Is Conid Caiso Worth The Cost And Wait?

[Athas]

CONID currently does not sell the Kingsize Bulkfiller with the CAISO system - apparently they are ironing out some manufacturing issues. Based on email communication, it seems they will not be back until April at the earliest (six months from now). They do sell a non-CAISO Kingsize Bulkfiller, though, and it's €300 cheaper than the CAISO version used to sell for. My question is thus, mostly addressed to people who've tried a CAISO pen: is it worth the money and the extra wait, or should I just order the non-CAISO version? The cost is the lesser concern, since this is an expensive pen either way, so I'm mostly curious about whether you find the CAISO system useful, or just a gimmick.

Edited October 18, 2017 by Athas

[mulrich]

CONID currently does not sell the Kingsize Bulkfiller with the CAISO system - apparently they are ironing out some manufacturing issues. Based on email communication, it seems they will not be back until April at the latest (six months from now). They do sell a non-CAISO Kingsize Bulkfiller, though, and it's €300 cheaper than the CAISO version used to sell for. My question is thus, mostly addressed to people who've tried a CAISO pen: is it worth the money and the extra wait, or should I just order the non-CAISO version? The cost is the lesser concern, since this is an expensive pen either way, so I'm mostly curious about whether you find the CAISO system useful, or just a gimmick.

 

Glad to know when the CAISO will be available again. I own a couple Conids but want to get a demonstrator and decided on the CAISO since it has multiple cool features to show people.

From the reviews I've seen, the CAISO works as advertised and can write immediately even after being unused for a couple weeks.

[oldrifleman]

I have a Kingsize non CASIO and I am not sure I would need the CASIO feature, but it is cool. What the CASIO does is eliminate the need to replenish the working reservoir when it runs low, not an issue for me, but I guess if you are writing a ton it can be useful. The second thing it does is cut off the main tank from the feed with the result that airplane carry is somewhat more friendly (pressurization will not cause ink "accidents"). I can do the same by empting out the working area prior to flight (open valve and tilting backward) but that is an interesting feature.

Either way my Kingsize never fails to create a line when I touch a page, even if left untouched for weeks.

[billy1380]

I have a caiso and while I agree it is very cool, it makes swapping nibs very odd for me because I need to pull the feed out of the collar to replace with another standard number 8 nib (purchased separately). It also has this weird quirk where it tends to make the cap stick because of the spring pressure. And to top it off I am not really a frequent flyer, so feels like I should have just got my kingsize without it.

 

Pretty sure my next one will not have it.

[mongrelnomad]

I personally passed on the original CAISO, after being an early prototype tester. No functional issues really, I just preferred the ceremony of the normal Bulkfiller: the unscrewing of the blind-cap, tilting to introduce ink to the second reservoir, and then writing, became a ritual of sorts that I would have deeply missed were it no longer required.

[Scylax]

I hadn't realised the premium was so high - I understand it costs extra and I'm not saying it's wrong, just very high. I very badly want a Conid since I feel it would be the brand best suited to my pen needs and wants, but having the CAISO version would be hugely advantageous for me personally. But with a pen already beyond anything I would consider my 'sensible' budget I'm starting to think I won't get one, which is such a shame. I can understand why people here are generally saying they don't think it's a huge factor but for me it really is!

[Lszuk]

In answer to your initial question, yes Conid is worth the cost, and yes Conid is worth the wait. The filling system alone is worth having in your collection. The kingsize pen holds an enormous amount of ink. The craftsmanship is beyond amazing, with a solid feel. The gold nibs are smooth and perfectly tuned. I own one regular demonstrator, one kingsize CAISO and more recently received the FPN blue kingsize limited edition. I chose to get the gold rhodium nib for each pen. I find the larger nib on the kingsize to be much more to my liking, with a smooth even flow of ink. With respect to the CAISO System, it really depends upon how much you find the other system to be an annoyance. If you don’t mind opening the main chamber to allow ink into the secondary chamber when ink runs low, then no need to wait for the CAISO. I like the uniqueness of the CAISO and am glad I have one to use, but also don’t mind the other system at all.