I chose this one over the Optima for two reasons: a light blue finish was available which I really liked, and also I have a strong preference for converters. I change my ink a lot. It's just easier for me this way. I don't know that the size was a selling point, but I do think it's very comfortable to hold. But then, Auroras always feel to me like they enjoy their purpose.
Hi Kari, that makes sense to me. I've gotten a ton of use out of my Talentum. It's perfect for travel and as you say it is much easier to clean/change inks. I do wish they did more finishes like the 88 and Optima but I can understand why they don't.
Hi, David! For a gold nib Aurora pen, the Talentum is one I’d readily recommend to you or anybody else, in every way: design, shape, build, comfort in hand, dependability, and price and ‘value’. Another is the 14k gold nib Aurora Ipsilon, not so much for the superiority of the gold nib over steel, but because the Ipsilon is a slim, light superb daily carry Aurora, with the gold nib models coming in some very attractive resins, color/finish etc.. I adore all my Aurora pens. 🙂
Hi David, thanks for the comment! I think the Talentum is a great place to start. The Aurora Ipsilon with a steel nib is also really nice at a more affordable price.
I have the Talentum. Two of them, actually. One is the stealth black w/ruthenium trims (Black Ops)/M nib. The other is a very lovely yellow w/silver trim with a factory stub nib. I adore these pens. Although lacking the slew of gorgeous color/finish choices of the Optima and the 88, I think the Talentum is a perfect alternative to those two. It has the same (interchangeable) nib options, the same outstanding Aurora build quality, style, reliability and performance. But it is priced quite a bit less. And although the Talentum could easily have been a piston filler with its design and size dimensions, I quite like Aurora made this a c/c filler instead. I own many Aurora pens and have all their nib sizes, except the EF. I’ve often said that it’s a real bonus that Aurora offers even its specialty nibs (except the Goccia) as part of its standard nib size options, and at no extra cost. One note of caution, though, (from personal experience) that I’d add here is I believe that when deciding to buy such expensive Aurora pens particularly with specialty nibs like stub, italic and flex, it’s best, if possible, to try and test the nibs out first hand before committing to buy. I’ve been highly disappointed with two online purchases of Aurora pens with special nibs. The most recent being my second Aurora Internazionale ($875)..this time with an Italic nib - from Iguanasell. Many thanks, Blake, for this good, short video review of one of my Top 10 favorite pens ever!
@@Cortesevasive Well, to be sure, Aurora nibs (and Sailor’s) are my absolute favorites. I really enjoy them all a lot. I have 28 Aurora pens. And I’ve been unlucky just thrice. A broad nib that needed a little adjusting. And two special nibs, a stub and the italic that I mentioned earlier that have been hugely annoying let-downs, especially because both were on the very expensive Aurora pens. Again, I have a few other italics and stubs among my other Aurora pens. Those are uniquely lovely writers. So, I got very unlucky with two faulty ones. And it just proves that no pen brand is entirely immune to QC issues and the occasional problematic pen ( invariably the nib, which is ultimately the thing that matters most). So, I’ll repeat that buying specialty nibs on expensive pens, online, is probably a risk best avoided if one can somehow try out the pen and nib first before buying.
Hi Sajjad, thank you for the comment! I too like have the c/c filler as an option. I am sorry to hear you had issues with some of the specialty nibs. I've had good luck with all my Aurora nibs but I suppose if I buy enough of them I will likely find one in need of adjustment. I've had around 10 of the large gold nibs (18kt and 14kt). I have also had very good luck with their steel nibs and smaller gold nibs.
@@BlakesBroadcast Ha, yes, like I said I have 28 Aurora pens (the 29th is coming soon). So, it isn’t entirely surprising that I was due for a dud nib or two. Too bad, it was to be two 18k gold nibs, of all things. 🙁 I haven’t had any issues with any of my Aurora steel nibs, yet. So far, so good!
For comfort and nib quality/selection, Aurora, easily beats Visconti, Delta, Stipula and even OMAS, of the old Italian standard brands, imo (-Scribo pens/nibs now, though, are terrific--their 'feel the flex' nib is superior to the old OMAS extra flessibile nibs). The italic nib in my stealth Talentum is crisp and true, my Optima Asia's stub nib is likewise flawless, and I enjoy for everyday writing in particular my regular green Optima's flexible nib. Maybe one day I’ll become a practiced flex-fellow, but not now-not even close. Thanks Blake-you provide valuable information here, as always.
