Diplomat Excellence A Plus Review...and a giveaway

[@MarkNeri]

I keep hearing great things about the Diplomat steel nibs! Definitely would like to acquire one someday. I have just gotten into the hobby just recently. I realized that I’ve been bitten by the bug when I’ve gotten a Duragraph, Lamy 2K, Metropolitan, and a couple of Preppies within the span of 3 months. And of course you have to have the “perfect” ink! So far, I find the colors of Iroshizuku inks interesting when laid down on paper! I did not expect being into fountain pens at the start of 2018, but now I am finding myself so drawn into the hobby, finding channels such as yours to learn as much as I can!

[@theoffstageme]

I really love Diplomat pens... and the Excellence models with the silver trim are SO beautiful. Just my sort of look for a pen. The Diplomat steel nibs I have tried are amazing. In a lower price range the nibs on the Faber-Castell Loom are some of my favourite steel nibs.

[@nerdcm355]

Hey, I've been watching you for about a month now and I'm happy to have found you in this comment section! I love your videos!

[@bokneg66]

Thank you very much for another chance to win! I've had very good experience with Faber-Castell steel nibs (I have a broad E-motion, fine Loom, and EF Ondoro). It was only the ultra-budget fine WRITink that needed tweaking.

[@michaelglidewell1524]

So far my favorite steel nib is the fine nib on a Pilot Metropolitan, I prefer it to pens that cost 2-3 times it's price. Only pen I've even tried that I liked better was a Pilot Vanishing Point with a gold nib.

[@dirkcairns-gallimore3633]

My son and I have just started getting into the hobby and discovered your reviews. We have found your videos entertaining and informative, plus it is now very funny to watch my son act like a connoisseur of fountains pen with only a couple of preppies under his belt. We've just dipped our toes in but may have created an addiction for the two of us.

[@jeannineelliott9437]

Thank you for another great review. My favorite non gold nib so far in my collection is the 1.1 stub on my TWSBI Vac 700R. It's thanks to you that I discovered my love of stub nibs so thank you.

[@ranpoolz]

I like the look of the black lacquer and silver cap band. Classy.

[@apolvc]

My favorite steel nib is my "hawk" nib, created by the fantastic Ralph Reyes--a fine italic on one side, but a huge brush stroke when turned over. My favorite factory steel nib is my Lamy 1.9mm stub.

[@jmm95076]

I like the classic, modest look of the A+ model. And, my favorite steel nib is probably on the Kaweco Sport.

[@cyriacusonyekachiokolie3019]

David, thank you once again for a brilliant video. I once prefered gold nibs to steel nibs but lately, I've fallen in love with broad steel nibs. Thank you for supporting my notions - I thought there was something wrong with me. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHardcoreDilettante]

I've never tried a Diplomat pen, but I hear such good things. I like the look of that one.

[@WarGhSt]

Great review of this nice looking Diplomat revision! My favorite steel nib has got to be the extra fine on my Twsbi Vac Mini. It has slightly different shaped tines that give it a kind of stub-quality. I didn't originally like it but I've, obviously, grown fond of it with time.

[@KB-cx2dr]

Thanks David. My favorite steel nib is a Waterman I bought in the nineties.

[@davidjacobson5710]

Thanks, David. My favorite steel nib so far is on Pelikans M205 and M120. Both very smooth for steel nibs.

[@periwinkle197]

Thanks for making the giveaway world wide. Great pen; love to have one and compare the steel nib to the faber castle nibs.

[@mighthouse8194]

Another top review David! Your review of the regular Excellence encouraged me to get my own and I grabbed the A Plus in an 18k medium for a steal. I can report that the gold nib on mine is as amazingly smooth as you find the steel, though I am excited to see what Diplomat can achieve in a broad point. Keep up the good work as always!

[@eladn3059]

Thank you David. My favorite steel nib is the one on my Faber Castell LOOM...

[@Pianomaster05]

My favorite steel nib is my Edison 1.1 stub. Really like the looks of Diplomat!

[@EverGreenElephant]

Edison uses JoWO nibs - so does Diplomat or Twsbi.

