Flex Nibs and Soft Nibs - a Super Scientific Study

[@HeadbangerTomcat]

My takeaway, as I had already suspected, is that in order to get line variation from a modern "flex" nib, the thin line is just as important as the thick one. The Falcon EF shows that quite well as there is a lot of contrast between the line widths. Thanks Drew. I'll give that video 🦄🦄🚑🏀

[@Gouletpens]

TWO unicorns, an ambulance AND a basketball? Mike. You flatter me. - Drew

[@HeadbangerTomcat]

@@Gouletpens 😆

[@ym10up]

@@Gouletpens absolutely reading this in Drew's voice

[@CapMIam]

Watching Drew "flex" his knowledge on flex nibs... a sight to behold. Plus the rating system, A+ 👌 but must you decapitate a penguin in the process ? 😆

[@ivygarcia6878]

10:20 as a Hispanic, I appreciate using flan as a unit of rating

[@AAAndrew]

In the days of dip pens, they used an even more confusing, and all-encompassing term, "Action." When even so-called "Inflexible" dip nibs still flex more than most modern "flexible" fountain pens, they needed to talk about something other than just "flexibility." "Action," as far as any coherent meaning can be derived from the uses of the term in relation to dip pens, indicated the overall writing experience, including what we would call spread and snap (how much pressure it took to spread the tines, and how quickly the tines come back together after spreading), smoothness (more important on a dip nib which is not tipped), and softness or bounce. A "stiff action" was a pen without much bounce or spread, or a pen that required more pressure to get a spread of the tines. A "superior action" generally meant a pen that was softer with decent spread and medium pressure to see spread. A "soft action" pen, was one that we might call today a wet noodle. It was a pen that took little pressure to get a good spread of the tines. These last pens are the most difficult to control, and were not very common. They were mainly geared towards penman and ornamental writers.

[@janepilecki8083]

I found this video very helpful by showing how these pens actually write. And Drew has such a humorous way of presenting the nibs! I really enjoyed it. Great job! Thank you!

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you, Jane! - Drew

[@latui7350]

What a clever way to show off pins from different manufacturers well not offending anyone manufacturer that you sell.

[@MichaelDunn2789]

While I'm not too concerned about the softness of the nibs, I can still appreciate the in-depth, scientific examination. Your dedication to the scientific method is impressive. Makes me sit up in my turkey hammock, and take notice. I give it five camels and a giraffe. 🐪🐪🐪🐪🐪🦒

[@Gouletpens]

That's an amazing a data-driven evaluation scale you have there, Michael! Thank you for the high praise! I think...? - Drew

[@gary-pv8vz]

I propose Drew’s scoring system be used for all Goulet reviews. Well, I’d encourage Figboot to also adopt. Really, I think we all agree the industry as a whole would benefit from using Drew’s exacting scoring system.

[@Sir-Topham-Hatt]

I just hit play... but I feel like this might not be "scientific"... you guys are great

[@Gouletpens]

You might be right! - Drew

[@marioferu290365]

I left the flex bote early in my personal collection history… gold flex rated astronomically high 💸💸, particularly the vintage ones. I prefer the stub, three tines or Asian bent (fude) nibs for line variation in fountain pens. Also I would like to discuss more about the differences between gold and steel in modern soft nibs.

[@jasondaniel918]

Like many, even most, of the pen reviewers, the speed at which you write is medium to high warp speed compared with my s-l-o-w, careful drawing of each letter. I have been using FP's for over 60 years, but I never (NEVER) mastered flex nibs. My favs have been italic or stub nibs. I like italic nibs as rigid as I can find, and they reward me with wonderful line variation. "Soft" nibs? I remain unsure how well I might do with them. But young folks like you do motivate me to go through another round of experimentation with the current production soft and flex nibs. I need to count the nickels and dimes in my pen war chest to see where I might begin.

[@AspasiaB]

Fantastic! I'm in the market for a couple soft nibs so this video was very timely. Good job! This video earned three rockets and one and a half mangoes.

[@Gouletpens]

That's high praise! Rocket Mangos are the ultimate seal of approval! - Drew

[@jameskeener7251]

I pretty much agree, but would have awarded the full mango.

