Twsbi 580 Vs Eco.... I Can't Decide!

[tdewald]

I cannot decide between a TWSBI 580AL and ECO.

 

580

1. I like the faceted body of the 580.
2. I like the look of the aluminum hardware on the 580.
3. I like the interchangeable nibs for the 580.

 

ECO

1. I like the overall aesthetics of the ECO better (believe it or not).
2. I like the fact that for only $10 more, instead of getting a new nib for the 580 you can simply get a whole new ECO with a different nib.
3. I worry that the fit and finish isn't quite as good on the ECO... how a pen feels in hand and the quality of manufacturing is very important to me.

 

I worry that I only *think* I like the overall aesthetics of the ECO better. I haven't seen either pen in person, and while the pictures of the ECO appeal to me more, the close-ups of the 580 make the faceted barrel and aluminum hardware look so nice.

 

I understand that the ECO is a little slimmer... I have no idea if that is a pro or con for me. I am pretty new to the hobby, so I haven't settled on the dimensions I prefer.

 

I welcome any advice or testimonials.

[taike]

Just my opinion, but I'd start with the Eco, enjoy that pen and then treat yourself to a 580 at some point in the future. The Eco is a wonderful pen.

[swanjun]

I have both. The one main advantage to the ECO in my eyes, besides the price, is that one can easily pull the nib and feed for cleaning. This, plus clear barrel and ease of cleaning, makes the ECO a good choice for shimmering inks that might clog other pens.

 

That said, I like the nib more on my 580. It's a bit bigger, flows better, etc. I'm glad to have an ECO, but I could not live without a 580.

[tdewald]

That said, I like the nib more on my 580. It's a bit bigger, flows better, etc. I'm glad to have an ECO, but I could not live without a 580.

First, thank you for the reply.

 

Next, a question: Aren't the nibs on the 580 and ECO are the same?

[majolo]

I have both, and I lean towards the Eco. An excellent value. The only thing I prefer about the 580 is the smooth end of the section rather than the weird mess at the end of the Eco section. Oh, and the color selection rather than just black and white.

[PaganArcher]

I have both 580 AL (silver and blue), and the ECO, as well as the Mini, the Classic, and the Vac700.

 

Of them all, my favorite is the Vac700. But between the 580 AL and the ECO, the ECO is the one I carry daily. I find it to be more comfortable overall for daily writing needs, even if the section is a tad thin for my liking.

 

That said, you can't go wrong with either really. I've had no issues with any of my TWSBIs.

[savingbirds]

First, thank you for the reply.

 

Next, a question: Aren't the nibs on the 580 and ECO are the same?

Nope, the Eco uses the same nib as the Mini and Classic, which are smaller than the 580.

[Ernst Bitterman]

Next, a question: Aren't the nibs on the 580 and ECO are the same?

 

The same point, but mounted differently; the 580 has a point/feed unit set in the unscrewable section, while the Eco just has an old-school arrangement of point acting as a wedge to keep the feed in the section. (EDIT: I was running from memory as far as size goes; Songyi posted while I was writing, and I accept correction on this. The writing qualities are the same, though)

 

My take on the two pens (although I've got a 540 rather than a 580AL) is this:

 

- Eco has fewer components (the section and barrel are all one piece!), which should mean better durability as there are just that many fewer available failure points;

- The Diamond is, so far as this sort of thing can be objective, a better looking pen; the Eco is meant to compete with the Lamy Safari, and looks the part;

- The Diamond has slightly larger ink capacity, but not by much. I've recently finished a "one tank test" on my eco, and got about 50 looseleaf pages out of it using an EF point. That's plenty of ink, whichever way you go. Not a point of decision, really.

- The Eco posts effectively; the Diamond posts only if you ask very nicely.

 

With the possible exception of the first point, because I think the failure rate on Diamonds is WAY down since the move from the 540 to 580, the real deciding factors are how much you want to spend and what you think of the looks. They're the same size and feel much the same in the hand, so that doesn't enter into it, either.

Edited March 23, 2016 by Ernst Bitterman

[ac12]

I have the Eco and a 530. The Eco with an EF nib is always inked. It seems to fit my hand a bit better than the 530. As was mentioned, the Eco is like the Lamy Safari in a way. A good starter pen, at a reasonable price point. I use it as a carry around pen, and I don't worry about how much it cost, whereas my more expensive pens sit at home, and rarely leave the house.

 

I do not post the Eco nor the 530. The cap is somewhat heavy and makes both pens tail heavy when posted.

 

If you like a colored pen, then the 580 is your choice. The Eco is clear with either white or black, cap and piston knob. The Eco with clear body with white cap works for me, as I have mine inked with Noodler's Gruene Cactus. Though I wish the cap and piston knob on the Eco were CLEAR.

