[MOVED] Pilot VP Stealth

[Laurie]

I have been reading some good reviews on the Pilot VP and the other variant being the twist type. I have read a lot of reviews and they all say they have a great smooth nib.

I am attracted to the sleek looking black stealth. However I have seen a couple of complaints about the black matt finish rubbing off. I am not sure if Pilot has addressed this issue but I doubt it as I seem to recall that this is a limited edition. If that fault is common it turns me off that particular colour and would tip me into the more conventional colours and finish.

There wasnt a stand alone forum for this pen and I was wondering if any members have this pen and can comment. Also any general observations on the quality of this pen would be helpful.

[Tiggercat]

I have a newer version, and it's fantastic. I believe the early stealth models had issues, but Pilot addressed them and all is well with current production. Construction is very solid, and nothing I have done has left a mark on the pen. It's also nice to be able to have spare nibs available.

[Jon Szanto]

If you go beyond the Stealth, there are a zillion variants of the VP, and it has a long history. I've never owned one, but I keep my eyes open, and I'll only go for one of the original faceted versions soley based on the clip design, which is smoothly integrated. Why they went away from that, I'll never know. Anyway, there are a LOT of VPs out there, happy hunting.

[Laurie]

I have a newer version, and it's fantastic. I believe the early stealth models had issues, but Pilot addressed them and all is well with current production. Construction is very solid, and nothing I have done has left a mark on the pen. It's also nice to be able to have spare nibs available.

Thanks Tiggercat. I have been trolling through Ebay and apparently some VPs have steel alloy nibs and others have 18ct gold nib. I have found one which is a dark blue with an 18ct gold nib for about $130 AUD inclusive of shipping. That would equate to about $105 USD. Are you able to comment on the difference in the writing with the steel v. gold nib?

[KBeezie]

I have a newer version, and it's fantastic. I believe the early stealth models had issues, but Pilot addressed them and all is well with current production. Construction is very solid, and nothing I have done has left a mark on the pen. It's also nice to be able to have spare nibs available.

Thanks Tiggercat. I have been trolling through Ebay and apparently some VPs have steel alloy nibs and others have 18ct gold nib. I have found one which is a dark blue with an 18ct gold nib for about $130 AUD inclusive of shipping. That would equate to about $105 USD. Are you able to comment on the difference in the writing with the steel v. gold nib?


There is no real difference to most people, least not between the 14K and Steel one (The newer 18K *might* have a slightly springier feel to them, but for the most part they should not differ in quality/feel).

If you don't mind the steel, you can get them for about 75 USD (Shipping is probably around 12-15 USD)

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/bunkidou-shop/item/fcn-1mr/

I've purchased from the Bunkidou store on Rakuten (Sort of a Japanese Amazon) three times now, shipping has always been 3 to 5 days from Japan to here in the US.

Edit: They do have the 18K one for about 100 USD

Black, Red, Light Blue, and Violet
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/bunkidou-shop/item/fct-15s-n/

And a Black with Gold Trim
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/bunkidou-shop/item/fc-15sr-b/

[Laurie]

Hi Kbeezie
Thanks for the information. No I dont mind steel. I have found a cheaper site on Ebay

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pilot-NAMIKI-Vanishing-Point-Capless-BK-Medium-M-nib-fountain-pen-/131513719546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9ed41afa

What do you think of that price? Seems pretty cheap

[iosepus]

I wrote two reports comparing the different Capless nibs--steel, 14 K and 18 K:

M nibs: http://estilofilos.blogspot.jp/2011/04/capless-nibs-i.html
F nibs: http://estilofilos.blogspot.jp/2011/05/capless-nibs-ii.html

The conclusions vary according to the point, F or M, but common to both, steel nibs a thinner and dryer and more rigid. But still a good value, in my opinion, given the price difference.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqhOuREnxwQ/Tar6j7Zfe1I/AAAAAAAABpo/RAzgB2EZLYs/s1600/IMG_0417-blog-WM.jpg (http://estilofilos.blogspot.jp/2011/04/capless-nibs-i.html)

Cheers,

Iosepus (http://estilofilos.blogspot.jp/)

[Laurie]

Thanks Iosepus. That is very informative. I think the steel will suit my requirements.