Ha, you couldn’t wait a month but came back just a week later with the report card on your new pen. 😋..But seriously, it’s so cool to see you do a follow-up video of your truly beautiful Aurora 88 Matera. Aurora is my absolute favorite pen brand. 28 of my current (downsized) pen collection of around 70 pens are various Aurora models (mostly modern and several vintage). I own ten Aurora 88s (including two vintage). Tells you just how much I adore this pen. In fact, I could talk about Aurora all day long. 😀 Anyway, one of the many things that I admire about Aurora is that everything is made in-house, including the thing that matters most - the nibs. The pens are built to near-perfection, excellent quality control, fit, finish, materials, reliability, design aesthetics, writing performance and user satisfaction. I’ll readily agree the prices are discouragingly high. But I’ve long reconciled myself to buying these undeniably outstanding pens at premium prices - and discounted prices whenever possible. The Matera is just great. I’ve already mentioned that I like the decision to have the new color finish for the whole pen instead of the older black section and finials look (which is also nice, btw). I agree that Aurora’s very own ‘auroloide’ material is uniquely beautiful and great to touch. I love the distinct, but very consistently pleasant and pleasurable feedback-y feel of their nibs. Excepting the EF, I own pens with all the other Aurora gold nibs. My favorite gold nibs, along with Sailor’s. The piston works flawlessly smoothly. The nib unit screws out for easier cleaning and maintenance, and swapping of Aurora nibs if desired. I could go on..but I won’t. I love Tomoe River, too. Not a fan of Rhodia. But I also think that I like the appearance and feel of the writing with the Matera’s F nib on other less premium paper that is not necessarily coated and offers a little less slick and maybe more tactile writing surface. It’s all about trials and finding what works best for you. I can only say that writing with any Aurora, and certainly the 88 Matera is a lot of fun and an addictive experience. You did very well to get the pen.
No, I couldn't wait any longer than a week haha! And I've come to learn some of the many reasons why Aurora is a beloved brand in the fountain pen community. The Matera marks my first experience with the brand, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to be my last one. If I come across a colorway that I really love, I would prefer a discount, but I'd happily pay a premium for it. In the meantime, I look forward to spending the next month becoming more acquainted with the gorgeous Matera.
@@lifeinspiresdesign ..Cool! I’m certain you’ll love the Matera the more you use it. That’s another thing I’d say, i.e. very expensive, beautiful pens like the Aurora 88 Matera are really meant to be used often, not necessarily babied and stored away only to be brought out occasionally. I always believe in regularly using and fully savoring the great experience of owning and writing with these pens. That makes the pens even more worth whatever price you paid to buy it. Good luck. And expecting to see more videos from you going forward. Subscribed! 🙂
love your giving voice and truth... brutal and real and raw. love the happiness in the "soundtrack" of this production. I am such a fan of Aurora... I have many... and also, many Sailors, and Leonardos... love the Optimas... I am a sucker for flat finials... over 99 percent of my collection are flattops... exceptions are, of course, my 149's and 146's... oh, and 1911's and 823's... But even with these, 99 percent is a good estimation... "Inspiration-instigating..." would be how I most describe those pens in my collection that conjure/incite/in-(pro-)voke this that you are describing when your Aurora is in hand... such are all of mine. thank you and please stay safe. Xerxius Maximus
Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate your feedback. I have affection for both flat and round finials; like you, my preference really depends on each pen. I love both Sailor and Leonardo, as well. After adding the 88 to my collection, I believe that Aurora also will become one of my favorite pen brands.
Great video! I started using fountain pens in 2016 and a couple years ago I realized that Aurora is my favorite brand, and the 88 is my favorite pen. I own more Auroras than any other brand and continue to purchase more 88s. I think you nailed the reasons why - they feel amazing and the nibs are really good. Ebonite feeds are a plus. I didn't originally like how light they are, but even that has become something I appreciate as they are effortless to write with. The materials are entrancing to gaze into. My favorites and the Sole, the Terra, and the Volterra. I will have to pick up one of the new ebonite series that just started, too. I have some Optimas, but they are a bit smaller and I prefer the size of the 88. Hope you find an Aurora that better fits your preferences. You got an amazing price on this one!
