This is likely the best piston-filler available in this price range (the next step up would be a TWSBI Eco). It is solidly made, has great packaging, and is smooth right out of the box. If something like an italic is desired, the nib can be straight swapped with Pilot nibs, no modification required. This pen has excellent ink capacity, a comfortable section, and has given me really consistent writing performance. The clear feed is an uncommon aesthetic bonus. The only (and I mean only) questionable thing about this pen is that the cap doesn't post -- but it has good size and balance without the cap, so really doesn't need to be posted anyway. I can see why this has recently become the darling of a few fountain pen forums.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Not much difference between the 698 and the 3008 except price. Very similar pen, writes about the same but the 3008 is about $3 and the 698 is around $15.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I highly recommend this pen. It is well built of good hard plastic that feels nice in hand, when inked up it has a nice weight to it, not to heavy not too light. The nib is smooth, but I switched it with a Pilot 78G BB (stub) nib. Thats one beauty of this pen, that you can switch with all the entry level Pilot fountain pens simply by gently pulling the nib and feed unit out as one. Also it holds a lot of ink. Finally it looks beautiful as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Writes like a dream for an incredible price. The nib, far from being hard as nails, has little bit of a spring so you can achieve a little line variation but is also a true extra fine line while not being too dry or stingy with the ink. All 5 I have write well right out of the box, no flushing and tinkering was needed. Huge ink reservoir so you won't have to refill as often. The demonstrator body really shows off the ink beautifully. If you want a great introduction to piston fill fountain pens, this model is it. Great value for students.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a great pen. It's light, feels good in your hand. The clear plastic is very clear, not foggy, the ink looks great inside the barrel. The piston is a great design and works very smooth. The nib on this pen is more to the fine and is so smooth. I love the pen and use it every day. Well worth the price. E.T.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I was pleasantly surprised with how smooth the fine nib on this demonstrator pen writes. The real shocker is the inexpensive price I paid for it. It writes well and looks very good. I don't think you can get a better pen at this price point. Do buy, you won't regret it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have been collecting fountain pens for over 30 years. This pen stands equally with the likes of other German, Italian and Japanese pens in terms of quality and performance. The steel nib writes smoothly and compares well with pens ten times its price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Quality demonstator piston fountian pen with great features for the money. The clear plastic is a higher quality resin then usually used on pens in this price range. Nib is real good with little feedback and NO skip. Ink flow is strong and consistant. I have used several inks and none have had issues. The pen is a good size and writes well unposted. Cleaning is easy and requires no tools like some other pens.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have really enjoyed this pen. I didn't particularly like the nib very much. I was told that my Pilot Metropolitan nib would swap out with the nib that came with this pen. It did and I am really pleased now.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I bought a 698 after seeing a YouTube video demonstrating it. It is an excellent pen and writes very well out of the box. I have it inked up with Aurora blue black.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New