My sincere gratitude for this video, Marc 🧡 I am an artist, which decided to try ink media and my first experience with flex writers was extremely rough and disappointing (My fisrt acrylic pen just cracked in half maybe due to manufacturing defect and weak materials, maybe due to my heavy hand) But when I saw your video and the whole possibility of combining flex nib with the aluminium grip of TWSBI 580 ALR I have my idea of ink medium another try and it worked so well. Like literally, FPR nib suits maybe even better than original stub for TWSBI (mine was way too wet even with dry inks to me). So thanks once again, saving random people across the Internet, you are doing a great content here, on RUclips, keep going 🙏
I'm delighted to see the 5.5 in cahoots with the TWSBIs. I kept waiting for the usual railroading, and it never arrived. fantastic! I imagine you used a variety of inks in these pens and it was good to see that the performance of the 5.5 flex nib was not affected by ink choice. This definitely opens up a whole new world of possibility now. Thanks for the conversation, the trials with the nib, and sharing them with us here.
Glad to share this! That TWSBI mini-vac was already one of my favorite pens. Now it's going with me everywhere. Yes, the ink choice seems to have no effect. In fact, I've found that that the Noodlers black that I'm using is a bit on the dryer side in terms of flow, so wetter inks (such as the Pilot Iroshizuku) work even better.
@@mkompan I hear you re wetter inks; this makes sense since there were no feed adjustments. Truly, a new world for us flex nib lovers. I'll be curious to see how it holds up with day to day wear and how it travels. Yet for now, this is just perfect.
I'm surprised to hear you say that you've had trouble with FPR #6 nibs into other pens. I first tried them in Jinhao x750s, but then also had no problem with a Conklin, four different Moonmans, a pair of Monteverdes, a Diplomat Excellence... I haven't run into problems with any of them, unless I use an ink with low surface tension (I tried Noodler's Blue Nosed Bear, for example, and it doesn't work reliably with any of my flex pens). It's awesome to hear that the 5.5 nibs will fit into these TWSBI pens... I'm going to have to give that a try. Thanks for the video!
The FPR #6 is a great nib, and I'm glad to hear that it works in all of those pens. I guess I've had worse luck than you with them. Other than the Jinhao X750 and the Noodler's Ahab, every other pen I've put that nib into has railroaded. I've been meaning to get myself some Moonmans. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you so much for this info! Great video, great info. I'm currently think of getting an Asvine V200 (bock) and putting the FPR UF with bock ebonite feed into that pen body. I'm so happy I found this video with your results on the 5.5! Edit: Found your video you did with the V200 and FPR UF haha
@DirkJ. Hi there, as a fellow fountain pen enthusiast who also loves to draw, did your swap on the Asvine V200 bock work successfully with the FPR ultra flex? I have the Asvine V200 JoWo and have been heavily considering making the swap since, to my understanding, FPR sells the ebonite feed and ultra flex nib that would fit a JoWo #6 pen. @mkompan Thank you so much for your videos and for sharing your wealth of knowledge on a multitude of art related topics. They are certainly appreciated. I am waiting on my pilot parallel 3.0mm and majohn/ moon man C4 to be delivered any day now.
I have never heard T.W.S.B.I. pronounced as an acronym. I tried it myself, but I think I sprained my tongue. 😁 I am in my 70's and have been writing with fountain pens for over six decades; however, I have never mastered flex nibs. But, I keep trying. I am a wicked wonder with italic nibs and both my penmanship and calligraphy look quite good. Maybe I will try flex again with an FPR nib. Another project for quarantine time.
I just got a Jaipur V2 from FPR and I have no complaints. The feed keeps up with the #6 just fine and it is a delight to write with. It makes me WANT to write. I tried the #6 on a Jinhao and I was very happy but the Jaipur is made for that nib. The feed keeps up better.
I'm glad to hear that that the Jaipur is working for you, since FPR is a great company that deserves our business. My only experience with FPR pens that take #6 nibs is the Himalaya V2, which is supposed to have a longer feed with improved flow. The first one I bought kept skipping and railroading. Kevin from FPR promptly sent me another one, which didn't skip, but continued to railroad.
@@MrCabimero Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to give FPR pens another chance (and try that Noodlers Blue eel).
2 года назад+1
Hello... M'y jaypur v2 is not writing well... Broken lignes always, it s boring.... I cleaned several times thé nib and usés several types of ink... But difficulté to get a regular Flow 😢😢
These pen adjustment videos are so valuable Marc, thanks for sharing! Is there a way to get a stubborn TWSBI nib and feed out of the 580 in order to fit the fpr nib in? Thanks!
My pleasure, Sharon. A wide rubber band will help your grip but the feeds and nibs should pull out without too much force. Perhaps you have some dried ink in the feed? A good soak in warm water will help.
Yup, you’re right, both in the Vac mini and the mini. Careful in the Vac, however. The cap clearance is very tight, and if the nib isn’t pushed all the way, you damage it when closing the pen.
Both the FPR #5.5 flex and 5.5 ultraflex can produce beautiful flexed letters when I write very small. The FPR #6 nib flexes beautifully but I cannot write letters that are so small with it.
Your videos are such a great resource, thank you for posting them! I currently have 3 ECOs - an EF, M, and B, plus a Noodler's Ahab. I'd like to get a good flex pen for drawing. Have you tried any of the FPR pens from India that come with their ultra-flex nib? How do they compare to a Pilot Custom 74? Thank you!
Thanks again, Sharon. The #6 ultraflex nib is excellent, much more flexible and wet than the Pilot Custom 74. It actually pairs very well with the Ahab, so I would just buy the nib separately and switch with the Ahab nib. I haven’t had good experiences with the pens at FPR. To my mind their quality control needs improving.
These ebonite feeds will not fit the ECO. The #5.5 nib can be fitted into the ECO with a small hack, which I demonstrate in one of my videos. It actually works pretty well, even with the plastic feed.
When I put the FPR Ultraflex nib into a TWSBI 580, the nib stuck way out, well beyond the cut-outs, with only a short part of the neck inside the section. And yet, is seems to hold firmly in its place, it still lets me screw the cap on safely, and so far it has not dried out. Even better, the "longer" nib helps me to hold the pen at a lower angle, which in turn helps to keep the strokes smooth. I am liking it so far! Has anyone else seen this about the way the FPR 5.5 nib goes into the TWSBI 580? Or does it sound like I should have fit it into the section differently? (I disassemled the old nib/feed, slid the FPR nib along the feed until I felt it "stop," then pushed nib and feed into the section.)
Glad it working for you but the nib should go in all the way, since it’s the same length as the stock nib that comes with the pen. I would line up the nib on the feed, insert it into the section and rotate them until you find the sweet spot that will let you slide them all the way in.
If you keep the valve on the Opus 88 closed, you won't get any ink after a while. It doesn't only somewhat control the ink flow, it controls the supply as well. Same goes for the TWSBI Vac pens, Visconti Power Fillers, Pilot 823, and so on. Some other RUclipsr put up a video about the TWSBI Vac 700, explaining that one had to keep the ink shutoff valve open, otherwise the pen wouldn't write. It apparently took her quite some time to figure this out. I wonder if these people buy new cars every time they run out of gas. "I don't understand it! A brand new car and it just stopped running!"
I try to avoid stating what I think is obvious. There are already tons of videos on how to fill your pen, how to clean it, how you shouldn’t brush your teeth with ink, etc.
