Sailor Pro Gear (Ii) ∑ Slim Review

[sannidh]

This is my first review at FPN site. I hope you do forgive my transgressions if caught

 

Below is a link to the same on my blog. If there is some problem with the shared pictures below, I would request you to please go to the below link:

http://iwonder-thecartographer.blogspot.in/2014/09/sailor-pro-gear-ii-slim-review.html

 

After selling off my one and only Sailor left - a Profit Standard – Navy blue, gold accents with a broad nib, I did feel a subtle sense of absence – of a Sailor. This was the prime momentum behind buying a pro-gear ∑ slim, albeit it accomplished both criterions of being a Sailor and equipped with a two-tone nib. One funny thing is that, I have always ended up in the dark side of the sailor nibs, be it a Reglus – Medium or Fine or a Profit S – Broad or Music and instinctively I am a fan of their nib design rather than superior writing experience.

There are two versions to the Pro Gear (II) ∑ Slim, one is a gold accented one, other a silver accented one. I inched towards a silver accents one, because the rhodium accented nib with a thin embellishment of gold appeared to convey the two-tone character with a lot more emphasis than the one with golden accents. You views may differ depending on your preference for the yellow metal.

 

So the story with pictures begins….

The pen came in a Sailor Standard Gift box as shown below. And yes, I do intend to keep the gift box unlike the cardboard Pelikans’ or the plastic Pilots’.

http://s25.postimg.org/qxpxiaey7/DSC_0704.jpg

 

Packed inside the box..

 

http://s25.postimg.org/q4idmsf8v/DSC_0708_1.jpg

http://s25.postimg.org/ockcurpkf/DSC_0711.jpg

 

Pen and its sections. Fitted with one of the standard sailor black cartridges

 

http://s25.postimg.org/9xc36q88f/DSC_0716.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/6hjyx6azz/DSC_0724.jpg

 

A much Debated Clip design, Cap top-logo and the Nib

http://s25.postimg.org/6ik9fqh4f/DSC_0720.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/7me12jxgv/DSC_0749.jpg

 

Posted Sailor Pro Gear ∑ (Sigma) Slim

 

http://s25.postimg.org/m4b8ajorz/DSC_0726.jpg

 

M405 vs PG ∑ Slim

• Capped, Pelikan M405 is actually shorter than the Sailor PG Sigma Slim
• Posted, M405 exceeds PG ∑ Slim by ~ 0.3 - 0.4 cm
• Clip of PG ∑ Slim does show a strange resemblance with the pelikan

http://s25.postimg.org/6ju795iy7/DSC_0732.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/518gf1833/DSC_0736.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/5ityk11yn/DSC_0737.jpg

 

Writing Sample

Though the nib is not the smoothest of the lot, it is not scratchy either. With a decent bit of feedback it does inhibit the paper glide usually enjoyed by the Pelikans. The flow is quite wet and the cartridge levels do reinforce the wetness of the nib. One ineffable dimension, is the distinguished character portrayed by the nib with its innate design, stiffness, sound and writing experience. The nib produces a distinctive sound while writing, due to the geometrical edges of the tipping point and yes it’s an enjoyable feedback.

 

http://s25.postimg.org/93pu396i7/DSC_0740.jpg

 

Ratings

Along with my own biases*

PG ∑ Slim -Feature

Spec if applicable

Rating (of 10)*

Comments

Length

Capped ~ 12.8 cm

Posted ~ 14.6 cm
Unposted ~ 11.3 cm
Nib Leverage ~ 2.0 cm

9

- Posted length is comfortable for long writing sessions for bigger hands

Weight

Posted ~ 16.8 g

9.5

- Balancing is very good

Design

Silver Accents

(Gold Accents Edition is also available)

8

- Tapered cigar cut

- Nib is the high point

- Clip seems somewhat bulky at top due to an embedded anchor design

- Subtle resemblance with a Pelikan clip

Filling System

Sailor Standard Cartridge/Converter

7.5

- 0.6 ml converter capacity

- Advantage for frequent ink swappers

Nib

14K Gold-Rhodium Coated

Dual Tone
Leverage ~ 2.0 cm

7

- Unique nib design on dual tone accents

- Nib has a bit of “sailor” feedback

- Wet Flow

Economic Value

Best Price with all custom duties paid

9

- Compared to other luxury pens with similar specs it’s a quite competitive offer

Accessories

- Elegant Gift Box which one would rather keep

- 2 Standard Black Cartridges

- 1 pack of Sailor Jentle Blue Cartridges (not included as standard accessory)

- Sailor Standard Converter

9

- High Quality

Overall Rating

 

8.42

Edited September 25, 2014 by soniknitr

[Lyander0012]

Excellent review! I've been wondering about this pen for the longest time (as you probably know from that one topic you just posted in

 

Now, if I could come across another review of the larger PGII (the one from BestFountainPen is a good one, but it's always nice to have a second opinion), then I'll be able to tell for sure, short of trying out both models personally, whether I ought to go for the original ProGear or the newer one when I get another Sailor!

