Dan's 1St Omas: 360

[haldane3]

Hello!

 

So as my poll suggested, I was on a mission to get my first OMAS. (see "Dan's First Omas")

 

I had half a dozen candidates or so in my mind and no way to pick from among them, so from there my poll was born.

 

Shortly after I published said poll, I decided I enjoyed uniquely shaped pens. I love my Carene, and I love my Bexley Americana less for one reason alone: the lovely inlaid nib and bow-shaped section/barrel. In my mind, my collection shall progress along similar lines, looking for pens that break the mold. A curvilinear OMAS 360 fits that bill to a T. So no Bologna for me.

 

As the voting continued, I quickly saw that there were 2 groups of mind:

 

-Old vs New

-Vintage vs World

 

This got me thinking: should I get the best of both worlds? "Old" yet new Vintage turqoise?

 

I had 2 problems with this. One, I am in line with Eric's assessment from FPgeeks.com, i.e. what makes this $600 injection molded pen so special? I suppose since OMAS celluloid pens are astronomically priced, this is probably a reasonable alternative in comparison. In other words, a lot of money. Two, it's a demonstrator. I have a preppy that I think is neat as I can see the Bay State Blue inside. Neat. But that pen was, after all, free with the bottle of ink. Not an expensive OMAS.

 

So I ruled out the vintage. That left me with true vintage/older 360 models and my search ensued! I found 3 generations of 360: old, new, and newer. Old was classic 360 shape, with rounded ends, thin and shapely clips, curvilinear sections, and celluloid models available. New model 360 included sharpened/flat ends, "O" on cap, and a blade-shaped clip with classic curvilinear section. The newest models are same as the "new" model except they possess the hitherto lambasted circular section and the "Greek key" trim is an engraved "OMAS" ST band.

 

Alas, the newest model possessed two characteristics I just could not tolerate: the generically shaped circular section and unimpressive colors (bordeaux and black). I would not go so far as to call these pens "ugly" as have numerous FPN members referred to them. But certainly, they do not possess the same pizzazz. Next, the vintage models also came in an assortment of colors that might be nice, but I find that I do like the shape of the new models. In fact, one in particular beautiful "new" 360 caught my eye: the blue cotton resin 360.

 

I himmed and hawed, I went back and forth. I went so far as to consider a beautiful celluloid 360 in grey/black HT trim at twice the price. But I just could not get away from the blue cotton resin. So despite a measly 3 votes on my poll, I pulled the trigger on this beauty:

 

 

 

Appearance and Design: 9.5

 

Ahh, the shape is striking. The flat lines at either end complement the curvilinear shape. The rose gold trim is warm, inviting, and classic. The "Greek key" design of the trim is also highly stylized and classy. The clip exudes confidence. The "O" in the cap makes me smile. The nib design is unique, but appears "busy" and detracts from the long lines of the pen. The blue cotton resin is very, very nice, a soft, pale blue with color variation and some depth throughout. I don't believe I've seen it's like before. There is also a small "OMAS Italy" engraved behind the cap.

 

I think there might be no more unique an FP in all of pendom.

 

Construction and Quality: 8

 

Despite being a large pen, it is light which bothers me a bit. Perhaps Waterman's' heavy pens have given me a false impression of quality and weight, but I do prefer a bit of a heavier pen. The construction is other wise great externally. The lines and plastic all meet smoothly, no evidence of machining at the folds. The clip is sturdy.

 

My one issue stems from the nib feed: it is off center of the nib. This does not interfere with writing, but it is obviously off. I think OMAS quality control missed this one.

 

 

 

 

 

Weight and Dimensions: 9

 

As I said before, it is a light pen. It is in other dimensions, quite large. Matches the lengths of my Waterman Carene and LAMY safari which are some of the longer pens I own. It's width is just over 1/2 inch, but doesn't give you the impression of being "thick" as it is curvilinear.

 

Dimensions: capped it is 5 12/16 in, uncapped 5 2/16, and posted 6 12/16.

 

 

 

 

 

COMPARISON

 

Nib & Performance: 10

 

Other than the tine being misaligned, which I knocked in the quality/construction department, and the busy design on the top of the nib, this pen can write! Loaded with Iroshizuku Asa-Gao, she shot right out of the gate. Wrote with every bit of panache an Italian pen (I surmise) could muster!

 

Smooth, fast, wet, nice medium line. Almost zero feedback. Smoother than both my Carene and Exception which are particularly smooth pens. I cannot say enough, wrote perfectly. Might be my new favorite writer. 10 I say!

