While not obviously a direct feature, for me a small positive about the vp is the click. I personally like a good pen click. Although I can see the appeal of a silent mechanism
I have to say I like the mechanism of the LS. It is again a unique feature. And I think the Capless / Vanishing Point is a good seller for Pilot. Otherwise they wouldn't make so many variants. And Platinum brought the Curidas out at beginning of the year, which is, lets be honest, rather similar. :) But price... well, that is always a talking point. One that doesn't vanish. ;)
I have decided to get another one of the older version of the Vanishing Point pen. I think that the new design features are not really all that important for my particular needs. Plus, the Vanishing Points are ones I have experience with and I just like them, it will my third VP. But, I still appreciate you detailed, wonderful review. Thank you, David.
When I saw the huge box that it came in with the branded little leather pouch etc., I knew that the price would be eye-watering. Although the redesign of the nib 'pro/retraction' mechanism is interesting, I personally dislike the thinner knock on the LS. OTOH, I think I would prefer the thinner clip. The price is a resounding no for me. Thanks again for this review.
As of right now, the Capless LS sits around 400-500 EUR in Europe, and not a whole lot lower on the NA market (350-450 USD), as far as I can see, but it only costs around 30,000 JPY (200-250 USD) in Japan, if you can find any in stock, so you might want to use a proxy to buy one directly from Japan.
That’s a cool pen but think about how many Twinkies you could get for the same money! 🤔 AND they have shelf life that’s so long you could eat em all before they spoil! 😋
When I compare the 2, it seems to me that the Pilot Vanishing Point LS is as expensive for what it is, as the Standard Vanishing Point is cheap for what it is.
@@colinmartin9797 Mmh I'm not quite sure, I concede the nib isn't big but it isn't as small as what it looks to be, it is narrow but rather long, when you remove the nib unit and compare the nib size to other gold nib pens at the same price range, the difference is not that huge. I wouldn't call it tiny tiny. If we look at Lamy's Z57 14k gold nib (Dialog 3/ Imporium) there's probably as much gold material, The Lamy 2k despite being more expensive than the VP has an even smaller nib. I'm no sure the amount of gold has a significant importance in the final price at these scales. I wouldn't call the VP "basic" either, albeit it is probably simpler mechanically than what it looks to be (it's definitely not a Dialog 3 I think we can all all agree on that), we have to take into account the manufacturing process of all these elements, assembly, tolerance between all the moving parts, various coatings. If we compare it to other pens in this price range that are mostly injection molded plastic body/caps/feeds pens with few moving parts, I'd say it is a rather high quality for its price. I can't be 100 % sure and I'm certainly mistaken to some extent, but I'm pretty sure the price/production cost is not that high with the standard VP.
The twist knob works with ease on my left hand. Had no trouble pushing it with my left thumb to retract the nib. Just want you guys to know that. The LS is really the next-level Capless / Vanishing Point.
Great detailed review thank you. It would look cool with the red ring. I will be interested to see what it looks like in the other colors. Never-the-less, at that price not for me.
Got it for a lot less than that from Japan, but it wasn't in that kind of packaging - no ink, sleeve or pouch, but a cartridge, the "metal thing", and a converter were included. It's an incredible pen, I love it.
I actually prefer the original Vanishing Point/Capless design. This one is a little sleeker but not worth the extra money and it is not totally silent. However, if one can find it for a good price, it would be worth getting.
A beautifully elegant pen, and from one of my favourite pen makers, too! Nice mechanism, but...*crashing sound*..I'm left handed. It's pretty inconsiderate as a design, so thanks for pointing that out. Also...$$$$$$$!!!!!!! :o
Thanks for this review. I've liked VPs and have several -- the "original" (plastic), the "modern" (metal body) and was a bit tempted at first by this -- but not for that price and honestly, probably not at all. My VPs are currently all in storage for two main reasons: one, they're small for my hand and two, the ink capacity is rather paltry. I really liked the convenience of the "click" and found them all to have wonderful nibs but I don't need to add another take on the VP for $400 to sit in storage.
Aloha David, good, comprehensive review, as always. I love the subtle design cues they did with this pen, slimming down the clip profile, adding the waist that hides the joint, scooping out the corners of the closing tab. Like a lot of Japanese design, it's these subtle things, taken together, bring out the beauty in the design. As for the price, for some people, there will be value in it. For others, not so much, and that's OK; to each their own. Keep up the awesome work and the very best to you and your family this holiday season.
Hi, I’m a lefty too. I kept away from fountain pens for a while but now I love them! It help very much if you learn the tripod grip, this way you don’t have any disadvantages to a right handed 🙂.
@@ronink.9009 Yeah, no. Whatever your grip style, as an overwriter most people will hold the pen rotated slightly to their grip so the clip would get in the way.
Late reply but I was talking about the nib activation mechanism. I'm a lefty underwriter and have been writing with FPs for approx. 30 years :) @@ronink.9009
I appreciate the redisign and new mechanism, but as a user, to me it's the same pen and same nib minus the "click sound". That absolutely doesn't justify the price being multiplied by 2.5 .
@@Cortesevasive absolutely, because I tried an Android phone half the price of it and absolutely hated it, it didn't do what I wanted it to do and didn't work well with the rest of my ecosystem. My better user experience justifies the price difference. This pen will do exactly the same as the older VP model because they have the same nib unit. Your only gain as a user is litteraly the absence of the click, your writing experience gets zero improvement.
