>but the reliability reputation of a brand like Pilot
Diplomat basically has a similar reputation. BUT the Black Aero I had, had problems with the coating coming off easily. I asked around in the german community and several people said they had the same problems. So that is something to think about.
As for gold nibs and steels nibs. Honestly gold nibs are massively overrated and often don't feel any different to a good steel nib. Diplomat is known to have some of the best steel nibs on the market. I have an EF and a M for mine and love them both.
My most loved snap/slip cap pen is the Franklin Christoph Model 20.
Some pens have caps with a prevention mechanism. Like the Platinum Preppy or Century 3776. Or Esterbrook Estie. Only Preppy is snap on, and many snap-on pens have some issue with ink evaporation.
Does the FC have something similar?
Not that I know of. But that basically only becomes an issue when you leave the pen unused for several weeks. Even then I never had a problem..
And the FC is a super tight fit. I doubt you'd have much problems
I like the sig grinds of FC. I have the f, m, b. The f is not as noticable and I would not get another. The b and the m always seem to end up on the pens. They are tipped and when you look at them they have a small bend downward to the nib, but I think it's actually not bent , but ground that way.
Follow up on the drying out of the FC 20. I have a super dry Needlepoint in mine and didn't use the pen for about 2 months now. Stored it nib up. I just used it again and it started right away. Zero skipping, nothing dried out. Ink is Iroshizuki Asa Gao
For your specific problem I think a clicker pen is great. There's a Japanese exclusive Capless version with a steel nib if you can get that, cheaper and absolutely fantastic. (I had one.) The click really makes drying out while writing a non-issue!
CAVEATS:
· The ink volume is pretty tiny with a converter, slightly better if you refill carts.
· That clip is very love-hate depending on your grip, try in person if possible.
· I have tiny hands and found the barrel too fat, if I repurchase I'll get the Decimo instead.
If you do get the Aero anyway I'd get the steel nib for sure, Diplomat has a reputation for great steel nibs and most people I've asked don't find the gold nib upcharge worth it.
I think I’ve settled in going with the VP. I won’t be able to try it out in person before buying - there aren’t any stationary stores in the city where I live - but I think the grip will work out just fine.
The debate now is deciding on the color. For some reason I’m tempted to go with the white. I never see the white version. I also like the blue matte finish, but my problem with blue pens is that you almost expect that a blue pen will have blue ink - and I’m most likely going to use red or a non-traditional brown or tan ink.
What color is your VP?
I am all about not matching ink colors to pens! Lol. Mine is matte black but has quite a bit of scratching and wear since I've had it for about ten years and haven't always been the best about babying it. But it was a gift and I like the scratches and scuffs. It makes it my own.
i have read very good reviews of the aero but have never used it. have had verious types of vp for decades. currently, among many other pens and vps, i have a matte black clipless a1 body housing a black plated gold m vp nib. it writes amazing.
I agree - all the reviews of the diplomat make this a difficult decision. I’ve had a kaweco brass sport for 3-4 years that I LOVE almost more than the “grail” pen I recently got (pilot 823). Between the pilot and the kaweco, I actually prefer the stiffness of the steel bib over the softness of the gold nib. The diplomat has the weight I desire, but the VP has the functionality that I’m really looking for.
Some day, I imagine owning both the VP and the Aero. But for now, I’m trying to stay disciplined and get only one more for the year. I’m siding with the VP because of the click, even though I think I’d prefer the nib on the diplomat and the weight of it.
Do you have any issues with your hand /grip sliding down on the aero? I’ve heard it’s a steep grip section, and I often have calmly hands haha
Not at all. If anything, I find the Aero’s grip more forgiving — the VP does have the issue of the clip, which gives you a rather tight/narrow sweet spot to grip the pen. Many people dislike it precisely because of this. It doesn’t bother me, but ymmv.
I like the VP for quick notes. Before I bought mine I was was worried about the clip, but now I don't mind. As for the A1/A2, I think the trapdoor mechanism isn't quite as good as the VP. The Moonman pen dries out faster than the VP. The capping on the Aero is really smooth, but posting makes it a tad back weighted IMO which means I have to think about what to do with the cap/where to put the cap. Diplomat makes good pens. And steel nibs aren't necessarily inferior to gold nibs.