 

The nib is stiff. No real flex if that's your thing (outside of nib being soft 18K). I do like the rose gold (if I haven't mentioned already

 

 

 

 

 

Filling System & Maintenance: 9

 

This is a cartridge/converter filler. I like them, so no complaints. It works great, draws up a nice amount of ink without fuss. I am not a professional writer, and since my hospital is now running on EMR, I write much, much less. So the amount of ink in my pen is not a concern, and I like to switch inks often so does not bother me one bit.

 

 

 

Also, being a C/C filler, maintenance is easy speezy. No piston to worry about flushing.

 

Cost & Value: 9

 

I purchased mine new from "italianpens" on Ebay. I have no complaints, this was my first transaction with this seller and shipped my pen ASAP. He gets my un-reserved recommendation on this forum. For $380 shipped, this was an expensive pen but I don't think an unreasonable price. The performance out of the box (despite the feed misalignment) was superb and speaks highly of OMAS.

 

However, as for a $600 Vintage demonstrator or $760 + celluloid model, these prices I could not justify.

 

Conclusion: 54.5/60

 

How lovely indeed is this OMAS? So very lovely that I fear I've opened pandora's box. The Italians may have gotten me in a tight spot as I may never look upon another manufacturer the same way again. But in the mean time, I intend to enjoy one of the more unique fountain pens ever made. It does have a few issues, structural and feel-wise, but those I can live with as I'm not sure that a nicer writer could be possible. If you have been wondering about the 360, I would take the plunge.

 

I had been thinking my next purchase may be my first Pelikan (m600 red o' red), but another OMAS may be calling my name...

 

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed!

 

Dan

Edited August 18, 2012 by haldane3

[sumgaikid]

Great review--simple and easy to understand.

 

I myself always had mixed feelings about the 360,but it was more about the

shape than the quality--I've always expected OMAS pens to work without too

much trouble. And the clip? I've never liked the upside-down-felon's-hook clip.

This newer styling with the flat ends changes things--gives it a smoother style

(even makes it look like--from one of your pics--a sheathed samaurai sword).

 

Might have to re-think my position on the 360.............:hmm1:

 

 

 

John

Edited August 19, 2012 by sumgaikid

[haldane3]

Great review--simple and easy to understand.

 

I myself always had mixed feelings about the 360,but it was more about the

shape than the quality--I've always expected OMAS pens to work without too

much trouble. And the clip? I've never liked the upside-down-felon's-hook clip.

This newer styling with the flat ends changes things--gives it a smoother style

(even makes it look like--from one of your pics--a sheathed samaurai sword).

 

Might have to re-think my position on the 360.............:hmm1:

 

 

 

John

 

Thanks for the kind words!

 

Oh yeah, definitely take a look at the 360 then. This particular generation is no longer in production FYI though. The newest do have circular nibs and different trim as I mentioned above.

 

I think the new clip is very cool. The new flat ends make for a sharper presentation as well. Nothing here but good from that perspective.

 

And the "curvilinear" shape as far as writing goes: so comfortable as to make me forget circular sections even exist. Very natural.

 

Dan

[raging.dragon]

I believe you have new and newest mixed up, that instead of your pen being an intermediate step in the evolution of the 360, it is instead a new model OMAS retrofitted an old feature (the triangular section).

 

The new stlye black and burgundy with rounded section have been available since 2007. The blue and rose gold you have, along with a similar pen in brown and rose gold, appear to be an unnumbered 2011 special edition. This is suggested by italianpens ebay listing, as well as UK store listing them in stock; however, it is infuriating difficult to find any information about these pens. There are also several Lamborghini LE's, which I believe were release in 2010 and 2011, that combine the new 360 style with a triangular section.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/39093-new-omas-360-design/

http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/pensofnote/omas360.html

http://www.writeherekitenow.co.uk/acatalog/Omas-360-MY-2011-Fountain-Pen-and-Rollerball-Pen.html

[haldane3]

I believe you have new and newest mixed up, that instead of your pen being an intermediate step in the evolution of the 360, it is instead a new model OMAS retrofitted an old feature (the triangular section).

 

The new stlye black and burgundy with rounded section have been available since 2007. The blue and rose gold you have, along with a similar pen in brown and rose gold, appear to be an unnumbered 2011 special edition. This is suggested by italianpens ebay listing, as well as UK store listing them in stock; however, it is infuriating difficult to find any information about these pens. There are also several Lamborghini LE's, which I believe were release in 2010 and 2011, that combine the new 360 style with a triangular section.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/39093-new-omas-360-design/

http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/pensofnote/omas360.html

http://www.writeherekitenow.co.uk/acatalog/Omas-360-MY-2011-Fountain-Pen-and-Rollerball-Pen.html

 

(bleep), I stand corrected. I guess I didn't catch that in the italian subtopic discussion. Thanks raging.