[@nordlyselsker]

My favourite modern flex nib is a Scribo EF flex which writes very wetly, flexes with very little pressure and is simply a joy to write with. I think we can all agree that it would be totally wrong to give it any score lower than a whole piano and a full moon. Another good one is the Santini stub flexy, which I'd rate at a reindeer, two chocolate eggs and half a cup of tea. It's too broad for everyday writing (at least for me), but so much fun to play around with.

[@noetoffolutti5048]

where do you find it ? i'm really interested in getting one

[@carolanne3017]

I loved this video. I have been on a quest for The Flex Nib ever since I started this hobby 3 years ago

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching, Carol! - Drew

[@shibasurfing]

You can get even better ink output on a pilot FA using an ebonite feed. I’ve done this on my Pilot 823 demonstrator and it’s absolutely glorious. Juicy and every variation one could desire.

[@Gouletpens]

Yes indeed! I did that to my personal 912 and it performs beautifully. - Drew

[@marioferu290365]

Thank you both for that recommendation 👍🏼

[@Lili-qy1ls]

wait ... Why didn't I know that Drew has such an amazing hand writing?? :o

[@Gouletpens]

Haha thank you! - Drew

[@kiwig1015]

Pilot Falcon with soft fine nib is my favorite. I always have both my falcons inked up! Love seeing you making more videos, Drew! You always make me laugh and brighten my day!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! Thanks for joining me! - Drew

[@TimRichardson_GrowthPath]

@@Gouletpens another good thing about the falcon nibs is they dry it very slowly, since the feed basically seals the entire nib; there is almost no exposure of the ink to the air. I have a Fine and Broad (both the metal variant), the Falcons have really grown on me and the Fine is actually my favourite writer now.

[@MissMarilynDarling]

my favorite combo is the noodlers konrad with a FPR ultra flex nib

[@gokhanersan8561]

Great video. I am eyeing the Pilot 912 with the FA nib

[@Usciasnl]

I used my Pineider Alchemist for the first time this week with a new ink and while it writes like a dream. I also noticed how wet it wrote but I think the additional dry time is well worth the joy of using this pen.

[@Gouletpens]

I'm so glad to hear that! - Drew

[@LovelyFatima]

Drew, as always, your humour is a genuine delight!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching! - Drew

[@ginak398]

Drew, could you please display a screen shot of each writing sample side by side so we may compare the nibs. Thanks for all the tips.

[@Gouletpens]

I definitely should have done that. Sorry about the oversight, Gina! - Drew

[@patrickwhitehead7584]

I got a Ritma with the omniflex this week. It does put down a TON of ink, but it's a really great daily driver just the same. I'm a tiny bit disappointed at the lack of variation, but I really liek the pen, so I'm calling it a win.

[@Just_Me_TG]

I'd very much like to see one of Blue Dew pens in this collection. To me, THIS is what a modern flex nib looks like!

[@Scorpiotide]

I already knew that I enjoy nibs with a little bit of flex and bounce, but what really impressed me in this video is how well the ink flow is adjusted to the Pilot and Platinum pens. It's not wet like a flood but also just have enough ink to not skip or railroad. I'm so curious about the difference in their feed under the nibs of these pens.

[@weekend_art]

All my flexy pens come with an accompanying sound as well! And thank you so much for telling about Diplomat, I was incredibly impressed by the nib for this price

[@s.n.11]

I love the diplomat magnum. I found it super soft to write with and able to make some calligraphy capitals, it’s been a pretty fun nib for me. And the prismatic purple is … BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for the video Drew! Very interesting and helpful to understand the difference between a soft or bouncy nib and a flex nib.

[@Vallos]

I would like to get the same pen. What nib are you using that is producing your strokes?

[@s.n.11]

@@Vallos it's a fine. Extra fine did made more difference in the strokes but was a bit feedbacky for me.

[@Scorpiotide]

It's my current favorite pen to write with. The little bit of flex and softness make it just dance on the paper. I find my hand gets tired more easily writing with a harder nib.

[@jacobling2119]

This has got to be one of the best fountain pen video in quite a while! Really good info presented in a very fun manner, and a top notch rating system!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much, Jacob! - Drew

[@TheNightowl001]

I LOVE my Pilot Falcon SEF. I am also very fond of my Platinum #3776 Black Diamond UEF (ultra-extra-fine).