@@Cortesevasive what does being an apple fanboy have to do with anything regarding his comment? Sure iPhone is garbage hardware but if it works for him it works. besides good hardware only matters if you’re using your phone to do things that actually utilize that hard ware. If you’re only using your phone for calls and text, why does it matter?
@@Alsry1 exactly my point, the same person who throws money at garbage apple, complains about pilot for actually offering complete redesign of clicking mechanism, its not a colour mashup, not a texture, its an actual new pen not a skin.
thank you for this review, I've been looking forward to reviews of it. I'm left handed and i'm used to adapting to the right-handed world so the twist mechanism isn't a problem to me. this is one of my dream pens but the price to me, I'll settle on the regular one.
I keep thinking about getting a VP specifically because it's an affordable gold nib. I'm just not a fan of hooded nibs. While the mechanism is cool, I feel it loses its value once it surpasses 200 USD. Thanks for another great review! The comparisons were helpful!
I recently picked up a steel nib (fine) Pilot Capless for ~90USD. I am in love. It is perfect for carrying around and everyday use. I just didn't want to pay for the gold nib on something that I am just looking for utility from. I would never pay this price for a pen I don't love the look of and the main upgrade is the silence...but I'm sure that many will thoroughly enjoy this 🙂
David, I think you are spot on. I am sure they put a lot of R & D into this and some effort on the production line. And maybe their price is fair. But I am left handed and would like the ability to switch the mechanism. It feels a bit thoughtless. And I would rather pay more for a swisher barrel or less as it stands. And I agree $100-$150 bucks less seems about right. Shame. A bit like the Curidas, nearly a good pen but it just misses.
I like these pens because of their extra girth but I'm told by my regular dealer that they weren't a success in Australia. They are only available on a special order for over $400 AUD.
I really enjoy your videos and I was hoping you could answer a question. I purchased a pilot custom 823 with a medium nib and the smoothness with which the medium nib writes is amazing. Next I purchased the pelikan m800 with a fine nib and it is scratchy. Do you think my pelican may be defective or just need to be taken someplace and fine-tuned I was expecting the smoothness of the pelican to rival that of the pilot 823. I noticed that on my pelikan m800 using the loop there was bits of paper in the nib and that the tines were not even so I fixed it and now it is 85% better than it was but still not as smooth as the pilot 823. I also noticed that the pelikan requires almost no pressure to write. Is a fine nib pen supposed to have a little bit of scratchiness or can I make it smoother by taking it to a nib master or sanding it. I think because I am new I would prefer to take it to someone to send as I don't want to ruin the nib. Your thoughts will be appreciated thank you.
If you want a silent mechanism, I would go for the Fermo... only marginally more expensive the the regular vanishing point and is completely silent to operate the mechanism. And looks very classy to boot! I will definitely give this model a miss, just too expensive for what it is!
I really like this pen but the price scares me a little. What if I can get the pen at 250USD? Would you think it's a better buy than the standard capless at about 140USD?
The thing is I love annoying coworkers in meetings, given how 90% of meetings are useless. So paying 3 times the price to take away the fun of annoying coworkers doesn’t make sense
I have one major question. for one who has approximately 50 pens of variety. None are gimmicks. All are standard, a few vintage, some unbranded Chinese, mostly popular quality well tested variety daily writers. I haven't owned a VP ever. Outside of a capless fountain pen why would one want a vanishing point? What is it that you gain, need or want when you begin using a vanishing point? Did I miss that video somewhere in your archives? I wish the LS was cheaper. I might own one otherwise. Excellent rhythm to your reviews. If you haven't planned it, you are consistently lucky. :) I went back in time yesterday and watch your ND Tyson interview. That was fun.
I do have a Vanishing Point review...it is from about 4-5 years ago. The VP is a great pen. The main attraction is the one-handed operation and retractable nib. They are reasonably priced as well. Thanks for watching.
I had some vintage VPs(cs-100, 300, from 60s) and modern ones, but I found the wooden version of modern VP has the best balance for me. It is a tad lighter than normal lacquered brass ones, and thicker than the aluminium decimo models.
I don't feel myself drawn to this and, so far, I've steered clear of the VP altogether, due to the clip placement. That flick mechanism to retract the nib on this model also looks like it could rattle around a bit in use, but no doubt it wouldn't. In any event, in today's episode of "things I didn't know that I didn't know", I learned the mechanism is called a knock. After 50 years of ballpoint use (only seeing the FP light within about the last year) I've never wondered what it's called, and now that really surprises me. Maybe I'd have gone with clicker, button or just thingy. Now I know to call it a knock, so thanks for that :)
@@MostlyLost I did eventually take the plunge in my typically excessive fashion. I now have two VPs (Capless over here) and a Decimo. There was no way to try before I bought. My nearest stationery shop gets very confused by anything more complicated than an HB pencil, so I had to make the leap of faith. Thankfully it all worked out well in the end.
Thank you for doing a review on this. I have wondered why Pilot chose to make a version of the VP that costs so much more but I haven't seen a review on it. I love mine but I'd rather buy two than one of these.
@@Cortesevasive LMAO, you may not realize how pen collectors work 😂 Your value proposition is laughable 🤣 $550 would require it to be more than 15% better and the mechanism they chose for the nib is an instant fail for me as it's illogical and not an improvement over what was working... Had they resurrected the Hermes Nautilus movement, I may have bitten but $550 would be better spent on a list of pens the length of my arm... Thank you for the laugh, I needed that 🙂
I have two original style "fat" VPs and a Decimo VP. I like the Decimo the best because it is thinner and has a narrower clip. It also has narrower center bands, unlike the "Michelin-tire" center bands on the "fat" Pilots. The LS is overpriced, and I don't think the nib retraction mechanism is necessary. As far as noise, I have a Parker T-ball Jotter and plastic Pilot G-2 gel pen, both of which are as noisy (or noisier) as the VPs. I'm not sure how "nock/knock" should be spelled, but in any case it is a new term to me. I call it a plunger or an actuator.
