a white gold 18K nib while the Olympio is an 18K Palladium or Rhodium, plated nib.

[SHK]

Thanks jar,

also thanks to mjchuang9.

actually I'm thinking to buy both of them.

In two weeks I will get the YOL and later the Olympio XL in black/gold.

Tomorrow I have to go to the duty office to pick up my Edison Pen Huron.

Seem's like I have to pay 19% tax for value plus shipping.

Oh boy. Oh boy. Am I crazy!

 

Sascha

[82Greg]

I have several Duponts and love each and every one. However, this discussion has me interested in the Yard-O-Led. Generally speaking I'm not drawn to metal finish pens because of the visual impact of the inevitable fingerprints. However, the Victorian pattern seems to keep that issue under control.

 

Anyone know where I can a great deal on YOL?

[Ghost Plane]

Oscar Braun pens before Pam has to shut her doors and move. Best prices EVER

[jar]

I have several Duponts and love each and every one. However, this discussion has me interested in the Yard-O-Led. Generally speaking I'm not drawn to metal finish pens because of the visual impact of the inevitable fingerprints. However, the Victorian pattern seems to keep that issue under control.

 

Anyone know where I can a great deal on YOL?

 

Pam, of course.

[SHK]

I have several Duponts and love each and every one. However, this discussion has me interested in the Yard-O-Led. Generally speaking I'm not drawn to metal finish pens because of the visual impact of the inevitable fingerprints. However, the Victorian pattern seems to keep that issue under control.

 

Anyone know where I can a great deal on YOL?

 

Here is another link:

 

http://www.andys-pens.ukhome.net/viceroy.shtml

 

Regards

Sascha

[jar]

I have several Duponts and love each and every one. However, this discussion has me interested in the Yard-O-Led. Generally speaking I'm not drawn to metal finish pens because of the visual impact of the inevitable fingerprints. However, the Victorian pattern seems to keep that issue under control.

 

Anyone know where I can a great deal on YOL?

 

Here is another link:

 

http://www.andys-pen...t/viceroy.shtml

 

Regards

Sascha

 

Actually, at today's exchange rates a Canadian should REALLY talk to Pam for pricing.

[ggggggh]

What?? Pam is shutting down her shop?

[Ghost Plane]

Unfortunately. There's a thread in Market Watch about it.

[raging.dragon]

The Yard-o-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian has been on my wish list of awhile now.

 

I briefly handled both a Viceroy and a Viceroy Grand at a local pen store. Nice smooth nibs with a bit of spring but no real flex. I've never laid hands on an ST Dupont, so I can't offer any comparison.

[SHK]

I have several Duponts and love each and every one. However, this discussion has me interested in the Yard-O-Led. Generally speaking I'm not drawn to metal finish pens because of the visual impact of the inevitable fingerprints. However, the Victorian pattern seems to keep that issue under control.

 

Anyone know where I can a great deal on YOL?

 

Here is another link:

 

http://www.andys-pen...t/viceroy.shtml

 

Regards

Sascha

 

Actually, at today's exchange rates a Canadian should REALLY talk to Pam for pricing.

 

Yes, I'm a Canadian and I will never ever give up my citizenship but I'm living in Germany.

It's pretty weird I don't feel as a German.

 

Sascha

[jar]

 

Yes, I'm a Canadian and I will never ever give up my citizenship but I'm living in Germany.

It's pretty weird I don't feel as a German.

 

Sascha

 

Do you still have kin folk in Canada? Do you have to VAT gifts?