I was glad to see your first video about this pen, and definitely just as glad for this follow-up! Thanks for going into what you like (and don't) about this pen, and how you feel about it compared to your others.
The pen is made from Aurora's propitiatory material (I believe) called acyrloid. If you like that in between feedback, might I suggest Stipula pens. They are also Italian, but not as expensive. Aurora pens are very expensive, so I wouldn't chalk it up to packaging, though it surely is part of the price. In case you didn't know, there is also something special about the filling system and ink capacity. I can't remember exactly, but there is something like an .......... right so I looked it up. There is a hidden/emergency ink reservoir that allows you to write an extra page of ink, once released. Try it with Waterman Serenity Blue.
Thanks for watching and providing the information about the filling system. I appreciate the unique qualities about Aurora pens. Stipula pens, hmm. I'll need to look a little deeper into their brand, as well as Nettuno and Maiora. I like what I see so far.
Aurora’s proprietary material is called ‘Auroloide’ (celluloid acetate?). It is used on all their pricey, premium models (usually, but not restricted to their limited edition models). The other unique feature in their piston-filling pens is the so-called ‘magic reserve’ where when you run out of ink, you simply unscrew the piston knob to push the piston all the way down then barrel, and you will be able to write nearly a full A4 sized page with the reserve ink. A very useful, neat feature, in my opinion. And oh, I’ll readily second the recommendation of Stipula. I love Stipula for the longest time. But I mainly love the older celluloid models more than the modern ones. The packaging of the Matera is great. I can only guess if it adds another $100 to the pen’s shocking price. It probably doesn’t. What it does is just lend an appropriately luxury feel to buying a fountain pen of such beauty and proven excellence.
@@ironmic9244 ..Ha, whatever the material on the Auroras or the Viscontis may be called, I just know they can be bewitchingly beautiful and give me the sweetest thrill. Italian pens, in general, will always be a class apart from the rest.
@@lifeinspiresdesign There is a reason why you might be looking at Nettuno and Maiora. They are both owned by the same owner. Nettuno was an old company that was revived by Maiora. Maiora was created by Nino Marino who was one of the founders of Delta Pens ( great pen) after is stopped procuction. Now Marino has secured the rights of Delta and has revived it. You'll see a lot of similarities and almost clone like pens from Maiora that look like famous Delta models. I can't speak to Nettuno, but a Maiora, Delta will practically write the same because they are using JoWo nibs. The only difference would be design and materials. With their steel nibs, they'll write like a Leonardo. Frankly speaking they are all the same pen because Leonardo was created by the son of the other founder of Delta. And they are all created out of the Naples region.
Personally, I think that jewelry-like box is way too over the top xD I'm sure that box costs about 25 or so to make, but we are being charged for them making that expensive heavy duty box. But, the pens in general, I feel that Italian pens do an amazing job with making the pen body a work of art and making them feel extra smooth and luxurious. I agree on Ferris Wheel Press. They are not really a fountain pen ink company, at least more than half of their products are made for painters/artists rather than fountain pen users. So when they failed on fountain pen ink experiences, artists are loving it. But I think that, while it does have an over-the-top unboxing experience, the quality of their pen is good. I also would NEVER buy pens at their MSRP. They are just not worth it since we are all paying for import fees and such. I do feel good about my pens when I am buying them from 40-60% off their original pricing :D
Thanks so much for your feedback, I really appreciate hearing someone else's perspective on things. I agree with you on the quality of high end Italian pens. They're just great 😍 And I must remember that not all brands are made with everyone in mind; Ferris Wheel Press really does appeal to a very specific audience.
Ha, you couldn’t wait a month but came back just a week later with the report card on your new pen. 😋..But seriously, it’s so cool to see you do a follow-up video of your truly beautiful Aurora 88 Matera.