Thanks for the comment Jack! The price of Scribo pens has always put me off. OMAS pens were so much more beautiful but if Scribo's flex nib is like the OMAS extra flessibile nib I might have to give one a try. I too love my Aurora Italic nib. It's the best factory italic on a modern pen I have ever tried.
Pricey, yes…but the Dutch vendors (most recently Fonteplumo) sometimes have sales on Scribo…and sale price minus 20% VAT plus free shipping brings the cost down a bit, on the cheaper c/c Piuma model especially. I do recommend the EF flex nib- wet, responsive, snappy-more so than the OMAS nice but slightly mushy extra flessibile nib. I also have a glorious BBB in the Feel model-a real panic! Scribo inks are very good too-again, pricey, but 90 mls in a very attractive bottle/package…(the Grigio is among my favorites).
I own a many Aurora(s)… but my Yellow Talentum is my absolute fave… despite the converter… it’s size is perfect… I guess my biggest gripe with the more expensive models (i.e. Optima), is the near diminutive overall dimensions… You HAVE to post Optimas to get the idea balance and room to hold… while the Talentum is just PERFECT without posting. Great, honest review…
Looks well built and robust. I like the black with silver trim here. Sometimes, I get amazed with the spare nib pricing from many pen makers. Its better to buy a pen than a gold nib unit while importing. 😊
So true. I’m aghast at the pricing of spare nib units or nib upgrades when buying a pen. In the past, I have bought two of Aurora’s ‘Goccia’ 18k gold nibs (admittedly quite fabulous ones) but at the jaw-dropping price of $375 each. Ultimately, I’m more to blame than Aurora is. I could have decided not to buy, after all.
I know Pelikan and Aurora nibs are quite expensive to purchase. I haven't bought too many spares from other brands though (at least not new). Lamy's pricing is reasonable for spare gold nibs.
Blake, revisiting this video again. I’m very keen to know your feelings about your identical Talentum with the factory italic nib. If you see this post, kindly let me know.
Hi Sajjad, I no longer have the flex nib Talentum...I ended up preferring my Montblanc 149 Calligraphy nib but I do still have the Aurora factory Italic and it is one my favorite nibs. I will do a review of the Factory Italic in the future. The Italic is my favorite factory Italic/stub nib from any manufacturer I have used. It's really exceptional. Very sharp and very crisp.
@@BlakesBroadcast ..Thanks a ton, Blake, for the helpful reply. This was a wonderful, ace review of the Talentum with the Flex fine nib. Pity you let go of the pen. You seemed to love it greatly. I really love the Talentum a lot. A review whenever you’re able to do of your identical black and chrome Talentum with the Italic nib would be one I’d keenly await. Because I just ordered the very same black Talentum with the italic nib from Iguanasell. I know all about Aurora’s Italic nibs. But I don’t have it on a Talentum. So, this should be a sweet thrill when I get it tomorrow.
well I'm Italian and here a resine Aurora Talentum costs no less than 340€ I didn't even know there existed a flex version of this model. I can't find the option on the official website. Well review. I think I prefer the standard version but interesting to see at work the flex Aurora's nib ( I really love cosmeticaly your Optima aureoloid red with silver finish)
It is possible the store I bought it from just added the flex nib as an option but I would also say Aurora's website is not great and not complete in terms of their catalog. After reviewing more modern flex nibs I think there are better options for a flex nib. Aurora's Italic nib is definitely my favorite factory italic.
@@BlakesBroadcast I made a quick research: Aurora's original flex (LONG) nibs were made in small production in 90's and with 18k golden nibs. the new flex nibs are more like elastic nibs due to the fact that - as Aurora states - people tended to break flex nibs by misusing or abusing them. So the new ones are intentionally stronger and so less flexible. Nonetheless I've found no flexible version of Talentum: so either it's a special version for your country, or your reseller put a flex nib from antoher model onto your Talentum.. or that's not a flex nib at all but it actually look more flexible than regular one. On my talentum ebanite feed I have a "M" as it's a medium nib. Let me suggest you to use Aurora's black ink. No pen that features a clean flux in normal writing can avoid skipping as you noticed when writing so brutally widely and wildly. More flux in those cases means too much in normal writing. ( I agree about their website not providing with enough information unless you download their cathalogue in pdf - I referring to italian version Aurora website
@@BlakesBroadcast one more question if you don't mind: have you ever tried an Aurora flex gold nib, I mean pure gold and not plated with rodium ? I think it should be softer
Yeah looks like a great pen, basically the same as Optima/88 but sth like 150euro+ cheaper because it has superior cconverter over archaic piston. Was curious about trying Goccia nib in talentum, How is the balance in the pen? ,is it postable ?