[@andrewcamacho4092]

Great video! I enjoy using bouncy and flexible nibs on birthday cards, Christmas cards, etc. It makes my writing look fun and festive. An inexpensive alternative is a steel dip nib (Zebra G, Brause Blue Pumpkin, etc.) These work surprisingly well with ordinary fountain pen ink.

[@Gouletpens]

Yay for bounce! - Drew

[@pamdemonia]

Those Blue Pumpkins are really great!

[@ronhori]

Drew, your rating system is fantastic! Very wacky and that's why I like it. Keep flexing your imagination as well as the nibs.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much for your support, Ron! - Drew

[@nordlyselsker]

I think 4 T Rexes for the Konrad is a bit of a stretch. I'd give it 3 T Rexes and a dirty sock, although to be fair, the latter is more for the pen than for the nib.

[@Gouletpens]

Well, the acrylic Konrad (like the one I used here) doesn't have the same dirty sock smell. And who knows what T-Rexes smelled like? Perhaps it's spot-on! ;). - Drew

[@nordlyselsker]

@@Gouletpens Maybe it is! :-D I haven't even tried the non-acrylic Konrad because I knew it would be bad. I sold my acrylic one because while it was fine when closed, the smell was still very off-putting when using the pen, and I have much better flex pens.

[@jonathanoehlert5672]

3 shrimp and 3 squirrels takes the cake though!! if the falcon could hold its ink, i would buy one

[@gluis2k]

Great video! Learned about some flex pens I knew nothing about. I have the pilot falcon and I absolutely love it. My favorite pen.

[@clarenceyee3529]

Video gets 4 rhinoceros, 2 banana splits AND 3 protractors! I have 4 of the same pens (Pilot 912 SFM, Metal Falcon SF, Justus 95 and the 3776) and strangely enough, I have them all inked up at the moment! Did I miss what ink was used?

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! Thanks, Clarence! I used Noodler's Black. - Drew

[@ThereIsNoSpoon678]

*Summary* ------ Diplomat Magnum: 🦔🦔🦔 + 1/2🌮 Noodler’s Konrad: 🦖🦖🦖🦖 Pilot E95s: 🪥🪥🪥🔨🔨🔨 Pineider Quill Nib: 🥔🥔🌈🌈🌈 Noodler’s Triple Tail: 🥄🪐 Pilot Custom 912: 🤽‍♀️🤽‍♀️🤽‍♀️🤽‍♀️ Pilot Justus 95: 🐐🐐🚒 + 1/2🚒 Platinum 3776 Century: 🍮🍮🍮 Pilot Falcon: 🍤🍤🍤🐿️🐿️🐿️ JoWo Omniflex: 🥏🥏 + 1/2🐧

[@julianocg]

A very precise and concistent score. That is methodology at the best.

[@crouserm]

What a wonderful demonstration -- three Hallelujahs and an Amen! (I am a priest, after all.) Prof. D on Inquiring Minds would be gratified that you included the E95s, and, indeed, how could you not? I'll note that Chinese gold nibs are getting more and more interesting. Relative to what you carry, my Conklin Endura Abalone (M) after tuning writes with very satisfying line variation -- and that with a steel nib! I have the Conklin Herringbone with their pre-Jowo Omniflex. It took weeks of use to break in, but now delivers splendid line variation. I have as well (also from Goulet in 2020) a Jinhao 8802. I may go a few weeks at a time without inking it for work; but even so, it too is developing more and more line variation. I guess the takeaway from my musing is this: out of the box flex is great! But, so too is using a pen enough to let its character develop.

[@mushroom4713]

I love videos where you actually use the pens!! Rating: 🦄🐳🐳🐬

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you for the generous score! - Drew

[@stuartriley]

Happy squirrel, bunny, ice cream cone, and two fire trucks Drew! Great video on flex, softness, and line widths from many of the fountain pens. I only wish I had half of them. LOL> "Turkey Hammock."

[@jasminedulin7395]

how the heck did Drew get such great handwriting?

