Search the Community

Hi Everyone, Last year a pen starting popping up for sale in China that looks like a legitimate reincarnation of the discontinued but beloved Pilot 78G. The interesting thing is that this new pen, the Pilot 78G+, seems to only be for sale in mainland China. At first I thought it was another knockoff like the Wing Sung 659, but then I saw this on the official Pilot website for China. Scroll down to see a detailed comparison of the 78G and 78G+. In short, the major differences are that the 78G+ comes in 2 new colors (bright blue and bright red) and an EF (0.28~0.3mm) nib is finally available. If these EF nibs are nice, this would mean no more having to put a Pilot Penmanship EF nib in a 78G body. Also, the CON-20 squeeze converter has been replaced by the new CON-40 piston style. Before I take the plunge and buy one of these new pens, I wanted to know....do any of you have one of these and how does it compare to the original 78G? http://www.pilotpen.com.cn/upload/fckimage/image/1(14).jpg http://www.pilotpen.com.cn/upload/fckimage/image/2(2).jpg

Hi, The pens I am reviewing today are the latest version of the 78G that Pilot has started selling exclusively in China since early 2017. My husband has a tiny handwriting and his pens 0.3 pens all seemed too thick for the size he was writing in his agenda in. He also likes the least pretentious pens possible in black and even a Metropolitan seemed too flashy for him. Seeing that I have had good experiences with the old 78G B and BB nibs, when I saw the latest 78G+ version comments previously posted on FPN convinced me to try them out. Please check out the following link to see the thread including the comparison between the old and new 78G by Pilot. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/318931-pilot-78g-the-new-78g/?p=3789104 However, not being sure what my husband would prefer, I bought two pens: a royal blue Fine nib and the black extra fine. Since the EF is pretty much a needle point, he ended up preferring the F and Inwas super happy to keep the EF. The pens really are very simple though quite nice. Contrary to adversement, body and cap of the new version are not more luxurious than the original 78G: - the clip and ring holding it to the pen is thinner and less solid - the plastic used on the body and cap is shinnier but also prone to more scratches - the printed-on rings on the cap are already coming off after two weeks of use whereas the old ones who are still nice and present months Despite this, there are positive aspects to this purchase. The blue color keeps getting comments from all who see it (including strangers who apparently get mesmerized by the royal blue hue of the EF). Plus, there is that EF nib which I am writing with on a daily basis. Please note that I write big and usually love BIG juicy nibs, stubs and italics. I rarely enjoy anything smaller than an European M... yet this EF is quite pleasurable. It has just a tad of feedback and lays a consistent ultra thin line. Using a printed Nib Width Chart, the EF is actually 0.1 mm of fine writing pleasure. It is actually so fine that it helped me finish my notebook with French Laid paper with a much nicer experience than any other pen because for once I was actually writing between the ridges in the paper. Oh and though I am not a fan of the CON-40 converter, it is better than the CON-20 in the sense that at least now I can check my ink level. In the photos, the green and teal pens are my older 78G (B and BB respectively), the black and the blue are the latest 78G+ (in F and EF respectively). As a conclusion: Pro: - New EF needlepoint - Con-40 is better than Con-20 - Currently being made from EF to B - Can easily be bought on Ebay - New colors Cons: - lesser quality - no more B.B. Stub nibs - only made for the Chinese market - actually not that inexpensive to buy when out of China Hope this was useful!

