Pilot Custom 74 vs Custom 742, 743 and 823

[RonB]

In terms of Japanese pens, I only have a Pilot VP, Pilot 78G and Sailor 1911M. The 78G's writing quality is pretty amazing for such an inexpensive pen.

 

I've been reading all the old threads about the Pilot Custom series and the 823 as well. I was considering a 742 or 743 with the Falcon nib, but was concerned about using it just for my everyday italic style writing, so I'm leaning towards a soft fine nib or the standard fine on the 823. I like the idea of a soft or semi-flex nib and I've experienced a little bit of this from a couple of my Sheaffers. I did buy the Falcon but didn't really see much difference in the normal everyday writing experience, so I sold it.

 

I understand the advantages of the larger filler system of the 823, but what about the writing experience? Do the 742, 743 or 823 write better in your opinion than the Custom 74 which is half or less the cost? Are the nib differences worth the extra dollars?

 

Thanks for any opinions!

[mgutman]

In terms of Japanese pens, I only have a Pilot VP, Pilot 78G and Sailor 1911M. The 78G's writing quality is pretty amazing for such an inexpensive pen.

 

I've been reading all the old threads about the Pilot Custom series and the 823 as well. I was considering a 742 or 743 with the Falcon nib, but was concerned about using it just for my everyday italic style writing, so I'm leaning towards a soft fine nib or the standard fine on the 823. I like the idea of a soft or semi-flex nib and I've experienced a little bit of this from a couple of my Sheaffers. I did buy the Falcon but didn't really see much difference in the normal everyday writing experience, so I sold it.

 

I understand the advantages of the larger filler system of the 823, but what about the writing experience? Do the 742, 743 or 823 write better in your opinion than the Custom 74 which is half or less the cost? Are the nib differences worth the extra dollars?

 

Thanks for any opinions!

 

I feel the same way about the 78G. I also have a Custom 74 and 823, both with a broad nib. The nib on the 74 is about 25-30% smaller that the nib on the 823. To my perception, the 74 nib is "softer" than the 823 nib. That could be because the 74 nib I have is branded "Namiki" but most are branded "Pilot". They are both wonderful writers but were both initially a little dry for my taste. I write without exerting any pressure on the nib and therefore need a wetter nib than someone who exerts pressure. The wetness issue was solved by switching to Pilot Iroshizuku inks from Private Reserve.

 

The 823 is balanced a little more to my liking over the 74, but I use the 74 more because it is a lower cost pen that I will take into more hostile environments. The 823 is my preferred writer, however, as I find it smoother and more comfortable for long writing sessions.

 

The nib on the 823 is close to a Western medium and the 74 is a touch broader than the 823 (at least on my pens).

 

All-in-all they are both great pens. For me it was important to get the CON-70 converter for the 74 because it shifts the weight to the pen center from the tip which makes the pen less tiring to use (it originally had a con-50 converter but different dealers give different converters). It also is a really cool ink-sucking design and holds a fair amount of ink.

 

All the best,

Mike

Edited April 19, 2009 by mgutman

[RonB]

Thanks, Mike. That is very helpful. Sounds like I need both!

[mgutman]

Thanks, Mike. That is very helpful. Sounds like I need both!

 

Yeah...that is generally what happens!

[donwinn]

In terms of Japanese pens, I only have a Pilot VP, Pilot 78G and Sailor 1911M. The 78G's writing quality is pretty amazing for such an inexpensive pen.

 

I've been reading all the old threads about the Pilot Custom series and the 823 as well. I was considering a 742 or 743 with the Falcon nib, but was concerned about using it just for my everyday italic style writing, so I'm leaning towards a soft fine nib or the standard fine on the 823. I like the idea of a soft or semi-flex nib and I've experienced a little bit of this from a couple of my Sheaffers. I did buy the Falcon but didn't really see much difference in the normal everyday writing experience, so I sold it.

 

I understand the advantages of the larger filler system of the 823, but what about the writing experience? Do the 742, 743 or 823 write better in your opinion than the Custom 74 which is half or less the cost? Are the nib differences worth the extra dollars?

 

Thanks for any opinions!

 

Not to be too much of a stickler, but I was corrected in that the Custom 742 FA nib is not the Falcon nib. It is much more flexible, and looks completely different. I have a 742 FA, and would recommend you not use it as your primary daily user. I use mine daily, but not as my primary pen, as the flex is too distracting, and, frankly, deposits more ink on the page than is practical for general business use.

 

Donnie

 

[RonB]

Thanks, Donnie. I sort of reluctantly came to that conclusion after reading all of the old threads about the FA nib.

[Siv]

Ron, the one big issue with the 823 is the variety of nibs no offer. Personally, I like a softer nib (not flex) when writing so the 74/742/743 all come with this as an option. The best writing Pilot I had was a 74SM. I sold it but only because I have a SM Nakaya that replaced it.

 

Really honestly, are the larger pens worth the price increase over the 74? Probably not... You get more gold in the nib but I don't think the writing experience is hugely better... Didn't stop me from selling my 74s and keeping my 823 and 743FA but that's the irrational human in me.