 

 

Cheers,

 

Kevin

[hari317]

Very nice, loved your pictures, well done!

[sannidh]

@ Kevin - Thank you. Guess, , I went through the same while I was wondering whether to buy a PG Sigma Slim or not. Though after making the purchase, I posted in the other topic. Hope, this helps when you get your next sailor.

@ Hari - Glad you liked the pictures . Thank you !

[JonDoh]

My Sailor nib wrote like the one you described, but after having it smoothed it's a much better writer.

[Joe in Seattle]

I have a full size Pro Gear with M-F nib. Buttery smooth.

[Aurko]

I have many Sailors, and after smoothing one to be buttery smooth, I found that I actually enjoyed that little tiny bit of Sailor feedback. However, for me, it's hardly noticeable unless I'm trying hard to feel the difference, especially since I have a very light hand.

 

I use mostly use Japanese fines/Western Extra Fines and that little bit of Sailor feedback makes me feel like I'm gliding over the paper, but in a controlled and precise way if that makes sense? I'm not sure if I can even call it feedback. It's strange?Almost like the nib holding onto the surface of the paper, but not in a bad way.

 

I've found my Pilot (and platinum) nibs to have slightly more feedback than a good, aligned Sailor nib, but they also have this good "feedback". All Japanese pens that I've used have had this good feedback that makes them feel precise, and much like the Sailor, I don't know if it can even be called feedback on the Pilot! Platinums have the most feedback though.

 

I'm glad you enjoy the pen though!

 

Edit: ALSO, I've never had any of my many Sailors or any of my friend's screech! I wonder what that is?

Edited September 26, 2014 by Aurko

[sannidh]

My Sailor nib wrote like the one you described, but after having it smoothed it's a much better writer.

 

Guess I am going to love the little feedback of this one .

Just FYI, this is the reply I got from sailor pens when I complained about the inconsistency of the 1911 - nib.

They offered a free nib adjustment (as per below mail), but as Mike (mhosea) had rightly pointed out in another post, "perfect" adjustment might mean totally different things, depending on our perceptions.

 

http://s25.postimg.org/nreokdlwv/Sailor_Reply.jpg

 

I have a full size Pro Gear with M-F nib. Buttery smooth.

 

I guess I am on a particularly dark side of sailor , except for this PG2 Slim.

And the light side is that, I am on a totally bright side of pilot. (almost all are butter-smooth, except 823 which can be called smooth)

 

I have many Sailors, and after smoothing one to be buttery smooth, I found that I actually enjoyed that little tiny bit of Sailor feedback. However, for me, it's hardly noticeable unless I'm trying hard to feel the difference, especially since I have a very light hand.

 

I use mostly use Japanese fines/Western Extra Fines and that little bit of Sailor feedback makes me feel like I'm gliding over the paper, but in a controlled and precise way if that makes sense? I'm not sure if I can even call it feedback. It's strange?Almost like the nib holding onto the surface of the paper, but not in a bad way.

 

I've found my Pilot (and platinum) nibs to have slightly more feedback than a good, aligned Sailor nib, but they also have this good "feedback". All Japanese pens that I've used have had this good feedback that makes them feel precise, and much like the Sailor, I don't know if it can even be called feedback on the Pilot! Platinums have the most feedback though.

 

I'm glad you enjoy the pen though!

 

Edit: ALSO, I've never had any of my many Sailors or any of my friend's screech! I wonder what that is?

 

Actually, I kind of like this feedback(rather control), for the sense of control as you have rightly said. I am glad too !! (PS- The nib has 2-3 sweet spots and I have a light hand too)

 

Regarding "Screech" - Couldn't find any other word apposite for the sound produced. But I do refer to the perceptible sound produced when sailor PG2 sigma slim Nib tipping point meets friction on the paper.

For me, all the pilot-14ks and they all have been butter smooth (no discernible feedback) out of the box (823 is smooth with control for me, rest are just gliders )

 

Many thanks,

Sonik

Edited September 26, 2014 by soniknitr

[Aurko]

 

Guess I am going to love the little feedback of this one .