Thanks so much for this! A year later and I still struggle to find a pen that would accept my #6 FPR EF Ultra-Flex nib. I got three #5.5‘s as well as two 6‘s and I prefer the #6 so much over the smaller #5.5. I despise the Himalaya V2 but I still use it just because of that fantastic nib. All my JoWo #6 Jinhao pens do not accept that nib at all which is a shame. My idea was to get a screw in nib unit from FPnibs with an ebonite feed and replace their flex nib with my FPR nib in hopes I could find a #6 JoWo pen that would allow me to screw it in. Because I don’t know how many times I had to deal with a stuck nib in pens that should take 6‘s. The 5.5 version is more forgiving for sure but just doesn’t feel as amazing to me. I really wanted to try an Opus 88 pen but I don‘t know which model as I would love one to be the home to my spare FPR #6 EF UF. Edit: Is there perhaps another pen that would made my dream come true without too much tinkering?
Hello Marc, I am interested in Opus 88 pens, however the larger ones with #6 Jowo nibs. In your video you use the Opus 88 Picnic, which uses the smaller #5 nibs. Would the 5.5 Ultraflex nib also fit into the larger #6 Opus pens and work nicely? Thank you!
The #5.5 will not fit into the larger Opus 88 pens. The good news is that Fountain Pen revolution also sells #6 ultraflex nibs that do. You can now purchase these nibs already fitted inside Jowo housing and with an ebonite feed.
@@mkompan FPR 5.5 EF Ultraflex on 580ALR, Noodler’s Black and AL with Lexington Gray. No need for feed change or modification, as far as I can tell. Used 1/4”wrapped rubber band to help to pull original nib and feed without damage. Careful note of nib/feed orientation essential. Wonderful application of FPR nib on dependable TWSBI workhorse. Studio use for me. TY, Marc.
thanks you Marc, very instructive. what would you recommend between the minivac and the 850al, with your hindsight over time, for an ultraflex pen. It seems in your video that the flow of the 850 is more constant. this would mainly be for drawing. I work with dry, rapid movements and the fpr darjeeling that I have difficulty following if I go too quickly. I am therefore looking for a more responsive fountain pen for the ultraflex nibs that I love
You're welcome!. Neither pen is perfect in term of flow, and the decision between them should be based on which pen body you find more comfortable. A quick pen hack to improve the performance of these pens with the FPR nib can be out here: ruclips.net/video/zzuWP0lmTXc/видео.htmlsi=OLXBNd6M5K_hPAy9. A large number of pens can use the #5. One of my inexpensive favorite is the Hong Dian Black Forest. The flow of the pen can also be improved by enlarging the ink channel slightly. I don't have a tutorials on it, but you can easily find one elsewhere on RUclips.
@@mkompan thanks for your reply. I have the Hongdian and love it. I try to put a 5.5 ultraflex on it (buy for it) but it's not working for me. very poor flow and I twisted the nib in the operation (very hard to put correctly the nib in the block). Thnaks agan for your link, very interressing
Very interesting, Marc, thanks for posting this - looks interesting to me for drawing. Did you mention ¿A) which tip size you were demoing? Like, Fine, Extra-fine, or what? I'm wondering if their EF is a Euro EF, or a thinner Japanese EF. Also: ¿B) How do these FPR nibs write, upside down? Can you get a reliably thinner stroke, flipping to the back of the nib? TIA.
Thanks! Glad you found this useful. As for your questions: This nib is a Fine, with a line about the same width as a Japanese Fine (comparable to a Pilot Metropolitan). The nibs they're selling now are labeled EF, but I haven't tried them. My nib works very well for reverse writing, giving you a slightly thinner line.
@@mkompan Thanks for extra answers. Interesting about line width. Teoh from Parkablogs (RUclips Channel: Teoh Yi Chie) tested a Himalaya 2, which I assume has the #6 nib. He found (and shows) the Ultraflex EF to give a fatter line than a Japanese EF; but then, the two nib-mount sizes (5.5 vs 6) may be sized differently. ruclips.net/video/F-l_VUSX128/видео.html I'm only fussing about such nuances because I personally need a very fine line, indeed.
@@pbasswil Yes, the #6 nib writes a little thicker than the #5.5. I was about to do a width comparison when I discovered that during all the switching the nib around from pen to pen I somehow managed to bend the tines, making it unusable. I just ordered another one, however, and will let you know how the widths compare.
Would the 5.5 flex nib work in the Opus 88 Fantasia as well? It uses a #5 nib as does the Picnic, I believe. I’m on the hunt for a good flex nib for my Fantasia and I can’t find one specifically for the at particular model.
Yes, it will work, but it’s a very tight fit. I recommend using a rubber grip to remove the stock nib and to replace it with the FPR. Make sure that the FPR is all the way in, because I’m not sure how much clearance you have inside the cap of the fantasia. BTW, FP nibs.com sells a #5 steel Jowo nib and housing with a flex modification, which will simply screw into your Fantasia. I have a video on it on my channel. Here’s the link: ruclips.net/video/eJXVAlxBkTs/видео.html
Did you have any trouble fitting the #6 in your opus pens? I wanted to fit one into an opus 88 jazz. Ive never replaced nibs before but after watching your video I was really interested in doing so. I've already pulled the trigger on a vac mini, but am hesitant about the opus since I can't seem to find anyone else who's put a #6 ultra flex into an opus 88 of any model.
The #6 ultra flex will fit into an Opus 88 housing but it takes quite a bit of pulling and pushing. The hack of bending the feed (described in one of my recent videos) makes it work better. Better yet, you can buy an ebonite feed from the Flexible Feed Factory. Either way, don’t expect perfect performance. The #6 is an ink hungry beast that only really works perfectly in a Noodler’s Ahab.
Does the 5.5 Ultraflex nib work in a normal TWISBI 580? And does it matter what stock nib size I get on it? Should I get a 1.1mm or a medium, or does it not matter?
You should try the number six in the noodlers triple tail idk if yours is like mine but that things just pukes up ink but main reason I’m here again is curious if you have any experience with Franklin Christopher nib and housing 14k flex ? Going stir crazy waiting for fpnibs and I’ve bought the opus 88 demonstrator after watching these really like it but starting to think I bought the wrong model seems way easier to get good flex with koloro and picnic models
I'm sure the #6 will work well in my Triple-tail, but its original nib is great, so I have no desire to replace it. I believe that the #6, 14K "Flex" is just a standard unmodified "soft" Jowo nib. I bought one from FP nibs and though I like it, it's not very flex at all, similar to what you get from a Pilot Falcon. I'm also looking forward to trying the FP nibs ebonite feed, but the #6 is a tricky nib, so I'm not holding out much hope.
@@mkompan the one I’m talking about has little cuts in the side almost like fpr but higher up so slightly modded but I’m really starting to regret the opus 88 demonstrator shouldn’t have jumped the gun but thanks for the replies
@@jomison2404 I believe we're talking about the same nib--the one with the little cutouts. A nice nib, but pretty stiff. I love my Opus 88, but the nib that comes with it is nothing special. I'm hoping that the FP.nibs feed will allow me to stick that Ultraflex nib into it. Fingers crossed.
@@mkompan yeah I’ll probably fight my urge to spend It probably is the same I was just wondering how well it worked cause on the Franklin website it says it comes as a pre tested nib with ebonite feed and housing
@@azamanza The Koloro uses a #5 Jowo nib. There's some confusion because Opus 88 also makes a larger pen the called the Koloro demonstrator, which uses a #6.
@@mkompan Oh I see. I think I have the demonstrator. I tried putting a size 6 ultra flex nib in it but it didn’t work. I’ve ordered the size 5.5 ultra flex to try but it sounds like I just have the wrong Koloro.
@@azamanza FPR has recently started selling their #6 ultraflex nibs in Jowo housing with ebonite feeds, which means you can use them in the demonstrator pen.