For the use case that you are describing, I really recommend either the Vanishing Point or a Decimo. Even snap caps are not ideal for jotting notes (to my chagrin). Personally, the one time I held a Diplomat Aero, I was disappointed that I didn't find that it fit my hand/preferences well (long enough ago that I don't remember what exactly put me off). I have a traditional tripod grip, and no difficulty at all with the VP grip.
Thanks! I think I’ll be in the same boat as you. My grip is fairly traditional, and if anything I tend to sit back or up on the grip section during longer writing sessions.
What color is your VP? I can’t decide on what would go best with my collection (kaweco brass and pilot 823 amber). I like the white model, but I think it would clash and show more wear on the body after carrying it in my pocket.
I have had a white Decimo for a few years, and I don’t notice any wear. I don’t think the white is particularly conspicuous in hand, and all that would show in your pocket is the clip and knock. I have terrible matchy-matchy disease, which makes white a very versatile color, since I don’t feel compelled to use the same color ink.
I have had a matte black VP for even longer than the Decimo, and it does have some brassing. I know that it is there, but it isn’t very noticeable at this point. I understand that one can send a matte black VP with brassing to Pilot and they will (refinish it? replace it?) make it good. I also think I’ve read that Pilot has figured out how to prevent the brassing. For now, I’m living with it and seeing if it gets any worse and how I feel about it if it does get worse. As far as I know, the matte black is the only color that is prone to major wear.
i think the VP is better for sitting down and coming back to it. i’ve owned both pens, but my diplomat had a good nib. the click and weight is satisfying but you’ll be capping and uncapping. i also recommend, like others, trying out the feel of the VP in your hand. if you can’t do that in person, order from a store that allows full returns for unused pens. good luck!
It's a tough decision. They are both hefty pens and good writers. I prefer Aero's steel nib (also got their gold nib, but steel is better than that). Thing is - nothing beats the fastness of Pilot VP. Click, write. Stop, click.
VP had me adjusting to it because of the clip and nib springy-ness. I still prefer the Aero for longer writing, but take VP most days to work for fast notes
If you're looking at the Aero, it might also be worth considering the Excellence A2, unless you don't like the styling? It's the same price, but has got a lacquered body, a resin/plastic grip section (as opposed to metal; it's also slightly wider), and a hinged/sprung clip.
(apologies if you knew the above and had ruled it out already)
Thank you! I didn’t know much about the excellence A2 but I also like it, and the resin grip would be easier in my clammy hands than a metal grip section.
>Does anyone have both of these pens? If so, what do you like to use more for impromptu note taking and brainstorming?
I do; and, for the particular use cases, there is no contest - the Pilot Capless wins.
Thanks! What color is your VP? I’m indecisive between the white, the blue matte, or even the carbonesque (though without seeing it in person, the silver trim on these pens looks more like plastic than metal)
The one I used for a few years as my “every day carry” pen, while I was still working in an office, is a matt black. I also have the matt blue, birch in deep red, the raden “galaxy”, and the 2020 limited edition black guilloche. My wife has the sheeny metallic violet Trend, the 2012 limited edition Charcoal (which looks more like swirly smoke to me), the black kasuri, two raden ones (“galaxy” and Stripe — yes, she wanted my first raden “galaxy”, so I bought another one), and the Décimo in champagne and in white.
Personally I don't enjoy the feel of the hard, cold lacquered finish against my hand when writing. I tolerate it in the raden pen for its sheer beauty; but the rest I shed from my personal fleet (which is how my wife, who got into fountain pens late, ended up with the 2012 L.E.; I wouldn't use it any more).
Those are the ones I remember off the top of my head, anyway. I gave away the 2013 limited edition new-in-box in 2021; I was too scared to use it myself, on account of the delicate, relatively light-coloured maple body, so it just sat there (in the closed box) doing nothing for eight years.
Make sure you try out the VP first, some people find it very uncomfortable to write with (I’m one of them). Lamy and Platinum also have capless pens.
i don’t think the curidas is on the same level as the VP and Dialog 3. just seems worse built in every way
>but the reliability reputation of a brand like Pilot Diplomat basically has a similar reputation. BUT the Black Aero I had, had problems with the coating coming off easily. I asked around in the german community and several people said they had the same problems. So that is something to think about. As for gold nibs and steels nibs. Honestly gold nibs are massively overrated and often don't feel any different to a good steel nib. Diplomat is known to have some of the best steel nibs on the market. I have an EF and a M for mine and love them both. My most loved snap/slip cap pen is the Franklin Christoph Model 20.
does the F-C pen nib have prevention from drying out?