[@MattJWoz]

Thanks for another great review and for the opportunity to win such a nice pen (shout outs to Diplomat and Points of Distinction too)! I don't have a Diplomat pen yet, but have heard lots of great things so it would be cool to be able to add one to my collection. For me, my favorite pen with a steel nib is probably the Faber-Castell Loom (and looking through the comments, I know I'm not alone). The nib on that pen is such a great writer and is really smooth as well. That pen will always be one I go back to from time to time.

[@Danielsworlds]

I definitely love that capping mechanism. Similar to the hook system on some of the visconti pens.

[@saodavi6267]

My favorite steel jib is on my Karas Kustoms Ink. It's so nice, I think they may have accidentally shipped a gold nib. They're unmarked so it's hard to know for sure.

[@cecileschlessinger1251]

I totally agree! The EF on my KK Ink is stunning! As a result I’ve got 4 KK All different, all great :-)

[@WeeGeordie]

Thanks for the review, David. Classy looking pen! My favorite steel nib is a Franklin Christoph Masuyama medium cursive italic, which is remarkably smooth.

[@da5idt]

My favourite steel nib is the Fine nib on the Sailor Procolor (starburst) that I recently gave to my wife. It’s super fine, more like an EF or an EEF, with a really nice level of feedback.

[@toddmckay4133]

I too have a diplomat from the 80s that has a broad steel nib that is fantastic to write with. I really love my Opus 88 Koloro steel nib. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!

[@AB91]

My favorite steel nib is probably the Pilot Plumix medium nib that I put on a Wing Sung 698 with a "hacked" Wing Sung clear feed (ink channel widened with a knife) . Since that nib tip is quite flat and has no tipping material the line variation/"cursive italic" effect is quite prominent and it smoothes out over time to a buttery smooth finish. The downside is that with more use, the nib gets wider and possibly less crisp if one rolls their hand when they write, but thankfully a replacement Plumix is available for under $10 to use as a donor pen for taking the nib out as a new replacement in the Wing Sung.

[@irwanshahabdullah9663]

Good day David. An excellent diplomatic review of the A Plus. Keep the great videos rolling.

[@ericaycock8728]

My favorite steel nib pen is the diplomat Aero. I agree they make absolutely beautiful steel nibs.

[@lorilpn046]

Hi there!! I have been binge watching your videos. Love how you review the pens. Great job!👍🏼 Such a beautiful pen!! I just started my love of fountain pens this year. I already have 5 pens. Working my way up to more expensive ones. Omg!! Would love to win a amazing pen like that one. I never win anything tho!! Lol 😝Can't wait to see more of your videos!! Write on!! 💜🖋

[@peteazouz6072]

Out of the box my favorite Steel nib is my Edison Collier (M), it's just perfectly suited for me, very smooth, but with just a whisper of feedback.

[@jdufor01]

I recently purchased a Montegrappa Fortuna Blazer and it has an excellent medium steel nib. Tied for first place with my Diplomat Aero

[@kenmonk4929]

My favorite nib is Twsbi Diamond 580. It is a thrill when the ink flows perfectly in a fountain pen

[@xerxiusmaximus]

Love the silver-ish accents and the flat top and bottom and the clip... very informative, thanks again

[@carlharrison9503]

Looking at both pens I see beauty in both. I like broad nibs also. I did purchase a broad Pelikan 400 with a gold nib and butter is one descriptive word. I do have other pens and they have also smooth broad nib and in steel. I can not tell them apart. I think it comes with the nib made with care and love that makes them that way. I am so happy you had this up.

[@tayterlik]

Quite an easy choice for me - Franklin-Christoph model 1901 with Broad Cursive Italic by nibmeister Mike Masuyama. Just the right spot for being wet without being gusher, nice line variation without any effort, not scratchy or sharp - just such a heavenly smoothness. It is so unbelievably good.

[@FrauStaenki]

Right now it is between the three: Diplomat Esteem, Namisu Ixion and Lamy Aion. The latter is the smoothest, while the Esteem and the Ixion are a very good mix of smoothness and nib style feedback.

[@ewolramc]

Thanks for the great review! My favorite steel nib is my TWSBI Diamond 580 1.1 mm stub. This Diplomat Excellence A Plus (B) looks great!

[@SypherSeven]

Wow! Wow. Gotta catch em all, Fountain Pens! If I win I won't have to buy one. Unless I win, use it, and want to buy one for a friend. You are my favorite person to follow for reviews.

