This pen is odd. I'd seen the name a few times so I grabbed one w/ blue ink when I ordered from JetPens last month. I guess it might be a fountain pen by the strict definition. But the nib is not metal and I'm not sure what to make of the feed. The journal used in the review is a Miquelrius.
As of this writing the Pentel Tradio is USD $8 at JetPens, the refills are USD $3.50. While on the subject of the refills ... the refills are nearly the entire pen. A refill includes the nib, feed, and ink cartridge all in one disposable unit! While it seems to write well, I just can't get into it. It reminds me too much if a felt tip pen.
Here are pics of the pen and a refill. (both pics courtesy of JetPens)
The cap has a little window in it.
A few pics of the 'nib.'
Here's a writing sample, in a Miquelrius journal. (click to see full-size)
Misc. Links:
Pentel Tradio: One of The Absolute Best Fountain Pens on The Market
Anyone Heard of the Fountain Pentel?
What exactly is the Pentel Tradio/Pulaman pen?
Pentel Tradio Stylo Fountain Pen - Black Body - Blue Ink
Pentel Tradio Stylo and Pulaman Fountain Pen Refill Cartridge - Blue
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Review: Pentel Tradio Fountain Pen
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3 comments:
I think "fountain pen" might just be an awkward translation here. Craft Design Technology (Pentel, et al.) has a pen with the same type of "nib" that they call a "fountain pen" as well, and it's just awful.
The Tradio was a bit of surprise. It by no means a cheap pen (it runs for around $8), but it does compare favorably to some of it’s fancier brethren. The main reason for this is because it is mostly made of plastic, and that includes the pen’s all important tip. This gave me some pause when I first heard about it. I was a little skeptical that a plastic could hold up to a beating, let alone give good line. I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked out. The ink flowed freely and the tip was flexible yet durable. But, the best thing about the Tradio is the feel of it. It just feels good in your hand and is a pleasure to write with.
The pen gives a nice and black line that looks great on a moleskine. Keep in mind that I generally don’t mind a little show through from my pens as I generally consider it a trade off for a rich black ink. The Tradio’s show through is comparable to that of the Pilot V7.
One of the weird things about the Tradio is the refill cartridge. The refills include the pen tip and are nearly the same size of the complete pen. The good part of this is that you get a fresh new pen tip every time you get a new ink refill. The bad part is that the refills tend to be a bit pricey (nearly half the price of the pen itself). When I was doing my initial research, I found a review that jokingly suggested that one could simply use the refill as the pen itself. I probably wouldn’t recommend it, though.
-Tarryn
Pens
Thanks for a nice blog.
I saw the link at Dave’s mechanical pencils – and here I am.
I have been using this pen for a while now and compared to a “real” fountain pen it’s not that bad :-) In fact, I think this is more of “the natural successor to the fountain pen” than ballpoints or roller balls/ gel ink pens. It has the advantage of a nib instead of a rolling ball, which is a bit harder to control – so if you write cursive and for longer sessions, this one is less prone to let you generate pain or writer’s cramp. A point in my book. It has some line variation, which I find nice, once you’ve learned to handle it.
It does bleed and feather a bit on certain paper types, but I think it is a small price to pay for almost stress free writing. If I can’t have a fountain pen or a good pencil – I prefer this pen.
Oh, and there’s a cheaper version: JL-30 stylo, Tetras. Same pen, but disposable.
Regards
Henrik
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