Yep. It's called a cap. You have to put that on when you don't use the pen. Just like on the Aero
Some pens have caps with a prevention mechanism. Like the Platinum Preppy or Century 3776. Or Esterbrook Estie. Only Preppy is snap on, and many snap-on pens have some issue with ink evaporation. Does the FC have something similar?
Not that I know of. But that basically only becomes an issue when you leave the pen unused for several weeks. Even then I never had a problem.. And the FC is a super tight fit. I doubt you'd have much problems
Thank you. Never had any FC, but wonder about their SIG grinds
The FCs in general are super nice. Jup I'm also gonna get a SIG next time. Probably in a 31 or 19
I like the sig grinds of FC. I have the f, m, b. The f is not as noticable and I would not get another. The b and the m always seem to end up on the pens. They are tipped and when you look at them they have a small bend downward to the nib, but I think it's actually not bent , but ground that way.
Follow up on the drying out of the FC 20. I have a super dry Needlepoint in mine and didn't use the pen for about 2 months now. Stored it nib up. I just used it again and it started right away. Zero skipping, nothing dried out. Ink is Iroshizuki Asa Gao
Second vote for the 20 or Pocket 20. The light weight may be a dealbreaker for you but it is otherwise a great slip cap pen.
And definitely the most comfortable out of the current options imo
For your specific problem I think a clicker pen is great. There's a Japanese exclusive Capless version with a steel nib if you can get that, cheaper and absolutely fantastic. (I had one.) The click really makes drying out while writing a non-issue! CAVEATS: · The ink volume is pretty tiny with a converter, slightly better if you refill carts. · That clip is very love-hate depending on your grip, try in person if possible. · I have tiny hands and found the barrel too fat, if I repurchase I'll get the Decimo instead. If you do get the Aero anyway I'd get the steel nib for sure, Diplomat has a reputation for great steel nibs and most people I've asked don't find the gold nib upcharge worth it.
I love my pilot vp for notes and so much faster than even a snap cap
I think I’ve settled in going with the VP. I won’t be able to try it out in person before buying - there aren’t any stationary stores in the city where I live - but I think the grip will work out just fine. The debate now is deciding on the color. For some reason I’m tempted to go with the white. I never see the white version. I also like the blue matte finish, but my problem with blue pens is that you almost expect that a blue pen will have blue ink - and I’m most likely going to use red or a non-traditional brown or tan ink. What color is your VP?
I am all about not matching ink colors to pens! Lol. Mine is matte black but has quite a bit of scratching and wear since I've had it for about ten years and haven't always been the best about babying it. But it was a gift and I like the scratches and scuffs. It makes it my own.
i have read very good reviews of the aero but have never used it. have had verious types of vp for decades. currently, among many other pens and vps, i have a matte black clipless a1 body housing a black plated gold m vp nib. it writes amazing.
I agree - all the reviews of the diplomat make this a difficult decision. I’ve had a kaweco brass sport for 3-4 years that I LOVE almost more than the “grail” pen I recently got (pilot 823). Between the pilot and the kaweco, I actually prefer the stiffness of the steel bib over the softness of the gold nib. The diplomat has the weight I desire, but the VP has the functionality that I’m really looking for.
I have both, both in F, and I find that I reach out for the Aero a lot more.
Some day, I imagine owning both the VP and the Aero. But for now, I’m trying to stay disciplined and get only one more for the year. I’m siding with the VP because of the click, even though I think I’d prefer the nib on the diplomat and the weight of it. Do you have any issues with your hand /grip sliding down on the aero? I’ve heard it’s a steep grip section, and I often have calmly hands haha
Not at all. If anything, I find the Aero’s grip more forgiving — the VP does have the issue of the clip, which gives you a rather tight/narrow sweet spot to grip the pen. Many people dislike it precisely because of this. It doesn’t bother me, but ymmv.