[@GuilhermeAtencio]

A brand I haven't heard about. That's unusual. Thanks for the video. As a member of the "Ben Fountain Pen Society", this was very entertaining.

[@clestra.]

The Diplomat Excellence A Plus is such a handsome pen; I loved it! Nice discount code too. I have just a few fountain pens but my favorite steel nib is the one in my Faber-Castell Loom, also a Broad nib. Thank you for the great and detailed review, David!

[@SilverBreath25]

My favorite gold nib so far is the pilot vanishing point and my favorite steel is the faber-castell loom.

[@michaelsimon4034]

I have a Faber-Castell Loom with a broad steel nib. It is wonderful. Also very smooth.

[@ERiCZaCcHaRYTaN]

Thanks for the GAW & Happy Easter !

[@mrcharon6197]

My favorite steel nib to date is a Franklin Christoph Mike Masuyama nib. I keep hearing good things about these Diplomat nibs. It will be interesting to try some day.

[@lgbpinho]

So far, my favorite steel nib is the one I got from Ranga. It has Conklin printed on it, which makes me consider a Conklin pen in the near future.

[@Disturbed7100]

The best steel nib I have is on my Parker Sonnet. It's a juicy medium. I've always wanted to try a Diplomat pen, I like their designs!

[@snoozleblob]

Whoo hoo, it's here! Have been keen for this review since your instagram post. My favourite nib so far is the BB on the Pilot 78G.

[@christopherseetomona8699]

I have little experience with different steel nibs - Pilot MP, Lamy LX, TWSBI & Conklin - started this rabbit hole journey 2 months ago. So far I am favoring the Lamy. I’ve been considering an Edison Collier for my next acquisition 😁

[@AnzanHoshinRoshi]

Thank you, David. I only have experience with the Aero but it has a favourite steel nib.

[@kjkulp]

Steel nibs can be fantastic. I have several Metropolitans that all write very well, and my Waterman Expert Deluxe is one of my favorite pens (though every Expert I've owned was oversmoothed out of the box). I also can't overlook the fact that these are all brass pens. There's something reassuring about the heft of a brass pen that my Pilot Customs/Sailors/Platinums/Lamys/etc. don't have.

[@RayeCage]

I have a pilot metro broad nib and love it. Enjoyed your review.

[@andrewcamacho4092]

Very nice pen! My favorite steel nib is on a Platinum Preppy (Medium 05). This was the first Preppy I purchased and I was amazed how good it was. I have since purchased a few more in different sizes (03 and 02) but they are not as smooth and consistent as my first one.

[@andreabrusamolino8909]

I really love the steel nib of my Visconti Rembrandt. Even though it's a fine nib, it is very smooth and wet!

[@MrDvdfgl]

Saw you on Goulet and looked you up, Really like your reviews will have to look through more as I consider more purchases!

[@deanfukawa3260]

Aloha David, nice review as always. I don't have too many steel nib pens. The only one I can think of is Loclen Tiny Brass with Schmidt fine sst nib. After I adjusted it, it wrote smoothly.

[@bjeweledinmaine1]

Thank you for the fabulous videos David. I bought many pens because of your reviews. What are my favorites... the Pelikan m200. With a,lovely steel nib.Thus far the most expensive is the Pelikan.. I was going to get a diplomat but it’s a bit more than I want to spend. Perhaps in a few years I’ll get a diplomat areo and the pilot 823 but visiting my grandchildren takes precedence in terms of paying for a pen.

[@vinyljunkie64]

Very lovely pen and being broad, it seems not too broad. Just a nice size. Of the few steel nibs I've tried, my Parker 95 is the best. Something about that very slender pen just makes writing a joy.

[@peterdali7305]

Thx David. Diplomat is the wishlist but so far my fav steel nib is on my Franklin christoph 20.

[@emilianbizga1492]

I have a churchman's prescriptor from Italix in broad...I swear I have to keep that pen in place, cos it starts dancing on paper by his own, that's how buttery is the nib!!!

[@OonijioO]

Thank you David for the review and the giveaway. I'm relatively new to fountain pens and so far I love pilot fine nibs and my twsbi eco in extra fine.

[@foxxx040]

My favorite steel nib fountain pen is the Waterman Expert II with a medium nit.