Just FYI, this is the reply I got from sailor pens when I complained about the inconsistency of the 1911 - nib.

They offered a free nib adjustment (as per below mail), but as Mike (mhosea) had rightly pointed out in another post, "perfect" adjustment might mean totally different things, depending on our perceptions.

 

http://s25.postimg.org/nreokdlwv/Sailor_Reply.jpg

 

 

I guess I am on a particularly dark side of sailor , except for this PG2 Slim.

And the light side is that, I am on a totally bright side of pilot. (almost all are butter-smooth, except 823 which can be called smooth)

 

 

Actually, I kind of like this feedback(rather control), for the sense of control as you have rightly said. I am glad too !! (PS- The nib has 2-3 sweet spots and I have a light hand too)

 

Regarding "Screech" - Couldn't find any other word apposite for the sound produced. But I do refer to the perceptible sound produced when sailor PG2 sigma slim Nib tipping point meets friction on the paper.

For me, all the pilot-14ks and they all have been butter smooth (no discernible feedback) out of the box (823 is smooth with control for me, rest are just gliders )

 

Many thanks,

Sonik

 

Perhaps I've been unlucky with the Pilot Fine nibs--I've used the Pilot Custom 92, 74, Stargazer, E95S, a Vanishing Point (which is 18k) all in fine and all of these have had a touch more feedback than my Sailor nibs, and not what I could call butter smooth even on the smoothest paper that I own. None of them have been bad though! Well, one came with misaligned tines, but that's another issue entirely! I've had great luck with Sailor and thus far I'm sticking by them on that regard. And I'm glad that you've had such great experiences with Pilots! I adore them myself, but they play second fiddle to Sailor for me. They're very close, and some of their cooler filling systems help the Pilots make their way into my rotation more often than I expect!

 

I find that my Sailors at most on textured paper have a little whisper to them, barely perceptible. On smooth paper like Clairefontaine it's even harder to hear any sound. I haven't tried that specific Sailor though. Just the 1911 Standard, Full Size, Pro Gear slim, Pro Gear, and K.O.P, and my friend's pens too. One thing that I have forgotten to mention is that only one of my friend's uses a medium japanese nib, and his Sailor is absolutely buttery smooth. Not my thing, but he's fond of it!

 

Sorry if I implied that you have a heavy hand; it was meant to be more of a tip since a lot of people that I know who've felt a lot of feedback from Sailor are more used to western nib widths and don't realize that finer means less pressure.

 

Fountain pen network is a lovely place to just compare experiences with brands, and similar pens, and still walk out friendly without heated debates. That's something I really like about this place.

[crazypen80]

nice pen and great review

[mrchan]

This is my first review at FPN site. I hope you do forgive my transgressions if caught

 

Below is a link to the same on my blog. If there is some problem with the shared pictures below, I would request you to please go to the below link:

http://iwonder-thecartographer.blogspot.in/2014/09/sailor-pro-gear-ii-slim-review.html

 

After selling off my one and only Sailor left - a Profit Standard – Navy blue, gold accents with a broad nib, I did feel a subtle sense of absence – of a Sailor. This was the prime momentum behind buying a pro-gear ∑ slim, albeit it accomplished both criterions of being a Sailor and equipped with a two-tone nib. One funny thing is that, I have always ended up in the dark side of the sailor nibs, be it a Reglus – Medium or Fine or a Profit S – Broad or Music and instinctively I am a fan of their nib design rather than superior writing experience.

There are two versions to the Pro Gear (II) ∑ Slim, one is a gold accented one, other a silver accented one. I inched towards a silver accents one, because the rhodium accented nib with a thin embellishment of gold appeared to convey the two-tone character with a lot more emphasis than the one with golden accents. You views may differ depending on your preference for the yellow metal.

 

So the story with pictures begins….

The pen came in a Sailor Standard Gift box as shown below. And yes, I do intend to keep the gift box unlike the cardboard Pelikans’ or the plastic Pilots’.

http://s25.postimg.org/qxpxiaey7/DSC_0704.jpg

 

Packed inside the box..

