Noodler's Nib Creaper Flex Fountain Pen

December 4, 2012

First Impressions (7)

This is the October 2011 version of the Noodler’s Flex pen (as opposed to the June version, which had a different feed, though I cannot speak to the nature of the difference). I intentionally bought the Pumpkin Poltergeist color, as it was on sale, and I had wanted to try a flex pen for quite some time. The resin initially looks a bit brittle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/NoodlersFlex2.jpg

Appearance (7)

The chrome clip and cap band give this pen a slightly classy feel. Despite the piston not being hidden by a blind cap, it connects smoothly and flush with the rest of the pen. The ink windows are seamlessly integrated. The color of the pen is a swirl of black and gray in a mass of orange.

Design/Size/Weight (8)

As it is made of a resin, this pen is very light, yet it does not have the cheap feel to it that some plastic pens do. This pen feels as though it could take a beating. The grip is slender, yet comfortable for my large hands.

Nib (8)

This was my first experience with a flex nib, and this nib provided a pleasant experience. The design of the pen allows for adjustment of how wet or dry this nib is, and its fine to medium range provides a great variation of line width and smooth writing. It is not the smoothest nib that I have ever used, but it is quite good.

Filling System (9)

The piston filling system on this pen is easy. There is no blind cap to remove, no need to remove the body, and little to do, other than twist the end of the pen. It fills well and is very easy to clean.

Cost and Value (9)

For a daily-use flex pen, this offering from Noodler’s is a great deal, even at its retail price. At 14 USD, it is cost effective for someone, who is just interested in trying a flex nib for the first time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/morvaltur/Fountain%20Pens/NoodlersFlex1.jpg

Conclusion (8)

This flex pen is perfect. I felt no need to get a fancy flex pen in order to try a flex nib, and this pen provides the appearance and feel of well-designed quality.

Edited December 4, 2012 by arandur

December 4, 2012

I think it's a good pen, but I find it a little too narrow (small in diameter) and therefore uncomfortable to use after a short period. I have since purchased the Konrad, which is a larger pen and I prefer it. Both are much better than the Ahab IMO.

December 4, 2012

I think it's a good pen, but I find it a little too narrow (small in diameter) and therefore uncomfortable to use after a short period. I have since purchased the Konrad, which is a larger pen and I prefer it. Both are much better than the Ahab IMO.

I had considered buying an Ahab. What do you see as its downfalls?

December 4, 2012

The Ahab is a bit finicky, but I think some people can be a little bit overly negative about it. I own one (December 25th, 2011 model), and the only problem I've had was at the beginning. Flushing the pen with ammonia and water cleared it up and it's written like a dream ever since.

The clip can come loose pretty easily, however, and it has some issues with leakage in an EDC situation- especially if you carry it clipped into a polo shirt like I do. But over time that has actually minimized. I suspect that it may have been a problem of feed seating, since it's barely leaked since the last time I fiddled with the feed.

Overall, for $20, I am very pleased with the Ahab.

I also have a black creaper flex, and it's a great little pen. The problem, for me, is that it's little. I am a pretty big guy, and my hands are pretty large- an Ahab starts to feel a little small to me after a few pages. I find, with everyday carry, the creaper can develop a bit of leakage as well, but again, fiddling with the feed seating has pretty much cured it. The nib is pretty smooth, and flexes well, though its small size makes me nervous to really spread it out like I can my Ahab.

Personally, I'm waiting for an ebonite Konrad. That, to me, will be the pinnacle of Noodler's pen ownership.