Twsbi Eco Vs Lamy Safari Vs Al Star

[nick_salad]

Hi guys!

 

My uncle is coming from Ohio next month and is going to bring a pen for me!

Now I'm really confused between the eco, safari and al star. he'll be getting the gift set for lamy because of the converter and pen combo from Goulet. I have never used any of them.

I'm looking for a pen thats:

1. Durable
2. has an ink capacity that last me at least a day(Usually I use .6ml of ink per day)
3. Has a Smooth nib.
4. consistent and reliable

 

[Chrissy]

Personally, I would go with the Lamy Al-Star. IMHO it passes your 4 requirements with flying colours.

[ParkerDuofold]

Personally, I would go with the Lamy Al-Star. IMHO it passes your 4 requirements with flying colours.

+1.

 

Hi Nick,

 

I'm not sure what arrangements you have with your uncle on this, but if it's at all possible, you may want to consider a Faber Castell Loom... they're nibs rival $150 pens for smoothness and wetness.

 

Otherwise, I'd probably opt for the Al-Star, too.

 

Enjoy your new pen... I wish my uncle was coming to town with a new pen for me... some guys have all the luck.

 

http://youtu.be/sY2WIFGQttE

 

 

- Anthony

 

EDITED to delete Eco as a runner-up... not too sure about its durability.

Edited November 11, 2017 by ParkerDuofold

[Runnin_Ute]

I have both the Eco and the Al Star and would say the latter for your stated purpose. I have had mine since 1998 and still going strong.

[sail1942]

I vote for the TWSBI Eco. Piston fill, demonstrator, user serviceable, and life time guarantee. Great customer service!!

[nick_salad]

What is the difference between the warranty of lamy and twsbi ?

[IndigoBOB]

If the grip works for you: The lamy's. The section is preferential. Both Safari and Al-Star are very durable. Swappable nibs are cheaper than Eco's. Al star is slightly heavier than the Safari, so it depends on which you prefer. They really are meant to handle a lot. Let's just say the safari can handle the wilderness. The Smoothness of the nib depends on its size and they run large.

 

The Eco feels clunky to me and doesn't match the durability of the Safari/Al Star. I'd recommend the Wing Sung 698 as an Eco alternative, but like the Eco it isn't as durable as the Safari/Al star. The Eco has a history of cracking and the Wing Sung 698 is honestly untested in terms of durability since it's so new.

 

I wish the Faber Castell Loom had better ergonomics because the nib is amazing. But for the writing experience the pen proved bulky and hard grip. If it works for you I'm jealous.

[inkstainedruth]

The other difference between Safaris and Al-Stars is that I have found that the grip on the Al-Stars is a little less comfortable because of the machining on the metal body -- those triangular flanges are sharp!

I have no experience with an Eco, so I can't comment. I do have a TWSBI 580-AL, which is about the limit for weight for me, but so far I like the pen a lot otherwise.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[IndigoBOB]

The other difference between Safaris and Al-Stars is that I have found that the grip on the Al-Stars is a little less comfortable because of the machining on the metal body -- those triangular flanges are sharp!

I have no experience with an Eco, so I can't comment. I do have a TWSBI 580-AL, which is about the limit for weight for me, but so far I like the pen a lot otherwise.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

 

I don't have an Al-star, but I have heard others say they prefer the feel of the safari, too. Vice versa as well, but metal and more expensive doesn't always mean better, but if it's your preference then, at least it's not too much more.

[ParkerDuofold]

What is the difference between the warranty of lamy and twsbi ?

Hi Nick,

 

In light of very recent events; it is difficult to say. Lamy's U.S. distributor has just changed... how the new one will handle warranty service has yet to be determined.

 

The old distributor offered a lifetime warranty and excellent service... so I've been told... with close to 50 Lamy's of my own; I've never needed it. A couple of scratchy nibs have been the worst problems I've had and you can usually fix that yourself by checking the tine alignment and/or with micromesh.

 

TWSBI also offers excellent service, out of their U.S., (California), office. The only problem is, you're more likely to need it. I do not recall the length of warranty for TWSBI... I'd have to check.

 

But if you're looking for rugged durability... look towards Lamy.

 

 

- Anthony

 

EDITED to clarify text.

Edited November 13, 2017 by ParkerDuofold

[Driften]

I have all three and like the ECO the best. Of the two Lamy's the Al Star is the better of the two. The extra weight of the metal body gives it a nicer feel to me.