Aurora is my absolute favorite pen brand. 28 of my current (downsized) pen collection of around 70 pens are various Aurora models (mostly modern and several vintage). I own ten Aurora 88s (including two vintage). Tells you just how much I adore this pen. In fact, I could talk about Aurora all day long. 😀
Anyway, one of the many things that I admire about Aurora is that everything is made in-house, including the thing that matters most - the nibs. The pens are built to near-perfection, excellent quality control, fit, finish, materials, reliability, design aesthetics, writing performance and user satisfaction. I’ll readily agree the prices are discouragingly high. But I’ve long reconciled myself to buying these undeniably outstanding pens at premium prices - and discounted prices whenever possible.
The Matera is just great. I’ve already mentioned that I like the decision to have the new color finish for the whole pen instead of the older black section and finials look (which is also nice, btw). I agree that Aurora’s very own ‘auroloide’ material is uniquely beautiful and great to touch. I love the distinct, but very consistently pleasant and pleasurable feedback-y feel of their nibs. Excepting the EF, I own pens with all the other Aurora gold nibs. My favorite gold nibs, along with Sailor’s. The piston works flawlessly smoothly. The nib unit screws out for easier cleaning and maintenance, and swapping of Aurora nibs if desired. I could go on..but I won’t.
I love Tomoe River, too. Not a fan of Rhodia. But I also think that I like the appearance and feel of the writing with the Matera’s F nib on other less premium paper that is not necessarily coated and offers a little less slick and maybe more tactile writing surface. It’s all about trials and finding what works best for you. I can only say that writing with any Aurora, and certainly the 88 Matera is a lot of fun and an addictive experience. You did very well to get the pen.
No, I couldn't wait any longer than a week haha! And I've come to learn some of the many reasons why Aurora is a beloved brand in the fountain pen community. The Matera marks my first experience with the brand, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to be my last one. If I come across a colorway that I really love, I would prefer a discount, but I'd happily pay a premium for it. In the meantime, I look forward to spending the next month becoming more acquainted with the gorgeous Matera.
@@lifeinspiresdesign ..Cool! I’m certain you’ll love the Matera the more you use it. That’s another thing I’d say, i.e. very expensive, beautiful pens like the Aurora 88 Matera are really meant to be used often, not necessarily babied and stored away only to be brought out occasionally. I always believe in regularly using and fully savoring the great experience of owning and writing with these pens. That makes the pens even more worth whatever price you paid to buy it. Good luck. And expecting to see more videos from you going forward. Subscribed! 🙂
love your giving voice and truth... brutal and real and raw. love the happiness in the "soundtrack" of this production. I am such a fan of Aurora... I have many... and also, many Sailors, and Leonardos... love the Optimas... I am a sucker for flat finials... over 99 percent of my collection are flattops... exceptions are, of course, my 149's and 146's... oh, and 1911's and 823's... But even with these, 99 percent is a good estimation... "Inspiration-instigating..." would be how I most describe those pens in my collection that conjure/incite/in-(pro-)voke this that you are describing when your Aurora is in hand... such are all of mine. thank you and please stay safe. Xerxius Maximus
Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate your feedback. I have affection for both flat and round finials; like you, my preference really depends on each pen. I love both Sailor and Leonardo, as well. After adding the 88 to my collection, I believe that Aurora also will become one of my favorite pen brands.
Great video! I started using fountain pens in 2016 and a couple years ago I realized that Aurora is my favorite brand, and the 88 is my favorite pen. I own more Auroras than any other brand and continue to purchase more 88s. I think you nailed the reasons why - they feel amazing and the nibs are really good. Ebonite feeds are a plus. I didn't originally like how light they are, but even that has become something I appreciate as they are effortless to write with. The materials are entrancing to gaze into. My favorites and the Sole, the Terra, and the Volterra. I will have to pick up one of the new ebonite series that just started, too. I have some Optimas, but they are a bit smaller and I prefer the size of the 88. Hope you find an Aurora that better fits your preferences. You got an amazing price on this one!
Yes, the price was excellent! Thank you for sharing your experiences with Aurora pens.
