Omas Extra Quick Review

[dneal]

My local pen shop will no longer be carrying Omas, and some time ago I picked up a Dama (Review Link HERE) at a closeout price. Like a big dummy, I went back in that shop and straight to the closeout case... and couldn't resist an Extra (or Ogiva, or Ogiva Extra, or Extra Ogiva...? Man Omas' model names confuse me).

 

Appearance and Design: Classic black lines using resin with gold trim common to many pens, the thing that distinguishes Omas is their use of a Roman pattern in the trim. This pen also uses the roller clip common to several Omas models.

 

Construction and Quality: My Dama experience is that Omas is a decently made "old school" pen from traditional materials (cotton resin and ebonite feed). This is no different. My other experience is that this brand can be troublesome, but this one hasn't been. It definitely needs disassembled and the piston lubed, but other than that everything seems fine.

 

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/roomdog/Pens/Omas003_zps17b4606b.jpg

 

Weight and dimensions: Roughly the size of an MB 146. It's approximately 146mm capped and 131mm uncapped (from tip of nib to piston knob). I don't have my calipers handy to measure diameter, but here's a MB 145 for comparison (the angle of the photo makes the difference look to be less than it actually is).

 

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/roomdog/Pens/Omas001_zpsdd54ad42.jpg

 

Nib and Performance: A large two-tone 18k nib (Omas' Magnum nib - and much larger than the 145), it writes on the fine side of medium. It's soft and somewhat springy, and very smooth while offering excellent feedback. It's also a "singer", delivering an audible note as you write. It's juicy without being overly wet.

 

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/roomdog/Pens/Omas002_zps1364fbde.jpg

 

Filling System and Maintenance: Assuming it's like my Dama, it's a dead simple piston filler that's easy to take apart and service. Unscrew the section and unscrew the piston mechanism. I haven't taken it apart yet though...

 

Cost and Value: This is an older model, so there aren't really "street prices", but I bought it a little cheaper than NOS available on the evil bay (and those prices didn't seem outrageous). I'm happy with what I got for what I paid.

 

Conclusion: A classically styled pen that for the time being scratches my itch for a 146. A very good writer and I'm looking forward to adding it to the rotation.