The Talentum feels just perfect in my hand in every way. Same with the Optima and the 88. The pen does post, not deeply, and becomes needlessly long and unwieldy. Besides, excepting small pocket pens, I never post my pens. I quite dislike it.
@@BlakesBroadcast ..Oh ok.. But do you mostly use the Talentum posted? I also own the Talentum’s Japanese cousin, the Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black. I use that pen unposed, too.
I like them both. Slightly always prefer piston fillers, though. Also, I just don’t get the curious snobbery among some pen fans that an ‘expensive’ pen or one above a certain price point just has to be a piston-filler, period. I never quite agreed with that.
Hi Darryl, from a practicality perspective I prefer cc pens to piston fillers, that said, I do think the piston filler is a more premium filling system and I like the look of an ink window.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Maybe this is why TWSBIs get such flack from the fp snobs: TWSBI lowered the cache of expensive piston fillers by launching such great models as the 580AL. Quite pathetic of the snobs.
I think it really varies by brand. A lot of the old well-established brands like Aurora, Pelikan, and Pilot charge pretty high prices for their premium pens.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I chose this one over the Optima for two reasons: a light blue finish was available which I really liked, and also I have a strong preference for converters. I change my ink a lot. It's just easier for me this way. I don't know that the size was a selling point, but I do think it's very comfortable to hold. But then, Auroras always feel to me like they enjoy their purpose.
Hi Kari, that makes sense to me. I've gotten a ton of use out of my Talentum. It's perfect for travel and as you say it is much easier to clean/change inks. I do wish they did more finishes like the 88 and Optima but I can understand why they don't.
What interesting discussion the review started!
Indeed.
It's a beautiful looking pen. Thanks for the review.
You are welcome!
Thank you Blake, I enjoyed your review. I would love to own an Aurora fountain pen. Perhaps this model would be a good starting point.
Hi, David! For a gold nib Aurora pen, the Talentum is one I’d readily recommend to you or anybody else, in every way: design, shape, build, comfort in hand, dependability, and price and ‘value’. Another is the 14k gold nib Aurora Ipsilon, not so much for the superiority of the gold nib over steel, but because the Ipsilon is a slim, light superb daily carry Aurora, with the gold nib models coming in some very attractive resins, color/finish etc.. I adore all my Aurora pens. 🙂
Hi David, thanks for the comment! I think the Talentum is a great place to start. The Aurora Ipsilon with a steel nib is also really nice at a more affordable price.
I have the Talentum. Two of them, actually. One is the stealth black w/ruthenium trims (Black Ops)/M nib. The other is a very lovely yellow w/silver trim with a factory stub nib. I adore these pens. Although lacking the slew of gorgeous color/finish choices of the Optima and the 88, I think the Talentum is a perfect alternative to those two. It has the same (interchangeable) nib options, the same outstanding Aurora build quality, style, reliability and performance. But it is priced quite a bit less. And although the Talentum could easily have been a piston filler with its design and size dimensions, I quite like Aurora made this a c/c filler instead.
I own many Aurora pens and have all their nib sizes, except the EF. I’ve often said that it’s a real bonus that Aurora offers even its specialty nibs (except the Goccia) as part of its standard nib size options, and at no extra cost.
One note of caution, though, (from personal experience) that I’d add here is I believe that when deciding to buy such expensive Aurora pens particularly with specialty nibs like stub, italic and flex, it’s best, if possible, to try and test the nibs out first hand before committing to buy. I’ve been highly disappointed with two online purchases of Aurora pens with special nibs. The most recent being my second Aurora Internazionale ($875)..this time with an Italic nib - from Iguanasell.
Many thanks, Blake, for this good, short video review of one of my Top 10 favorite pens ever!
hey mate, which aurora specialty nib disappointed you besides italic one?