[@JohnGMeadows]

A nice looking pen! Some find black pens a bit boring but I think they can look quite classy! My favourite steel nib is on my Faber Castell Loom; it is very smooth!

[@seanmcintosh3345]

Beautiful pen. I’ve never tried a Diplomat pen but have enjoyed looking at them. My favorite steel nib so far is the Lamy broad I use on a Studio. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.

[@lunaronion9400]

Thanks for another great review. Pelikano Junior 'L' nib is a favourite at the moment, and I'm not even a lefty.

[@Sdarmstrong1]

Hi David, I enjoy your reviews very much. I like pens/steel nibs from Italix in the UK. They offer a wide variety of nib options that are super smooth.

[@CapMIam]

My first pen was a Pilot Metropolitan and I still enjoy the fine writing experience. It was only after purchasing a Monteverde that I started to appreciate line width of European brands for ink play. Great review.

[@CapMIam]

I now enjoy Jowo steel on custom pens and my Franklin Christophe collection

[@ealarcon5]

Thanks for the videos David. My favorite steel nib is a Faber castell looms which I got on your recommendation. Very smooth pen.

[@traditionallarry5378]

I really like your passion you have on your reviews,my favorite steel nib pen is my Kaweco stonewashed AL sport

[@kcorella89]

Thank you for the review. My favorite steel nib at the moment is the medium nib that I have in my TWSBI ECO It has great flow and is really smooth I just enjoy using it.

[@SuperKawaz750]

one of my favorite steel nib is the one on my noodlers creaper. it happened to be very smooth and quite flexible. For everyday use i would choose the medium on my FC Loom though. thanks for the review!

[@Tcolet1]

Currently my favorite pen with a steel nib is the gouket exculsive conklin clasick rainfall. Not so much for the nib (although it is good) but for the pen itself. It fits so well in my hand that it very quickly became my favorite (and most expensive) pen in my collection.

[@omarhax]

I'm 17 and I've been using fountain pens for 6 years now however, I've only ever used 3 pen models. A Lamy Safari, a Parker Vector and a few months ago I purchased a Mont Blanc 146. Obviously, I love writing with the 146 but I feel very overprotective of it when I try to use it in my daily rotation. I'm looking for a mid to high range pen, one thats a bit more durable than my Mont Blanc (literally anything not made of "precious glossy resin") and I feel as though this Diplomat is a perfect fit for me. I almost regret not expanding my collection significantly and going for one pricier pen however I found the Mont Blanc for a steal at around £150 (around $210) and this justified the price for me, as well as watching all the glowing reviews from this channel and some others too. There aren't many gold nib pens that can be bought for such a low price despite being only a few years old. Thanks for reading and let me know of any mid-high end pens that you would recommend that are on the more durable side.

[@diannacasey3054]

Like many others, I enjoy the nib of the FC Loom, but I also enjoy the 1.1 stub on my Conklin Duragraph. Thanks for the review.

[@patriotsglobal]

Thank you for the review. I have been thinking of getting a Diplomat for a while and might have to pick one of their pens up after seeing this review. I'll be sure to use the discount code too!

[@uqox]

I absolutely agree that a steel nib has a great deal of utility and very decent performance. Currently, I'm in love with (and utterly surprised by) PENBBS; their exceptional look and the fact that each of the pens I've purchased comes with a buttery smooth nib, with a turned up tip! Just glides on paper, their standard Fine, steel nib doesn't have the kind of noticeable feedback of other fine points. Still amazes me given the price. The Diplomat is GORGEOUS. I love an old school pen (lacquer over metal (brass?) is to die for. I've just really begun to explore broad nibs with inks that need that size (glitter, shimmer, shading) to showcase them. As per usual, figboot continues to...I guess, please my heart with reviews that show variety, performance and elegance in reviews. Thank you!

[@matty2112RUSHFAN]

My favorite steel nib is my Twsbi Vac700 very smooth medium nib, I don't own a Diplomat pen yet but I hear great things about their steel nibs.

[@darrenleonhardt8572]

Thanks for another great review and giveaway! Thus far, all of my pens are steel nibs, so picking one favorite is pretty hard. I've really been enjoying the 0.6 stub on my. Nemosine Singularity, among others, though.

