The "fountain Pen Revolution" Leather Roll-Up Pen Pouch - A New Version

[Jamerelbe]

About 9 months ago, I uploaded a review of the new leather roll-up pen pouch that had just been released by Fountain Pen Revolution (FPR - link https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/281101-the-fountain-pen-revolution-leather-roll-up-pen-pouch/). It was a good product for a *very* reasonable price - but it had one or two downsides that were commented on by me, and by other contributors to the thread. So when I saw that FPR had produced an updated version, I was quick to pull the trigger (I needed more pen storage anyway!).

 

Full disclosure: Kevin from FPR has provided me with a few pens free in return for an impartial review - but this product I paid for in full.

 

The first thing I noticed on arrival was how much less bulky the pouch was - the two pictures below show the old (left) and new pouches side-by-side, both empty of pens:

 

http://i.imgur.com/M5tDypm.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/m0pGO9R.jpg

 

 

The main reason for this difference is the fact that the newer pen is made from a lighter, more supple leather that folds down much more easily. The inner leather is also more supple - and somewhat brighter. You'll notice, too, that the outer leather of the pouch has been folded in and double-stitched to ensure the layers won't come apart easily (once again, new pouch left, old pouch right):

 

http://i.imgur.com/zAYEALJ.jpg

 

Notice too that the two straps that wrapped around the pouch in different directions have been replaced by one longer strap, which wraps around the whole pouch roughly twice. This (in my view) is also an improvement. Also, in place of 5 shorter pen slots and one much wider slot, the new pouch now has six slots, with the middle two more widely spaced.

 

The biggest change, though, was the addition of a leather flap over four of the six slots. This was the biggest complaint about the older pouch, and has now been addressed. I have to admit, I was dubious about the advantages of a flap - though it provides for greater protection against pen clips clashing (and prevents pens slipping out), it limits the height of the pen that can be placed inside the pouch. Having a flap that covers only four of the pen slots I think is a good compromise.

 

In the pictures below, you'll see that even some fairly long pens *did* fit under the flap - from left to right are a FPR Triveni (full size), a Karas Kustoms INK, a TWSBI Eco, a Diplomat Excellence A, a Jinhao 159 (which is swapped out for a Diplomat Excellence in the second, flap down photo), and a Ranga Duofold. Of these, only the Ranga (15cm) was too tall (and fat) to fit under the flap; the thinner Triveni (14.5cm long) had no trouble.

 

http://i.imgur.com/BFyENb7.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/mfwWfCv.jpg

 

Two more photos show how well the pen folds over, with the above pens sitting inside - though for the second photo I removed the Ranga (which rarely travels with me anyway!):

 

http://i.imgur.com/RbSEru1.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/u0yhEtJ.jpg

 

I think the new pen pouch is an improvement on the old: though I've very much enjoyed using the former, the newer pouch provides more protection, while its greater suppleness (and lesser bulk) means it folds up much more easily. Time will tell whether the leather is as durable - but the pouch seems well-constructed, and the materials feel to be of good quality. Another win for mine - and at US$32 (plus $3 postage) you're getting great value for money.

Edited August 19, 2015 by Jamerelbe

[fluctuations]

nice review. thank you.

[Jamerelbe]

nice review. thank you.

 

My pleasure - hope people find it useful!

[Drone]

Thank you for the review, very helpful. David

[ThirdeYe]

Thank you for posting this. I have been thinking about replacing my trusty Five-Star pen pouch that I've been using for years. The velcro is almost completely useless nor does it really have anything to go over the top of the flaps like this one does. I also like how this one apparently doesn't allow the pens to come into contact with each other, which is nice for preventing clip scratches.

 

Edit: I went ahead and purchased one after seeing your review. Good opportunity to get a few extra flex feeds as well for my uncooperative Noodler's Konrad Flex.

Edited September 27, 2015 by ThirdeYe

[Jamerelbe]

Thank you for posting this. I have been thinking about replacing my trusty Five-Star pen pouch that I've been using for years. The velcro is almost completely useless nor does it really have anything to go over the top of the flaps like this one does. I also like how this one apparently doesn't allow the pens to come into contact with each other, which is nice for preventing clip scratches.

 

Edit: I went ahead and purchased one after seeing your review. Good opportunity to get a few extra flex feeds as well for my uncooperative Noodler's Konrad Flex.

 

Sorry, I only just checked in and saw this reply! Hope the pen pouch arrived in one piece, and is living up to expectation!

[pwnrat]

The quality seems to be good for the price. I might purchase one as my collection grows.

[Jamerelbe]

The quality seems to be good for the price. I might purchase one as my collection grows.

 

Yep, this is definitely a well-made product. For $24, I was ready to 'take it as I find it', and expecting it might be a bit rough around the edges. But this is quality leather, quality stitching, quality all round - definitely worth the asking price! (And I got a free pen thrown in for each pouch, as part of their new release promotion - how good is that?!)

[J_MM]

Thanks for the review. I use the old version every day. Once and a while I pick it up out of my bag upside down and a pen falls out. I guess the flap on the new version solves that.

[Jamerelbe]

Thanks for the review. I use the old version every day. Once and a while I pick it up out of my bag upside down and a pen falls out. I guess the flap on the new version solves that.

 

Yup, pretty much - for all but two of the pouches anyway! These are currently Buy One Get One Free on the FPR website - not sure for how much longer, but I placed an order for two more (hey, it's coming up to Christmas!)...

[Bemo]

Great deal, I took advantage of it and am glad I did.