Lefties lose again, just not right! Neither is the price for a variation on a familiar theme. Nice review, thanks! Enjoy the close-ups you're able to get. Good health to you!
Why can't lefties write like "righties" I have a standard right hand 3 finger grip and can't for the life of me figure out why it can't be transposed for a leftie. Sure, if you hold your pen twisted half way round your back it's gonna be tricky but why??????
@@grantwaller2641 it's about the mechanism to disengage the nib. It's dumb and irritating to rotate the pen around. Especially at this price. Writing as a lefty is more or less the same if you are an underwriter. Can't talk about side- or overwriters since I underwrite. Think of it like using left-handed knives or scissors as a righty. It works but is not ideal and tends to be annoying.
I believe that Yama budo is considered to be magenta. As for the pen, unlike the Raden Vanishing Point, the price just isn't justifiable in my mind. But I would expect that a company as big and successful as Pilot has a solid business strategy concerning this product.
Is the Pilot Fermo still in production? This just feels so overpriced for a twist mechanism if the Fermo still exists. Though the Fermo is only available in 3 finishes..
This pen is like a Frankenstein between Fermo and Vanishing point. If you like quietness, the Fermo is better than this, if you like clicking, the Vanishing point is enough. Buying both of them will be cheaper than a single LS as well.
It is interesting to me that there are so many differences in general dimensions. I expected it to be pretty much the same on the outside with just the internals changed.
If I were ever to get a vanishing point, which I don't yet feel compelled to do, I'd reach for a CON-70 or, as you say, I'd syringe-fill an empty cartridge. I love the CON-70 and the difficulty in cleaning when ink gets behind the plunger has never bothered me in my many kakunos. I just dedicate a converter to each ink. Defeats the purpose of a converter somewhat, but they're cheap enough.
i'm a huge fan of the vanishing point line. my first real fountain pen was a matte black vanishing point. i bought a vanishing point "raden stripe" for $614 because the craftsmanship, design, etc. were worth it, but I can't bring myself to pay as much as they're asking for this LS model. it just isn't worth it.
Great review as always David. I was intrigued by this pen and it's redesign elements, but the pen feels over priced for what it is. Too many other options at that price point. You can get the same nib in the original chassis and still have the same poor ink capacity for a lot less...unless you want the pen to be near silent. Where's the fun in that. Besides it's a ZOOM meeting world right now.
No!!!! It's a knock. Can't you tell it's exactly the same as someone hitting a door with their knuckles, or, at more refined houses, with a large lump of brass which is fastened to the door for that exact purpose.
Thank you Pilot for ignoring us lefties. 😠 A genuine thank you to David for mentioning the oversight though. 👍 I’ll wait and see if they address the problem in the future, and maybe realise that the price point is disproportionate.
In general I love Pilot pens and own a couple. But I don't get the attraction of a fountain pen that looks like a ballpoint. And as a leftie, both the clip and the new knock mechanism don't work for me. It's a hard pass - for both iterations. That being said, thank you for a great comparison video.
@@Cortesevasive I understand that that's a selling point for the people that buy it, but it's that same feature that makes it a very unattractive pen in my eyes. I introduce people to fountain pens with c/c and snap caps, before they move on to screw off caps. Fortunately we have great range of products to choose from.
@@Cortesevasive About one year after David posted this review I decided to try a Chinese clone of the regular VP design. To my great surprise I found that the clip wasn't an issue and that I like the convenience of a a retractable pen for note taking. I wrote with that pen for about two months and then decided to buy the real deal. I put in a blue cartridge and have been using it daily. The sound of the click doesn't bother me, but I may have to look at the Decimo (for size comparison) and the Fermo (cool factor and quiet twist mechanism). Tastes and preferences evolve. But I still firmly believe that the Curidas looks like it got fished out of the dollar bin.
Im pretty sure that adding silicone ou other types of “rubber like” materials, or making a spring of a different material would reduce the clicking noise, and cost... 5?10? Dolars more. What i really appreciated was the new slimmer clip design. The price? Falls into “trendy/limited edition way of stealing money that has become a way in industry”
The Fermo was completely silent and simple to operate, and has a more attractive style in my opinion. Also less expensive than this LS. Not sure how this is an improvement.
The design is starting to grow on me a bit (VP finger notches scream "we know this can be obstructive, so here's a compromise" even though my grip is fine for it), but southpaw and price. I'm sure there would be more criticism about the price if that cartridge cap WASN'T included.
Nothing more comforting than the close of a cap, knowing my nib won’t soon be drying up. Trap door aside and whatever that means in keeping the nib from drying out, a nib itself is a thing of beauty. The end of it poking out doesn’t do it for me in these VP’s.
The process or noise of clicking my VP (or my Decimo) never bothered me. The problem I had was that the mechanism of closing off the nib didn't seem to keep the nib from drying out for more than a couple of days. Is there any improvement in that mechanism (i.e. the trap door thing that closes off the nib) from the standard VP? I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried it.
