Twsbi Vs Parker Im

[P.A.R.]

The Parker IM Premium («chrome chiseled») has become my favorite non flex pen among my small collection. As such, I compare all of my new pens to it. The TWSBI 540 has gotten rave reviews on these forums, so it may very well be the next pen that I buy - after my Christmas haul, of course.

 

Can anyone provide a comparison between the Parker IM and the TWSBI 540, both nib size M, primarily focusing on nib qualities?

 

EDIT

 

If you can make a comparison to the Platinum Preppy,Lamy Vista EF, Lamy Safari EF, Bulow/Jinhao x750, Noodlers Ahab, or Noodlers Piston Pen (standard nib), please do. This is mainly focused on nib quality(ie smoothness)

 

Thanks!

Edited December 23, 2011 by P.A.R.

[P.A.R.]

I added some more pens to the list for comparisons... hopefully they are a bit more common

[Ernst Bitterman]

I've only got the previous version of IM, but comparing to that and a Frontier, as well as the Safari, I'd say the difference between them and the TWSBI is some give in the point. It's a little more like writing with a gold-point modern than those pens; cushioning rather than flex, but it does give a little line variation. It's a LOT bigger than the Noodler's Creaper, not quite as burly at the Ahab, and of course not as flexible as either.

[studiohead]

The TWSBI 540 has a better nib than the IM. Better quality control on the TWSBI as well. I have yet to open my M nib but from experience of both Parker IM and TWSBI 540 fines, the TWSBI has a better nib.

[1point1mm]

Can anyone provide a comparison between the Parker IM and the TWSBI 540, both nib size M, primarily focusing on nib qualities?

 

EDIT

 

If you can make a comparison to the Platinum Preppy,Lamy Vista EF. . .please do. This is mainly focused on nib quality(ie smoothness)

 

Thanks!

 

While I don't have the Parker IM or the EF and M nibs, I did a quick scribble with the following:

 

Parker Premier "F"

Platinum Preppy 03 "F"

Lamy Vista|Safari "F"

Namiki|Pilot "F"

TWSBI "B"

 

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/5NibComparo.jpg

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/5NibComparo_ii.jpg

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/5NibComparo_iii.jpg

 

The nibs on all except the Platinium Preppy 03, were smooth and the latter being slightly scratchy. The TWSBI tends to write a tad bit "dry" but nonetheless, smooth in its writing. In this instance very close to the Parker Premier.

[IWantThat]

I have two IMs and one TWSBI. I find the TWSBI much better. I rarely use my IMs - don't really care for the nib at all. The TWSBI definitely has higher quality control and is a better pen than its price indicates, whereas the IM is worth about what it costs (not much). If given the choice again, I would not choose an IM at all, but would go straight for a TWSBI.

[robofkent]

I have two IMs and one TWSBI. I find the TWSBI much better. I rarely use my IMs - don't really care for the nib at all. The TWSBI definitely has higher quality control and is a better pen than its price indicates, whereas the IM is worth about what it costs (not much). If given the choice again, I would not choose an IM at all, but would go straight for a TWSBI.

 

 

I find the same.......I really like the finishes available on the IM but the nib is the standard steel nib seen on the Vector, Reflex, Jotter etc down the years so it's not great for writing pleasure.........I find my 2 TWSBIs to be better but then again they cost about 3 times the price.

[Jimmy James]

I have experience with the nib on the IM only through my experience with the Parker Vector (and a Reflex that is so bad it dries out within 30 minutes of inking but I won't hold that against the nib). It's not a terrible nib, but it's not fantastic. My coworker who has indulged in fountain pens has a Parker Urban he really likes which reminds me that it's not a terrible nib every time it comes out and it has the same nib on as on the IM. I bring that up because it could be that Parker has put slightly more emphasis on the writing experience with its more recent pens like the IM and Urban than with the Vectors I own. I might therefore be a little off.