 

Accept it, you will get both pens, at some point. It is just which one first. It is called PAS, Pen Acquisition Syndrome.

Edited March 23, 2016 by ac12

[Runnin_Ute]

Have both the 580 (Not AL) and the Eco. White Eco, 1.1 stub, 580 is a modified B stub.

 

Both are carried daily. Both are terrific pens and you can't go wrong with either. I do prefer the aesthetics of the 580 over the Eco but its close.

 

You could easily end up with both. Have fun!

[welcmhm]

If you like a colored pen, then the 580 is your choice. The Eco is clear with either white or black, cap and piston knob. The Eco with clear body with white cap works for me, as I have mine inked with Noodler's Gruene Cactus. Though I wish the cap and piston knob on the Eco were CLEAR.

 

Have patience, TWSBI is coming out with an all clear Eco. An Italian retailer's website I came across expects them end of next month, though that's the first I've heard any date for it.

[ac12]

 

Have patience, TWSBI is coming out with an all clear Eco. An Italian retailer's website I came across expects them end of next month, though that's the first I've heard any date for it.

 

 

Yes, I'm holding off on my 2nd Eco, waiting for the ALL clear model.

I just have to decide on which nib size; EF or F or ....

[Frank66]

Hi,

 

I only have the TWSBI ECO, but when I was to buy one, I pondered like you between the 580AL and the ECO myself. I picked the ECO for the following reasons (stated below in order of personal importance):

- Only in the ECO is the pen's grip section transparent, so you can see the ink oozing around the feed, same way as you can see the ink in the piston. I do not think this applies to the 480AL which is not transparent all the way to the nib of the section area as much as the ECO. In that respect, the esthetics of the ECO are superior. See Fig 1 below.

- You can get replacement nibs easier and cheaper for the ECO than the 480AL. In my ECO, I frequently rotate cheap Chinese #5 nibs ($1/each) every couple of weeks or so, some of which I have ground to personal preference, and also other Bock or Jowo #5 replacement nibs (from EF to 1.5 italics) which cost around $8/each. It so easy to replace nibs in the ECO.

- The ECO was a newer model, and why buy an older model when you can buy a more current one?

- The ECO was comparatively less expensive and appeared lighter in weight also.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/2E686F8B-B2DD-4B47-B809-022250DE8F1E_zpsdatx2mag.jpg

Fig 1. Picture of my TWSBI Eco, with a teal ink and an alternative nib. For me, the ability to see the ink through the grip section when I am holding the pen overrides any other potential pen shortcoming.

The TWSBI Eco is one of my favorite pens, I usually rotate it along with other pens and I currently carry it inked in a self-made teal ink. Please find a writing sample with an alternative cheap Chinese F nib in Fig 2 below.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/9D68F597-9443-475F-993B-F655BED9A399_zps17crbzuk.jpg

Fig 2. Writing sample of TWSBI Eco with a F alternative nib.

My only complaint with the ECO was that I bought it with an EF nib which appears to me on the dry side, if I was to buy a new ECO I would definitely buy one with an F nib now, as I mostly like fine writing with fountain pens. And second thing I slightly do not like about the ECO is the cheap plastic red cap finial. I just hope I could replace the ECO red cap finial with the Jinhao 15 mirror like cap finial. But this is a topic of a future pen modification for me I wish I find time for. See Fig 3 below.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/7D491C3A-D53A-47C3-9E02-E500BC62A9BD_zps3o583ypz.jpg

Fig 3. Close up of the TWSBI Eco (red) and the Jinhao 15 (mirror-like) cap finial.

Hope this could help. From here on, it is up to you to decide.

Regards,

Photios

Edited March 24, 2016 by Frank66

[tdewald]

I ended up purchasing a TWSBI Eco Black 1.1 Stub and I LOVE it. I mean, its kind of ridiculous how much I love this pen, considering the price point. In fact, I am enjoying it more than my Metropolitan, Safari, Loom, Ahab, or Namiki Falcon (SF). I love the way it looks, I love watching the ink in the reservoir, I love how much ink it can hold, I love how it simply works so well, and I love how it writes!

 

If I had to nitpick: the clip is not my favorite and the grip is a little on the narrow side for my tastes. Despite that, I am absolutely crazy for this pen.

[benbot517]

The eco is a fantastic pen, and it will serve you well. Mine is excellent.

[Frank66]

I would get the Eco, you won't be disappointed. Regards, Photios

Edited April 13, 2016 by Frank66

[katm201]

I have the Eco and I love it. I bought it because of the cheaper price point and they seem to be more durable than the 580. I may pick up a 580 eventually, but then I may not. I have 2 Vac 700s and I'm not enamored of the faceted top.