I was glad to see your first video about this pen, and definitely just as glad for this follow-up! Thanks for going into what you like (and don't) about this pen, and how you feel about it compared to your others.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Maria! It was fun to note the difference between my initial impressions and how I felt about the pen a week later.
Hi, I'd love to see a video on your fountain pen collection x
Hi Naomi! Thank you for the request, it's coming soon!
The pen is made from Aurora's propitiatory material (I believe) called acyrloid. If you like that in between feedback, might I suggest Stipula pens. They are also Italian, but not as expensive. Aurora pens are very expensive, so I wouldn't chalk it up to packaging, though it surely is part of the price. In case you didn't know, there is also something special about the filling system and ink capacity. I can't remember exactly, but there is something like an .......... right so I looked it up. There is a hidden/emergency ink reservoir that allows you to write an extra page of ink, once released.
Try it with Waterman Serenity Blue.
Thanks for watching and providing the information about the filling system. I appreciate the unique qualities about Aurora pens. Stipula pens, hmm. I'll need to look a little deeper into their brand, as well as Nettuno and Maiora. I like what I see so far.
Aurora’s proprietary material is called ‘Auroloide’ (celluloid acetate?). It is used on all their pricey, premium models (usually, but not restricted to their limited edition models).
The other unique feature in their piston-filling pens is the so-called ‘magic reserve’ where when you run out of ink, you simply unscrew the piston knob to push the piston all the way down then barrel, and you will be able to write nearly a full A4 sized page with the reserve ink. A very useful, neat feature, in my opinion.
And oh, I’ll readily second the recommendation of Stipula. I love Stipula for the longest time. But I mainly love the older celluloid models more than the modern ones. The packaging of the Matera is great. I can only guess if it adds another $100 to the pen’s shocking price. It probably doesn’t. What it does is just lend an appropriately luxury feel to buying a fountain pen of such beauty and proven excellence.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Yes, Auroloide. I stand corrected. I just could not remember. Acyrloid might be on the Visconti. On the Opera Masters.
@@ironmic9244 ..Ha, whatever the material on the Auroras or the Viscontis may be called, I just know they can be bewitchingly beautiful and give me the sweetest thrill. Italian pens, in general, will always be a class apart from the rest.
@@lifeinspiresdesign There is a reason why you might be looking at Nettuno and Maiora. They are both owned by the same owner.
Nettuno was an old company that was revived by Maiora. Maiora was created by Nino Marino who was one of the founders of Delta Pens ( great pen) after is stopped procuction. Now Marino has secured the rights of Delta and has revived it. You'll see a lot of similarities and almost clone like pens from Maiora that look like famous Delta models. I can't speak to Nettuno, but a Maiora, Delta will practically write the same because they are using JoWo nibs. The only difference would be design and materials. With their steel nibs, they'll write like a Leonardo. Frankly speaking they are all the same pen because Leonardo was created by the son of the other founder of Delta. And they are all created out of the Naples region.
What is the pen in between the Wancher Dream Ebonite and the Leonardo, without a clip???
That is the River City Pen Company Morningside in the Bohemian Twilight resin.
Personally, I think that jewelry-like box is way too over the top xD I'm sure that box costs about 25 or so to make, but we are being charged for them making that expensive heavy duty box. But, the pens in general, I feel that Italian pens do an amazing job with making the pen body a work of art and making them feel extra smooth and luxurious. I agree on Ferris Wheel Press. They are not really a fountain pen ink company, at least more than half of their products are made for painters/artists rather than fountain pen users. So when they failed on fountain pen ink experiences, artists are loving it. But I think that, while it does have an over-the-top unboxing experience, the quality of their pen is good. I also would NEVER buy pens at their MSRP. They are just not worth it since we are all paying for import fees and such. I do feel good about my pens when I am buying them from 40-60% off their original pricing :D
Thanks so much for your feedback, I really appreciate hearing someone else's perspective on things. I agree with you on the quality of high end Italian pens. They're just great 😍 And I must remember that not all brands are made with everyone in mind; Ferris Wheel Press really does appeal to a very specific audience.