 

On the other hand, the newest TWSBIs in Smoke, Amber, and Sapphire have Bock nibs that are a joy based on the one Smoke I own and some experience with the same model nib on an early Danitrio I own. TWSBI has confirmed that they actually hand test each nib unit, so you know you'll be getting quality. As somebody else mentioned, the biggest writing experience difference assuming a well adjusted Parker nib and the TWSBI nib we know will be well adjusted is the "cushion" feel that the slightly springy TWSBI nib will give you. I love it. To me, it almost reduces the sensation that I'm doing something that takes effort. It makes it feel like my ideas I'm writing down are just flowing out. I would recommend it.

 

I'll tell you that if you love the Preppy and the Ahab, it makes me wonder if you are actually looking for nib feedback. You get less of that with TWSBI's nib because it's so smooth. I personally don't mind the medium nib Preppy but think the fine is nasty scratchy. I love the Ahab. In fact, I'd say the TWSBI experience is pretty similar to the experience I'm getting with my Ahab body and Bulow OBB nib you introduced me to, P.A.R.

Edited February 4, 2012 by Jimmy James

[P.A.R.]

I have experience with the nib on the IM only through my experience with the Parker Vector (and a Reflex that is so bad it dries out within 30 minutes of inking but I won't hold that against the nib). It's not a terrible nib, but it's not fantastic. My coworker who has indulged in fountain pens has a Parker Urban he really likes which reminds me that it's not a terrible nib every time it comes out and it has the same nib on as on the IM. I bring that up because it could be that Parker has put slightly more emphasis on the writing experience with its more recent pens like the IM and Urban than with the Vectors I own. I might therefore be a little off.

 

On the other hand, the newest TWSBIs in Smoke, Amber, and Sapphire have Bock nibs that are a joy based on the one Smoke I own and some experience with the same model nib on an early Danitrio I own. TWSBI has confirmed that they actually hand test each nib unit, so you know you'll be getting quality. As somebody else mentioned, the biggest writing experience difference assuming a well adjusted Parker nib and the TWSBI nib we know will be well adjusted is the "cushion" feel that the slightly springy TWSBI nib will give you. I love it. To me, it almost reduces the sensation that I'm doing something that takes effort. It makes it feel like my ideas I'm writing down are just flowing out. I would recommend it.

 

I'll tell you that if you love the Preppy and the Ahab, it makes me wonder if you are actually looking for nib feedback. You get less of that with TWSBI's nib because it's so smooth. I personally don't mind the medium nib Preppy but think the fine is nasty scratchy. I love the Ahab. In fact, I'd say the TWSBI experience is pretty similar to the experience I'm getting with my Ahab body and Bulow OBB nib you introduced me to, P.A.R.

 

The Ahab is fun with the flex nib, but I love smoothness for general writing (which is most of what I do for school.) My Knox set is supposed to come in the mail today. I already love the Bulow nib I started that thread with, but SamCapote said the Knox nibs are even better - my next two pens will probably be Ahabs to use with those nibs. I'll probably ask for a Knox K26 set for my birthday.

 

SamCapote compared the Knox and TWSBI Bock nibs, and said they're about the same in terms of quality. According to many posts here the TWSBI is off balance posted, which would be annoying for me. The Ahab already has an awesome ink capacity, and dissasembles just as completely as the TWSBI. Meh.

 

My other pens are starting to feel lonely in their case, but the Ahab is so amazing . I think I got a gift Broad Knox K26 with my K35 set, if Derek followed through with my request, so I can switch that around in my other Noodler's pens so that they get some use too.

Edited February 4, 2012 by P.A.R.

[alexander_k]

I think that my observations agree with the above comments: the IM nib is usable but rather indifferent, while the TWSBI is a delight, especially for the money it cost. It's one of my favourite daily writers, almost as comfortable as my old pride and joy, the M800. As for the Ahab, it's not a pen that I would grab to write a quick note or a lengthy text in a hurry. It asks for a more relaxed and playful attitude.

[Jimmy James]

Just to correct, I have the OBB nib in my Ahab. I get this Bulow vs. Knox thing turned around. I actually had it one way in the post but changed it. Let me just go look at xfountainpens to verify...okay, I have the Knox nib on the pen. I hope that helps.