Price is an insulting joke just like the 2k bauhaus. Just get a lamy dialog 3. More clever design, works ambidextrous, ink window in the mechanism, clip retracts, more nib options. I love pilot but this is just an insulting price. Never going to buy it, though if it was a $250 version, came in a decimo size, and had the full damn nib option range (seriously, you make EF and stubs but won't offer them?) I would jump on it.
I like the standard Vanishing point pen with golden trim., but at 200 USD ( in India ), it is way too overpriced ! Of course I can’t even dream of owning LS variant which may cost 600 USD if and when available in India !
Lovely pen, but the price is just prohibitive. If you want an luxurious retractable nib the Lamy Dialog is a less expensive (and it’s more beautiful, in my opinion). Otherwise the original VP is simply too good a deal to pass over.
@@pantone.17 yes, it does. Anything Capless/Vanishing point - Fermo, Decimo, LS are using the same unit and my experience with two of them in my family have been phenomenal - both Fine nibs are extremely smooth writers, with enough wetness. My issue with Capless/VP is ink capacity, I wish I could draw more ink into it. Other than that, it is hard to beat as an all-around note-taking pen and I prefer it over any Montblanc or Pelikan I've tried.
It's the same nib unit as the regular vanishing points and decimo. They're all interchangeable which is really convenient and absolutely fantastic for a gold nibbed pen.
@@KB-cx2dr Not that I know of. I have a VP Decimo and after I finish writing, I immediately retract the nib. I do the same with my other pens with a cap and those pens are more likely to dry out before the VP.
@@KB-cx2dr You're welcome. It's totally worth it to get at least one. It's the one gold nibbed pen that you can replace the nib if you accidentally damage it in anyway. The hardest part is picking a color.
I have owned three of the standard vanishing points. I love just about aspect of them but have had problems I the deployment mechanism. I don’t consider them durable against price. Pilot failed in that respect.
It costs much more to ship overseas, there are oftentimes tariffs involved, and much of the price is tied to currency exchanges. Companies need to overshoot the exchange rate with their prices in order to be guaranteed a profit with each sale.
@@Matt-wg9or in my honest opinion, you’re just elaborating some prevalent pretexts amongst businessmen, a stationery shop owner here in Germany once told me, there was a time before which no Sailor pens were allowed to be sold in Germany, it was all caused by the pricing conundrum, Sailor was considered too “cheap” to sport a gold nib, these pens of low price-performance ratio could eventually monopolise in the field of premium writing instruments, much to the dismay of other pen behemoths in Europe
I enjoy your content and knowledge. The only thing I dislike is you looking everywhere except the camera. If you’re going to read a script record your videos POV style. I literally never finish your videos because of it. Is too distracting for the audience. Not an attack, just constructive criticism.
All fountain pens have the clip on the cap, or on the nib side. Ball points will have even on back end of the pen because they’re less likely to leak but it can still happen.
they should now make a Vanishing Point LSLS: Luxury Silent Left Side
LS²
@@niko557 (LS)²
While not obviously a direct feature, for me a small positive about the vp is the click. I personally like a good pen click. Although I can see the appeal of a silent mechanism
Thank you for the amazing review David!
Agree, the price is higher than expected.
I have to say I like the mechanism of the LS. It is again a unique feature. And I think the Capless / Vanishing Point is a good seller for Pilot. Otherwise they wouldn't make so many variants.
And Platinum brought the Curidas out at beginning of the year, which is, lets be honest, rather similar. :)
But price... well, that is always a talking point. One that doesn't vanish. ;)
I have decided to get another one of the older version of the Vanishing Point pen. I think that the new design features are not really all that important for my particular needs. Plus, the Vanishing Points are ones I have experience with and I just like them, it will my third VP. But, I still appreciate you detailed, wonderful review. Thank you, David.
You can get this for half the price in China; but curiously, the standard version is not that much cheaper in China than in the US
When I saw the huge box that it came in with the branded little leather pouch etc., I knew that the price would be eye-watering. Although the redesign of the nib 'pro/retraction' mechanism is interesting, I personally dislike the thinner knock on the LS. OTOH, I think I would prefer the thinner clip. The price is a resounding no for me.
Thanks again for this review.
As of right now, the Capless LS sits around 400-500 EUR in Europe, and not a whole lot lower on the NA market (350-450 USD), as far as I can see, but it only costs around 30,000 JPY (200-250 USD) in Japan, if you can find any in stock, so you might want to use a proxy to buy one directly from Japan.
Whoa! I was on board until you said the price. I may as well order another custom Edison or something.
That’s a cool pen but think about how many Twinkies you could get for the same money! 🤔 AND they have shelf life that’s so long you could eat em all before they spoil! 😋
When I compare the 2, it seems to me that the Pilot Vanishing Point LS is as expensive for what it is, as the Standard Vanishing Point is cheap for what it is.
that's why they call it the "luxury" silence
looks like they tried to compete with Lamy Dialogue with this new version and failed anyways 😏
Disagree. The VP is a basic, cheap brass barrel with no exotic materials and a tiny, tiny gold nib. The VP is priced right about where it should be.
@@colinmartin9797
Mmh I'm not quite sure, I concede the nib isn't big but it isn't as small as what it looks to be, it is narrow but rather long, when you remove the nib unit and compare the nib size to other gold nib pens at the same price range, the difference is not that huge.
I wouldn't call it tiny tiny. If we look at Lamy's Z57 14k gold nib (Dialog 3/ Imporium) there's probably as much gold material, The Lamy 2k despite being more expensive than the VP has an even smaller nib. I'm no sure the amount of gold has a significant importance in the final price at these scales.