[Lloyd]

I have a 742 FA, and would recommend you not use it as your primary daily user. I use mine daily, but not as my primary pen, as the flex is too distracting, and, frankly, deposits more ink on the page than is practical for general business use.

Donnie

I have the 743 and, if you have good pressure control or a light hand, it's not hard to use as your primary. It's not a noodle.

[Banana]

There's is a side by side comparison photo and dimensions on Richard Binders site of the Custom 74 and the custom 823 and there's much less difference in size than I expected. I only have the 74 and I think it's one of the best pens in it's price range and better than many more expensive pens. The clear model is my favourite and with the CON-70 converter you get a great looking pen with a large ink volume and visible ink supplyalthough I prefer the balance with a CON-20 converter.

[RonB]

Thanks, everyone. I decided to order the Custom 74 with the soft fine nib. If I don't love it, I'll put it up for sale, and then maybe buy the 742.

[PinarelloOnly]

Thanks, everyone. I decided to order the Custom 74 with the soft fine nib. If I don't love it, I'll put it up for sale, and then maybe buy the 742.

 

 

I looked at the same pens and the recent arrival of the 823 here in the States was the only choice for me.

 

If you have bought your 74 already I can almost guarantee the 823 will be your next. I think the 823 is going to gain instant

success with its huge ink supply and bullet proof plunger/vacuum system.

 

It's also a bargain considering the recent prices of Sailor 1911 and Pro gears being only $30 less than an 823.

 

 

http://fototime.com/%7B13F1A391-6A61-4601-ACDC-F59B31CE0F7C%7D/origpict/IMGP2651.jpg

 

 

[RonB]

I received the Pilot Custom 74 yesterday and I am enjoying it. I ordered the soft fine nib, and it is perfect for me. I love the soft feel and give when I put the nib to paper. It writes very smoothly as well.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

[Doug Add]

Glad to see you are satisfied, Ron. The Custom 74 is essentially the same writing parts as one of my long time favorite pens, the Namiki Impressions. My son also likes my Impressions and has the 74 on his wish list.

[holgalee]

I'm keen on the Pilot 74 as well. How does the nib compare with the Vanishing Point or Prera's? TIA.

[PatientType]

I received the Pilot Custom 74 yesterday and I am enjoying it. I ordered the soft fine nib, and it is perfect for me. I love the soft feel and give when I put the nib to paper. It writes very smoothly as well.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

 

I'm trying to identify the right pen to give my writing flair but I like the base lines to be fairly fine. I've looked at some of the European italic pens and read reviews of Falcon pens and pens with FA nibs. I'm kinda wondering if the Pilot 74 with soft fine nib might get me where I want to go. I'm not looking for calligraphy here, just smooth variation in line width for use with personal letters & such. Having used your's, do you think the 74 with sf nib might be my pen?

 

Thanks!

[Deirdre]

Actually, the FA nibs are the Falcon nibs, it's just that the pen named Falcon doesn't have a Falcon nib.

[RonB]

I received the Pilot Custom 74 yesterday and I am enjoying it. I ordered the soft fine nib, and it is perfect for me. I love the soft feel and give when I put the nib to paper. It writes very smoothly as well.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

 

I'm trying to identify the right pen to give my writing flair but I like the base lines to be fairly fine. I've looked at some of the European italic pens and read reviews of Falcon pens and pens with FA nibs. I'm kinda wondering if the Pilot 74 with soft fine nib might get me where I want to go. I'm not looking for calligraphy here, just smooth variation in line width for use with personal letters & such. Having used your's, do you think the 74 with sf nib might be my pen?

 

Thanks!

 

I can only compare it with my other stiff-nibbed pens, and the Namiki Falcon. The Falcon didn't do much for me and I didn't notice that much of a difference in the way it wrote, but that may have just been my ignorance of how to use a semi-flex nib. The 74 with a soft fine nib is wonderful. I don't know how to characterize the amount of semi-flex in it, if at all. I don't notice much line variation, but I'm just writing with it in a normal manner. I just know it is great to write with and gives me a great feeling between the nib and the paper.

 

[MYU]

Actually, the FA nibs are the Falcon nibs, it's just that the pen named Falcon doesn't have a Falcon nib.

I know... I'm glad you brought this up. It's the only thing about the Namiki/Pilot naming choices that confuses me, and unfortunately the nature of it always leaves me forgetting... and then I need to be reminded!

[Siv]

Actually, the FA nibs are the Falcon nibs, it's just that the pen named Falcon doesn't have a Falcon nib.

I know... I'm glad you brought this up. It's the only thing about the Namiki/Pilot naming choices that confuses me, and unfortunately the nature of it always leaves me forgetting... and then I need to be reminded!

I think it's our fault being consumers without borders. Pilot use the Falcon name for the nib in Japan and Japan only as the 743 and 742 are only available there. The Falcon pen is only sold as Falcon outside of Japan - when it was sold in Japan it was called something else!

[Lloyd]

- when it was sold in Japan it was called something else!

The Elabo.