 

http://s25.postimg.org/q4idmsf8v/DSC_0708_1.jpg

http://s25.postimg.org/ockcurpkf/DSC_0711.jpg

 

Pen and its sections. Fitted with one of the standard sailor black cartridges

 

http://s25.postimg.org/9xc36q88f/DSC_0716.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/6hjyx6azz/DSC_0724.jpg

 

A much Debated Clip design, Cap top-logo and the Nib

http://s25.postimg.org/6ik9fqh4f/DSC_0720.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/7me12jxgv/DSC_0749.jpg

 

Posted Sailor Pro Gear ∑ (Sigma) Slim

 

http://s25.postimg.org/m4b8ajorz/DSC_0726.jpg

 

M405 vs PG ∑ Slim

• Capped, Pelikan M405 is actually shorter than the Sailor PG Sigma Slim
• Posted, M405 exceeds PG ∑ Slim by ~ 0.3 - 0.4 cm
• Clip of PG ∑ Slim does show a strange resemblance with the pelikan

http://s25.postimg.org/6ju795iy7/DSC_0732.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/518gf1833/DSC_0736.jpg

 

http://s25.postimg.org/5ityk11yn/DSC_0737.jpg

 

Writing Sample

Though the nib is not the smoothest of the lot, it is not scratchy either. With a decent bit of feedback it does inhibit the paper glide usually enjoyed by the Pelikans. The flow is quite wet and the cartridge levels do reinforce the wetness of the nib. One ineffable dimension, is the distinguished character portrayed by the nib with its innate design, stiffness, sound and writing experience. The nib produces a distinctive sound while writing, due to the geometrical edges of the tipping point and yes it’s an enjoyable feedback.

 

http://s25.postimg.org/93pu396i7/DSC_0740.jpg

 

Ratings

Along with my own biases*

PG ∑ Slim -Feature

Spec if applicable

Rating (of 10)*

Comments

Length

Capped ~ 12.8 cm

Posted ~ 14.6 cm

Unposted ~ 11.3 cm

Nib Leverage ~ 2.0 cm

9

- Posted length is comfortable for long writing sessions for bigger hands

Weight

Posted ~ 16.8 g

9.5

- Balancing is very good

Design

Silver Accents

(Gold Accents Edition is also available)

8

- Tapered cigar cut

- Nib is the high point

- Clip seems somewhat bulky at top due to an embedded anchor design

- Subtle resemblance with a Pelikan clip

Filling System

Sailor Standard Cartridge/Converter

7.5

- 0.6 ml converter capacity

- Advantage for frequent ink swappers

Nib

14K Gold-Rhodium Coated

Dual Tone

Leverage ~ 2.0 cm

7

- Unique nib design on dual tone accents

- Nib has a bit of “sailor” feedback

- Wet Flow

Economic Value

Best Price with all custom duties paid

9

- Compared to other luxury pens with similar specs it’s a quite competitive offer

Accessories

- Elegant Gift Box which one would rather keep

- 2 Standard Black Cartridges

- 1 pack of Sailor Jentle Blue Cartridges (not included as standard accessory)

- Sailor Standard Converter

9

- High Quality

Overall Rating

 

8.42

Cool pen bro, good review too. I love the clip of the pen, it looks like a sword! Very very nice. I sold my previous Sailor 1911 due to it having the Cross emperor naginata nib which was too annoying and inconsistent for my usage. I never forgot the feel of the pen in hand and how it always suited my grip very nicely. I will take your review into consideration for a new one.

[sannidh]

 

Perhaps I've been unlucky with the Pilot Fine nibs--I've used the Pilot Custom 92, 74, Stargazer, E95S, a Vanishing Point (which is 18k) all in fine and all of these have had a touch more feedback than my Sailor nibs, and not what I could call butter smooth even on the smoothest paper that I own. None of them have been bad though! Well, one came with misaligned tines, but that's another issue entirely! I've had great luck with Sailor and thus far I'm sticking by them on that regard. And I'm glad that you've had such great experiences with Pilots! I adore them myself, but they play second fiddle to Sailor for me. They're very close, and some of their cooler filling systems help the Pilots make their way into my rotation more often than I expect!

 

I find that my Sailors at most on textured paper have a little whisper to them, barely perceptible. On smooth paper like Clairefontaine it's even harder to hear any sound. I haven't tried that specific Sailor though. Just the 1911 Standard, Full Size, Pro Gear slim, Pro Gear, and K.O.P, and my friend's pens too. One thing that I have forgotten to mention is that only one of my friend's uses a medium japanese nib, and his Sailor is absolutely buttery smooth. Not my thing, but he's fond of it!

 

Sorry if I implied that you have a heavy hand; it was meant to be more of a tip since a lot of people that I know who've felt a lot of feedback from Sailor are more used to western nib widths and don't realize that finer means less pressure.

 

Fountain pen network is a lovely place to just compare experiences with brands, and similar pens, and still walk out friendly without heated debates. That's something I really like about this place.

