Twsbi Go Review (Brief)

[essayfaire]

I recently have become very interested in the different filling mechanisms used in fountain pens. As a result, when the TWSBI Go was introduced with a spring-loaded piston mechanism at a reasonable (under US$20) price, I decided to order my first TWSBI.

 

The Go is made of solid-feeling plastic. I like that everything on it feels nice and tight. The pen is a bit short, and I find the width a bit wide for the length of pen. It doesn't really seem to be intended for use posted, which is how I usually write (unless the pen is Capless).

 

This is a demonstrator pen, so everything is on display from the spring that is responsible for drawing the ink to the large ink reservoir (making it easy to see what color is inside). it feels much more substantial in the hand then similar clear plastic pens.

 

I purchased an F nib, which seems to be appropriately labeled. Not particularly smooth, but not scratchy either. I also like that the pen is tapered towards the nib; it makes the width of the pen more suitable (at least for my hand).

 

Pros: LARGE ink reservoir, interesting and fun filling mechanism, price, seems pretty leak-proof

 

Cons: A bit inelegant, a bit wide, the nib is just adequate

 

Bottom Line: Though I like the filling mechanism and ink capacity of this pen, I don't expect to use it often. I did fall in love with the new ink I opened at the same time, however!

 

 

[pararis]

I have several TWSBI Eco model pens. They're all adequate in every way.

 

I have several TWSBI 580 pens. They're all very good in every way.

 

I ordered a GO. It did not write properly, skipping, poor ink flow. I sent it back to TWSBI.

 

TWSBI returned the GO to me saying it was fine. It still did not write properly, skipped and ink would not flow.

 

I threw the GO in the trash, where it belongs.

 

I can buy a Pilot Varsity for well under $5, and it will write reliably and well. No excuse for the GO.

[almoore]

I've had one a while and I like it; I particularly liked the fact that it is the easiest pen to flush I own - clean in seconds

 

Al

[Honeybadgers]

I have several TWSBI Eco model pens. They're all adequate in every way.

 

I have several TWSBI 580 pens. They're all very good in every way.

 

I ordered a GO. It did not write properly, skipping, poor ink flow. I sent it back to TWSBI.

 

TWSBI returned the GO to me saying it was fine. It still did not write properly, skipped and ink would not flow.

 

I threw the GO in the trash, where it belongs.

 

I can buy a Pilot Varsity for well under $5, and it will write reliably and well. No excuse for the GO.

 

 

It's the exact same nib as the Eco.

 

You just got one of the rare duds.

 

Sucks that their customer service let you down though.

[essayfaire]

I have several TWSBI Eco model pens. They're all adequate in every way.

 

 

 

 

I can buy a Pilot Varsity for well under $5, and it will write reliably and well. No excuse for the GO.

I feel that adequate is an apt description for my Go. I have not had skipping issues with the nib; it just isn't anything special.

 

As for the Varsity, I give them away to people who seem to take an interest when they see me using an FP. The GO does feel more solid than the Varsity, but is shorter and stubbier, which could be good or bad depending on one's preferences. I do prefer the Pilot nibs.

[Honeybadgers]

I really, really like the EF in my Go and the stub in my eco. The only other nib I've used is broad in the 700R. I can definitely see how the F and M could be seen as underwhelming. I only start to see that feedback I really like in the EF.

[essayfaire]

Update: This pen has been growing on me. The ink reservoir has just now run dry: this is the longest I've ever gone without having to refill a reservoir. The slight chubbiness of the pen has not caused me hand or wrist issues. I have used this as an EDC for signing into offices, etc. and have had numerous people ask about it because they were all intrigued. I wrote down the name of the pen for them, the name of some merchants, and handed each of them a Pilot Varsity so they could have a fountain pen to try. I have been able to successfully write on lousy paper with this.

 

I'm sure it hasn't hurt that I've fallen in love with the ink I had filled the Go with, Diamine's Cherry Sunburst from the Guitar line.

Edited September 8, 2019 by essayfaire

[dan in montreal]

Maybe I'm lucky, but I've liked mine since the beginning. The 1.1 stub works well enough. The main drawback is the cap - its plastic is very thin and I'm afraid it will crack. It hasn't yet, though.

I'm glad it has grown on you. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the brand, but I think they've played an important role in making piston fillers more affordable and desirable, especially to a younger crowd, ever since the 530. This economy model with the spring-loaded piston is rather cool. But it's the kind of design that you either love or absolutely hate. I love the fact they are trying stuff, instead of just copying existing models from other brands.