Pilot 78G, Medium Nib I wanted a pen that was inexpensive and consistent each time I used it—one I could take with me in my pocket or backpack and not be too worried about losing at school or work. I purchased this pen on eBay from "ssquare_gifts", $9.97 + $3.50 shipping. About five days later, a package arrived from Tokyo. I gotta admit, that's the fastest I've ever received a pen from Japan! Call me OCD, but I appreciated the packaging that the seller put together—most inexpensive pens I get from Asia are usually wrapped in newspaper or cheap plastic sealant and that's about as much protection as they'll get. I could tell the seller paid attention to the shipping, which I take note of as an eBay seller myself. : ) http://i.imgur.com/cSnl54P.jpg http://i.imgur.com/egHZj8l.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/NILkHw6.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/63zOg6D.jpg As you can see, it came with a box of 5 Namiki Blue ink cartridges. : ) Okay... now on to the pen... Appearance & Design I really like the appearance of the 78G; it's simple yet looks like it cost more than I paid. I do wish it came with a chrome finish though—I tend to like chrome over gold on many pens, especially if they are not with real gold plating. Construction & Quality There are no marks or scuffs on the clip, the barrel is a nice smooth plastic finish, and the cap screws securely in place. The threads are not sharp to touch, and the grip section is quite comfortable. This pen is $13 including shipping. I think that its quality far exceeds the price—in my opinion, it shows the same construction quality as that of my Safari, which I got for $35 (almost three times the price of this 78G). http://i.imgur.com/sWWrZHp.jpg http://i.imgur.com/MJn94Lh.jpg Weight I purchased this pen over other Chinese fountain pens specifically because of its weight. Given that I needed something to take with me and use for long periods of writing notes, I wanted a pen that wouldn't be heavy or uncomfortable to hold. The Pilot 78G achieves just that. It is lightweight and comfortable without feeling like it will break easily if I accidentally dropped it. Also, the screw-on cap gives me some assurance that it won't come off in my pocket (as opposed to the Jinhao 599 that I've been using for a while now, which opened in my pocket and marked my pants with ink). I don't usually post my pens, but I do for this one. Unposted it feels just a little too light—however, with the cap on it feels well-balanced. http://i.imgur.com/vBw1SLc.jpg http://i.imgur.com/EzNFW5Z.jpg http://i.imgur.com/FJDj94z.jpg Nib & Performance Out of the box, this pen started writing immediately. After I flushed the pen to rid any oils, I wrote the reviews below (there are three papers used: Rhodia graph pad (21.3 lb), copy paper (20 lb), & drawing paper (70 lb). The nib wrote smoothly on all of the papers I used, especially on Rhodia (go figure). It does write a little dry, which I think is the result of the skipping that you'll see in the pictures. There is a hint of feedback but it is in no way unpleasant; I think once I adjust the nib to make it more wet, the skipping will go away and the feedback will decrease as well. Regardless, the nib is very pleasant to use and is quite impressive for the price! I've found that Pilot continues to produce consistent nibs that far exceed their price point (I have a Metropolitan - M, Crystal - F, TOW - F, and Custom Heritage 91 - SM). Along with the gold trim, I also don't like the gold nib appearance. Given that it is a stainless steel medium (which writes more like a Western fine, characteristic of Asian nibs) I would much rather have a silver nib over a fake gold one. Again, it's just my own preference. http://i.imgur.com/uKjen2q.jpg http://i.imgur.com/MM5ZAyG.jpg http://i.imgur.com/GoiEbiX.jpg Filling System & Maintenance I seem to read a lot of people disliking the Pilot squeeze fillers—I actually like it (especially over the CON-20, which costs more but holds less ink). This pen comes with a squeeze converter, which is pretty awesome! Again, my Safari required that I purchase one separately, which added $7 to the cost (so it really is over 3Xs the cost of this pen!). Cost & Value By now you should already know what I think about this. This pen is a steal, hands down. Really glad I purchased it! Conclusion After adjusting the feed, I have a wetter pen that writes very smoothly and is light enough for long periods of writing. I don't regret purchasing this pen at all and would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering buying their first fountain pen or just wants to add to their Pilot collection (alongside a Metropolitan if they wanted something a little heavier). Side comment: this is my first review, so I'm sure there are plenty of things I left out or didn't explain as well as others could have. I totally welcome your feedback and critique about the pen or the way I set up my review. Thanks for reading this!

