Wing Sung 3816

[one-legion]

This is another example of a pen that I would have liked to have read a review of, before I bought it. I found none available, so I‘m writing one.

 

Wing Sung 3816current price $7.99

 

Description of the Pen:

This pen is a clone of the Parker IM, in which (I feel) the flaws of the Parker IM have been corrected. I love the look and feel of the Parker IM. But my IM cap allows the pen to dry out on the scale of a week, and it often hard-starts. The nib in the IM is smaller than a number 5, very hard, and limited to fine and medium options. Even with a lot of effort into tuning and smoothing the IM‘s nib, I‘m not completely happy. The barrel of my IM often comes unscrewed from the section while I carry it in a protective sleeve in my pocket.

The Wing Sung 3816 has an identical barrel to the Parker IM. I can switch the barrels on these pens without any problem. The Wing Sung 3816‘s section holds a standard number 5 nib. This expands the possibilities for the pen from EF -- BB, and the range of stub nibs that are available too. The cap looks identical to the Parker IM‘s on the outside. However the caps on the pens are not interchangable (likely because of the different nib size). The cap on my Wing Sung 3816 has a better seal, and the pen does not dry out or hard start. The barrel on my Wing Sung 3816 has never come unscrewed while carrying it.

I immediately changed the nib in my Wing Sung 3816 for a gold-colored Kaweco B intended for a Kaweco Sport. The Wing Sung feed keeps up well with this nib, and this has become one of my favorite pens. It feels nicer in the hand than the Kaweco Sport (in my opinion), and the nib feels smoother than the original Wing Sung or IM nibs.

Evaluation:

I like this pen so much, I‘m tempted to buy another. I love the chiseled barrel, I love the smooth broad nib that I put in. I wish there were additional colors available, as there are for the IM. I would contemplating buying another IM so I can try the section and cap of the Wing Sung 3816 on top of that barrel in a long term way.

Cost and Value:

I would have happily paid more than twice the price for this pen.