This video is amazing, just wanted to say that first. I wanted to ask, does the 5.5 ultra flex nib fit on a PenBBS 456? I’m quite tempted to order a nib and try it on my own 456, but figured there was no harm in asking just in case.
Thanks! The 456 uses a #6 size nib, so no, the #5.5 won't work in it. The FPR #6 nibs will not fit into them either (I've tried). It's sad, because I love penBBS bodies, but their nibs are not my favorite.
I have an FPR Ultraflex in a Penbbs 309, and for the most part, it works really well (I suspect the few railroading troubles stem from the ink slit of my particular feed not being completely aligned). I used the FPR ebonite feed bought with the nib, and did no modification, just heat setting the nib to the feed.
Do you know of any pens that would take the #6 FPR flexnib? I tried in my Moonman C4, the nib fit but the feed was too short. I'm not finding much on (demonstrator) pens that can take them. Any suggestions?
The FPR will fit (and work decently) in the Jinhao x450 and x750. FPR just started selling their ultra flex in Jowo housing, which will allow you to use them with a large number of pens, including the Opus 88 demonstrators. I haven’t tried them, however, and can’t vouch.
I’m planning on getting a #5.5 ultra flex nib for my Twsbi vac mini, but should I get the ebonite feed as well to enhance flow? If so what size do you think? There are two sizes available on their website 4.7 and 5.1. I emailed them , but they say the nibs won’t fit. Maybe they just say for marketing purposes.. I honestly don’t know Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m really going down a rabbit hole for a flex pen heheh
I imagine that the good people at FPR are none too pleased that people are sticking their nibs into non-FPR pens. Only the nibs fit however, not the ebonite feeds, so buy the nibs only.
The 5.5 FPR nibs arrived and they do fit well with the Twsbi vac mini, but the flow is not good enough. Do you have any hints to make this combo successful? What other pens have you found works the best for flex with these nibs? What would be your favourite? Thanks for such great videos.
@@mkompan It worked!!!! I used de Atramentis document brown. I’ll experiment with others that are not waterproof too, but I love this one for pen and ink. Thanks so much. I was worried I spent too much on FPR nibs to no avail,but I’m happy now. :)
Thanks for this, I might try it. I was planning to put a #6 ultra flex into one of those Ranga pens (the Davenport from PSP I think), do you think that will work?
You're welcome! Range pens use a #6 Jowo nib and housing unit, which the #6 fPR nib will fit into. The problem is that the plastic feeds in them do not provide adequate flow for flex. You can, however buy ebonite feeds for the Jowo housing unit from the Flexible Nib Factory, and also from FPnibs that have extra flow.
It’s a very tight fit, and the regular feed doesn’t provide enough flow, but there are ways to tinker with it to make it work better. A few suggestions: The Flexible Nib Factory sells ebonite feeds for Jowo housing that will do a better job. You can also buy their flex nib installed in Jowo housing. It’s not a great nib, but is the same shape as the FPR nib and can be switched out,
@@MrG0CE you can thin out the back of the nib a little, but it will fit without alterations. It’s just a very tight fit, and the feed doesn’t provide enough ink. I have a video where I demonstrate a simple hack to improve the flow: An Easy Hack For Plastic Fountain Pen Feeds That Improves Their Performance in Flex Pens ruclips.net/video/zzuWP0lmTXc/видео.html This will improve the flow a little, but really for this nib to work best you have to widen the ink channel on the feed.
@@mkompan U'RE SO KIND ! I'VE ALREADY SEEN AND COMMENTED IN THAT VIDEO, VERY USEFUL. SO U RECOMMEND THE TWSBI VAC700R INSTEAD OF THE OPPUS 88 DEMONSTRATOR? I KNOW IN BOTH I'LL HAVE TO HACK THE PEN A LITTLE BIT.
@@MrG0CE I think the Opus 88 is a better pen for this hack. The TWSBI vac uses a proprietary feed, so you can’t switch it out with the Ebonite one from the flexible nib factory.
Marc, would you recommend FPR pens or just the nibs? I was searching on their website and I was wondering how good the pens performance is. Any advice that you can share? Thank you
I’m going to stay neutral on this one. I’ve had problems with the Himalaya V2, with poor quality control and flow problems. But quite a few people have commented that the quality control of the Himalaya has improved and that the flow problems have been fixed. I have yet to confirm this for my self however. For now, I really enjoy putting FPR nibs in other pen brands that fit them.
My Himalaya V2 is really nice (minus the clip, it was kind of deformed but it was fixable). However I modified the feed and I eye dropper it so the flow is never an issue. Thing is like a paintbrush after I modified it lol
Sorry no video on that, but I’ve found that even though the FPR ultra flex fits into Jowo housing it doesn’t work all that well. FP nibs sell their custom grinds with the Jowo housing, so all you have to do is screw them in.
@@mkompan Just wondering if you meant this comment for the Opus 88 Koloro demonstrator with the #6. Or as this comment is a couple years after the original video, does this mean the 5.5 won’t fit well in the Picnic/Koloro?
A good question! First, the Franklin Christoph nib and the flexible nib factory nib will work just fine in the Vac-700r, because they’re not as flexible and don’t need a feed with a lot of flow. The problem is only with the ink hungry FPR #6 ultra flex. Perhaps the feeds in the 580 and the minivac are more generous, or that the ink requirements of the smaller 5.5 are not as great. It could also have to do with differences in the way the feed and nib make contact.
When a nib is too loose what you can do is put some tape on the back of it just like clear Scotch tape. It might take a layer or two but that way you can adjust how tightly it goes in. In another of Marc's videos he shows how to put a piece of aluminum tin can as a spacer, but I think the tape trick might be easier and better.
Hey there. The original nib was an extra-fine. I wasn't aware that the feeds for the 1.1 stub are different. I'll have to research this (or just order a stub and see for myself).
@@mkompan Hello Marc. It’s me here again. Just from Fude video come to here. Would like to ask would 580 1.1 stub feed better for both flex and Fude choice?
@@allenhe5611 I've heard it mentioned in the online forums that TWSBI adjusts their feeds based on the nib width. That may be true, but I'm using a feed from an EF nib on my 580, and and it keeps up with both the fude and the flex nib without issues.
Does the number 6 ultra flex fit in your opus 88? After watching this I ordered an opus 88 demonstrator that will be here tomorrow and been looking at different nibs since fpnibs are closed
It fits. The #6 ultra flex nib is very ink hungry however, and the plastic feed doesn’t provide enough ink flow. FPnibs sells an ebonite feed and housing that should work better. I’ll be ordering it as soon as the store reopens in September. I love the Opus 88-great choice!
@@jomison2404 I have the one from Flexible Nib Factory, and while it works better than the original, it still doesn’t keep up. I’m hoping that the FPnibs one works better.
@@simc444 You're welcome! No, the FPR housing doesn't fit the Opus 88. The #6 FPR ultraflex nib will fit into the housing of the Opus 88, but the plastic feed will not provide enough ink, and the pen will rail-road. FP-nibs sells an ebonite feed that will provide additional flow. I haven't tried it, but I hear it works well.
Has TWSBI changed the way the Vac Mini's nibs are fit? I just tried to pull mine out and not only did it not budge at all but I've destroyed the feed in this brand new pen trying to pull it out and I've never had this happen before. The "fins" have all pushed to one side and some have broken off. I didn't apply a huge amount of pressure, but given what just happened I don't understand how you were able to do this at all.
Sorry to hear that! I don't think TWSi has made any changes to their pens recently. I'm able to pull out the nib and feeds without effort. It's good idea to hold the nib by the sides as opposed to the top and bottom to avoid crushing the delicate fins. Use a paper towel or a piece of rubber for additional grip and give it another shot. It should pull right out. BTW, broken fins won't effect performance.
