I always keep an eye on what TWSBI is working on, I appreciate that they share concepts and projects with the fountain pen community. The hard part is waiting for the release of these products. I like TWSBI products, they deliver interesting ink filling systems at an affordable price and provide the customer the ability to extend the life of their pen. If I didn't have such a difficult time with the appearance of clear demonstrator pens I am sure I would have a drawer full of their products. The TWSBI Eco model is a value line offering. It comes in a similar card stock and plastic packaging as most TWSBI products that is well thought out and stages the product well. TWSBI includes a wrench and silicone grease for maintaining the product with their pens which is a nice touch. I hope this never changes.
Brand: TWSBI
Model: Eco
Year: 2015
Nib: Stainless Steel, 1.1mm italic
Colour: Clear demonstrator
Appearance & Design
The Eco is a demonstrator style pen with clear plastic components that along you to see everything going on inside the pen. The cap and piston knob are faceted which is functional for gripping when turning. The cap jewel is a red plastic TWSBI logo with the cap band indicating the company name and pen model. The body of the pen is tubular with a tapered section. The ends of the pen are squared off giving it a utilitarian look and resembles a classic flat top in form.
Construction & Quality
Regardless of the clear plastic material the Eco feels solid. I could not find any manufacturing imperfections and is well put together. The rubber o-rings and plastic materials don't give one the impression of quality but one thing that is different in the Eco over the other TWSBI models is the friction fit nib / feed. Having one less component connection is one less opportunity for breakage. Apparent from the material quality I cannot imagine where this pen could be improved upon, I guess I will have to wait and see how it holds up. I have no issues carrying it daily that is for sure.
Weight & Dimensions
The Eco is a mid-size pen with the a length that can support posted or unposted writing. When posting, the cap band secures tightly to a rubber o-ring just below the piston knob making for a rather lengthy pen. The section is comfortable to hold, the cap threads are smooth but did not come in contact with my grip while using it. At the nib end of the section there is a subtle triangular profile detail that is noticeable if you grip the pen close to the nib. The TWSBI Eco is a a good weight for a plastic pen and feels a little heavier in hand than the Sheaffer NoNonse.
Nib & Performance
From the EF, F, M, B, and 1.1mm options I went for the 1.1mm italic because of the ink capacity this pen features. The nib has a good amount of feedback but not scratchy with an ink flow that allows it to perform well even on cheaper papers. The line was as expected from an italic nib. The nibs are #5 size and considering it is friction fit I imagine that other nibs of the same size could be used in this pen.
Filling System & Maintenance
The Eco holds approximately 1.8mL of ink. The piston fill system is simple to operate, action is very smooth plus the shape of the piston knob is easy to grip. With the wrench provided the mechanism can be removed for cleaning and servicing. The only issue I see is the relief or band detail at the nib end of the section as it will be a catch for ink and could be easily missed when quickly wiping ink from the pen after filling.
Cost & Value
If you don't mind clear pens the TWSBI Eco is great pen at a price that may have you buying a couple at a time.
For what you get in terms of performance, ink capacity, and user experience the Eco is a fantastic value. The only buyers remorse you may have is that you didn't buy more than one.
Model: Eco
Year: 2015
Nib: Stainless Steel, 1.1mm italic
Colour: Clear demonstrator
Appearance & Design
The Eco is a demonstrator style pen with clear plastic components that along you to see everything going on inside the pen. The cap and piston knob are faceted which is functional for gripping when turning. The cap jewel is a red plastic TWSBI logo with the cap band indicating the company name and pen model. The body of the pen is tubular with a tapered section. The ends of the pen are squared off giving it a utilitarian look and resembles a classic flat top in form.
Construction & Quality
Regardless of the clear plastic material the Eco feels solid. I could not find any manufacturing imperfections and is well put together. The rubber o-rings and plastic materials don't give one the impression of quality but one thing that is different in the Eco over the other TWSBI models is the friction fit nib / feed. Having one less component connection is one less opportunity for breakage. Apparent from the material quality I cannot imagine where this pen could be improved upon, I guess I will have to wait and see how it holds up. I have no issues carrying it daily that is for sure.
The Eco is a mid-size pen with the a length that can support posted or unposted writing. When posting, the cap band secures tightly to a rubber o-ring just below the piston knob making for a rather lengthy pen. The section is comfortable to hold, the cap threads are smooth but did not come in contact with my grip while using it. At the nib end of the section there is a subtle triangular profile detail that is noticeable if you grip the pen close to the nib. The TWSBI Eco is a a good weight for a plastic pen and feels a little heavier in hand than the Sheaffer NoNonse.
Nib & Performance
From the EF, F, M, B, and 1.1mm options I went for the 1.1mm italic because of the ink capacity this pen features. The nib has a good amount of feedback but not scratchy with an ink flow that allows it to perform well even on cheaper papers. The line was as expected from an italic nib. The nibs are #5 size and considering it is friction fit I imagine that other nibs of the same size could be used in this pen.
The Eco holds approximately 1.8mL of ink. The piston fill system is simple to operate, action is very smooth plus the shape of the piston knob is easy to grip. With the wrench provided the mechanism can be removed for cleaning and servicing. The only issue I see is the relief or band detail at the nib end of the section as it will be a catch for ink and could be easily missed when quickly wiping ink from the pen after filling.
Cost & Value
If you don't mind clear pens the TWSBI Eco is great pen at a price that may have you buying a couple at a time.
For what you get in terms of performance, ink capacity, and user experience the Eco is a fantastic value. The only buyers remorse you may have is that you didn't buy more than one.
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