 

You are absolutely right. I hold every substantiated opinion on FPN with a high regard, for I might wish to end up with the same pen some day. And people do have diverse tastes and that's what brings in the joy of going through all these reviews and comments.

 

I never took any offense on the light hand, I was just impressing upon the fact that this particular sailor makes more than a audible whisper, though it runs quite smoothly against good quality paper, with a normal pressure on the nib.

nice pen and great review

 

Thank you so much.

Cool pen bro, good review too. I love the clip of the pen, it looks like a sword! Very very nice. I sold my previous Sailor 1911 due to it having the Cross emperor naginata nib which was too annoying and inconsistent for my usage. I never forgot the feel of the pen in hand and how it always suited my grip very nicely. I will take your review into consideration for a new one.

Thank you. Pls do share your thoughts once you get your new pro gear. Glad that you like the clip. And I do second your opinion on the comfortable grip of these pens.

Edited September 27, 2014 by soniknitr

[sannidh]

I have a full size Pro Gear with M-F nib. Buttery smooth.

 

Even if I wouldn't call this butter smooth, this is a 'very' wet writer for a M-nib (more than the earlier B-nib). It kind of balances the slight feedback.

[biancitwo]

I have 2 Sailors and am awaiting a 3d. My 1911 L, with H-F nib, and my 1911 M, with music nib, were both scratchy, with occasional skip. Feedback, seems to me, should be no more than feeling the paper. I was feeling much more than the paper. Pendleton Brown eliminated the scratch, and left me feeling only a hint of the paper. They now write exquisitely. As incredibly smooth as they are, control is not an issue. I don't want paper or pen controlling my writing.

 

The Sailor coming is a Pro Gear Slim Demonstrator, with either a fine or extra fine nib. (The description referenced both.) I love my vintage Pelikan EF nibs. They are wonderfully smooth. I bought this one mostly out of curiosity. As sweet as my finer nibs are, I prefer wider nibs with line variation. Pendleton produces marvelous line variation. I anticipate this new one finding its way to Pendleton almost immediately upon arrival. I may not get much line variation from this diminutive Sailor nib, but after Pendleton is through, it will be wondrously smooth.

[crazypen80]

so the only difference between slim and original is the clip shape?

[gmax]

so the only difference between slim and original is the clip shape?

No, there is a small difference to the cap top (the part above the clip ring) which is slightly longer and has a clear domed finish placed over the anchor logo. The opposite end of the pen is also slightly longer, and slightly domed.

 

I don't like the changes, and I don't like the clip at all, as it seems oversized and unbalanced for the pen cap and body.

[crazypen80]

thanks for quick answer

[sannidh]

@crazypen80 - And the thing which you already know, it comes with two-tone nib with gold/silver accents. My primary reason for going for a Sigma Slim

[sannidh]

I have 2 Sailors and am awaiting a 3d. My 1911 L, with H-F nib, and my 1911 M, with music nib, were both scratchy, with occasional skip. Feedback, seems to me, should be no more than feeling the paper. I was feeling much more than the paper. Pendleton Brown eliminated the scratch, and left me feeling only a hint of the paper. They now write exquisitely. As incredibly smooth as they are, control is not an issue. I don't want paper or pen controlling my writing.

 

The Sailor coming is a Pro Gear Slim Demonstrator, with either a fine or extra fine nib. (The description referenced both.) I love my vintage Pelikan EF nibs. They are wonderfully smooth. I bought this one mostly out of curiosity. As sweet as my finer nibs are, I prefer wider nibs with line variation. Pendleton produces marvelous line variation. I anticipate this new one finding its way to Pendleton almost immediately upon arrival. I may not get much line variation from this diminutive Sailor nib, but after Pendleton is through, it will be wondrously smooth.

 

Congrats on the Sailor Demonstrator. Is it coming with gold or silver trims?

Had a real scratchy 1911M with a broad nib & I do agree with you about feedback, else all the pleasure of writing with an FP will be destroyed.

Contrary to popular experience, I find my modern pelikan EF quite smooth. Here in India there are no nibmeisters of repute, that's one thing which sets the factory product expectations high. And if I am spending USD 100+ on a FP, I don't understand why I shouldn't expect a perfectly smooth nib out of the box.

Two other things are of course paper and ink. Usually I stick to wetter inks (Sailor/MB) for a finer nibs.

Edited October 13, 2014 by soniknitr

[sannidh]

Need a better way to share pics..

Edited January 31, 2015 by soniknitr