@@mkompan I was able to get it out with a rubber band! Maybe it'll get easier with repeated removals. Interesting that the feed works even without fins, though I've already spent $6 on a new one lol. Seems like I struggle to get a full fill without the fins. I asked the guy who owns the store what the fins are for if the nib works without them - "I have no idea," LOL. When it comes to flex nibs that are readily available, which would you most recommend? I'm considering an Opus 88 + FPNibs' #6 Jowo Fude and an FPR steel ultra flex nib, but I wonder if there's much point in having it plus the Vac Minis and I'm curious to know what your current favorites are. I know you don't claim to be the Great Pen Nib Gatekeeper, but you've spent a lot more time tinkering than I have.
@@LeviRedrook “The Great Nib Gate-keeper” is a nice title but I prefer “The Nib Whisperer.” :) if you’d like to use the FPR with the Opus 88 I suggest you get an ebonite Jowo housing unit from the Flexible Nib Factory. The regular plastic feed in the Opus will otherwise have a hard time keeping up. You’re asking just about loose nibs? The steel semi and full flex from FPNibs is pretty awesome (with a little polishing). Other than that, for great functioning flex nibs go vintage. #2 vintage nibs actually fit a large number of pens. I even have one in an Opus 88 Halo.
@@mkompan Yeah, just loose nibs. I'm considering the Opus 88 because they seem to fit the nibs you like best, but if there are others you like more I'd want to consider bodies that fit those too. Thanks for the feed tip (and the everything else), I'll take note! Oooh, I dig the Opus 88 Halo. I see it's a #5 housing. Will that same nib not fit on your TWSBIs or do you just like playing with new pens?
@@LeviRedrook Most pens that use the #6 Jowo housing are pretty expensive, but #6 nibs will fit into a number of cheaper well built pens. I really like the Penbbs 456 and the Narwhal Demonstrator. Replacing the nib in them is a little tricky because they’re tightly fitted, but worth doing. The Opus 88 Halo is currently my favorite pen that uses #5 Jowo housing. Its just a perfect combo of size, balance, ink capacity, as well as the ability to take a huge number of nibs. Also, it can sometimes be found for $60, which makes it comparable to the 580. I still like the 580, but lately I’ve been on a Halo binge. I guess I’m a restless spirit.
I think I’m defeated by flex 5.5 fpr got here today tried it in my twsbi 580 with a brand new replacement nib unit and every ink I own and couldn’t even get it to write without pressure just non stop hard start and when it would let out some ink just railroad and I have an extremely light hand
Sorry to hear that. Try cleaning the pen thoroughly with soap and water, including the nib and feed. Sometimes pens aren’t washed at the factory and have left over oils on them, preventing them from working properly. That could be the case with the nib as well.
@@mkompan lol I hope so I was really hoping the opus 88 could use a non converter jowo housing so I could put an fa in the opus 88 but I imagine it’s not possible so going to use the 912 as is but seems my downside is I see something I like and impulse buy stumbled on ur videos and I now have falcon twsbi opus 88 and all noodlers models and still not happy so really hoping 912 does it for me while I look for opus options
@@mkompan sorry about all the questions but I’m actually new to fountain pens 912 just arrived and is it supposed to flex like crazy? It works and doesn’t railroad with slight pressure right out the box and just wondering if I wasted money on this ebonite feed
@@mkompan thanks for the reply! i heard someone say on reddit that the feed that comes with the 1.1 stub has better inkflow than the normal twsbi feeds, so i ordered one of those as well. i've been searching for a way to make a twsbi into a flex pen; i'm an artist that mainly uses the konrad to draw. but the thing that makes me want to switch to a twsbi is the fact that i let ink sit in my twsbi 580 for 3 years, yet because of the twsbi's seal design, it still flows wet whenever i write with it. so, a twsbi equipped with a flex nib would be the perfect pen for me. too bad there aren't any ebonite feed replacements for the twsbi, because that would make it truly perfect
@@crimson35124 you’re welcome. I too have heard rumors that the TWSBI 1.1 stub has a more generous feed. However, my 580 had an extra fine nib, yet the feed keeps up without problems. I think more is at play here than just flow when it comes to how well a feed performs. An ebonite feed for TWSBI would be a fantastic development however. FPnibs recently started selling a 5.5 ebonite feed for Jowo housing units, but while Jowo feeds are similar to TWSBI feeds they’re sadly not interchangeable.
My sincere gratitude for this video, Marc 🧡 I am an artist, which decided to try ink media and my first experience with flex writers was extremely rough and disappointing (My fisrt acrylic pen just cracked in half maybe due to manufacturing defect and weak materials, maybe due to my heavy hand)
But when I saw your video and the whole possibility of combining flex nib with the aluminium grip of TWSBI 580 ALR I have my idea of ink medium another try and it worked so well. Like literally, FPR nib suits maybe even better than original stub for TWSBI (mine was way too wet even with dry inks to me).
So thanks once again, saving random people across the Internet, you are doing a great content here, on RUclips, keep going 🙏
You're most welcome! I'm happy to share discovery, and glad to see that it's helping people.
I'm delighted to see the 5.5 in cahoots with the TWSBIs. I kept waiting for the usual railroading, and it never arrived. fantastic! I imagine you used a variety of inks in these pens and it was good to see that the performance of the 5.5 flex nib was not affected by ink choice. This definitely opens up a whole new world of possibility now. Thanks for the conversation, the trials with the nib, and sharing them with us here.
Glad to share this! That TWSBI mini-vac was already one of my favorite pens. Now it's going with me everywhere. Yes, the ink choice seems to have no effect. In fact, I've found that that the Noodlers black that I'm using is a bit on the dryer side in terms of flow, so wetter inks (such as the Pilot Iroshizuku) work even better.
@@mkompan I hear you re wetter inks; this makes sense since there were no feed adjustments. Truly, a new world for us flex nib lovers. I'll be curious to see how it holds up with day to day wear and how it travels. Yet for now, this is just perfect.
@@mkompan sheen machine is so wet that I have to use the stock feed on my 912 fa
The way that flows, I doubt you will railroad with anything.
This video is GOLD!! Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed my video. :)
I'm surprised to hear you say that you've had trouble with FPR #6 nibs into other pens. I first tried them in Jinhao x750s, but then also had no problem with a Conklin, four different Moonmans, a pair of Monteverdes, a Diplomat Excellence... I haven't run into problems with any of them, unless I use an ink with low surface tension (I tried Noodler's Blue Nosed Bear, for example, and it doesn't work reliably with any of my flex pens). It's awesome to hear that the 5.5 nibs will fit into these TWSBI pens... I'm going to have to give that a try. Thanks for the video!
The FPR #6 is a great nib, and I'm glad to hear that it works in all of those pens. I guess I've had worse luck than you with them. Other than the Jinhao X750 and the Noodler's Ahab, every other pen I've put that nib into has railroaded. I've been meaning to get myself some Moonmans. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you so much for this info! Great video, great info. I'm currently think of getting an Asvine V200 (bock) and putting the FPR UF with bock ebonite feed into that pen body. I'm so happy I found this video with your results on the 5.5!
Edit: Found your video you did with the V200 and FPR UF haha
My pleasure! Glad you’re finding my stuff useful.
@DirkJ. Hi there, as a fellow fountain pen enthusiast who also loves to draw, did your swap on the Asvine V200 bock work successfully with the FPR ultra flex?
I have the Asvine V200 JoWo and have been heavily considering making the swap since, to my understanding, FPR sells the ebonite feed and ultra flex nib that would fit a JoWo #6 pen.