I bought a Pilot 78G with a BB (1.5mm flat stub) nib which writes well if I bear down on the nib, nothing extreme but heavy handed like with a ballpoint that doesn't write well. With no pressure it basically doesn't write at all. I want to put document proof ink it for signatures but, I can't live with the pressure needed to get ink to flow. When I bear down it seems to write well at the speed I write so, I'm guessing the feed is adequate and the nib itself needs to be tweaked. The slit between the tines appears to be a bit too tight which is what I think is the problem. What do I do to increase ink flow to the tip without excessive writing pressure? Is this something a total novice can do without too much risk of screwing up the pen? TIA, Sid

Priced at well under $100, the steel-nibbed Prera is perhaps the epitome of an “entry level” fountain pen: it’s simple, reliable, durable, and economical. Three Preras. Writing sample on Rhodia paper. But don’t be misled by the “entry level” moniker. The Prera, like other models featuring Pilot’s “Super Quality” steel nib, is a serious writing instrument that compares well to pens priced many times as much. Pilot’s out-of-the-box quality (at any price) is second to none, and the Prera affirms their commitment to excellence. What makes the Prera an awesome fountain pen? Several things: 1. Design. Simple, classic aesthetics. While short when capped (about 4.75”), the Prera posts to a comfortable length (of about 5.38”). It is a nice “pocket pen” that can be carried conveniently in a shirt pocked but used like a regular pen. (See pictures.) 2. Nib. Though having virtually no give—the “Super Quality” nibs are quite rigid—the tipping is well ground. These SQ nibs, available in a number of Pilot models (Metropolitan, Plumix, 78G, etc.), are one of the best values out there. (See description of the various nibs below.) 3. Resin. The resin in both the opaque and the clear demonstrator models is warm and tactile. They actually remind me of piano keys. It’s really nice stuff. 4. Trim. Silver trim is simple but nice. (Again, classic.) The clip is quite sturdy and the chromed flat cap top is a great accent feature. The attention to detail highlights the overall quality of the pen. 5. Cartridge/converter. Though proprietary, the Pilot c/c options are quite good. The cartridges have a generous capacity. They also have a wide opening, making them easy to rinse and refill. Also, they seat securely against the inside of the section and so are not prone to cracking and/or leaking, which I've experienced with many other refilled carts (e.g., international, Waterman, Lamy, etc.). As far as I can tell, the Pilot carts can be reused indefinitely without risk of leaks inside the barrel. The new version of the CON-50 converter, while still having a small ink capacity, has an ingenious agitator mechanism that solves the problem of ink getting stuck due to surface tension. The new converter is quite usable, and I change my inks frequently enough that the limited capacity doesn’t bother me too much. I like the Prera so much that I have three different versions: · Configuration #1. Lime Green w/ F nib. This was my first Prera. I actually picked it up when the Lamy Safari in Lime sold out. The color is great (even brighter than the Safari) but the nib is really what makes this pen fantastic. Pilot’s “Super Quality” F nibs are really fine. Really, really fine. I’ve had a couple of these, and they write as fine (perhaps even finer?) than my Binder XXF—I’m guessing that it’s probably ground down to about 0.2 or 0.3, though I don’t have the official spec. This is the range of custom grinds or specialty nibs, and adds to the great value of this pen. (Incidentally, I eventually picked up a Safari but far prefer the Prera.) · Configuration #2. Demonstrator (Black Finials) w/ M nib. I received the M nib as a gift and thought about exchanging it, since I generally favor finer nibs. However, curiosity compelled me to try the M nib and I was amazed by how much I liked it. It is not perfectly round, but rather gives some noticeable line variation. The verticals are decidedly thicker than the horizontals; while definitely not a stubbed nib, I would qualify it as “stubbish.” Running a little dry out of the box, I increased the flow slightly and now count this nib among the best nibs I’ve ever used. · Configuration #3. Demonstrator (Red Finials) w/ italic nib. I actually bought this particular pen used at an excellent a price, then ordered a Plumix with an italic nib and swapped the original round nib myself--it's a fairly simple procedure. (Goulet Pen Co. now offers Preras for sale with the italic nib.) Unfortunately, this nib is somewhat inconsistent (and therefore vexing at times). I can say that when it works, it works well. The untipped nib is very smooth and the line has great variation. Sold as a 1.0 width, I would concur that is indeed a little finer than the Lamy Safari 1.1. However, I cannot give this nib an unqualified endorsement (much as I’d like to). It actually works best on mediocre (i.e., rough and absorbent) paper—it’s the only nib that I prefer to use on the likes of Moleskine, as its performance on that paper is nearly 100%. On smooth-finished Rhodia and Leuchtturm, my preferred papers, the performance is spottier. Though the nib generally works on these smoother papers most of the time, it will suddenly start “hydroplaning,” leaving a thin, anemic line that is a frustrating contrast to the otherwise beautiful italic line. Whether this is due to unevenness in the paper’s finish, smoothness of the nib, trace oils on the page, or some combination thereof, I cannot tell. But it is the downfall of an otherwise brilliant nib. That said, custom italics are occasionally subject to the same frustrating performance issues on smooth papers and I am glad to have this nib in my set of Preras. Three Preras. Comparison of writing samples on Fabriano paper. Overall, the Prera (like all pens from Pilot) is a top-quality writing instrument. As mentioned above, it shares the nib/feed with other “entry level” Pilot offerings, such as the discontinued ultralight 78G and the metal-barrel Metropolitan. (Note that these latter two pens actually cost less than the Prera and can be obtained new for under $20.) I have never tried the Metro (though I intend to), but I do have a 78G and consider that pen the single best value out there. That said, the Prera is a solid writer and the fit/finish are first rate—it feels and performs like a much more expensive pen. This pen would make a great introduction to fountain pens as well as a regular go-to for serious writers. The sturdy construction make it especially good for use “out in the field,” anything from trips to the grocery store to business meetings. (I’ve used mine for both!) Size comparison, posted: Lamy Safari, Pilot 78G, <b>Pilot Prera</b>, Sheaffer Sentinal. Nib comparison, Pilot "Super Quality": Gold-plated 78G and unplated Prera.