 

Dan

[raging.dragon]

I believe you have new and newest mixed up, that instead of your pen being an intermediate step in the evolution of the 360, it is instead a new model OMAS retrofitted an old feature (the triangular section).

 

The new stlye black and burgundy with rounded section have been available since 2007. The blue and rose gold you have, along with a similar pen in brown and rose gold, appear to be an unnumbered 2011 special edition. This is suggested by italianpens ebay listing, as well as UK store listing them in stock; however, it is infuriating difficult to find any information about these pens. There are also several Lamborghini LE's, which I believe were release in 2010 and 2011, that combine the new 360 style with a triangular section.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/39093-new-omas-360-design/

http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/pensofnote/omas360.html

http://www.writeherekitenow.co.uk/acatalog/Omas-360-MY-2011-Fountain-Pen-and-Rollerball-Pen.html

 

(bleep), I stand corrected. I guess I didn't catch that in the italian subtopic discussion. Thanks raging.

 

Dan

 

No harm done.

 

I have to say finding information on these pens was an exercise in frustration. I couldn't even find a press release annoucing their introduction!

 

To me the triangular section is the 360's raison d'etre. I never saw the point of the rounded section 360's - OMAS have several other models from which customers who prefere a round section can choose. While I prefere the rounded ends of the original 360's to the angular ends of the new design, these new 360's with triangular section should be just as comfortable to write with. I'd probably even be tempted to buy one if I didn't already have so many of the old 360's.

[Deacon Blues]

I've one of these and I love it. I hesitated due to the unconventional design. Tried it, bought it, loved it. Easy to hold and a delight to write with.

[Ouroboros]

Great review, especially as I am considering purchasing one. Could you answer two questions for me?

 

First, does the press-fit cap close securely or does it rattle?

 

Second, it appears that it's a press fit with o-ring to remove the body of the pen to access the converter. Am I right in that, and do you find that to be a secure and firm connection?

 

Thanks.

[haldane3]

Great review, especially as I am considering purchasing one. Could you answer two questions for me?

 

First, does the press-fit cap close securely or does it rattle?

 

Second, it appears that it's a press fit with o-ring to remove the body of the pen to access the converter. Am I right in that, and do you find that to be a secure and firm connection?

 

Thanks.

 

Well thanks!

 

I will say that when capped sometimes there is a bit of a rattle, the source of which I am not sure. The cap fits securely, so not sure if it is the plastic in the cap itself or perhaps the converter that rattles ever so slightly but infrequently. I don't notice it on a per say daily basis. I even just shook it and didn't get any rattle, so its got me there.

 

The connection of the section to the barrel is a secure, "bayonet" type connection. Ie it twists and unlocks then you pull it away from the section to access the converter. Again, this connection is also tight without any give. There is actually no obvious O ring, but I'm not an expert on pen design so it could escape my inexperienced notice.

 

The seller I got this from is in the link below with some still available. I made an offer for 380 that was accepted (US dollars).

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMAS-2011-NEW-360-FOUNTAIN-PEN-BLUE-ROSE-GOLD-TRIM-18K-NIB-/390356035338?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae308670a

 

The pen writes so nicely I have no complaint. My review above stands to this day 3 weeks later without any changes.

 

Dan

[Ouroboros]

Thanks Dan, that really helps me make my mind up. I believe I will get a 360 as my Christmas present to me from me for this year (might arrive a wee bit before then though ). Thanks for the link, but I'll probably get the pen from John at Classic Fountain Pens as I'd like to get a cursive italic nib. Thanks again though for the info and the link to your review, this is why FPN is so good.

[akustyk]

Thanks for the awesome review. This is an extraordinary fountain pen. A masterpiece. I wish I'd come across one of these at some point.

[haldane3]

Thanks Dan, that really helps me make my mind up. I believe I will get a 360 as my Christmas present to me from me for this year (might arrive a wee bit before then though ). Thanks for the link, but I'll probably get the pen from John at Classic Fountain Pens as I'd like to get a cursive italic nib. Thanks again though for the info and the link to your review, this is why FPN is so good.

 

My pleasure! I enjoy chit-chatting about my omas or watermans. Few other pens grab my attention like they do!

 

Dan

[haldane3]

Thanks for the awesome review. This is an extraordinary fountain pen. A masterpiece. I wish I'd come across one of these at some point.

 

Thanks!

 

Don't worry, I dont think it's ever too late to come across an Omas 360

[breaker]

nice review!

thanks!