Is Nib Springiness Useful For Intensive Writing?

[ethernautrix]

I prefer a stiff nib. A soft nib feels... like a niggling feeling that takes attention away from the writing.

[PatientType]

I have two Pilot 823s, one in medium nib and one in broad. They're not all that springy - certainly way less give to them than my Pelikan M1000s. The 823 fountain pen is a terrific, work horse pen and very practical for long writing sessions. I use mine for that purpose all the time. I do write a little slower with my Pelikan M1000 in order to achieve consistent line variation. That's not a factor with the 823.

[Opooh]

I think the grip is more important than the size of the nib for writing marathonsthe size op the grip of a MB 149 or a M1000 goes just perfect for me, smaller ones are not suitable for long using periods.

But this is my personal opinion.

[max dog]

For me the whole point of using a fountain pen is that it enables your unique writing character to come out. I like a soft/springy nib so some line variation is possible. Gives your handwriting character as the nib adapts to your unique writing pressure variances as you write, with a wetter line here and and slightly broader stroke there etc. Especially noticeable in cursive or when you sign your signature fast. I dont like stiff nibs that are just smooth with no line variation like a rollerball or ballpoint. A flexible wet noodle in contrast would be hard for some for everyday writing. A soft/spring nib is the best for me. MB146, Pelikan M600/M200, Lamy 2000, Parker Sonnet, Cross Townsend/Apogee/Verve are just a few examples of soft/springy nibs that enable this for me.

Edited August 2, 2013 by max dog

[bizhe]

So far many interesting responses. I have a pilot Decimo which has a decent amount of spring, but which also gives me the feeling that it is slowing me down a little, almost like those calligraphy brushes which are not practical for cursive.

 

I think will go into a store to try some of the suggested pens that are below let's say oh about 300$. Thanks all!

Edited August 5, 2013 by bizhe

[mhosea]

Mostly I use pens to scribble notes and mathematics. The math is an interesting issue. It is much more "random access" than writing a letter, so springiness of the nib gives a little bit of shock absorption when moving from one point to another. That is to say, I write with little or no pressure once the pen is actually laying down ink, but judging the distance to the paper perfectly often gives a some pressure at the point of contact when flitting here and there. The shock absorption in springy nibs can be pleasant after using hard nibs for awhile. But OTOH, the predictability and firmness of a hard nib can be just as refreshing after using springy nibs for awhile. I really don't know which I prefer. I prefer variety, I guess.