[@willk4599]

Thanks David, I only have steel nibs at this time, but was amazed at how smooth the Visconti Fine nib was in comparison to my other pens.

[@normananderson8687]

My favorite steel nib is a 0.6 cursive italic that Brian Gray ground for my Menlo as a second nib.

[@AGDaws]

I think my favourite Steel nib is the 1.5mm stub I have on my Edison Collier fantastic nib!

[@AlanLight62]

Favorite steel nib... would be my vintage Sheaffer Craftsman Touchdown. For a modern pen it would be my TWSBI Vac 700R

[@Nhyi]

Love my Wung Sung 698 very smooth and a really sturdy pen. Never fails on me and is a great EDC.

[@peterhofmann8292]

David, thank you for this review. I have a Cd'a with a steel nib which works wonderfully well.

[@mjtaven]

Great review, the nib material seems to have more to do with the price of a pen rather than the writing characteristics. How it writes is the most important feature and you describe this clearly. Many thanks.

[@tb4981]

Have to give my favourite steel nibs to Franklin Christoph. Their cursive italics are fantastic

[@mandorang]

Think my Platinum Cool is my favorite steel nib - smooth, reliable, and a bit of bounce.

[@GlennHigley]

Hi David, I wish I'd seen your review - for the discount - before recently buying an A Plus with 14K EF nib. That'll learn me not to keep up with you, eh? As usual, I wholeheartedly agree with your review and really like this pen other than what I consider to be its excessive weight (which reminds me more of the cheap Chinese pens I bought when first entering the FP world than one of quality). I expect this is the reason they felt the need for a ridged spring-loaded clip which somewhat helps to keep it upright in thinner fabric pockets. Flex that clip spring on dress shirts or the serrations may damage the fabric over time. I love the bayonet cap closure and wish more would use it. Both steel and gold Diplomat nibs are spectacular in my experience - always ready writers and quite smooth. Thanks for another fine review.

[@goldenman1982]

My favorite steel nib is on my Visconti Van Gogh. Very wet writer and smooth.

[@VeenaiKaarthik]

Good review as usual, David. My recent purchase of Ranga Zayante is the steel nib that I'm enjoying. It has a wee bit of feedback and it's still nice...

[@janisforehand7690]

I've been looking at the Excellent A. Your review is very helpful. Thank you.

[@SoundsLikeFelix]

thanks for the review and giveaway! my favourite steel nib is a broad nib on an older model pelikan m 150, that produces a nice wide and wet line.

[@langobard808]

My favorite steel nib pen is Visconti Van gogh. I actually don't prefer steel nib but I just attracted by that marvel swirl of VG.

[@yangstrom]

Excellent review as always. Diplomat definitely makes great steel nibs and my Aero with a medium steel nib is one of my favorites. Thanks for the giveaway.

[@noahcap]

Hi David- Great review, as always. My favorite steel nib is the Goblet Pens 1.1 stub! I believe it is made by JoWo.

[@tesshatfield7503]

I love the steel nibs on both my TWSBIs (Eco in F, Classic in M). They are smooth (even the fine!) but with a nice hint of feedback that reminds me I'm writing on paper :)

[@rrvancilful]

Love your pen reviews! Don't have any Diplomat fountain pens, but definitely would like to try one. I have only heard good things about them.

[@unjuanequis6336]

I find the Diplomat very attractive and wonderful pens but they're out of my price range, no matter how nice. Among the steel nibs I use, I find my favorite is the one that came with my Jinhao 992. I just like it how it is fine but not too fine, just the right amount of wetness and smooth but not overly so, it even 'flexes' a tiny little bit to provide for some character to my writing.

[@krashmania]

I think my Pelikan m205 is probably the best steel nib I have, the medium that it came with is fantastic.

[@earthangel1199]

I have been wanting to try the Diplomat Aero. This one seems like a nice performer as well!

[@maxschumacher9446]

My Uncle has been looking at picking up a diplomat, I think this would be an amazing gift for him. My favourite pen with a steel nib is the first pen I turned myself, it's currently got a Jowo #5 Architect nib I ground mounted in it.

[@andrewg1083]

Thanks for another great review. My favorite steel nib is Pilot's (fine or medium, Metropolitan or Prera)