@@Cortesevasive Well, to be sure, Aurora nibs (and Sailor’s) are my absolute favorites. I really enjoy them all a lot. I have 28 Aurora pens. And I’ve been unlucky just thrice. A broad nib that needed a little adjusting. And two special nibs, a stub and the italic that I mentioned earlier that have been hugely annoying let-downs, especially because both were on the very expensive Aurora pens. Again, I have a few other italics and stubs among my other Aurora pens. Those are uniquely lovely writers. So, I got very unlucky with two faulty ones. And it just proves that no pen brand is entirely immune to QC issues and the occasional problematic pen ( invariably the nib, which is ultimately the thing that matters most).
So, I’ll repeat that buying specialty nibs on expensive pens, online, is probably a risk best avoided if one can somehow try out the pen and nib first before buying.
Hi Sajjad, thank you for the comment! I too like have the c/c filler as an option. I am sorry to hear you had issues with some of the specialty nibs. I've had good luck with all my Aurora nibs but I suppose if I buy enough of them I will likely find one in need of adjustment. I've had around 10 of the large gold nibs (18kt and 14kt). I have also had very good luck with their steel nibs and smaller gold nibs.
@@BlakesBroadcast Ha, yes, like I said I have 28 Aurora pens (the 29th is coming soon). So, it isn’t entirely surprising that I was due for a dud nib or two. Too bad, it was to be two 18k gold nibs, of all things. 🙁
I haven’t had any issues with any of my Aurora steel nibs, yet. So far, so good!
For comfort and nib quality/selection, Aurora, easily beats Visconti, Delta, Stipula and even OMAS, of the old Italian standard brands, imo (-Scribo pens/nibs now, though, are terrific--their 'feel the flex' nib is superior to the old OMAS extra flessibile nibs). The italic nib in my stealth Talentum is crisp and true, my Optima Asia's stub nib is likewise flawless, and I enjoy for everyday writing in particular my regular green Optima's flexible nib. Maybe one day I’ll become a practiced flex-fellow, but not now-not even close.
Thanks Blake-you provide valuable information here, as always.
Thanks for the comment Jack! The price of Scribo pens has always put me off. OMAS pens were so much more beautiful but if Scribo's flex nib is like the OMAS extra flessibile nib I might have to give one a try.
I too love my Aurora Italic nib. It's the best factory italic on a modern pen I have ever tried.
Pricey, yes…but the Dutch vendors (most recently Fonteplumo) sometimes have sales on Scribo…and sale price minus 20% VAT plus free shipping brings the cost down a bit, on the cheaper c/c Piuma model especially. I do recommend the EF flex nib- wet, responsive, snappy-more so than the OMAS nice but slightly mushy extra flessibile nib. I also have a glorious BBB in the Feel model-a real panic! Scribo inks are very good too-again, pricey, but 90 mls in a very attractive bottle/package…(the Grigio is among my favorites).
Thanks Jack! I will keep an eye out for a Fonteplumo sale. The triple broad sounds awesome too.
I own a many Aurora(s)… but my Yellow Talentum is my absolute fave… despite the converter… it’s size is perfect… I guess my biggest gripe with the more expensive models (i.e. Optima), is the near diminutive overall dimensions… You HAVE to post Optimas to get the idea balance and room to hold… while the Talentum is just PERFECT without posting. Great, honest review…
Thanks for the comment. You are right that the Optima is quite a short pen and for people with bigger hands they will likely need to post it.
Looks well built and robust. I like the black with silver trim here. Sometimes, I get amazed with the spare nib pricing from many pen makers. Its better to buy a pen than a gold nib unit while importing. 😊
So true. I’m aghast at the pricing of spare nib units or nib upgrades when buying a pen. In the past, I have bought two of Aurora’s ‘Goccia’ 18k gold nibs (admittedly quite fabulous ones) but at the jaw-dropping price of $375 each. Ultimately, I’m more to blame than Aurora is. I could have decided not to buy, after all.
I know Pelikan and Aurora nibs are quite expensive to purchase. I haven't bought too many spares from other brands though (at least not new). Lamy's pricing is reasonable for spare gold nibs.
Blake, revisiting this video again. I’m very keen to know your feelings about your identical Talentum with the factory italic nib. If you see this post, kindly let me know.
