Sailor Pro Gear Vs Sailor 1911 - Which One?

[Mongoosey]

I like your pictures.

 

Sailor's elegant designs never get old.

[Penman222]

Although I am not really into black color but I have to say Black pen has a classic beauty and never out of date.

I don't have picture of 1911 Large so I would like to share with you my picture for 1911 Standard with Zoom nib

 

20190615-2.JPG

 

20190615-1.JPG

Looks great, thanks for the picture of a classic.

[KyleClapton]

I like your pictures.

 

Sailor's elegant designs never get old.

 

 

Looks great, thanks for the picture of a classic.

 

Thank you very much for your kind complement. I am sorry to spam this post with pictures I just want to find a place to share with you guys my pictures of pens.

So please forgive me if it bothers you

[Mongoosey]

 

 

Thank you very much for your kind complement. I am sorry to spam this post with pictures I just want to find a place to share with you guys my pictures of pens.

So please forgive me if it bothers you

 

I hope my comment didn't come across the wrong way.

 

I myself was implying for you to keep the "spamming" going.

 

I look to be able to contribute a photo in the coming month or so with my first Sailor (Personal B-day present), but besides that I hope you post more : )

[mongrelnomad]

An odd question, no? They’re basically the same pen just with different detailing - one is a flat top, the other a torpedo. Choose your material, enjoy your pen...

[minddance]

very nice pictures. for me, I would avoid the 21k nibs: they do not keep their tine alignment well even with my very light writing. and they are very very difficult to adjust when that happens or if I get a lemon ootb.

 

14k nibs work for me. i wish they had them in the large pen barrels at a reasonable price.

[Penman222]

Here is a picture of my new 1911L with a broad nib along with my 30 year old Montblanc 146 with a medium nib. They are both exceptional pens in their own ways.

Edited June 23, 2019 by bhbarto

[KyleClapton]

An odd question, no? They’re basically the same pen just with different detailing - one is a flat top, the other a torpedo. Choose your material, enjoy your pen...

Yes, I think it is an odd question too. But it seems there are more people care about the shape of the pens. Well, I myself also seems to favor the flat top shape more than the torpedo.

 

very nice pictures. for me, I would avoid the 21k nibs: they do not keep their tine alignment well even with my very light writing. and they are very very difficult to adjust when that happens or if I get a lemon ootb.

 

14k nibs work for me. i wish they had them in the large pen barrels at a reasonable price.

 

I see. 21K gold is softer than 14K. Uhm, sadly Sailor only makes large size for 21K gold nib.

 

Here is a picture of my new 1911L with a broad nib along with my 30 year old Montblanc 146 with a medium nib. They are both exceptional pens in their own ways.

Beautiful pens! Thank you for sharing your pictures!

[A Smug Dill]

An odd question, no? They’re basically the same pen just with different detailing - one is a flat top, the other a torpedo. Choose your material, enjoy your pen...

 

I think that's oversimplifying, bordering on dismissing the differences offhand in one fell swoop, just because you apparently don't care about them.

 

According to Sailor's web site, the basic gold-trimmed black Sailor Profit21 (aka 1911 Large) model 11-2021 has a (max) diameter of 18mm, is 141mm long, and weighs 21.6g; while the basic gold-trimmed black Sailor Professional Gear model 11-2036 has a (max) diameter of 18mm, is 129mm long, and weighs 21.6g. Splitting the 12mm difference in length evenly between the finials, it means the barrel is 6mm longer on the Profit21, which may not sound like much but can make a noticeable difference in pocketability on a shirt — depending on the size and positioning of the pocket in question, of course, but I'd hazard a guess that most people these days just buy shirts off the rack or shelf these days, and don't get to tailor the pockets on it to suit one's habits.

 

As well, when I'm writing with it with the cap unposted (which is my general preference), the end of the Professional Gear barrel just touches the outside of the knuckle where my index finger joins my palm; I can use the pen like that, but even so, sometimes it feels a little weird and uncomfortable. For users with larger hands, not posting the cap on the Pro Gear may be less of a viable option than on the Profit21 because of that 6mm difference in barrel length.

 

Then there's the visual appeal factor, of the different shapes themselves (with or without subjective associations of which looks more classic or traditional, and which looks more modern or 'clean') that's not strictly detailing. Detailing is part of the consideration as well, on the flat top of the cap finial on the Pro Gear, one gets a logo or mark that stands out in bas-relief as well as contrasting colour from the cap material.

 

Other than the shorter length having a minor impact on the pen's usability (for me!) with cap unposted, I prefer the Pro Gear for all the aforementioned reasons: the flat-top shape of the pen when capped and its appeal to a more modern look, the kinaesthetic and visual appeal of the cap finial logo in bas-relief, and better pocketability of the pen.

 

Of course, there is the question of which finishes and options are offered each pen. Some nib types, e.g. the Zoom nib, does not appear to be an option on the Pro Gear (except for shop-exclusive limited editions) directly from Sailor. As far as I'm aware, the matte black finish with ruthenium-plated nib and trim on the Pro Gear Imperial Black is not available on the Profit21; (although there's a version of the Profit21 with matte black finish and rhodium-plated trim; but, just like...) the Black Luster, which I suppose is the closest counterpart (and priced similarly) in the Profit product family, has a glossy metal section which gives it significantly more heft than the Pro Gear and the standard Profit21, and a different balance and centre of gravity with it. I don't want to carry the Black Luster in my shirt pocket because it is longer and heavier, but I do enjoy using it (more than the standard Profit21), whereas I find my Pro Gear Imperial Black to be a nice EDC to 'wear' to the office.

[jmnav]

 

True

 

The ProGear Realo is 135 mm

The ProGear Realo Sigma II is 138 mm

The 1911L cigar shaped is 141 mm

 

I do not feel that the Realo sigma II is that short compared to the 1911L. The Progear realo sigma II is really an amazing pen, it has its own unique style within the Sailor lineup, even compared to what other pen manufacturers do offer.

 

You don't feel it shorter because, for all practical matters, it isn't.

 

It's been my experience that a torpedo-shaped pen needs to be longer than a flat-topped version to feel the same. You can make the "mental experiment" of elongating the flat-topped into a torpedo shape to see what I mean.

 

Anyway, the Realo Sigma II is significantly shorter than, say, a Pelikan M800, or about the length of an M400, so not a large pen by modern standards.

[A Smug Dill]

You don't feel it shorter because, for all practical matters, it isn't.

As I've written immediately above your post, for the practical matter of keeping and clipping the pen in one's shirt pocket, the difference in length may vey well make a difference. For users with larger hands than mine, the shorter length of the Pro Gear could mean the end of the pen fails to rest 'properly' against their hands when the cap is unposted, in the practical matter of writing with it.

 

It's been my experience that a torpedo-shaped pen needs to be longer than a flat-topped version to feel the same. You can make the "mental experiment" of elongating the flat-topped into a torpedo shape to see what I mean.

It's been my experience that the feel of writing with the Profit21 and the Pro Gear with cap unposted are not the same, and I have Sailor pens in both form factors; the "mental experiment" is not required in my case, when I have hands-on experience instead.

 

I don't presume to invalidate your own experience, and I'm sure you're describing it 'truthfully' the way you see it, but neither your experience nor mine is authoritative or definitive that we could reasonably conclude whether someone else would "feel it shorter" when using a Pro Gear instead of a Profit21.

[JunkyardSam]

To me the 1911 shape feels a little better in the hand than the Pro Gear shape, because that little bit of extra length makes a big difference in a pen as short as these. That said, Pro Gears are still great, especially since they have the signature anchor clip on the top of the cap which is lacking in the 1911 pens.

 

Another benefit of the Pro Gear is that the nib looks larger as a result of the shorter body. This is especially noticeable if you want to maximize the perception of nib size with your King of Pen.

 

I have several limited edition colors, but my favorite Sailor is a 1911 King of Pen (even though that one is a standard black and gold model.) The hand feel and large nib is just so fun, and I could write with it for hours and hours with no fatigue. (I did have to get used to it, though.) I hope to get a rhodium Pro Gear KoP to pair it with someday.

 

PS. As far as I know the 1911L model only comes with a 21k nib - not 14k as listed in the poll.

Edited June 24, 2019 by JunkyardSam

[KyleClapton]

 

I think that's oversimplifying, bordering on dismissing the differences offhand in one fell swoop, just because you apparently don't care about them.

 

According to Sailor's web site, the basic gold-trimmed black Sailor Profit21 (aka 1911 Large) model 11-2021 has a (max) diameter of 18mm, is 141mm long, and weighs 21.6g; while the basic gold-trimmed black Sailor Professional Gear model 11-2036 has a (max) diameter of 18mm, is 129mm long, and weighs 21.6g. Splitting the 12mm difference in length evenly between the finials, it means the barrel is 6mm longer on the Profit21, which may not sound like much but can make a noticeable difference in pocketability on a shirt — depending on the size and positioning of the pocket in question, of course, but I'd hazard a guess that most people these days just buy shirts off the rack or shelf these days, and don't get to tailor the pockets on it to suit one's habits.

 

As well, when I'm writing with it with the cap unposted (which is my general preference), the end of the Professional Gear barrel just touches the outside of the knuckle where my index finger joins my palm; I can use the pen like that, but even so, sometimes it feels a little weird and uncomfortable. For users with larger hands, not posting the cap on the Pro Gear may be less of a viable option than on the Profit21 because of that 6mm difference in barrel length.

 

Then there's the visual appeal factor, of the different shapes themselves (with or without subjective associations of which looks more classic or traditional, and which looks more modern or 'clean') that's not strictly detailing. Detailing is part of the consideration as well, on the flat top of the cap finial on the Pro Gear, one gets a logo or mark that stands out in bas-relief as well as contrasting colour from the cap material.

 

Other than the shorter length having a minor impact on the pen's usability (for me!) with cap unposted, I prefer the Pro Gear for all the aforementioned reasons: the flat-top shape of the pen when capped and its appeal to a more modern look, the kinaesthetic and visual appeal of the cap finial logo in bas-relief, and better pocketability of the pen.

 

Of course, there is the question of which finishes and options are offered each pen. Some nib types, e.g. the Zoom nib, does not appear to be an option on the Pro Gear (except for shop-exclusive limited editions) directly from Sailor. As far as I'm aware, the matte black finish with ruthenium-plated nib and trim on the Pro Gear Imperial Black is not available on the Profit21; (although there's a version of the Profit21 with matte black finish and rhodium-plated trim; but, just like...) the Black Luster, which I suppose is the closest counterpart (and priced similarly) in the Profit product family, has a glossy metal section which gives it significantly more heft than the Pro Gear and the standard Profit21, and a different balance and centre of gravity with it. I don't want to carry the Black Luster in my shirt pocket because it is longer and heavier, but I do enjoy using it (more than the standard Profit21), whereas I find my Pro Gear Imperial Black to be a nice EDC to 'wear' to the office.

 

couldn't agree more!!!!

[KyleClapton]

To me the 1911 shape feels a little better in the hand than the Pro Gear shape, because that little bit of extra length makes a big difference in a pen as short as these. That said, Pro Gears are still great, especially since they have the signature anchor clip on the top of the cap which is lacking in the 1911 pens.

 

Another benefit of the Pro Gear is that the nib looks larger as a result of the shorter body. This is especially noticeable if you want to maximize the perception of nib size with your King of Pen.

 

I have several limited edition colors, but my favorite Sailor is a 1911 King of Pen (even though that one is a standard black and gold model.) The hand feel and large nib is just so fun, and I could write with it for hours and hours with no fatigue. (I did have to get used to it, though.) I hope to get a rhodium Pro Gear KoP to pair it with someday.

 

PS. As far as I know the 1911L model only comes with a 21k nib - not 14k as listed in the poll.

 

I agree that the nib in Pro Gear looks larger and I prefer that portion. 1911 KOP is very nice and the nib of KOP is gorgeous. I like it so much, but it is too big for my hand.

 

Here is the nib of Pro Gear KOP that I took lately:

[Nyanzilla]

It's hard to say which I like better...

I like the cigar shape of the 1911, but the finial with the anchor of the Pro Gear looks better. And I also prefer the look of the bi-color nib of the Pro Gear.

[Mongoosey]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32JM0wwijiU&feature=youtu.be&list=PLkh-QCyqcApzDTIzGq5c0b0hdzGdlGR6-

 

Nice ASMR attempt.

 

It's not bad, but the glove scrapes against the paper a little too harshly to be "gentle" as ASMR is. Though, I will say ASMR is not easy, period, especially if you are wearing that glove, which makes it tricky.

 

Here's a pretty good ASMR Honeybadgers did (the main difference being there is no glove scraping):

 

 

This one's a good ASMR attempt as well (very relaxing if it weren't for what sounds like a train horn in the background lol):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRY7lQd89_U

 

This one's not bad especially when he slows the writing down and lets the feedback be gentle, but the background noise is a little much, though not bad. Sometimes a nice white noise or pink noise can be so lovely (Musicians will use it to mellow a song down or give it a certain gentle tone):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0uH_RoDvqM

 

And especially with Sailor pens that have a beautiful sounding feedback... I wonder if when the writing is slowed down does the gentleness of the nib's feedback really hit a balance of soothingness?

 

Sorry. I like ASMR. In a hectic world of digital, at least we can watch a bit of slowed down analog, as strange as that sounds.

 

I do like these photos you may have done with the 1911 standard, especially with the watch and the dark notebook:

 

https://www.pensachi.com/collections/sailor-1911-profit-standard-fountain-pens/products/sailor-profit-standard-demonstrator

 

As you can guess, that pen is on my list, and the photo is like an EDC/journal context, which is what I want the pen for. Great allure , not to mention the color combinations and angling like your other photos. The Harmony in the photos I've seen is lovely.

[KyleClapton]

WOW, amazing ASMR!
Yes, I totally agree that the sound of gloves onto paper is not something nice to hear. I feel annoyed too.
I just recorded few more very short ASMR video yesterday with camera and sony micro. It seems much better than the first one but still not as good as Honeybadgers did.

And he also had very beautiful handwriting!
I will check all of videos you sent. Hopefully I can make some better videos soon!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32JM0wwijiU&feature=youtu.be&list=PLkh-QCyqcApzDTIzGq5c0b0hdzGdlGR6-

 

Nice ASMR attempt.

 

It's not bad, but the glove scrapes against the paper a little too harshly to be "gentle" as ASMR is. Though, I will say ASMR is not easy, period, especially if you are wearing that glove, which makes it tricky.

 

Here's a pretty good ASMR Honeybadgers did (the main difference being there is no glove scraping):

 

 

This one's a good ASMR attempt as well (very relaxing if it weren't for what sounds like a train horn in the background lol):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRY7lQd89_U

 

This one's not bad especially when he slows the writing down and lets the feedback be gentle, but the background noise is a little much, though not bad. Sometimes a nice white noise or pink noise can be so lovely (Musicians will use it to mellow a song down or give it a certain gentle tone):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0uH_RoDvqM

 

And especially with Sailor pens that have a beautiful sounding feedback... I wonder if when the writing is slowed down does the gentleness of the nib's feedback really hit a balance of soothingness?

 

Sorry. I like ASMR. In a hectic world of digital, at least we can watch a bit of slowed down analog, as strange as that sounds.

 

I do like these photos you may have done with the 1911 standard, especially with the watch and the dark notebook:

 

https://www.pensachi.com/collections/sailor-1911-profit-standard-fountain-pens/products/sailor-profit-standard-demonstrator

 

As you can guess, that pen is on my list, and the photo is like an EDC/journal context, which is what I want the pen for. Great allure , not to mention the color combinations and angling like your other photos. The Harmony in the photos I've seen is lovely.

[KyleClapton]

It's hard to say which I like better...

I like the cigar shape of the 1911, but the finial with the anchor of the Pro Gear looks better. And I also prefer the look of the bi-color nib of the Pro Gear.

 

Thank you very much for your opinion. Bi-color nib is also a plus point for Pro Gear to me. Pure Gold nib is nice but with a thin line of Rhodium plating makes the nib more attractive.

[Mongoosey]

WOW, amazing ASMR!

Yes, I totally agree that the sound of gloves onto paper is not something nice to hear. I feel annoyed too.

I just recorded few more very short ASMR video yesterday with camera and sony micro. It seems much better than the first one but still not as good as Honeybadgers did.

And he also had very beautiful handwriting!

I will check all of videos you sent. Hopefully I can make some better videos soon!

 

 

I know, right!?! A good ASMR will make you want to watch it over again, and kind of relax into it. When I watched that video a gentle fire came to mind having a similar feeling of relaxing into the watching/listening of it.

 

I knew I liked the sound of nib to paper, but didn't realize how lovely it could be on its own. And some nibs, like the Sailor's, have such a gentle tone.

 

I found myself surprised there were so few Fountain Pen ASMR's when I searched on Youtube for them.

 

It's like something new that hasn't gotten started up enough to really get started.

 

You may start that something new ; )

 

It's not easy to do. It's almost like its own art. I've watched ASMR's on some random things largely because at first I didn't know what the heck ASMR was. Some were OK, but some could make a relaxing fireside time out of the most random things lol. It's interesting.

Edited July 4, 2019 by Mongoosey

[A Smug Dill]

It stressed me to have to google what ASMR stands for.

 

(I realise it's off-topic in a Sailor Pen product thread, but) one of my recent fountain pen experiences that I could actually feel trigger my parasympathetic nervous system response, while still engaging my mindful conscious attention, was when I was writing with an 'invisible' fluorescent ink (similar to, but not exactly, Noodler's Blue Ghost) while the page was lit by a UV light torch. For some reason, there's a split-second delay between the completion of the pen stroke and the shape of the ink mark appearing on the page. (I'm not a physicist, so I'm not sure whether that's just how long it takes for the fluorescent substances to absorb sufficient energy from the UV light to glow at visible wavelength.) The fact that I cannot rely on instantaneous visual feedback to make micro motor adjustments as I write makes the writing experience significantly different from when using a conventional coloured ink.

 

I find it very calming to hold the image of the intended shapes in mind, make the hand movements to produce it, and then see half a second later that they are laid on the page as intended.

Edited July 4, 2019 by A Smug Dill