I wouldn't call the VP "basic" either, albeit it is probably simpler mechanically than what it looks to be (it's definitely not a Dialog 3 I think we can all all agree on that), we have to take into account the manufacturing process of all these elements, assembly, tolerance between all the moving parts, various coatings. If we compare it to other pens in this price range that are mostly injection molded plastic body/caps/feeds pens with few moving parts, I'd say it is a rather high quality for its price. I can't be 100 % sure and I'm certainly mistaken to some extent, but I'm pretty sure the price/production cost is not that high with the standard VP.
The twist knob works with ease on my left hand. Had no trouble pushing it with my left thumb to retract the nib. Just want you guys to know that. The LS is really the next-level Capless / Vanishing Point.
Great detailed review thank you. It would look cool with the red ring. I will be interested to see what it looks like in the other colors. Never-the-less, at that price not for me.
it would look like a rotring lol
Just got a 90 dollar steel nib Capless. I'm good 😄
Thank you for the thorough review as always. Getting the regular one. I actually prefer the colicky sound. Definitely not worth it for he LS.
Got it for a lot less than that from Japan, but it wasn't in that kind of packaging - no ink, sleeve or pouch, but a cartridge, the "metal thing", and a converter were included. It's an incredible pen, I love it.
May I know how much you got it for?
I actually prefer the original Vanishing Point/Capless design. This one is a little sleeker but not worth the extra money and it is not totally silent. However, if one can find it for a good price, it would be worth getting.
A beautifully elegant pen, and from one of my favourite pen makers, too! Nice mechanism, but...*crashing sound*..I'm left handed. It's pretty inconsiderate as a design, so thanks for pointing that out.
Also...$$$$$$$!!!!!!! :o
Thanks for this review. I've liked VPs and have several -- the "original" (plastic), the "modern" (metal body) and was a bit tempted at first by this -- but not for that price and honestly, probably not at all. My VPs are currently all in storage for two main reasons: one, they're small for my hand and two, the ink capacity is rather paltry. I really liked the convenience of the "click" and found them all to have wonderful nibs but I don't need to add another take on the VP for $400 to sit in storage.
Aloha David, good, comprehensive review, as always. I love the subtle design cues they did with this pen, slimming down the clip profile, adding the waist that hides the joint, scooping out the corners of the closing tab. Like a lot of Japanese design, it's these subtle things, taken together, bring out the beauty in the design. As for the price, for some people, there will be value in it. For others, not so much, and that's OK; to each their own. Keep up the awesome work and the very best to you and your family this holiday season.
Thank you very much for this review. As a lefty this is sadly a no-go :(
Yeah same :(
Hi, I’m a lefty too. I kept away from fountain pens for a while but now I love them! It help very much if you learn the tripod grip, this way you don’t have any disadvantages to a right handed 🙂.
@@ronink.9009 Yeah, no. Whatever your grip style, as an overwriter most people will hold the pen rotated slightly to their grip so the clip would get in the way.
Late reply but I was talking about the nib activation mechanism. I'm a lefty underwriter and have been writing with FPs for approx. 30 years :) @@ronink.9009
I fear I might play the mechanism to death, it looks very fun to fiddle with^^
I appreciate the redisign and new mechanism, but as a user, to me it's the same pen and same nib minus the "click sound". That absolutely doesn't justify the price being multiplied by 2.5 .
I bet you have an iphone though ?
@@Cortesevasive absolutely, because I tried an Android phone half the price of it and absolutely hated it, it didn't do what I wanted it to do and didn't work well with the rest of my ecosystem. My better user experience justifies the price difference.
This pen will do exactly the same as the older VP model because they have the same nib unit. Your only gain as a user is litteraly the absence of the click, your writing experience gets zero improvement.
@@pensplanners6460 Typical apple fanboy sure it wont work with your apple products.
@@Cortesevasive what does being an apple fanboy have to do with anything regarding his comment? Sure iPhone is garbage hardware but if it works for him it works. besides good hardware only matters if you’re using your phone to do things that actually utilize that hard ware. If you’re only using your phone for calls and text, why does it matter?
@@Alsry1 exactly my point, the same person who throws money at garbage apple, complains about pilot for actually offering complete redesign of clicking mechanism, its not a colour mashup, not a texture, its an actual new pen not a skin.
As much as I prefer to support US retailers, the LS is one that I would import. The price in the US is too much.
Thanks for explaining LS.
thank you for this review, I've been looking forward to reviews of it. I'm left handed and i'm used to adapting to the right-handed world so the twist mechanism isn't a problem to me. this is one of my dream pens but the price to me, I'll settle on the regular one.
I keep thinking about getting a VP specifically because it's an affordable gold nib. I'm just not a fan of hooded nibs. While the mechanism is cool, I feel it loses its value once it surpasses 200 USD.
Thanks for another great review! The comparisons were helpful!
I recently picked up a steel nib (fine) Pilot Capless for ~90USD. I am in love. It is perfect for carrying around and everyday use. I just didn't want to pay for the gold nib on something that I am just looking for utility from. I would never pay this price for a pen I don't love the look of and the main upgrade is the silence...but I'm sure that many will thoroughly enjoy this 🙂
@@johnathanrhoades7751 so you wanna say you dont believe in gold nibs lol
I absolutely prefer this to the standard VP in everyway. I don't prefer it to $300 more though. Good pen but overpriced for what you're getting
David, I think you are spot on. I am sure they put a lot of R & D into this and some effort on the production line. And maybe their price is fair. But I am left handed and would like the ability to switch the mechanism. It feels a bit thoughtless. And I would rather pay more for a swisher barrel or less as it stands. And I agree $100-$150 bucks less seems about right. Shame. A bit like the Curidas, nearly a good pen but it just misses.
