I bought a custom 74 after watching your reviews and it is my #1. Always inked, at the ready. I ended up with the smoke grey/ black colour in a fine nib and while the bounce means the line is sometimes less precise, it is most of the time, exactly the pen I need. Love it.
I fell in love with my first "74," which is Merlot in color. Then ordered my second one in Teal. The only other pair of pens (of similar quality), in my collection, is a Platinum 3776 in Chartres bleu and one in Laurel green. All four write so lovely.
I have the CH92 (piston fill and a ‘tie’ clip instead of a ‘ball’ clip) FM in transparent blue. I just checked and it has the size 5 nib as well. I agree with your assessments! It’s absolute perfection to write with. It has ‘shock absorbers’ without being a ‘lowrider’ and giving too much flexibility. I have a transparent demonstrator for drawing with, but I absolutely love looking at the transparent blue pen while I’m writing for hours at a time. It brings me so much joy!
I don’t have a Custom 74, but I do have an 823 I’d love. Maybe I’ll put that on the next purchase list? BTW, I love your “pet” name for your pens, Pineapple. I was so looking forward to you lifting one 🍍and saying how scratchy it was on the paper…😊
I debated between the Custom 74 and Custom Heritage 92 when I bought my first gold nib pen. Ended up with the 92 because I like the flat ends more than the round ones and the gadget nerd in me liked the piston filling mechanism. I now have two 92s -- a blue one with the FM nib and a clear one with the F nib -- and I still dig them but I'm kind of leaning towards getting a 74 in medium for the wider line and easier cleaning. I need to figure out which color, though, since there are some really, really nice colors in the 74 line. They both use the Pilot #5 nib which is just a joy to write with. So smooth and bouncy with just enough line variation to keep things interesting when you make a bold stroke here or there.
I loved the translucent blue Pilot Custom 74 with a M nib so much that I ended up purchasing the black w/gold trim 74 woth a B nib, black w/gold trim Custom 742 woth a F nib, and a black w/gold trim Custom 743 with SFM nib.
I have a Pilot Custom 74 with a medium nib in Forest green. it is a great pen. I made the mistake of trying to fill it with a con70 converter in a tiny bottle of ink that came with a Delta pen. The nib was bent and I did straighten it and it still writes smoothly. The only problem seeems to be it either is a hard starter or the ink does not flow as well as my other Pilots. Lesson learned.
I have the merlot color in this pen model, and I love the feel of the plastic. It's like so silky smooth; I'm not sure what they did to make it that way. However, I would say the nib isn't great for lefties like me. Any stroke that pushed the pen across the paper felt awkward and often skipped. I had to get a custom grind on it in order to love it.
I agree the Custom 74 is a terrific everyday workhorse. I am crazy about the Pilot Fine Medium nib and wish they would make it available on the translucent 74s as right now you can only get it on the black and gold version.
I have a purple Pilot Custom 74 with a medium nib, and at first it had frequent hard starts, but now it's a delight to write with. Seriously considering getting a fine nib in the stone blue color.
Dear I want your suggestion,my first pilot custom 74 medium nib arrived today,but when I put ink ,it gives dull shade rather than dark ,and it's up strokes are very scratchy ,and thin and it starts skipping during up strokes ,no what should I do ,and which black ,blue ink is best for it ,and do you also face these problem s and how you deal with thems
I have 2 Custom 74s and plan on buying an M nib one. I do wish there is an amber version that's similar to the 823 because I prefer a cartridge/converter over a vac fill pen.
I personally like the look of the CH92 more, so that's what I own. I've never tried the 74 or really held one, but I've heard they should more or less write the same. And I love my CH92 so much :DDD
I had a Pilot Custom 74 with a medium nib that I sold to get a different color barrel. At the last moment, I changed my mind and switched to a broad nib. I regret that decision -- the broad nib on my Custom 74 doesn't have a good feel to me. It's smooth, but not a pleasant smoothness. I prefer at least a hint of feedback, and this nib feels like it's not making contact with the paper. It's hard to explain; it almost feels greasy. (I did flush it multiple times in case there was residual manufacturing grease in it.) If I get another, I'll try a medium nib again.
I just bought a Custom 74 with a Music Stub nib. It cost me around 10 US dolars extra compare to reg F nib. Worth every penny. It give my handwriting some flair and character. I use it everyday especially for writing titles and short notes like to do list. Its the cheapest entry to gold nib ❤. Chinese knock offexcluded. 😂
Well, I must had got the outlier, my Custom 74 is one of my least favorites, the nib is so scratchy. But my Custom 912 writes like a dream, as does my Metropolitan and Pilot Prera.
I bought a custom 74 after watching your reviews and it is my #1. Always inked, at the ready. I ended up with the smoke grey/ black colour in a fine nib and while the bounce means the line is sometimes less precise, it is most of the time, exactly the pen I need. Love it.
I fell in love with my first "74," which is Merlot in color. Then ordered my second one in Teal. The only other pair of pens (of similar quality), in my collection, is a Platinum 3776 in Chartres bleu and one in Laurel green. All four write so lovely.
Thanks for posting so many helpful pen reviews. Are there any situations where you would recommend this over the 743?
I have the CH92 (piston fill and a ‘tie’ clip instead of a ‘ball’ clip) FM in transparent blue. I just checked and it has the size 5 nib as well.
I agree with your assessments! It’s absolute perfection to write with. It has ‘shock absorbers’ without being a ‘lowrider’ and giving too much flexibility. I have a transparent demonstrator for drawing with, but I absolutely love looking at the transparent blue pen while I’m writing for hours at a time. It brings me so much joy!
One of my favs. It was my first gold nib. I have the blue too.
Yeah I love keeping the stickers. They look cool. It’s a solid pen. Excellent value.
