New Budget Pilot Pen

[studiohead]

Hello all,

During my first day here in Tokyo, going round the pen shops, it seems that pilot has launched a new pen at 3,150 yen called the Cacoon. Has a choice of medium or fine nib in a metal body with gloss finish. Details here http://www.pilot.co.jp/products/pen/fountain/cocoon/index.html

 

 

[Pelikan_FP]

Looks interesting. Did you get to test it out a bit?

[rcarlisle]

Tt looks a great deal like the discontinued Pilot Knight.

[AlejoPlay]

I think that's like the Metropolitan pen we're getting here in the States:

 

http://fpgeeks.com/2012/08/the-pilot-metropolitan-collection-may-be-perfect-for-the-new-fountain-pen-user/

[dannzeman]

I think that's like the Metropolitan pen we're getting here in the States:

 

http://fpgeeks.com/2...ntain-pen-user/

 

Sure is. Wish we were getting some of those colors though.

[XiaoMG]

I've got one on the way in a few days, and may do a brief review of it when it arrives. I initially jumped for the blue, though I was thinking the titanium finish (kinda light brownish one) is pretty snazzy and would work with a lot of inks.

[studiohead]

1348003055[/url]' post='2464562']

I think that's like the Metropolitan pen we're getting here in the States:

 

http://fpgeeks.com/2...ntain-pen-user/

 

I have just went to Itoya to get one and it is similar but not the same. The metropolitan has some designs on the barrel while the cocoon doesn't have it. On top of that I believe in Asia there is a version called Dots in which the pattern on that portion is a dot matrix. The price in Singapore is about SGD $32 while the Jappanese price is much higher.

1348109538[/url]' post='2465728']

1348003055[/url]' post='2464562']

I think that's like the Metropolitan pen we're getting here in the States:

 

http://fpgeeks.com/2...ntain-pen-user/

 

Sure is. Wish we were getting some of those colors though.

 

The Titanium is nice so is the blue. And there is a choice of fine and medium.

 

1348315483[/url]' post='2467662']

I've got one on the way in a few days, and may do a brief review of it when it arrives. I initially jumped for the blue, though I was thinking the titanium finish (kinda light brownish one) is pretty snazzy and would work with a lot of inks.

 

now that you mention it I should consider getting the blue but not all places in Tokyo stocks it. Would want to do a side by side with a platinum plassir as the colors remind me of them.

I can get a Dots from Singapore but burst my budget this month for pens. Platinum 3776 Shoji Soft Fine, Second hand M90, 2 Pilot Myu 701 and the Pilot Cacoon. (All within 4 days)

 

 

[czanguine]

Cheap, I agree! And so many color choices!

 

After having purchased quite a number of student and budget pens though, I think it's about time I made the transition to vintage. I'm sorry I gotta pass up on you!

[XiaoMG]

I wonder if I'm going to be the first with this information...

 

The Cocoon's section, nib and feed are interchangeable with the 78G's. The nib has a cute dotted etching on it and no plating, but otherwise it's the same. Can swap with a Prera, Penmanship, and Plumix as well (nib/feed, not the section) for better color matching. I remember seeing pictures of the old Pilot Knight, though I never had one. This seems like it fits into the same shoes, and may well be a replacement for the Knight.

 

The body has very nice weight to it. Supposed to be lacquer over brass. No idea about durability though. Looks pretty nice. Cap snaps with a loud click. Not like the Prera cap, but pretty nice in its own way.

 

If you hate the Prera/78G-class of pens, this won't be for you. If you wish you had a weightier, more substantial 78G or a Knight with a superior design (especially the clip), it might be a good buy. It is to the 78G what the Plaisir is to the Preppy, if that makes any sense. I think I like it.

 

Pictures are not properly color-corrected, but hopefully one gets the idea.

http://i.imgur.com/Nzvf2.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/wMPbt.jpg

 

Edited September 24, 2012 by XiaoMG

[chiaroscuro]

Reminds me of the Tombow Object series (http://www.amazon.com/Tombow-OBJECT-Roller-Ergonomic-55032/dp/B00135FMOK

http://www.andys-pens.co.uk/object.shtml

 

Also of the Scheaffer VFM http://www.sheaffer.com/writing/product_detail.php?ID=43

Edited September 26, 2012 by chiaroscuro

[XiaoMG]

Reminds me of the Tombow Object series (http://www.amazon.co...2/dp/B00135FMOK

http://www.andys-pen...uk/object.shtml

 

Also of the Scheaffer VFM http://www.sheaffer....etail.php?ID=43

I agree that these pens are very similar in appearance and concept. The Object may be a bit lightweight, and the Sheaffer apparently only uses international short cartridges. I am not sure what flaws the Pilot has yet. Mine came with a CON-50 in it, but it's hefty enough that putting a cartridge doesn't dramatically change its handling the way it does with plastic pens (the CON-70 is a must with the Custom 74 and Custom Heritage 91, for example).

 

I do think that mine writes a bit wider than most of my 78Gs, and is very wet. I will probably adjust the nib in a little while to tame the flow and line width, or perhaps I'll just swap in another $6usd Pilot Penmanship EF nib. Would lose the cute dots though.