It is time for yet another TWSBI review. This one has been out for some time now but I'm slow lol Patreon: / pensandtea Discord: / discord Instagram: / pens_and_tea
honestly I love wetter writing pens, and while my collection has never been large, I've found my broad TWSBI eco and TWSBI diamond580ALR to be fairly wet compared to many of my other broads, although maybe I've just got lucky.
I have 3 580s and 6 ECOs (they are more fun). The 580s are far higher than ECOs regarding build quality and especially nibs. The nibs on the 580s are just a dream for steel nibs, while on the ECOs they are just OK. I was quite skeptical about the AL R versions but when I got one I was overwhelmed! It felt really amazing from the first moment ! It also seems that they have changed the way they grind their nibs over the years, the newer versions being more like the Japanese style nibs (narrower line width) than western style as they did in the early years. They have also changed the shape of the section, so that when you hold the pen, it leads you to hold it the way that you hold a Japanese pen, that is, more upward for writing with rather short quick strokes, than how you write in a western style.
Hi -- Another major difference between your 2014 TWSBI 580 and later iterations is improved resistance to cracking. Early on in the TWSBI line, there was a tendency for cracking to occur at various points along the pen's barrel. I understand they've since fixed that with upgraded plastics.
I've started to collect TWSBI Diamond 580s like you collect kweco sports... I buy the pens with a 1.1 stub since the feed seems to allow more ink flow, then I switch the nib to an FPR 5.5 ultra flex nib. Love em!
I have 4 Twsbi Eco’s, a Swipe, a mini silver and the 580 in Navy. I like the weight of them and the comfortable feel in the hand. My nib preference flips between F and M and I’ve the best way to remove the nib is to put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes and it pops right out. Also, the Diamond bottles are great for filling the 580 and mini with no mess, I can fill my pens with Noodler’s Baystate Blue with no fear of drips. All in all, a very smooth instrument.
The more recent Diamonds (White/Rosegold II and Iris versions) seem to be wetter writers? Just based on the tons of reviews I have watched. I use ECOs now and really want another Fine nib. But many of the reviews show the EF looking like MED. So perhaps I should get an EF? I have a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. Anyone have advice?
The fact that it doesn’t post well it’s a definitive no-no for me but the looks of this pen are very beautiful. If they launch more colours for their mini version I’d be considering buy one of those. Thanks for the review!!
I actually dislike my Prussian Blue 580 ALR a lot. The grip is too narrow for me and also slippery. The medium nib is dry AF but it is a smooth writer so not a rubbish nib by any means. I’m not impressed by the quality of the blue coloured parts inside the pen as some of it is no longer coloured blue. Rubbish. Large ink fill is ace. Demonstrator is ace. But I’m not impressed and won’t bother with anymore. Enjoy yours though Kerry 🙂👍🏻
honestly I love wetter writing pens, and while my collection has never been large, I've found my broad TWSBI eco and TWSBI diamond580ALR to be fairly wet compared to many of my other broads, although maybe I've just got lucky.
Mine are nice wet writers too
I have 3 580s and 6 ECOs (they are more fun). The 580s are far higher than ECOs regarding build quality and especially nibs. The nibs on the 580s are just a dream for steel nibs, while on the ECOs they are just OK.
I was quite skeptical about the AL R versions but when I got one I was overwhelmed! It felt really amazing from the first moment !
It also seems that they have changed the way they grind their nibs over the years, the newer versions being more like the Japanese style nibs (narrower line width) than western style as they did in the early years.
They have also changed the shape of the section, so that when you hold the pen, it leads you to hold it the way that you hold a Japanese pen, that is, more upward for writing with rather short quick strokes, than how you write in a western style.
I’ve been considering getting one of these. Maybe in the navy blue color. Thanks for the great review!
Hi -- Another major difference between your 2014 TWSBI 580 and later iterations is improved resistance to cracking. Early on in the TWSBI line, there was a tendency for cracking to occur at various points along the pen's barrel. I understand they've since fixed that with upgraded plastics.
🤯
Thanks for the great advice. Just bought mine now from Wonder Pens.
I own only one TWSBI and that is the Iris one with the rainbow effect on the metal parts and nib. It's a good pen; very reliable.
Thanks for the informative and honest review.
I've started to collect TWSBI Diamond 580s like you collect kweco sports... I buy the pens with a 1.1 stub since the feed seems to allow more ink flow, then I switch the nib to an FPR 5.5 ultra flex nib. Love em!
I have 4 Twsbi Eco’s, a Swipe, a mini silver and the 580 in Navy. I like the weight of them and the comfortable feel in the hand.
My nib preference flips between F and M and I’ve the best way to remove the nib is to put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes and it pops right out. Also, the Diamond bottles are great for filling the 580 and mini with no mess, I can fill my pens with Noodler’s Baystate Blue with no fear of drips. All in all, a very smooth instrument.
I have never had a negative experience with TWSBI. I have loads of them and I will never give them away.
I love my TWSBI Diamond 580 ALRs. I quickly bought a 2nd one so I could have a Fine and a Stub
So did I!!!! 🤝
I love how you say "ORNJ". LOL.
Have you reviewed the TWSBI Classic and Precision, yet? They look look like interesting pens...
The more recent Diamonds (White/Rosegold II and Iris versions) seem to be wetter writers? Just based on the tons of reviews I have watched. I use ECOs now and really want another Fine nib. But many of the reviews show the EF looking like MED. So perhaps I should get an EF?
I have a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. Anyone have advice?
Does the R mean ribbed
The fact that it doesn’t post well it’s a definitive no-no for me but the looks of this pen are very beautiful. If they launch more colours for their mini version I’d be considering buy one of those. Thanks for the review!!
I actually dislike my Prussian Blue 580 ALR a lot. The grip is too narrow for me and also slippery. The medium nib is dry AF but it is a smooth writer so not a rubbish nib by any means. I’m not impressed by the quality of the blue coloured parts inside the pen as some of it is no longer coloured blue. Rubbish. Large ink fill is ace. Demonstrator is ace. But I’m not impressed and won’t bother with anymore. Enjoy yours though Kerry 🙂👍🏻