@mkompan Thank you so much for your videos and for sharing your wealth of knowledge on a multitude of art related topics. They are certainly appreciated. I am waiting on my pilot parallel 3.0mm and majohn/ moon man C4 to be delivered any day now.
Thank you so much! I adore my twsbi 580 and was so sad that it didn’t fit a #6! I’ve just ordered the 5.5. I can’t wait to see the results for myself!
You're welcome! I'm happy to share this discovery with everyone.
Excellent instructions! Thanks for sharing!!! IMHO 2021 will be a flex-nib year 😍
I'm glad someone else is excited by this, Zmiana!
I have never heard T.W.S.B.I. pronounced as an acronym. I tried it myself, but I think I sprained my tongue. 😁
I am in my 70's and have been writing with fountain pens for over six decades; however, I have never mastered flex nibs. But, I keep trying. I am a wicked wonder with italic nibs and both my penmanship and calligraphy look quite good. Maybe I will try flex again with an FPR nib. Another project for quarantine time.
That's what the kids are calling them nowadays, so that's what I went with. Get some ice on that tongue. :)
@@mkompan 😉
I just got a Jaipur V2 from FPR and I have no complaints. The feed keeps up with the #6 just fine and it is a delight to write with. It makes me WANT to write.
I tried the #6 on a Jinhao and I was very happy but the Jaipur is made for that nib. The feed keeps up better.
I'm glad to hear that that the Jaipur is working for you, since FPR is a great company that deserves our business. My only experience with FPR pens that take #6 nibs is the Himalaya V2, which is supposed to have a longer feed with improved flow. The first one I bought kept skipping and railroading. Kevin from FPR promptly sent me another one, which didn't skip, but continued to railroad.
Marc Kompaneyets I used Noodlers blue eel- lubricated. No railroad
@@MrCabimero Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to give FPR pens another chance (and try that Noodlers Blue eel).
Hello... M'y jaypur v2 is not writing well... Broken lignes always, it s boring.... I cleaned several times thé nib and usés several types of ink... But difficulté to get a regular Flow 😢😢
These pen adjustment videos are so valuable Marc, thanks for sharing! Is there a way to get a stubborn TWSBI nib and feed out of the 580 in order to fit the fpr nib in? Thanks!
My pleasure, Sharon. A wide rubber band will help your grip but the feeds and nibs should pull out without too much force. Perhaps you have some dried ink in the feed? A good soak in warm water will help.
Muy útil. Justo estaba buscando una opción de flex nib para mi Twsbi 580. Tarea cumplida con su revisión. Cordial saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.
Me allegro que este video te haya sido útil. Saludos (de momento) desde Madrid.
If you’re gonna put it in a TWSBI, the vac mini is just perfect for the job.
Yup, you’re right, both in the Vac mini and the mini. Careful in the Vac, however. The cap clearance is very tight, and if the nib isn’t pushed all the way, you damage it when closing the pen.
Both the FPR #5.5 flex and 5.5 ultraflex can produce beautiful flexed letters when I write very small. The FPR #6 nib flexes beautifully but I cannot write letters that are so small with it.
I think is why I prefer the 5.5. The #6 is not quite fine enough for me.
OOOOOOHHHHH! Thanks in advance. Watching now.
oog I like that IOpus 88 demo, maybe this would be a good new drawing pen for me, hmmm ...thanks
Yes! And the great thing is that FPR now Jowo housing fitted with #6 FPR ultra flex nib, so you can put them directly into an Opus 88 demonstrator.
Your videos are such a great resource, thank you for posting them! I currently have 3 ECOs - an EF, M, and B, plus a Noodler's Ahab. I'd like to get a good flex pen for drawing. Have you tried any of the FPR pens from India that come with their ultra-flex nib? How do they compare to a Pilot Custom 74? Thank you!
Thanks again, Sharon. The #6 ultraflex nib is excellent, much more flexible and wet than the Pilot Custom 74. It actually pairs very well with the Ahab, so I would just buy the nib separately and switch with the Ahab nib. I haven’t had good experiences with the pens at FPR. To my mind their quality control needs improving.
FP Revolution sells ebonite feeds for flex: 4.7mm and 5.1mm. Have you tried to see if those fit in TWSBI?
These ebonite feeds will not fit the ECO. The #5.5 nib can be fitted into the ECO with a small hack, which I demonstrate in one of my videos. It actually works pretty well, even with the plastic feed.
When I put the FPR Ultraflex nib into a TWSBI 580, the nib stuck way out, well beyond the cut-outs, with only a short part of the neck inside the section. And yet, is seems to hold firmly in its place, it still lets me screw the cap on safely, and so far it has not dried out. Even better, the "longer" nib helps me to hold the pen at a lower angle, which in turn helps to keep the strokes smooth. I am liking it so far! Has anyone else seen this about the way the FPR 5.5 nib goes into the TWSBI 580? Or does it sound like I should have fit it into the section differently? (I disassemled the old nib/feed, slid the FPR nib along the feed until I felt it "stop," then pushed nib and feed into the section.)
Glad it working for you but the nib should go in all the way, since it’s the same length as the stock nib that comes with the pen. I would line up the nib on the feed, insert it into the section and rotate them until you find the sweet spot that will let you slide them all the way in.
@@mkompan Great, I will do that. Thanks for the great tips.
If you keep the valve on the Opus 88 closed, you won't get any ink after a while. It doesn't only somewhat control the ink flow, it controls the supply as well. Same goes for the TWSBI Vac pens, Visconti Power Fillers, Pilot 823, and so on.
Some other RUclipsr put up a video about the TWSBI Vac 700, explaining that one had to keep the ink shutoff valve open, otherwise the pen wouldn't write. It apparently took her quite some time to figure this out.
I wonder if these people buy new cars every time they run out of gas. "I don't understand it! A brand new car and it just stopped running!"
I try to avoid stating what I think is obvious. There are already tons of videos on how to fill your pen, how to clean it, how you shouldn’t brush your teeth with ink, etc.
Thanks so much for this! A year later and I still struggle to find a pen that would accept my #6 FPR EF Ultra-Flex nib. I got three #5.5‘s as well as two 6‘s and I prefer the #6 so much over the smaller #5.5. I despise the Himalaya V2 but I still use it just because of that fantastic nib. All my JoWo #6 Jinhao pens do not accept that nib at all which is a shame. My idea was to get a screw in nib unit from FPnibs with an ebonite feed and replace their flex nib with my FPR nib in hopes I could find a #6 JoWo pen that would allow me to screw it in. Because I don’t know how many times I had to deal with a stuck nib in pens that should take 6‘s. The 5.5 version is more forgiving for sure but just doesn’t feel as amazing to me. I really wanted to try an Opus 88 pen but I don‘t know which model as I would love one to be the home to my spare FPR #6 EF UF. Edit: Is there perhaps another pen that would made my dream come true without too much tinkering?
You’re welcome! FPR recently started selling their nibs in Jowo housing. I haven’t tried them yet, but it’s an option worth exploring.
@@mkompan Really? Oh no… 70€ for shipping and custom to Germany, I can get a pen for that 🙈
Hello Marc, I am interested in Opus 88 pens, however the larger ones with #6 Jowo nibs. In your video you use the Opus 88 Picnic, which uses the smaller #5 nibs. Would the 5.5 Ultraflex nib also fit into the larger #6 Opus pens and work nicely? Thank you!
The #5.5 will not fit into the larger Opus 88 pens. The good news is that Fountain Pen revolution also sells #6 ultraflex nibs that do. You can now purchase these nibs already fitted inside Jowo housing and with an ebonite feed.
@@mkompan Hello Marc, thank for your quick reply! Good to know so I will buy a larger Opus 88 pen and a #6 flex nib+feed from FPR! ✒
FPR 5.5 conversion on TWSBI 580ALR sounds great. Will see how it performs. TY
You’re welcome!
