Twsbi 580 Or Vac700

[CJ_ung]

Hello all,

 

I was thinking of buying a new pen. After researching a bit, I settled on getting either a TWSBI 580 or a Vac700. The problem is deciding which one. I've read a lot of reviews and whatnot, but I want to hear from you guys on the topic. Any info/advice is much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

-CJ

[SirVival]

I have both. Vac700 has the cooler filling system and holds a ton of ink. The 580 is the more wellrounded design overall.

But my score is Vac700 2 to 580 1, as I like large pens.

Be aware that the 580 piston tends to have some looseness to it (the knob at the end will never be tight and move a bit when filled (may only be my pen). OTOH, the Vac700 knob needs to be unscrewed for longer writing sessions or you need to remove the o-ring on the plunger.

 

Hope thar helps a bit!

[Joker4Eva]

My unit's piston was sound. That said, it takes a wee bit more turning before it engages the piston, which I consider necessary for all piston fillers. Imagine if someone twisted that knob without think what it'll do?! That poor guy would then have ink everywhere! At least if it's a bit loose, and requires a bit more turning before the piston engages, you'll be able to rush up to him in those precious few moments and stop him from creating an inky mess.

[GUNGA GALUNGA]

You're gonna wind up doing it sooner or later. So just go ahead and plunk down the 150+ and get both

[Water Ouzel]

You're gonna wind up doing it sooner or later. So just go ahead and plunk down the 150+ and get both

Well, $135 for the pair from Goulet, anyway.

[Gaslight]

Be aware that the 580 piston tends to have some looseness to it (the knob at the end will never be tight and move a bit when filled (may only be my pen). OTOH, the Vac700 knob needs to be unscrewed for longer writing sessions or you need to remove the o-ring on the plunger.

 

The looseness is easily fixed, Brian Goulet posted a 580 disassembly-video where he explains where the loose filler-knob problem comes from and how to correctly install the piston unit.

 

@topic:

I have both (580 an Vac700) and both are very nice. A single standard fill on the Vac700 seems to be the same amount of ink, if not a bit less than the 580. Completely filled the 700 holds more ink.

 

I like the bigger nib of the 700 and the filling mechanismen. But I hate the cap of the 700! It's much lighter than the cap of the 580 and feels and looks cheap. I wished the 700 had a smooth cap like the 580, preferably black like the filler knob, would look much better IMO.

 

The 580 is more or less without drawbacks (for this price range and type of pen), but it's nothing really amazing either.

 

If I could have only one of them, I'd choose the Vac700, it's a bit more special with its filling mechanismen and shares the easy nib-swapping and maintenance-possibilities with the 580.

[Tas]

Mmm . . .

http://www.taskyprianou.com/vac_700_ancient_copper_fpn.jpg

 

but GUNGA GALUNGA is right, you will end up getting both

[WaskiSquirrel]

I own one of each. Since I'm not real in love with either one, I think I can give an objective opinion.

 

The vac filler is just COOL! I love filling vac pens. But, because the pen holds so much ink, it takes a while before I get that joy again. The mechanism also makes it more difficult to clean the pen. The rubber bits are a bit more specialty and could be hard to replace in the future if something happens to the company. So, if you're making a choice, don't make it based on the filling mechanism. You don't experience this joy often enough for it to be important.

 

However, I find that the vac700 just has a more solid, quality feel to it. It is easy to write with. It's attractive. It is comfortable to hold. You do have to unscrew the top when you write, but that doesn't bother me.

 

Neither pen is particularly nice posted.

 

But, I will say that the differences are a matter of degree. If you like TWSBI, these pens are comparable, and I think you would be happy with either one. TWSBI has done a lot of work to create good pens, and they are steadily improving in quality. It may not be my personal favorite brand, but I have no problem recommending the brand.

[Vpen]

I already have a clear 580. Which color looks best between Orange, Blue and Black in the Vac700?

[deacondavid]

I have both the smoke and amber Vac 700s. I also have a sapphire Diamond 540, which, I am pretty sure, is the same color as the Vac 700. For my money, the sapphire is stunning, the smoke is nice. The amber is good, but not as pleasing to my eye as the other colors. I'm seriously considering picking up a sapphire Vac 700 before the supplies of them dry up (my understanding is that the colored Vac 700 barrels have been discontinued).

[Algester]

I found the vac 700 a bit too big for me hence I'm waiting news on the vac mini... but I did buy a vac 700 and is still trying to sell it to no avail...

as for the 580 its good... but I like the mini... but the mini with the 580 nib is just perfect

Edited June 6, 2015 by Algester

[J_MM]

I have both but I prefer the vac700 as it feels a bit larger and fuller in my hand. Both are good pens in my experience.

[Legal Eagle]

I prefer the looks, and size of the 580.

[Keyless Works]

I handled both when I purchased my Vac 700 and they both feel great in hand but I liked the bigger nib and the ink shut off ability of the Vac.

[Beth_Mntgmry]

I've been flip flopping between these two as well. I really like the filling system of the vac 700, my only hesitancy is around the size and grip/ridge on the vac. I've read that the vac is significantly bigger (almost too big?) and that the ridge at the base of the grip is sharp and uncomfortable (I suppose that depends how you hold it though too). I considered waiting for the vac mini but I prefer not to post my pens, so I'm wondering if I would find that too small.

[ac12]

I don't know if this is a consideration, but "I think" you cannot do a partial fill with a Vac (or its hard to do), and it is simple to do with a piston. There have been several times when I did not want a full load of ink, like when trying out a new ink, so I just did a partial load with the piston pen.

[deacondavid]

I don't know if this is a consideration, but "I think" you cannot do a partial fill with a Vac (or its hard to do), and it is simple to do with a piston. There have been several times when I did not want a full load of ink, like when trying out a new ink, so I just did a partial load with the piston pen.

 

The interesting thing is that many Vac 700 users have commented on the difficulty in getting a complete fill on the pen without some practice. It is certainly possible to do a partial fill and it is easy to empty the ink if a change out is needed.

 

What is more of a problem is loading ink from a sample vial. The vacuum fill does not have sufficient room fill effectively without making a mess. At least, that has been my experience thus far.

[NotPiffany]

What is more of a problem is loading ink from a sample vial. The vacuum fill does not have sufficient room fill effectively without making a mess. At least, that has been my experience thus far.

 

I just used a syringe.

[rhymingisfun]

I have both and prefer the Vac 700 (in blue). It takes some getting used to though. The only thing I don't like is the cheap end cap on it.