Hi Sajjad, I no longer have the flex nib Talentum...I ended up preferring my Montblanc 149 Calligraphy nib but I do still have the Aurora factory Italic and it is one my favorite nibs. I will do a review of the Factory Italic in the future.
The Italic is my favorite factory Italic/stub nib from any manufacturer I have used. It's really exceptional. Very sharp and very crisp.
@@BlakesBroadcast ..Thanks a ton, Blake, for the helpful reply. This was a wonderful, ace review of the Talentum with the Flex fine nib. Pity you let go of the pen. You seemed to love it greatly. I really love the Talentum a lot. A review whenever you’re able to do of your identical black and chrome Talentum with the Italic nib would be one I’d keenly await. Because I just ordered the very same black Talentum with the italic nib from Iguanasell. I know all about Aurora’s Italic nibs. But I don’t have it on a Talentum. So, this should be a sweet thrill when I get it tomorrow.
well I'm Italian and here a resine Aurora Talentum costs no less than 340€ I didn't even know there existed a flex version of this model. I can't find the option on the official website. Well review. I think I prefer the standard version but interesting to see at work the flex Aurora's nib ( I really love cosmeticaly your Optima aureoloid red with silver finish)
It is possible the store I bought it from just added the flex nib as an option but I would also say Aurora's website is not great and not complete in terms of their catalog.
After reviewing more modern flex nibs I think there are better options for a flex nib. Aurora's Italic nib is definitely my favorite factory italic.
@@BlakesBroadcast I made a quick research: Aurora's original flex (LONG) nibs were made in small production in 90's and with 18k golden nibs. the new flex nibs are more like elastic nibs due to the fact that - as Aurora states - people tended to break flex nibs by misusing or abusing them. So the new ones are intentionally stronger and so less flexible. Nonetheless I've found no flexible version of Talentum: so either it's a special version for your country, or your reseller put a flex nib from antoher model onto your Talentum.. or that's not a flex nib at all but it actually look more flexible than regular one. On my talentum ebanite feed I have a "M" as it's a medium nib. Let me suggest you to use Aurora's black ink. No pen that features a clean flux in normal writing can avoid skipping as you noticed when writing so brutally widely and wildly. More flux in those cases means too much in normal writing. ( I agree about their website not providing with enough information unless you download their cathalogue in pdf - I referring to italian version Aurora website
@@BlakesBroadcast one more question if you don't mind: have you ever tried an Aurora flex gold nib, I mean pure gold and not plated with rodium ? I think it should be softer
Yeah looks like a great pen, basically the same as Optima/88 but sth like 150euro+ cheaper because it has superior cconverter over archaic piston.
Was curious about trying Goccia nib in talentum,
How is the balance in the pen? ,is it postable ?
I have two Goccia nibs. I am besotted with them both. 😍
The Talentum feels just perfect in my hand in every way. Same with the Optima and the 88. The pen does post, not deeply, and becomes needlessly long and unwieldy. Besides, excepting small pocket pens, I never post my pens. I quite dislike it.
I personally find it comfortable to use posted.
@@BlakesBroadcast ..Oh ok.. But do you mostly use the Talentum posted?
I also own the Talentum’s Japanese cousin, the Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black. I use that pen unposed, too.
I do use the Talentum posted.
I prefer cc pens to piston fillers.
I like them both. Slightly always prefer piston fillers, though. Also, I just don’t get the curious snobbery among some pen fans that an ‘expensive’ pen or one above a certain price point just has to be a piston-filler, period. I never quite agreed with that.
Hi Darryl, from a practicality perspective I prefer cc pens to piston fillers, that said, I do think the piston filler is a more premium filling system and I like the look of an ink window.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Maybe this is why TWSBIs get such flack from the fp snobs: TWSBI lowered the cache of expensive piston fillers by launching such great models as the 580AL. Quite pathetic of the snobs.
@@BlakesBroadcast I see your point.
Sometimes I think there is a surcharge for Italian pens.
There definitely is. It is a generalization that holds demonstrably true.
I think it really varies by brand. A lot of the old well-established brands like Aurora, Pelikan, and Pilot charge pretty high prices for their premium pens.
Don't let this guy get more likes than 69.
Jk btw
haha