Twsbi Diamond 540 Vs Vacumatic 700

[giacomodelbianco]

Do somebody has tested both: TWSBI Diamond 540 (now new model 580) vs TWSBI Vacumatic 700? Which one you think works better? I would like to buy one of them (or both?) and I don't know exactly the differences, except that the VAC 700 has a syringe filling system, with biggest capability but it require to unlock the top of the pen for a long time ink flow (similar to Pilot Custom 823). I don't know more.

 

The bottle they associate to the pen, for the refill is really useful? I rode it is useful to use completely also the last milliliters of ink.

 

Looking the photos I really love the demonstrator ones! Is the polycarbonate body stable over the yeas or it tends to become a little yellow/matt?

 

Many thanks in advance for every your replies!

 

[tonybelding]

In my opinion the Vac 700 is a nice step up from the 540 and is worth the extra cost. Incidentally, the Vac 700 is a "vacuum filler" or "plunger filler". A Vacumatic pen is a different thing entirely.

 

Yes, the Vac 700 does require you to unlock the filler knob for long-term writing (more than about a page), just like the Pilot Custom 823. If you don't like that, it's possible to remove the little rubber seal from the end of the plunger, and thereby disable the shutoff.

 

I think the little Vac 20 bottle is very useful. With the bottle you can fill the pen easily, completely and neatly.

 

I don't think anybody knows yet how the pens will age over a time span of many years, they just haven't been around that long. One would imagine polycarbonate should hold up well.

[WOBentley]

Well for a limited time you could (maybe still can) get both for $100. At that price you could check them out yourself...look in "Market Watch" for the post regarding the deal.

[Harlequin]

I have tested both, and I like them both. If you do want to try them both, though, now is definitely the time to do so. TWSBI has a bundle promotion on their website through which you can get both a Vac700 and a 540 for $100. Since the Vac700 by itself is $80 or $85 retail, that's a pretty good deal imo. From a couple of reviews here, I've also seen that the Vac-20 bottle (the one TWSBI released especially to help refill the Vac700) does really well at accomplishing exactly what you mentioned: getting the last few mL from the bottle.

 

 

[WaskiSquirrel]

I own both and like both. I prefer the vacuum filling mechanism of the 700 to the piston filler of the 540. However, when used with the TWSBI ink bottles, I love the way the 540 fills without any mess.

 

For complaints: the 540 is a bit squeaker than the 700, like parts don't fit perfectly and are rocking. Also, both pens seem to dry out too easily while I write. (And, yes, I do know about unscrewing the end on the 700.)

[Harlequin]

I own both and like both. I prefer the vacuum filling mechanism of the 700 to the piston filler of the 540. However, when used with the TWSBI ink bottles, I love the way the 540 fills without any mess.

 

For complaints: the 540 is a bit squeaker than the 700, like parts don't fit perfectly and are rocking. Also, both pens seem to dry out too easily while I write. (And, yes, I do know about unscrewing the end on the 700.)

I never experienced the squeaking on the 540 that you describe, I wonder if it may just be a certain pen or production run of pens that had that minor issue?

[giacomodelbianco]

What means exactly: squeakin?

 

I don't think I can buy both for about 100$ because now the 540 is not produced. In the site it's "out of stock". Anyway, 540 should cost 50$, VAC 700 80$, I would buy both for 130$. I live in Italy, than I should add shipping + custom + other taxes cost! 540 is now "surpassed" by new model: Diamond 580.

 

http://forum.fountainpen.it/download/file.php?id=5882

 

What about nib size? I have a Sailor 1911 Realo, Fine Nib, i find it a little scratchy/a little too feedback. Pelikan M205 Fine nib is a little too broad. If I buy a fine TWSBI nib should I find something in the middle between them?

[dduran]

No, its a separate product page..

 

http://www.twsbi.com/product.php?id_product=48

540 + 700 combo

[Pterodactylus]

I own both and like both. I prefer the vacuum filling mechanism of the 700 to the piston filler of the 540. However, when used with the TWSBI ink bottles, I love the way the 540 fills without any mess.

 

For complaints: the 540 is a bit squeaker than the 700, like parts don't fit perfectly and are rocking. Also, both pens seem to dry out too easily while I write. (And, yes, I do know about unscrewing the end on the 700.)

I never experienced the squeaking on the 540 that you describe, I wonder if it may just be a certain pen or production run of pens that had that minor issue?

 

I think he meant a creaking noise comming somewhere from the section sometimes when writing, you can reproduce it when pressing an twisting the section when holding the pen on the barrel.

Both of my TWSBI pens a grey 540 and a brand new Mini demonstrator has this noise. (but I can see no cracks)

 

I also think this comes from imperfect fitting of the parts.

[amberleadavis]

Hmm.... I can tell you that I own 3 700s. I won't tell you how many 540s I own, but the number is two digits.

 

Based on that info, you could assume that I prefer the 540 and until the little Vac 20 bottle came out, you'd be correct. That bottle is such a cool feature!!!

 

The 700 looks richer. It's a bigger pen.

 

None of my 540s are noisy. I really like the stub nibs.

 

The $100 sale is still happening. Buy both. They are awesome pens.

[kywildcats]

No, its a separate product page..

 

http://www.twsbi.com/product.php?id_product=48

540 + 700 combo

 

Thank you for that link. I just ordered an Amber 540 (only color left in the package) and a clear 700.

 

---and a vac 20 bottle

Edited February 15, 2013 by kywildcats

[amberleadavis]

OOH... you will be so happy!!!!