I like these pens because of their extra girth but I'm told by my regular dealer that they weren't a success in Australia. They are only available on a special order for over $400 AUD.
I really enjoy your videos and I was hoping you could answer a question. I purchased a pilot custom 823 with a medium nib and the smoothness with which the medium nib writes is amazing. Next I purchased the pelikan m800 with a fine nib and it is scratchy. Do you think my pelican may be defective or just need to be taken someplace and fine-tuned I was expecting the smoothness of the pelican to rival that of the pilot 823.
I noticed that on my pelikan m800 using the loop there was bits of paper in the nib and that the tines were not even so I fixed it and now it is 85% better than it was but still not as smooth as the pilot 823. I also noticed that the pelikan requires almost no pressure to write.
Is a fine nib pen supposed to have a little bit of scratchiness or can I make it smoother by taking it to a nib master or sanding it. I think because I am new I would prefer to take it to someone to send as I don't want to ruin the nib. Your thoughts will be appreciated thank you.
If you want a silent mechanism, I would go for the Fermo... only marginally more expensive the the regular vanishing point and is completely silent to operate the mechanism. And looks very classy to boot! I will definitely give this model a miss, just too expensive for what it is!
I really like this pen but the price scares me a little. What if I can get the pen at 250USD? Would you think it's a better buy than the standard capless at about 140USD?
1:57 - I have been scouring the internet and I cannot find this pen case available anywhere.
The thing is I love annoying coworkers in meetings, given how 90% of meetings are useless. So paying 3 times the price to take away the fun of annoying coworkers doesn’t make sense
I have one major question. for one who has approximately 50 pens of variety. None are gimmicks. All are standard, a few vintage, some unbranded Chinese, mostly popular quality well tested variety daily writers. I haven't owned a VP ever. Outside of a capless fountain pen why would one want a vanishing point? What is it that you gain, need or want when you begin using a vanishing point? Did I miss that video somewhere in your archives?
I wish the LS was cheaper. I might own one otherwise.
Excellent rhythm to your reviews. If you haven't planned it, you are consistently lucky. :) I went back in time yesterday and watch your ND Tyson interview. That was fun.
I do have a Vanishing Point review...it is from about 4-5 years ago. The VP is a great pen. The main attraction is the one-handed operation and retractable nib. They are reasonably priced as well. Thanks for watching.
I had some vintage VPs(cs-100, 300, from 60s) and modern ones, but I found the wooden version of modern VP has the best balance for me. It is a tad lighter than normal lacquered brass ones, and thicker than the aluminium decimo models.
I don't feel myself drawn to this and, so far, I've steered clear of the VP altogether, due to the clip placement. That flick mechanism to retract the nib on this model also looks like it could rattle around a bit in use, but no doubt it wouldn't. In any event, in today's episode of "things I didn't know that I didn't know", I learned the mechanism is called a knock. After 50 years of ballpoint use (only seeing the FP light within about the last year) I've never wondered what it's called, and now that really surprises me. Maybe I'd have gone with clicker, button or just thingy. Now I know to call it a knock, so thanks for that :)
@@MostlyLost I did eventually take the plunge in my typically excessive fashion. I now have two VPs (Capless over here) and a Decimo. There was no way to try before I bought. My nearest stationery shop gets very confused by anything more complicated than an HB pencil, so I had to make the leap of faith. Thankfully it all worked out well in the end.
Thank you for doing a review on this. I have wondered why Pilot chose to make a version of the VP that costs so much more but I haven't seen a review on it. I love mine but I'd rather buy two than one of these.
@@Cortesevasive LMAO, you may not realize how pen collectors work 😂 Your value proposition is laughable 🤣 $550 would require it to be more than 15% better and the mechanism they chose for the nib is an instant fail for me as it's illogical and not an improvement over what was working... Had they resurrected the Hermes Nautilus movement, I may have bitten but $550 would be better spent on a list of pens the length of my arm... Thank you for the laugh, I needed that 🙂
I have two original style "fat" VPs and a Decimo VP. I like the Decimo the best because it is thinner and has a narrower clip. It also has narrower center bands, unlike the "Michelin-tire" center bands on the "fat" Pilots. The LS is overpriced, and I don't think the nib retraction mechanism is necessary. As far as noise, I have a Parker T-ball Jotter and plastic Pilot G-2 gel pen, both of which are as noisy (or noisier) as the VPs. I'm not sure how "nock/knock" should be spelled, but in any case it is a new term to me. I call it a plunger or an actuator.
Very comprehensive review ✔️ what nib size are you reviewing? F/M/B ❓
15:34
Make the pen more complicated: check. Raise the price: check. Add no additional value to the user: check. What on Earth are Pilot thinking with this?
It's for the businessperson who has money to burn and wants something like this.
More money for Pilot. Check.
Well, if you dont like the design and mechanism improvements just stick with the non-luxury version.
@@Cortesevasive I don't see this as an improvement, and unnecessary complications do not a luxury item make.
Lefties lose again, just not right! Neither is the price for a variation on a familiar theme. Nice review, thanks! Enjoy the close-ups you're able to get. Good health to you!
Why can't lefties write like "righties" I have a standard right hand 3 finger grip and can't for the life of me figure out why it can't be transposed for a leftie. Sure, if you hold your pen twisted half way round your back it's gonna be tricky but why??????
