Hooligan V Review

June 25, 2017

Hooligan V

#2/20

photo credit: Tim Cullen

First Impression

WOW! Pictures do not capture the luster of this pen! It is gorgeous.

Last month, I returned from a week of arduous statistical training and awaiting me was the lovely Model V from Hooligan Pen Company!

The V is a limited edition model and I have #2 of 20.

The pen is a design collaboration between Tim Cullen and Dr. Joseph Vitolo.

The nibs are tuned by Mike Masuyama to the purchaser's request and each pen is accompanied by a custom pen stand from Dan Brown.

Appearance and Design (9)

The clip and cap band are damascus which balances well with the acrylic. The engraving and numbering clearly id each pen - but each pen has a different clip (all custom made by Tim)... below is a photo of pen #1.

(So why did I not rate appearance and design a 10? Personal preference only - my pens are usually flat tops - but this one hooked me straight away and I love it.)

photo credit: Tim Cullen

Construction and Quality (10)

The fit and finish are perfect. PERIOD.

And I have a reputation for being keen on the details.

Tim also has a reputation for being a perfectionist and it shows in this flawless pen.

In general, I do not cap my pens - and this pen is no exception BUT I do find that I hold the cap in my left hand while writing just because it feels that good - seriously there are zero rough edges or defects.

Weight and Dimension (9)

cap and barrel (inked): 1.3 oz

cap: 0.5 oz

barrel: 0.8 oz

length: capped: 6.25"

cap: 3"

barrel and nib: 5 7/16"

section diameter: just under 1/2"

largest diameter on cap: just over 5/8"

no calipers available so the diameters are close but not perfect measurements.

This is a large pen and I love it!

This pen is well balanced and comfortable with which to write. I love taking notes at work with it but have to be very careful - in only a few short weeks - 3 different folks have wanted to borrow it!

(So why not a 10? Again personal preference - usually I would go for a smaller section diameter but it hasn't been an issue for me with this pen.)

Be warned that the pen will not fit in all cases. But does work well in my Franklin-Christoph penvelope.

Below is a comparison photo of the V and a Pelikan 800, Lamy Al-Star, TWSBI 700, Visconti Homo Sapiens Blue Swirl an Pilot Metropolitan.

Nib and Performance (9)

18k two tone extra-fine nib tuned by Mike Masuyama and engraved with the Hooligan logo - writes very well.

(So why not a 10? Again personal preference - my ideal nib is single tone - with the damascus clip I would have normally selected ruthenium finish.)

Filling System (8)

Standard converter - works well. Easy to fill / clean / maintain.

(So why not a 10? Nothing fancy or unusual... but after spending the afternoon dealing with a vintage piston filler that has lost its cork - well I love the fact that I will never have that problem with this pen!)

Cost and Value (10)

The pen is an exceptional value at $650. This price includes the custom stand made by Dan Brown and nib tuning by Mike Masuyama.

Tim is a true artist and his pieces are sure to increase in value.

Overall (9.2)

This pen has rocketed into my top 10 overall. There are pens in that group that cost much more and much less as I base my top group on function and not form. But it is "oh so nice" when the form challenges the function in such a gorgeous pen! Tim is a joy with which to work and I encourage anyone seeking a unique, high quality pen to seek out Hooligan and pick up one of his limited editions or a custom.

This is not my first Hooligan. That pen is a personal custom design - that pen's review will post on July 2nd.

June 25, 2017

It's a beauty! But it is BIG.

Erick

June 26, 2017

Hi,

Thank you for that review. Tim makes awesome pens and Dan did a wonderful job on the pen stand. As I think you know, I own the prototype (0/20) and absolutely love it!

Regards,

Joe

http://www.zanerian.com/HooliganModelVIndirectSun01Reduced.jpg

http://www.zanerian.com/HooliganModelVIndirectSunReduced.jpg

Edited June 26, 2017 by Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo