V126 Matte Black Vacuum Filling

I am amazed at the writing experience of this pen every single I pick it up. I purchased the pen with an EF nib and it writes pretty close to a true Japanese EF. This is the only sub-$200 pen where an EF nib is both this fine and this smooth when writing. A few comparisons to the Pilot 823 (which is a clear design inspiration for this pen): - the V126 has very similar mechanics and functionality - the V126 feels a little "cheaper" and slightly lower quality Compared to many of the "budget" brands, however, this feels like a premium pen. I would strongly recommend it for someone getting in to fountain pens over some of the standard recommendations in this price bracket. My one gripe is the threads on the cap. Nearly every time I recap the pen I find the threads getting crossed and have to fuss with it a few times before it screws on correctly. (Pictured with Robert Oster's Turquoise ink.)

So we own various pens that might be considered, depending on your specific criteria, competitors - PenBBS 355, various Opus 88 models like the mini and demonstrator, basic Nahvalurs , Jaipur V2, Kanwrite Heritage, Conklin, etc. And at this point these are my preferred pocket pen. (Note that I don't consider many of the previous pocket pens: pretty much anything that doesn't allow for closure of the ink chamber like Opus 88 models, the 355, and this pen do, doesn't really count as a proper pocket pen in my view, and even then some pens are too big for the pocket.) That said, of the above pens what I find is that the Kanwrite Heritage is an excellent host for desk usage involving nib unit changes or flex nibs, while Asvine 126 pens are great for daily pocket usage. These are good nib hosts. I have a Franklin Christoph SIG Fine nib on the stock Asvine feed + unit. I've not had this particular nib behave well in the Opus or PenBBS despite trying different feeds and units. it's been prone to random blotting and other inkflow issues. For the 355 I also had to sand down the finial thread for fit. On this pen, it just writes, with reasonable and safe ink flow. I do regard the factory "extra fine" as more of a fine-plus than an extra fine, but that's pretty much the case on most stock extra fine nibs in my view - they're often barely different than factory fine, and often mean factory fine is closer to medium. It's fine for writing with so long as you don't prefer writing extremely small. It write perfectly well, and perhaps slightly on the wetter side of things. I have noticed that once in a while the feed will stop for a moment for no clear reason (NOT skipping) - I think this happens when I forget to open the main chamber until after I've written extensively with it closed or have pocketed it cap-up without closing the main chamber. I assume that means both behaviors somehow lead to an occasional air pocket interacting with the feed. That said, it's not a frequent issue *at all* and solves itself in a couple seconds most of the time. A blip because I forgot to open or close the main chamber is much preferable to blotting or variable ink flow, so I don't mind this at all. I hate fountain pens that use ink cartridges - ink cartridges always leak, break, dry out, or otherwise cause problems, so IMO this is far and away preferable to anything that uses cartridges. I also tend to view regular piston fill pens as too prone to leaking for pocket use. Which makes this easily the best pen for regular everyday use under $100 IMO. It does post, though a bit loosely. I find the size to be slightly shorter than I care for unposted, and slightly taller than I care for posted, but that's not bad by any means - it's a more comfortable size than the Opus pens all round, though I think the length of the 355 unposted is slightly preferable compared to the Asvine V126. Have two of these and may get one more just to have another nib available for pocket use. Do wish they cam in more colors, especially more non-gold metal finishes.

- My pen was shipped in a timely fashion and arrived on time and was packaged well and arrived without damage. - The pen's vac filler works very well and can half+ fill on a single plunge of the piston. - The nib's tines were perfectly aligned and the nib was well centered and seated with the feed. - I filled the pen with Pilot Blue Black, a rather wet and well lubricated ink, and the pen writes a tight, well formed line consistent with European extra fine nibs. - After a few days of use for long form journaling I can report that I have never once experienced a hard start nor any ink starvation at all. - So why then am I not giving this really lovely pen 5 stars? The reason is that the piston cap is very loose and wobbles when the piston in not securely screwed down, such as when you would leave it slightly open to allow a steady flow of ink to the feed, and feels rather flimsy. It makes the pen feel something less than a finely crafted writing instrument. Had this not been the case I would certainly have given this pen a full 5 stars.

The quality of materials and craftsmanship were greater than expected and the nib was smooth and surprisingly soft. The pen writes, looks, and functions better than pens 10 times the price. Obviously the nib is gold plated so it won't last like the $300 pen it's a clone of, but value for the money it's totally worth it. I bought a second one (the Grey one) because it writes so well. Having said that, it is a Vacuum Filler and in general Vacuum Fillers have some quirks that make them not flow well if you don't unscrew the back so ink can move into the section for longer writing sessions. But they are safer to travel with as the ink reservoir is sealed when the back screw the back closed so it is less likely to leak on planes and going up in elevation while driving. For context, I refurbish vintage flex fountain pens as a hobby and my collection includes Pelican, Mont Blanc, Pilot, Monte Verde, Conklin, Maybe Todd, Parker, Waterman, Lamy, as well as Pen BBS, Wing Sun, etc. So, I am not new to the fountain pen world.

The Asvine V126 is a well-built piston-filling fountain pen that offers a smooth and consistent writing experience. Its transparent body looks elegant and makes checking ink levels easy, while the large ink capacity is perfect for daily use. The nib glides nicely across paper, though the grip can feel a little slippery during long sessions. Overall, it’s a sturdy, reliable pen that offers great value for both beginners and experienced fountain pen users.

I have a few Asine fountain pens. This is by far my favorite. In fact it is in my top 3 fountain pens that I have. Just holding this pen, I want to write. I am just sad I don't have more to write down. The frosted black demonstrator body looks and feels great. The black nib and accents looks fantastic. The pen holds a lot of ink. The ef nib writes great. Smooth with a bit of feedback. Feels nice in the hand, some weight which sits between the fingers and crook of the hand. I can recommend this pen.

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Bonjour, j'ai reçu le stylo plume rapidement. Le stylo est très agréable à utiliser, la plume est solide et je peux écrire et dessiner avec. J'ai acheté une encre brune, j'adore le rendu ! C'est un chouette produit, à voir avec le temps.

I managed to grab one of the last couple of transparent blues (they seem sold out in most places). it’s gorgeous and definitely feels more expensive than it is. Ironically I was first looking at a similar colour by Platinum but couldn’t justify the price so very happy I got this. I totally agree with other reviewers about the piston being stiff and as there doesn’t seem to be a way of getting it out easily to lube it up, I’ve opted to use mine in a more eyedropper style, simply unscrewing the nib unit and using a pipette to put ink in it. Nib wise, I got an EF. The nib is smooth but think the flow can change which I think is common with pens that you have to open the valve/piston with by releasing the cap a little for longer writes. These can be a bit fiddly to find the sweet spot. I might also try a few different inks too (currently inked with J Herbin’s Lie De The) and consider whether I might need to adjust the tines just a tad, but all things considered, I love this pen and I’m happy. I’m used to a bit of trial and error to get things right.

Great writer, very well made and a realistic price.