Noodler's X-Feather (Black)

[Zoe]

When JetPens asked for some volunteers to review X-feather I jumped at the chance because I haven’t settled on that perfect black. I inked up a Rotring 600 with an Italic nib, and tested it out on Rhodia Poly Reporter Pad, a scrap of cardstock, a Brasilian composition book and some notepad paper from a conference. For comparative purposes I also half-filled a Lamy Safari (B nib) and a Senator Windsor (M nib).

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Parsifals/Fountain%20Pens/x-featherwSenator.jpg

It’s flow properties are above average to excellent. It dries quickly and started up in the Rotring 600, the Senator Windsor and a Lamy Safari immediately. I will have to use the ink for a longer period of time to vouch for its lubricating property or any potential clogging issues. . There is obvious nib creep on the Rotring nib, but with the naked eye on a black nib I see none, and in the Senator, the last of the three pens to be inked, I see little.

 

When I leave the Rotring and Safari posted and at rest, the pens resume normal wetness after as much as 5-7 minutes. However, as I am in the habit of capping my pens immediately after writing, my observation is limited to a single test for purposes of this review.

 

Feathering and bleeding does not seem to be a problem on the Rhodia, cardstock or convention paper. However, bleed through and feathering occurred on the composition book.

 

Here is an example on Rhodia 80g paper using both a Safari B nib and Rotring F italic:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Parsifals/img015.jpg

 

Here’s a comparison of X-feather, Aurora, Parker Quink and Noodler’s Heart of Darkness.

 

With the naked eye they appear nearly the same with a slight blue tint in the Quink. In the scan it appears that the X-feather and HofD are nearly the same.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Parsifals/img016.jpg

 

I also tested the Noodler’s X feather on a paper I was testing for other purposes: Appleton Coated Utopia 2, 60# Text, Blue White Gloss. The ink performed beautifully and did not bleed, feather or disrupt the surface.

 

edited by moderator regarding link

Edited November 23, 2008 by Ann Finley

[Journaleur]

Zoe: Thanks for the review. I have been unsure about a new black to try and had almost decided upon Aurora black. But your review suggests that the Noodler’s X feather black may have much to recommend it. I can't tell from your image on my screen which is the blacker black of the two; or are they about the same? Ditto with the Heart of Darkness. I have read that the Aurora black is the darkest black, but....

[Zoe]

Journaleur,

 

Aurora is a very black ink, but the Noodler's X-feather seems darker to me in my comparisons. I was also impressed with how much quicker it dries than the Nero (Aurora).

 

Zoe: Thanks for the review. I have been unsure about a new black to try and had almost decided upon Aurora black. But your review suggests that the Noodler’s X feather black may have much to recommend it. I can't tell from your image on my screen which is the blacker black of the two; or are they about the same? Ditto with the Heart of Darkness. I have read that the Aurora black is the darkest black, but....

 

[JetPens]

Fantastic review, thanks Zoe!

[lovemy51]

it could be my bad eye sight, but from the scan, i see Noodlers x-feather the blackest followed by Heart of Darkness... then Aurora. is that right???!!!