Ranga's new "COMPACT" model

[tommym]

I just found this on Ranga's Instagram account. They've just introduced a new COMPACT model. I like the new clip! It looks like it will slip on and off easily.

 

Tommy

 

 

 

[Jamerelbe]

Looks interesting - I haven't bought from Ranga for a while (no shade, they're great pens, I just have too many pens and not enough budget!) - but this one is tempting...

 

I've tended to prefer non-clip Ranga pens, because the clip disrupts the swirl pattern in the material - though this is more of an issue with ebonite.  Some of the older clips were a bit ugly too - this one does look pretty good!

[mhguda]

No images are shown...

[tommym]

26 minutes ago, Jamerelbe said:

I've tended to prefer non-clip Ranga pens, because the clip disrupts the swirl pattern in the material - though this is more of an issue with ebonite. 

 

Yeah, that's kind of a hit-or-miss. I think that is why Ranga has their Emporer and Majestic line of pens to address that issue.  When I inquired about these pens, Ranga had already discontinued the metal trim rings on the cap. Bummer, it kind of makes a difference. 

 

 

26 minutes ago, Jamerelbe said:

Some of the older clips were a bit ugly too - this one does look pretty good!

 

In 2023, they introduced clips with different plating and finishes beyond their standard gold and chrome offering. I'm not sure if they still offer this with their newest clip. But I'm OK with their typical gold and chrome offerings.

 

 

Tommy

[tommym]

45 minutes ago, mhguda said:

No images are shown...

 

My images are hosted on and linked back to imgur, so I'm not sure what is going on.

 

Tommy

[mhguda]

I opened the link in a new tab, and got the message it could not be displayed because it contains errors...

[tommym]

4 hours ago, mhguda said:

I opened the link in a new tab, and got the message it could not be displayed because it contains errors...

 

I'll pass this info on to imgur and see if I get a response.

 

Tommy

[K Singh]

17 hours ago, mhguda said:

No images are shown...

I can see the images, and even imgur link works fine. Probably some issue at your network side I guess 🤷

[dms525]

Is the "Compact" model different from the "Markandreya model?

 

David

[mhguda]

Figured it out. I am using a VPN service and the server has given me an IP for Mexico. I guess American sites such as imgur don't like Mexico these days... Without the VPN I can see the images.

[tommym]

2 hours ago, dms525 said:

Is the "Compact" model different from the "Markandreya model?

 

David

 

The Abhimanyu shown next to the new Compact model (in the original comparison image posted above) is essentially a Markandeya without a clip. Uncapped, the Abhimanyu/Markandeya (same body, see image below) looks much different than the new Compact model. 

 

Tommy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tommym]

11 minutes ago, mhguda said:

Figured it out. 

 

[dms525]

2 hours ago, tommym said:

 

The Abhimanyu shown next to the new Compact model (in the original comparison image posted above) is essentially a Markandeya without a clip. Uncapped, the Abhimanyu/Markandeya (same body, see image below) looks much different than the new Compact model. 

 

Tommy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I see. Thanks.

 

David

[Inky_Ben]

I purchased one of the new compact pens in solid blue ebonite, with a Jowo nib.  I have bought several pens directly from Mr. Kandan and have had good experiences each time.  Funny, I have their turned aluminum Abhimanyu in my pocket right now. 

 

If I had one wish it would be that the Ranga flex nibs had the same flex qualities as the Fountain Pen Revolution Ultra Flex nibs, which really give a LOT of line variation in comparison.  The Ranga flex nibs are good, but stiffer.  With a German nib, like a Bock or Jowo, the "feel" on the page is a lot like many modern pens.

 

In any event, they are great pens, fun to write with, and it is nice dealing with a manufacturer directly.   You feel like all the purchase price is supporting the operation, if you know what I mean.  Try getting the CEO of Pilot, or Mont Blanc to reply to an email!  One of the virtues of a small scale operation, I suppose.

[tommym]

4 hours ago, Inky_Ben said:

I purchased one of the new compact pens in solid blue ebonite, with a Jowo nib.  I have bought several pens directly from Mr. Kandan and have had good experiences each time.  Funny, I have their turned aluminum Abhimanyu in my pocket right now. 

 

If I had one wish it would be that the Ranga flex nibs had the same flex qualities as the Fountain Pen Revolution Ultra Flex nibs, which really give a LOT of line variation in comparison.  The Ranga flex nibs are good, but stiffer.  With a German nib, like a Bock or Jowo, the "feel" on the page is a lot like many modern pens.

 

In any event, they are great pens, fun to write with, and it is nice dealing with a manufacturer directly.   You feel like all the purchase price is supporting the operation, if you know what I mean.  Try getting the CEO of Pilot, or Mont Blanc to reply to an email!  One of the virtues of a small scale operation, I suppose.

 

Compact vs. Abhimanyu

Ergonomically, do you prefer one over the other, or is it still too early to tell?

 

Ranga vs. FPR

I'm thinking Kanwrite and Ranga flex nibs might be one in the same, aside from the company's name on the nib? Not sure, but my Kanwrite EF Ultra Flex nibs require a bunch of pressure to make them flex. Effectively, they write like a nail with my light hand pressure.  But that, combined with its cool looks, has made it my go-to EF nib. Go figure. The image below is of my Ranga 3C; my daily writer. Now, you can order these Kanwrite Ultra Flex nibs with an optional ebonite feed. For what I do, the stock plastic feed does just fine.

 

Thanks, 

 

Tommy

 

 

[Inky_Ben]

^{The new Ranga has not yet arrived, so too early to tell.  Soon though.}

[tommym]

56 minutes ago, Inky_Ben said:

^{The new Ranga has not yet arrived, so too early to tell.  Soon though.}

 

Looking forward to your insights when it does arrive. 

 

 

Tommy