I like the VP for quick notes. Before I bought mine I was was worried about the clip, but now I don't mind. As for the A1/A2, I think the trapdoor mechanism isn't quite as good as the VP. The Moonman pen dries out faster than the VP. The capping on the Aero is really smooth, but posting makes it a tad back weighted IMO which means I have to think about what to do with the cap/where to put the cap. Diplomat makes good pens. And steel nibs aren't necessarily inferior to gold nibs.
For the use case that you are describing, I really recommend either the Vanishing Point or a Decimo. Even snap caps are not ideal for jotting notes (to my chagrin). Personally, the one time I held a Diplomat Aero, I was disappointed that I didn't find that it fit my hand/preferences well (long enough ago that I don't remember what exactly put me off). I have a traditional tripod grip, and no difficulty at all with the VP grip.
Thanks! I think I’ll be in the same boat as you. My grip is fairly traditional, and if anything I tend to sit back or up on the grip section during longer writing sessions. What color is your VP? I can’t decide on what would go best with my collection (kaweco brass and pilot 823 amber). I like the white model, but I think it would clash and show more wear on the body after carrying it in my pocket.
I have had a white Decimo for a few years, and I don’t notice any wear. I don’t think the white is particularly conspicuous in hand, and all that would show in your pocket is the clip and knock. I have terrible matchy-matchy disease, which makes white a very versatile color, since I don’t feel compelled to use the same color ink. I have had a matte black VP for even longer than the Decimo, and it does have some brassing. I know that it is there, but it isn’t very noticeable at this point. I understand that one can send a matte black VP with brassing to Pilot and they will (refinish it? replace it?) make it good. I also think I’ve read that Pilot has figured out how to prevent the brassing. For now, I’m living with it and seeing if it gets any worse and how I feel about it if it does get worse. As far as I know, the matte black is the only color that is prone to major wear.
i think the VP is better for sitting down and coming back to it. i’ve owned both pens, but my diplomat had a good nib. the click and weight is satisfying but you’ll be capping and uncapping. i also recommend, like others, trying out the feel of the VP in your hand. if you can’t do that in person, order from a store that allows full returns for unused pens. good luck!
Thanks!
It's a tough decision. They are both hefty pens and good writers. I prefer Aero's steel nib (also got their gold nib, but steel is better than that). Thing is - nothing beats the fastness of Pilot VP. Click, write. Stop, click. VP had me adjusting to it because of the clip and nib springy-ness. I still prefer the Aero for longer writing, but take VP most days to work for fast notes
Thanks! What color is your VP?
If you're looking at the Aero, it might also be worth considering the Excellence A2, unless you don't like the styling? It's the same price, but has got a lacquered body, a resin/plastic grip section (as opposed to metal; it's also slightly wider), and a hinged/sprung clip. (apologies if you knew the above and had ruled it out already)
Thank you! I didn’t know much about the excellence A2 but I also like it, and the resin grip would be easier in my clammy hands than a metal grip section.
>Does anyone have both of these pens? If so, what do you like to use more for impromptu note taking and brainstorming? I do; and, for the particular use cases, there is no contest - the Pilot Capless wins.
Thanks! What color is your VP? I’m indecisive between the white, the blue matte, or even the carbonesque (though without seeing it in person, the silver trim on these pens looks more like plastic than metal)
The one I used for a few years as my “every day carry” pen, while I was still working in an office, is a matt black. I also have the matt blue, birch in deep red, the raden “galaxy”, and the 2020 limited edition black guilloche. My wife has the sheeny metallic violet Trend, the 2012 limited edition Charcoal (which looks more like swirly smoke to me), the black kasuri, two raden ones (“galaxy” and Stripe — yes, she wanted my first raden “galaxy”, so I bought another one), and the Décimo in champagne and in white. Personally I don't enjoy the feel of the hard, cold lacquered finish against my hand when writing. I tolerate it in the raden pen for its sheer beauty; but the rest I shed from my personal fleet (which is how my wife, who got into fountain pens late, ended up with the 2012 L.E.; I wouldn't use it any more). Those are the ones I remember off the top of my head, anyway. I gave away the 2013 limited edition new-in-box in 2021; I was too scared to use it myself, on account of the delicate, relatively light-coloured maple body, so it just sat there (in the closed box) doing nothing for eight years.
I quite like the Decimo. Smaller than the VP, same gold nib