@@mkompan FPR 5.5 EF Ultraflex on 580ALR, Noodler’s Black and AL with Lexington Gray. No need for feed change or modification, as far as I can tell. Used 1/4”wrapped rubber band to help to pull original nib and feed without damage. Careful note of nib/feed orientation essential. Wonderful application of FPR nib on dependable TWSBI workhorse. Studio use for me. TY, Marc.
@@blanejnasveschuk6351 Thanks for the confirmation, Blane! Glad it worked out for you.
thanks you Marc, very instructive.
what would you recommend between the minivac and the 850al, with your hindsight over time, for an ultraflex pen. It seems in your video that the flow of the 850 is more constant.
this would mainly be for drawing. I work with dry, rapid movements and the fpr darjeeling that I have difficulty following if I go too quickly. I am therefore looking for a more responsive fountain pen for the ultraflex nibs that I love
You're welcome!. Neither pen is perfect in term of flow, and the decision between them should be based on which pen body you find more comfortable. A quick pen hack to improve the performance of these pens with the FPR nib can be out here: ruclips.net/video/zzuWP0lmTXc/видео.htmlsi=OLXBNd6M5K_hPAy9.
A large number of pens can use the #5. One of my inexpensive favorite is the Hong Dian Black Forest. The flow of the pen can also be improved by enlarging the ink channel slightly. I don't have a tutorials on it, but you can easily find one elsewhere on RUclips.
@@mkompan thanks for your reply. I have the Hongdian and love it. I try to put a 5.5 ultraflex on it (buy for it) but it's not working for me. very poor flow and I twisted the nib in the operation (very hard to put correctly the nib in the block). Thnaks agan for your link, very interressing
Very interesting, Marc, thanks for posting this - looks interesting to me for drawing. Did you mention ¿A) which tip size you were demoing? Like, Fine, Extra-fine, or what? I'm wondering if their EF is a Euro EF, or a thinner Japanese EF. Also: ¿B) How do these FPR nibs write, upside down? Can you get a reliably thinner stroke, flipping to the back of the nib? TIA.
Thanks! Glad you found this useful. As for your questions: This nib is a Fine, with a line about the same width as a Japanese Fine (comparable to a Pilot Metropolitan). The nibs they're selling now are labeled EF, but I haven't tried them. My nib works very well for reverse writing, giving you a slightly thinner line.
@@mkompan Thanks for extra answers. Interesting about line width. Teoh from Parkablogs (RUclips Channel: Teoh Yi Chie) tested a Himalaya 2, which I assume has the #6 nib. He found (and shows) the Ultraflex EF to give a fatter line than a Japanese EF; but then, the two nib-mount sizes (5.5 vs 6) may be sized differently. ruclips.net/video/F-l_VUSX128/видео.html I'm only fussing about such nuances because I personally need a very fine line, indeed.
@@pbasswil Yes, the #6 nib writes a little thicker than the #5.5. I was about to do a width comparison when I discovered that during all the switching the nib around from pen to pen I somehow managed to bend the tines, making it unusable. I just ordered another one, however, and will let you know how the widths compare.
@@mkompan Thanks Marc!
Would the 5.5 flex nib work in the Opus 88 Fantasia as well? It uses a #5 nib as does the Picnic, I believe. I’m on the hunt for a good flex nib for my Fantasia and I can’t find one specifically for the at particular model.
Yes, it will work, but it’s a very tight fit. I recommend using a rubber grip to remove the stock nib and to replace it with the FPR. Make sure that the FPR is all the way in, because I’m not sure how much clearance you have inside the cap of the fantasia. BTW, FP nibs.com sells a #5 steel Jowo nib and housing with a flex modification, which will simply screw into your Fantasia. I have a video on it on my channel. Here’s the link: ruclips.net/video/eJXVAlxBkTs/видео.html
@@mkompan Thank you, much appreciated!
Did you have any trouble fitting the #6 in your opus pens? I wanted to fit one into an opus 88 jazz. Ive never replaced nibs before but after watching your video I was really interested in doing so. I've already pulled the trigger on a vac mini, but am hesitant about the opus since I can't seem to find anyone else who's put a #6 ultra flex into an opus 88 of any model.
The #6 ultra flex will fit into an Opus 88 housing but it takes quite a bit of pulling and pushing. The hack of bending the feed (described in one of my recent videos) makes it work better. Better yet, you can buy an ebonite feed from the Flexible Feed Factory. Either way, don’t expect perfect performance. The #6 is an ink hungry beast that only really works perfectly in a Noodler’s Ahab.
Does the 5.5 Ultraflex nib work in a normal TWISBI 580? And does it matter what stock nib size I get on it? Should I get a 1.1mm or a medium, or does it not matter?
Yes, it fits a normal 580, and no, the original nib size doesn’t matter.
@@mkompan Alright thank you for responding.
You should try the number six in the noodlers triple tail idk if yours is like mine but that things just pukes up ink but main reason I’m here again is curious if you have any experience with Franklin Christopher nib and housing 14k flex ? Going stir crazy waiting for fpnibs and I’ve bought the opus 88 demonstrator after watching these really like it but starting to think I bought the wrong model seems way easier to get good flex with koloro and picnic models
I'm sure the #6 will work well in my Triple-tail, but its original nib is great, so I have no desire to replace it. I believe that the #6, 14K "Flex" is just a standard unmodified "soft" Jowo nib. I bought one from FP nibs and though I like it, it's not very flex at all, similar to what you get from a Pilot Falcon. I'm also looking forward to trying the FP nibs ebonite feed, but the #6 is a tricky nib, so I'm not holding out much hope.
@@mkompan the one I’m talking about has little cuts in the side almost like fpr but higher up so slightly modded but I’m really starting to regret the opus 88 demonstrator shouldn’t have jumped the gun but thanks for the replies
@@jomison2404 I believe we're talking about the same nib--the one with the little cutouts. A nice nib, but pretty stiff. I love my Opus 88, but the nib that comes with it is nothing special. I'm hoping that the FP.nibs feed will allow me to stick that Ultraflex nib into it. Fingers crossed.
@@mkompan yeah I’ll probably fight my urge to spend It probably is the same I was just wondering how well it worked cause on the Franklin website it says it comes as a pre tested nib with ebonite feed and housing
It looks like the Opus 88 Picnic is sold out almost everywhere. Are there any other Opus 88 pens you’d recommend that would go with the 5.5?
Sadly the Picnic has been discontinued, but the Opus 88 Koloro will also fit the 5.5, and is a similarly sized pen.
Thanks! I thought the Koloro was a #6 nib?
@@azamanza The Koloro uses a #5 Jowo nib. There's some confusion because Opus 88 also makes a larger pen the called the Koloro demonstrator, which uses a #6.
@@mkompan Oh I see. I think I have the demonstrator. I tried putting a size 6 ultra flex nib in it but it didn’t work. I’ve ordered the size 5.5 ultra flex to try but it sounds like I just have the wrong Koloro.
@@azamanza FPR has recently started selling their #6 ultraflex nibs in Jowo housing with ebonite feeds, which means you can use them in the demonstrator pen.
Will it fit the Diamond Mini (non-vac)?
Yes, it will.
This video is amazing, just wanted to say that first. I wanted to ask, does the 5.5 ultra flex nib fit on a PenBBS 456? I’m quite tempted to order a nib and try it on my own 456, but figured there was no harm in asking just in case.
Thanks! The 456 uses a #6 size nib, so no, the #5.5 won't work in it. The FPR #6 nibs will not fit into them either (I've tried). It's sad, because I love penBBS bodies, but their nibs are not my favorite.