Are the nibs on the Pilot Kakuno swappable with the other cheaper pilot pens that all swap nibs (Metropolitan, 78g, Penmanship, Plumix, etc.)? The smiles on the Kakuno nibs make me unsure, as none of the others have them, but if they are I would love to put one of the smile nibs on my Prera! Thanks, Phillieskjk

Picked up a Pilot 78G (from eBay seller leeleehihi, recommended) but since I refill cartridges with a syringe I have no use for the converter. First person to email their postal address to rappard //at// gmail //dot// com gets it. (Not entirely sure if this converter fits all Pilot pens, hence the "78G" mention. http://www.jetpens.com/blog/how-to-use-the-pilot-con-20-fountain-pen-converter/pt/212 seems to imply that it will fit other Pilot models as well.)

Last time I visited my folks, I swapped my Silver metro F with dad's Charcoal Safari M. I can't live with a metro , so I bought a white MR M. However, this is not the place for my love for metropolitans or nib width of Western and Asian nibs. YOU have already taught me that. Thank YOU. The safari was bugging me for some time, yes it's a great pen (peace to safari haters), but it's pretty boring. So I thought about swapping the nib to an italic. But Lamy replacement nibs are rare here in India and costs almost half of a new pen (900 INR for the nib, ~1700 the pen). So that was not a very good option to try my hand at an italic. SO I kept looking and found a NOS 78g with a broad Stub. Now, what I know already from hanging around with you guys for over a year is that: 1. Stubs are slightly rounded (smoothed) at the corners, thus less scratchy. 2. Cursive Italics have sharper edges and can be a bit scratchy. The ebay listing for the 78g mentioned stub. But I still find it quite scratchy. I've added a writing sample to show off the "always awesome" 78g & my amazingly awkward handwriting. So here are my questions.. 1. Is this a stub or a CI nib ? 2. What can I do to make it a bit smoother ? The pen was dipped in pelikan RB.

A Franken-Plumix has come my way - it has one color body, anther color cap, and is missing the nib. Reading carefully on FPN, and calling a supplier or two, it seems that: Pliot does not sell nibs for these pens Pilot Varsity nibs will not work Generic nibs will not work But nibs from Pilot Prera, 78-G, Plumix and Penmanship should be replacements for each other. So... if anyone happens to have nib for any of these, and no longer has a workable pen to go with it, and would be interested in getting rid of that nib, maybe we can work something out. (I know the pens are not expensive. It's more the challenge here...) T