@@grantwaller2641 it's about the mechanism to disengage the nib. It's dumb and irritating to rotate the pen around. Especially at this price. Writing as a lefty is more or less the same if you are an underwriter. Can't talk about side- or overwriters since I underwrite.
Think of it like using left-handed knives or scissors as a righty. It works but is not ideal and tends to be annoying.
I believe that Yama budo is considered to be magenta. As for the pen, unlike the Raden Vanishing Point, the price just isn't justifiable in my mind. But I would expect that a company as big and successful as Pilot has a solid business strategy concerning this product.
Is the Pilot Fermo still in production? This just feels so overpriced for a twist mechanism if the Fermo still exists. Though the Fermo is only available in 3 finishes..
This pen is like a Frankenstein between Fermo and Vanishing point. If you like quietness, the Fermo is better than this, if you like clicking, the Vanishing point is enough. Buying both of them will be cheaper than a single LS as well.
It is interesting to me that there are so many differences in general dimensions. I expected it to be pretty much the same on the outside with just the internals changed.
Another comment about price: I just can't believe it.
Pilot CON-40 is definitely a top contender for worst converter in the world.
Agreed. I’ve never used them in my VP. Syringe fill the cartridges is the way to go.
If I were ever to get a vanishing point, which I don't yet feel compelled to do, I'd reach for a CON-70 or, as you say, I'd syringe-fill an empty cartridge. I love the CON-70 and the difficulty in cleaning when ink gets behind the plunger has never bothered me in my many kakunos. I just dedicate a converter to each ink. Defeats the purpose of a converter somewhat, but they're cheap enough.
FYI: There are very, very few left handed people in East Asia. This is why you rarely see lefty friendly features.
i'm a huge fan of the vanishing point line. my first real fountain pen was a matte black vanishing point. i bought a vanishing point "raden stripe" for $614 because the craftsmanship, design, etc. were worth it, but I can't bring myself to pay as much as they're asking for this LS model. it just isn't worth it.
so a different skin VP is worth it, while a completely new design is not lol
Would have been better to release some updated Fermos, honestly.
Great review as always David. I was intrigued by this pen and it's redesign elements, but the pen feels over priced for what it is. Too many other options at that price point. You can get the same nib in the original chassis and still have the same poor ink capacity for a lot less...unless you want the pen to be near silent. Where's the fun in that. Besides it's a ZOOM meeting world right now.
I was loving this pen until I heard the retail price!! Just another wish on the list!
The "knock" - and there was me thinking it was a button...
Just like the I always thought the "section" of a fountain pen was just "the grippy part you hold" 🤷♂️😜
No!!!! It's a knock. Can't you tell it's exactly the same as someone hitting a door with their knuckles, or, at more refined houses, with a large lump of brass which is fastened to the door for that exact purpose.
@@grantwaller2641 Ah I see, so if said door had a doorbell fitted to it - you would press the knock to ring the doorbell...
Thank you Pilot for ignoring us lefties. 😠 A genuine thank you to David for mentioning the oversight though. 👍 I’ll wait and see if they address the problem in the future, and maybe realise that the price point is disproportionate.
Love the packaging....
The price probably tells that it's a proper redesign. They are more expensive to pay for the engineering bills
In general I love Pilot pens and own a couple. But I don't get the attraction of a fountain pen that looks like a ballpoint. And as a leftie, both the clip and the new knock mechanism don't work for me. It's a hard pass - for both iterations. That being said, thank you for a great comparison video.
the idea is that it work without unscrewing the cap. Looks are clearly not the focus in japanese pens
@@Cortesevasive I understand that that's a selling point for the people that buy it, but it's that same feature that makes it a very unattractive pen in my eyes. I introduce people to fountain pens with c/c and snap caps, before they move on to screw off caps. Fortunately we have great range of products to choose from.
@@yuklimka7251 only a couple retractable fp though
@@Cortesevasive About one year after David posted this review I decided to try a Chinese clone of the regular VP design. To my great surprise I found that the clip wasn't an issue and that I like the convenience of a a retractable pen for note taking. I wrote with that pen for about two months and then decided to buy the real deal. I put in a blue cartridge and have been using it daily. The sound of the click doesn't bother me, but I may have to look at the Decimo (for size comparison) and the Fermo (cool factor and quiet twist mechanism). Tastes and preferences evolve. But I still firmly believe that the Curidas looks like it got fished out of the dollar bin.
Im pretty sure that adding silicone ou other types of “rubber like” materials, or making a spring of a different material would reduce the clicking noise, and cost... 5?10? Dolars more.
What i really appreciated was the new slimmer clip design.
The price? Falls into “trendy/limited edition way of stealing money that has become a way in industry”
The Fermo was completely silent and simple to operate, and has a more attractive style in my opinion. Also less expensive than this LS. Not sure how this is an improvement.
rotating part was plastic or sth
The design is starting to grow on me a bit (VP finger notches scream "we know this can be obstructive, so here's a compromise" even though my grip is fine for it), but southpaw and price.
I'm sure there would be more criticism about the price if that cartridge cap WASN'T included.
Good review, agree this is overpriced for what it is.
Nothing more comforting than the close of a cap, knowing my nib won’t soon be drying up. Trap door aside and whatever that means in keeping the nib from drying out, a nib itself is a thing of beauty. The end of it poking out doesn’t do it for me in these VP’s.
EXCELLENT VIDEO !