I have an FPR Ultraflex in a Penbbs 309, and for the most part, it works really well (I suspect the few railroading troubles stem from the ink slit of my particular feed not being completely aligned). I used the FPR ebonite feed bought with the nib, and did no modification, just heat setting the nib to the feed.
Do you know of any pens that would take the #6 FPR flexnib?
I tried in my Moonman C4, the nib fit but the feed was too short.
I'm not finding much on (demonstrator) pens that can take them.
Any suggestions?
The FPR will fit (and work decently) in the Jinhao x450 and x750. FPR just started selling their ultra flex in Jowo housing, which will allow you to use them with a large number of pens, including the Opus 88 demonstrators. I haven’t tried them, however, and can’t vouch.
Hi! Is it safe to assume that this will also fit the TWSBI 580 ALR?
Yes!
Who-hoo! Thanks for responding Marc!
I’m planning on getting a #5.5 ultra flex nib for my Twsbi vac mini, but should I get the ebonite feed as well to enhance flow? If so what size do you think? There are two sizes available on their website 4.7 and 5.1. I emailed them , but they say the nibs won’t fit. Maybe they just say for marketing purposes.. I honestly don’t know Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m really going down a rabbit hole for a flex pen heheh
I imagine that the good people at FPR are none too pleased that people are sticking their nibs into non-FPR pens. Only the nibs fit however, not the ebonite feeds, so buy the nibs only.
@@mkompan Thank you so much.
The 5.5 FPR nibs arrived and they do fit well with the Twsbi vac mini, but the flow is not good enough. Do you have any hints to make this combo successful? What other pens have you found works the best for flex with these nibs? What would be your favourite? Thanks for such great videos.
@@LL-ue5vgthe ink plays a big part in performance, so try a few different ones. As for other pens, the Hong Dian Black Forest is a recent favorite.
@@mkompan It worked!!!! I used de Atramentis document brown. I’ll experiment with others that are not waterproof too, but I love this one for pen and ink. Thanks so much. I was worried I spent too much on FPR nibs to no avail,but I’m happy now. :)
Thanks for this, I might try it. I was planning to put a #6 ultra flex into one of those Ranga pens (the Davenport from PSP I think), do you think that will work?
You're welcome! Range pens use a #6 Jowo nib and housing unit, which the #6 fPR nib will fit into. The problem is that the plastic feeds in them do not provide adequate flow for flex. You can, however buy ebonite feeds for the Jowo housing unit from the Flexible Nib Factory, and also from FPnibs that have extra flow.
What ink are you using on the TWSBI with the 5.5?
Noodler's black
DOES THE #6 ULTRAFLEX FROM FPR FIT IN THE OPPUS 88 DEMONSTRATOR/OMAR ??
I'VE READ IT FITS LIKE A 95% BUT I'M PLANNING ON WORKING ON THAT 5%.
It’s a very tight fit, and the regular feed doesn’t provide enough flow, but there are ways to tinker with it to make it work better. A few suggestions: The Flexible Nib Factory sells ebonite feeds for Jowo housing that will do a better job. You can also buy their flex nib installed in Jowo housing. It’s not a great nib, but is the same shape as the FPR nib and can be switched out,
@@mkompanTHANK U VERY MUCH ! IF IT'S TIGHT I CAN SAND THE FEED, OR IS IT TIGHT BECAUSE THE FPR NIB HAS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT CURVATURE?
@@MrG0CE you can thin out the back of the nib a little, but it will fit without alterations. It’s just a very tight fit, and the feed doesn’t provide enough ink. I have a video where I demonstrate a simple hack to improve the flow: An Easy Hack For Plastic Fountain Pen Feeds That Improves Their Performance in Flex Pens
ruclips.net/video/zzuWP0lmTXc/видео.html
This will improve the flow a little, but really for this nib to work best you have to widen the ink channel on the feed.
@@mkompan U'RE SO KIND ! I'VE ALREADY SEEN AND COMMENTED IN THAT VIDEO, VERY USEFUL. SO U RECOMMEND THE TWSBI VAC700R INSTEAD OF THE OPPUS 88 DEMONSTRATOR? I KNOW IN BOTH I'LL HAVE TO HACK THE PEN A LITTLE BIT.
@@MrG0CE I think the Opus 88 is a better pen for this hack. The TWSBI vac uses a proprietary feed, so you can’t switch it out with the Ebonite one from the flexible nib factory.
I was just going to use it in the FBR Indus. but doesn anyone know if can i fill it with Platinum carbon black ink, if i wash it regularly?
Yes, you can do it. I use platinum
Carbon ink in my TWSBIs all the time.
@@mkompan Ordered!
Marc, would you recommend FPR pens or just the nibs? I was searching on their website and I was wondering how good the pens performance is. Any advice that you can share? Thank you
I’m going to stay neutral on this one. I’ve had problems with the Himalaya V2, with poor quality control and flow problems. But quite a few people have commented that the quality control of the Himalaya has improved and that the flow problems have been fixed. I have yet to confirm this for my self however. For now, I really enjoy putting FPR nibs in other pen brands that fit them.
@@mkompan thank you again for sharing your expertise 🙏 I love the TWSBIs, but just in case.
@@thekevermelho I'll have to re-review the Himalaya V2 (and perhaps some other FPR offerings). Stay tuned.
My Himalaya V2 is really nice (minus the clip, it was kind of deformed but it was fixable). However I modified the feed and I eye dropper it so the flow is never an issue. Thing is like a paintbrush after I modified it lol
Do you have a video of how to insert the FRR nib into the Opus 88? Similar question regarding the Nibs you've had regrinded by FPnibs?
Sorry no video on that, but I’ve found that even though the FPR ultra flex fits into Jowo housing it doesn’t work all that well. FP nibs sell their custom grinds with the Jowo housing, so all you have to do is screw them in.
Got it. That makes sense. I appreciate the help (as always!)
@@mkompan Just wondering if you meant this comment for the Opus 88 Koloro demonstrator with the #6. Or as this comment is a couple years after the original video, does this mean the 5.5 won’t fit well in the Picnic/Koloro?
@@azamanza the #6 FPR doesn’t fit well into the standard Jowo housing. The #5.5 however fits well into #5 Jowo housing.
@@mkompanthanks for confirming!
Do you know if a FPR 5.5 would work in a Noodler's Boston Safety pen? Thanks. Good video.
I just tried, and sadly, no. The #5.5 sits well on the feed, but is just a little bit too wide to go into the section.
@@mkompanOk, thanks for the info.
Hi, I am very interested in a flex nib , Would this flex nib fit into my Twisbi Eco?
It doesn't fit without a little bit of tinkering.Here's a video on how to do it:
ruclips.net/video/4iBHTNjq2cI/видео.html
Thank you!
Why do you think flex nibs work in the mini vac bit not the full size version
A good question! First, the Franklin Christoph nib and the flexible nib factory nib will work just fine in the Vac-700r, because they’re not as flexible and don’t need a feed with a lot of flow. The problem is only with the ink hungry FPR #6 ultra flex. Perhaps the feeds in the 580 and the minivac are more generous, or that the ink requirements of the smaller 5.5 are not as great. It could also have to do with differences in the way the feed and nib make contact.
Is it safe to say the 5.5 will fit any TWSBI like the ECO?
Sadly no. It’s too loose for some reason and falls out. The 5.5 fits the mini, mini-Vac, and the 580.
@@mkompan ok thanks I’ll be looking into a 580 then
@@ktarv77 actually, I just figured out a way to put the 5.5 into an ECO. Video coming soon...
