Pilot 743 vs Pilot 823

[Ed333]

I already have a Pilot Custom 823. What differences/advantages/disadvantages would there be with a Pilot Custom 743? Prices are comparable, looking for pros and cons.

[Lithium466]

Advantages of the 743 vs 823: better nib selection (or at least easier to source), better balance (subjective and very personal), easier to clean (also discutable), comes in burgundy and verdigris.

Advantages of the 823 over the 743: admittedly cooler looking/cool factor, comes in transparent demonstrator version, bigger ink capacity...

Basically the same pens except for the body and filling system. I personally prefer the 743 for the balance, lighter feel, and ease to clean and maintenance (converter can be replaced easily).
The 823 really has that wow factor thanks to its filling system and huge ink capacity if you are into that.

[Ed333]

I had purchased the 823 from Goldspot, so I asked them the same question. Here is the very informative response I received from Ben Oddo at Goldspot.
Hi E​d,

Ticket: https://goldspot.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/79364
Thank you for your email and query. Here is a chart I put together comparing the Custom 743 and the Custom 823. The column heading are links to our web pages where you can select the color and nib size for the pens.
​

Pilot Custom 743 Pilot Custom 823
Body Material Resin - opaque Resin - translucent
Capped or Retractable Capped - Screw On Capped - Screw On
Clip Material Metal Metal
Converter Included Yes No
Diameter - Grip 10.9 mm 10.9 mm
Diameter - Max 15.7 mm 15.7 mm
Eyedropper Convertible No No
Filling Mechanism Cartridge- Proprietary,
/ Converter (Con 70) Vacuum
Grip Material Plastic (Resin) Plastic (Resin)
Ink Refillable Yes Yes
Length - Capped 14.8 cm / 5.8 inches 14.8 cm / 5.8 inches
Length - Posted 16.3 cm / 6.4 inches 16.3 cm / 6.4 inches
Length - Uncapped 13.1 cm / 5.2 inches 13.1 cm / 5.2 inches
Nib Color Gold Gold
Nib Material 14k Gold 14k Gold
Ink Color Included Blue Blue
Weight - Barrel (Empty) 0.38 oz / 11 grams 0.67 oz / 19 grams
Weight - Cap 0.35 oz / 10 grams 0.35 oz / 10 grams
Weight - Whole Pen (Empty) 0.73 oz / 21 grams 1.02 oz / 29 grams
Weight - With Packaging 19.81 oz / 561 grams 20.01 oz / 567 grams

The only difference between the two not noted in this chart is ease of cleaning. With the Custom 743 using a cartridge or converter, no ink remains to stain the inside of the barrel. The converter is easy to flush and keep clean. The grip section is easier to clean since it is removable from the barrel.
I own a Custom 823 in Smoke and I love it. I like the translucent quality of the resin so it is easy to tell how much ink remains in the reservoir. But there is a price to pay. Cleaning the pen and removing the remaining ink from the reservoir is a chore. I have a collection of fountain pens and I like to cycle through them inking only 2 at a time. So most of the time, my pens remain empty for long stretches. Therefore, keeping them clean is imperative. If you plan on using a Custom 823 as your primary writer, there is no need to clean it every time you refill it. I would suggest cleaning any pen thoroughly when changing ink color or storing the pen.
I hope I've given you enough information, along with my personal experiences with the Custom 823, for you to decide which is the better choice for you.

Best regards,
Ben Oddo
Goldspot Pens

The metrics are all the same except for barrel weight (823 is 8 grams heavier) and ink capacity (823 has much more, not shown here). Since I prefer not to post, the additional weight on the 823 does not bother me a bit, so my personal decision is to stick with the 823. I do not find the solid resin colors of the 743 to be a compelling factor. The cleaning of the 823, I am OK with that. Not an everyday user, but when I have a long meeting with lots of note-taking, the 823 is an easy choice. In my case, I had teh broad nib reground to cursive italic. Very smooth wet writer. I am glad I asked the question, I am happy with. my original choice, even given that I am not a huge Pilot fan, with the exception of my E95s, which I highly commend with cartridge for EDC.

[markofp]

Bear in mind before purchasing: according to John Mottishaw (and he would know) both the 743 and 823 will, starting later in the month, be available in all fourteen nib sizes that the 912 comes in. That means "posting" all the way to Double Broad, including fine/medium, soft fine, soft medium, waverly and falcon.

Best hold off a bit until this becomes clearer if any of those interest you. They sure interest me.

Also, the transparent 823 mentioned above is Japan only. You can certainly obtain one in the US, I recommend Tokyo Quill Pen Shop. There are also very reliable eBay dealers as well.

[Miss Fountain Pen]

according to John Mottishaw (and he would know)

Does John post anywhere? (Where? Which forum/web page, I mean?) I thought he was enjoying his retirement and not thinking about nibs anymore (haha)!

[Cyril]

If you like the MB 169, or Sailor king of pens then you'll like Pilot Customs 823. They are all with piston filler big capacity ink holder pens. and they are all very hefty pens.
I don't have customs 823 but many other Pilots ( 6 pens with cartages light pens and also many sailor pens Pro gear as light pens. Mont Blanc 169 too ) so I know how bib are they in my hand. But Pilot 823 is a great pen. I love EEF Japanese nibs .