This sounds like a neat theme; thank you for sharing!
I love mine, I own this color and the lilac. I’m also a lover of the con-70. Beautiful pen.
I don’t have a Custom 74, but I do have an 823 I’d love. Maybe I’ll put that on the next purchase list? BTW, I love your “pet” name for your pens, Pineapple. I was so looking forward to you lifting one 🍍and saying how scratchy it was on the paper…😊
I think you won't get hands on the 74 much often while having 823 unless you prefer lighter pens.
Love my Custom 74. It’s one of my best writers!
I have a Black with gold trim 74 with a SF nib. It is my favorite pen I own. I want to get another it's so nice!
I kept the sticker on my 74 too. I think the letters M and 中字 are just aesthetically pleasing on a transparent barrel.
One of my favorite pens, this Custom 74!.
Yep! Definitely one of my favorite pens! I have multiples but with different nibs. LOL
😊😊 👍🏼 👍🏼 I want to buy a custom series someday, too!
A few months ago I bought a Pilot Custom 74 in Forest Green medium nib. It's a great pen.
I debated between the Custom 74 and Custom Heritage 92 when I bought my first gold nib pen. Ended up with the 92 because I like the flat ends more than the round ones and the gadget nerd in me liked the piston filling mechanism. I now have two 92s -- a blue one with the FM nib and a clear one with the F nib -- and I still dig them but I'm kind of leaning towards getting a 74 in medium for the wider line and easier cleaning. I need to figure out which color, though, since there are some really, really nice colors in the 74 line. They both use the Pilot #5 nib which is just a joy to write with. So smooth and bouncy with just enough line variation to keep things interesting when you make a bold stroke here or there.
Thank you for the video!
This shock absorber feel... Have you tried the old Visconti Palladium? Which one today resembles that?
I loved the translucent blue Pilot Custom 74 with a M nib so much that I ended up purchasing the black w/gold trim 74 woth a B nib, black w/gold trim Custom 742 woth a F nib, and a black w/gold trim Custom 743 with SFM nib.
I have a Pilot Custom 74 with a medium nib in Forest green. it is a great pen. I made the mistake of trying to fill it with a con70 converter in a tiny bottle of ink that came with a Delta pen. The nib was bent and I did straighten it and it still writes smoothly. The only problem seeems to be it either is a hard starter or the ink does not flow as well as my other Pilots. Lesson learned.
I have the merlot color in this pen model, and I love the feel of the plastic. It's like so silky smooth; I'm not sure what they did to make it that way. However, I would say the nib isn't great for lefties like me. Any stroke that pushed the pen across the paper felt awkward and often skipped. I had to get a custom grind on it in order to love it.
I agree the Custom 74 is a terrific everyday workhorse. I am crazy about the Pilot Fine Medium nib and wish they would make it available on the translucent 74s as right now you can only get it on the black and gold version.
I'm in the process of buying a new pen, One for the short list cheers, Colin.
Small side note: love the shirt.
I have a purple Pilot Custom 74 with a medium nib, and at first it had frequent hard starts, but now it's a delight to write with. Seriously considering getting a fine nib in the stone blue color.
Dear I want your suggestion,my first pilot custom 74 medium nib arrived today,but when I put ink ,it gives dull shade rather than dark ,and it's up strokes are very scratchy ,and thin and it starts skipping during up strokes ,no what should I do ,and which black ,blue ink is best for it ,and do you also face these problem s and how you deal with thems
Love my custom74!
I have 2 Custom 74s and plan on buying an M nib one. I do wish there is an amber version that's similar to the 823 because I prefer a cartridge/converter over a vac fill pen.
Thanks for the review, can I ask you where did you get that KWZ ink? I love scented inks
I personally like the look of the CH92 more, so that's what I own.
I've never tried the 74 or really held one, but I've heard they should more or less write the same.
And I love my CH92 so much :DDD
I had a Pilot Custom 74 with a medium nib that I sold to get a different color barrel. At the last moment, I changed my mind and switched to a broad nib. I regret that decision -- the broad nib on my Custom 74 doesn't have a good feel to me. It's smooth, but not a pleasant smoothness. I prefer at least a hint of feedback, and this nib feels like it's not making contact with the paper. It's hard to explain; it almost feels greasy. (I did flush it multiple times in case there was residual manufacturing grease in it.) If I get another, I'll try a medium nib again.
Hey Kerry!! I already own a pilot custom 823. Do you think it’s worth it to still purchase a 74? Or should I buy a lamy 2000😋😋
Yes, please
Hi, I hope Parker is well and I have so many pens, but I think I need a Pilot Custom 74 🙂
I just bought a Custom 74 with a Music Stub nib. It cost me around 10 US dolars extra compare to reg F nib. Worth every penny. It give my handwriting some flair and character. I use it everyday especially for writing titles and short notes like to do list. Its the cheapest entry to gold nib ❤. Chinese knock offexcluded. 😂
We need a logo stamp "Kerry Approved"
That would be AWESOME
Well, I must had got the outlier, my Custom 74 is one of my least favorites, the nib is so scratchy. But my Custom 912 writes like a dream, as does my Metropolitan and Pilot Prera.
I'm struggling to ink up my 🍍 🍍 🍍. Any tips? 😄
7:50 - you had me at coffee but is it worth it as an ink? ☕️
I love my pineapple 😂
I’m aiming for the 743, probably because it’s fatter? 🤪
Nib is not as bouncy.
@@stricht8 what you mean not as bouncy, my 743 falcon is the bounciest thing I have ever tried, but I haven't tried a 74
@@mixeddrinks8100 it’s a bit more rigid than a custom 74.
@@stricht8 interesting, might have to find one to try
😇🩷🙏🙌