When a nib is too loose what you can do is put some tape on the back of it just like clear Scotch tape. It might take a layer or two but that way you can adjust how tightly it goes in. In another of Marc's videos he shows how to put a piece of aluminum tin can as a spacer, but I think the tape trick might be easier and better.
hey may i know what was the original nib on the 580 al? some people said that the 1.1 stub feed would keep up with the flow better
Hey there. The original nib was an extra-fine. I wasn't aware that the feeds for the 1.1 stub are different. I'll have to research this (or just order a stub and see for myself).
@@mkompan Hello Marc. It’s me here again. Just from Fude video come to here. Would like to ask would 580 1.1 stub feed better for both flex and Fude choice?
@@allenhe5611 I've heard it mentioned in the online forums that TWSBI adjusts their feeds based on the nib width. That may be true, but I'm using a feed from an EF nib on my 580, and and it keeps up with both the fude and the flex nib without issues.
@@mkompan thank you Marc! You are always so kindness! Happy weekend
@@allenhe5611 Glad to help!
Does the number 6 ultra flex fit in your opus 88? After watching this I ordered an opus 88 demonstrator that will be here tomorrow and been looking at different nibs since fpnibs are closed
It fits. The #6 ultra flex nib is very ink hungry however, and the plastic feed doesn’t provide enough ink flow. FPnibs sells an ebonite feed and housing that should work better. I’ll be ordering it as soon as the store reopens in September. I love the Opus 88-great choice!
@@mkompan flexible nib factory sells an ebonite feed and housing as well idk how good it is compared to fpnibs though
@@jomison2404 I have the one from Flexible Nib Factory, and while it works better than the original, it still doesn’t keep up. I’m hoping that the FPnibs one works better.
@@mkompan thank you Marc, great video. Is the FRP nib/feed housing a direct replacement for the one on Opus88 demonstrator?
@@simc444 You're welcome! No, the FPR housing doesn't fit the Opus 88. The #6 FPR ultraflex nib will fit into the housing of the Opus 88, but the plastic feed will not provide enough ink, and the pen will rail-road. FP-nibs sells an ebonite feed that will provide additional flow. I haven't tried it, but I hear it works well.
Has TWSBI changed the way the Vac Mini's nibs are fit? I just tried to pull mine out and not only did it not budge at all but I've destroyed the feed in this brand new pen trying to pull it out and I've never had this happen before. The "fins" have all pushed to one side and some have broken off. I didn't apply a huge amount of pressure, but given what just happened I don't understand how you were able to do this at all.
Sorry to hear that! I don't think TWSi has made any changes to their pens recently. I'm able to pull out the nib and feeds without effort. It's good idea to hold the nib by the sides as opposed to the top and bottom to avoid crushing the delicate fins. Use a paper towel or a piece of rubber for additional grip and give it another shot. It should pull right out. BTW, broken fins won't effect performance.
@@mkompan I was able to get it out with a rubber band! Maybe it'll get easier with repeated removals.
Interesting that the feed works even without fins, though I've already spent $6 on a new one lol. Seems like I struggle to get a full fill without the fins. I asked the guy who owns the store what the fins are for if the nib works without them - "I have no idea," LOL.
When it comes to flex nibs that are readily available, which would you most recommend? I'm considering an Opus 88 + FPNibs' #6 Jowo Fude and an FPR steel ultra flex nib, but I wonder if there's much point in having it plus the Vac Minis and I'm curious to know what your current favorites are. I know you don't claim to be the Great Pen Nib Gatekeeper, but you've spent a lot more time tinkering than I have.
@@LeviRedrook “The Great Nib Gate-keeper” is a nice title but I prefer “The Nib Whisperer.” :)
if you’d like to use the FPR with the Opus 88 I suggest you get an ebonite Jowo housing unit from the Flexible Nib Factory. The regular plastic feed in the Opus will otherwise have a hard time keeping up.
You’re asking just about loose nibs? The steel semi and full flex from FPNibs is pretty awesome (with a little polishing). Other than that, for great functioning flex nibs go vintage. #2 vintage nibs actually fit a large number of pens. I even have one in an Opus 88 Halo.
@@mkompan Yeah, just loose nibs. I'm considering the Opus 88 because they seem to fit the nibs you like best, but if there are others you like more I'd want to consider bodies that fit those too.
Thanks for the feed tip (and the everything else), I'll take note!
Oooh, I dig the Opus 88 Halo. I see it's a #5 housing. Will that same nib not fit on your TWSBIs or do you just like playing with new pens?
@@LeviRedrook Most pens that use the #6 Jowo housing are pretty expensive, but #6 nibs will fit into a number of cheaper well built pens. I really like the Penbbs 456 and the Narwhal Demonstrator. Replacing the nib in them is a little tricky because they’re tightly fitted, but worth doing.
The Opus 88 Halo is currently my favorite pen that uses #5 Jowo housing. Its just a perfect combo of size, balance, ink capacity, as well as the ability to take a huge number of nibs. Also, it can sometimes be found for $60, which makes it comparable to the 580. I still like the 580, but lately I’ve been on a Halo binge. I guess I’m a restless spirit.
I think I’m defeated by flex 5.5 fpr got here today tried it in my twsbi 580 with a brand new replacement nib unit and every ink I own and couldn’t even get it to write without pressure just non stop hard start and when it would let out some ink just railroad and I have an extremely light hand
Sorry to hear that. Try cleaning the pen thoroughly with soap and water, including the nib and feed. Sometimes pens aren’t washed at the factory and have left over oils on them, preventing them from working properly. That could be the case with the nib as well.
@@mkompan I turned it into a fude nib and threw it out of frustration then impulse bought pilot 912 fa and ebonite feed
@@jomison2404 My goodness! Well, the 912FA is a fantastic pen, especially with the ebonite feed. A good frustration buy.
@@mkompan lol I hope so I was really hoping the opus 88 could use a non converter jowo housing so I could put an fa in the opus 88 but I imagine it’s not possible so going to use the 912 as is but seems my downside is I see something I like and impulse buy stumbled on ur videos and I now have falcon twsbi opus 88 and all noodlers models and still not happy so really hoping 912 does it for me while I look for opus options
@@mkompan sorry about all the questions but I’m actually new to fountain pens 912 just arrived and is it supposed to flex like crazy? It works and doesn’t railroad with slight pressure right out the box and just wondering if I wasted money on this ebonite feed
does anyone know if any of the FPR ebonite feeds that you can order along with these nibs fit the twsbi 580?
Sadly no, they don’t fit. But the plastic feeds that come with the 580
work perfectly so there’s no need to switch them out.
@@mkompan thanks for the reply! i heard someone say on reddit that the feed that comes with the 1.1 stub has better inkflow than the normal twsbi feeds, so i ordered one of those as well. i've been searching for a way to make a twsbi into a flex pen; i'm an artist that mainly uses the konrad to draw.
but the thing that makes me want to switch to a twsbi is the fact that i let ink sit in my twsbi 580 for 3 years, yet because of the twsbi's seal design, it still flows wet whenever i write with it. so, a twsbi equipped with a flex nib would be the perfect pen for me. too bad there aren't any ebonite feed replacements for the twsbi, because that would make it truly perfect
@@crimson35124 you’re welcome. I too have heard rumors that the TWSBI 1.1 stub has a more generous feed. However, my 580 had an extra fine nib, yet the feed keeps up without problems. I think more is at play here than just flow when it comes to how well a feed performs. An ebonite feed for TWSBI would be a fantastic development however. FPnibs recently started selling a 5.5 ebonite feed for Jowo housing units, but while Jowo feeds are similar to TWSBI feeds they’re sadly not interchangeable.
@@mkompan that's too bad it doesn't fit. hopefully my TWSBI will perform like yours once my FPR flex nib arrives.