The process or noise of clicking my VP (or my Decimo) never bothered me. The problem I had was that the mechanism of closing off the nib didn't seem to keep the nib from drying out for more than a couple of days. Is there any improvement in that mechanism (i.e. the trap door thing that closes off the nib) from the standard VP? I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried it.
get silicon grease on trapdoor
Have you saw the new Scotty Cameron pen?
Link?
Price is an insulting joke just like the 2k bauhaus.
Just get a lamy dialog 3. More clever design, works ambidextrous, ink window in the mechanism, clip retracts, more nib options.
I love pilot but this is just an insulting price. Never going to buy it, though if it was a $250 version, came in a decimo size, and had the full damn nib option range (seriously, you make EF and stubs but won't offer them?) I would jump on it.
It seems strange that the nib isn't black. I definitely don't think this pen is worth $440. Maybe $200
I like the standard Vanishing point pen with golden trim., but at 200 USD ( in India ), it is way too overpriced !
Of course I can’t even dream of owning LS variant which may cost 600 USD if and when available in India !
its 200eur in europe lol , so even more. hard to say ppl have sth like 15twsbis and spend the same amount as good pilot pen without remorse lol
I can put up with the slightly louder click to save the money. I would rather spend $800 for that raden one you've got.
Lovely pen, but the price is just prohibitive. If you want an luxurious retractable nib the Lamy Dialog is a less expensive (and it’s more beautiful, in my opinion). Otherwise the original VP is simply too good a deal to pass over.
lamy is crap
I have never seen a vanishing point in person, but I really don’t like the look.
It is easily one of the best writers out there. I mean it.
Doesnt the pilot fermo use the same nib unit in a different body?
@@pantone.17 yes, it does. Anything Capless/Vanishing point - Fermo, Decimo, LS are using the same unit and my experience with two of them in my family have been phenomenal - both Fine nibs are extremely smooth writers, with enough wetness. My issue with Capless/VP is ink capacity, I wish I could draw more ink into it. Other than that, it is hard to beat as an all-around note-taking pen and I prefer it over any Montblanc or Pelikan I've tried.
What about the nib, doesn't it dry out sooner than other nibs?
It's the same nib unit as the regular vanishing points and decimo. They're all interchangeable which is really convenient and absolutely fantastic for a gold nibbed pen.
@@theurzamachine No, I mean the VP nibs compared to regular nibs. Will VP nibs dry out faster?
@@KB-cx2dr Not that I know of. I have a VP Decimo and after I finish writing, I immediately retract the nib. I do the same with my other pens with a cap and those pens are more likely to dry out before the VP.
@@theurzamachine Good to hear. Thank you.
@@KB-cx2dr You're welcome. It's totally worth it to get at least one. It's the one gold nibbed pen that you can replace the nib if you accidentally damage it in anyway. The hardest part is picking a color.
Con-40 yikes.
Pilot Capless Fermo - completely clickless!! A better choice!
The LS clip is more like the one that comes in cross pens
cooooooool
Want a silent capless fountain pen, use a Lamy Dialog3. 🤪
Or a Pilot Fermo
Seems like a fix for a problem that doesn’t exist. For 3 x the price.
I have owned three of the standard vanishing points. I love just about aspect of them but have had problems I the deployment mechanism. I don’t consider them durable against price. Pilot failed in that respect.
I wonder if the higher price of Japanese pens in the western countries has something to do with antitrust legislation 🧐
Yeah. I'm curious...the price difference can be crazy. Sailor Pro Gear Imperial Black is ~$450 in the US against ~$250 from Japan...
It costs much more to ship overseas, there are oftentimes tariffs involved, and much of the price is tied to currency exchanges. Companies need to overshoot the exchange rate with their prices in order to be guaranteed a profit with each sale.
@@Matt-wg9or in my honest opinion, you’re just elaborating some prevalent pretexts amongst businessmen, a stationery shop owner here in Germany once told me, there was a time before which no Sailor pens were allowed to be sold in Germany, it was all caused by the pricing conundrum, Sailor was considered too “cheap” to sport a gold nib, these pens of low price-performance ratio could eventually monopolise in the field of premium writing instruments, much to the dismay of other pen behemoths in Europe
I collect Limited VPs, but being left handed, this is a no go for me.
It's different and nice but not a whole new pen and clearly too expensive once you own that.
the leather pouch and ink bottle is alone 50euro atleast.
I enjoy your content and knowledge. The only thing I dislike is you looking everywhere except the camera. If you’re going to read a script record your videos POV style. I literally never finish your videos because of it. Is too distracting for the audience. Not an attack, just constructive criticism.
Having the clip in that position is absolutely ridiculous.
For this pen...and the VP in general...it is a necessity. You would not want to store this pen in your pocket nib-down.
All fountain pens have the clip on the cap, or on the nib side. Ball points will have even on back end of the pen because they’re less likely to leak but it can still happen.
$300 if you order from japan
Which Japanese store do you order from?
@@invaderzim1964 pensachi, never been hit with customs/import fees either (just check 'mark as gift')
@@MyNameIsPetch thats illegal
@@Cortesevasive so is sharing a your login for streaming services, everyone does it and no one cares
@@MyNameIsPetch its allowed as they dont want you to pirate the content
For that price point, I'd rather invest in something else.
This pen is just a big nope to me °°
I like the clip tho
Lefties left out again. Sigh. Ludicrous price too
Nothing to see keep scroling
Uh, another fidget toy equiped with a fountain pen from pilot.
heavily overpriced
Lame!