[@dezkant]

1:02 - the proprietary scoring Drewbric

[@Gouletpens]

BRILLIANT! - Drew

[@michaelmotz3228]

So we had a wind-and-lightning storm last night that fried my well pump and tore my roof up. I came in to make insurance calls, and happened to watch this video while I was waiting on a call back. Drew, I wouldn't have thought anyone could make me laugh today, but you did it! And I finally have a better grasp of what flex nibs are all about. I'm seeing a new well pump, a new roof and a new Pilot Falcon with a Soft Fine nib in my crystal ball! 😄 My rating? 🍀🍀🍪✒🎈

[@Gouletpens]

Michael, it means so much to me that we could send some positivity your way when it sounds like you needed it! I hope that your repairs go as well as can be expected! I'll be here when you need me! Haha! -Drew

[@kousarahmed2627]

Between Noodler's Triple Tail and Neponset, which one should I choose? My preference *Maximum line variation *Continuous smooth ink flow *Less railroading/skipping/hard start Thanks in advance

[@marioferu290365]

Noodlers makes ebonite feeders... recommend a model with ebonite feeder.

[@silverchew5845]

Pilot 912 FA + Custom Ebonite Feed = Vintage Flex

[@hofii2]

Drew took a topic that could easily have been a 💩🎟 and handled it in such a way that it was a 🎉. That was worth🍍🍍🍕. (Although, others may not like that as much as I do.)

[@Gouletpens]

LOL thanks, Mark! - Drew

[@hoozat007]

Drew is a hoot. Really useful review, and a lot of fun to watch.

[@danmagoo]

Excellent video! Thanks for making it.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching, Dan! - Drew

[@ashleyrose3812]

I've determined that I'm going to use Drew's rating scale for everything. If some random person understands what I'm talking about they will immediately be my best friend lol

[@Gouletpens]

Lol 100%, Ashley. Good luck, and thanks for watching! - Drew

[@sunnymoondog]

Yes!!!

[@pbsnoosk13]

So much fun to watch!! Love the rating system. Need stickers!!! Thank you!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! Thanks, Patsy!

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Wait...I'm on the governing body that judges modern flex nibs. Send them to me....🐿👹❤️😇

[@LedgerAndLace]

Thanks for ending the day on a biscuit, Drew! 🙂

[@Gouletpens]

WHOO! Thanks bunches! - Drew

[@kaylogterman3554]

Drew, this video just made my day! Great fun!!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching, Kay! - Drew

[@warriorthu]

"3 Hedgehogs and Half a Taco" is my new band name

[@Hat_mad_human]

I adore the scoring system used. This video gets 3 turkey hammocks and 2 biscuits to end on!

[@fizixguru101]

Thank you for this amazing insight I had bought pilot custom 74 SM nib thinking it to be a flex nib alas that wasn't the case though the softness does make writing a pleasure...Alas I did not know when I bought the pen that SM nib will not provide line variation. For Flex pen I used a Chinese pen and kept pushing it beyond the envelop after a few weeks and pages it has become a flex pen and gives a good deal of line variation....oh yes I did damage a quite a few nibs before one actually worked

[@elainetyrrell4669]

I love my Diplomat Magnums. A lovely pen at a very affordable price.

[@shm6273]

1:21 omg that reaction lmao

[@fossilimprint2954]

Thank you Drew.

[@Solrac924]

my 3 funnest pens are flex pens: - Noodler's Ahab Flex - Fountain Pen Revolution Himalaya Ultra Flex - Osprey Madison Zebra G of the three, the Osprey with the Zebra G easily has the most line variation by far.. they all look good but feel somewhat cheap. i have a Pilot 912 FA on the way.

[@cudaprime813]

Triple tail got a spoon and Saturn? That's ludicrous to me! It obviously deserved a Neptune at minimum. Great vid Drew, thanks for the demonstrations and mostly spot on grading of each nib. 😉

[@Gouletpens]

LOL thank you! - Drew

[@markmolnar4319]

Great video, very informative! What I really missed was the pricing info. It appears that the range is extremely wide starting at around 10 to couple of hundreds of bucks. Although I realize it was not the main point it still is important especially for those, who - like me - are in the process of trying to decide purchasing one of these (or sg else? like the Faber Castell Basic - wonderful bouncy steel nib and cheap!).

[@ModernSynthesist]

"One spoon and... Saturn." 🤣

[@lilit3307]

I would love to see all of the writing samples you did, all together to compare! I've been thinking my next pen would be an e95s but you may have convinced me to go the falcon route instead 🙈 I gotta sleep on it lol this was the exact video I needed though, thinking a lot about soft vs. flex nibs recently. Thanks Drew!

[@Gouletpens]

Oh, you're right! I should've save those writing samples, Oversight on my end! - Drew

[@barneygovan9425]

I use a pilot 912 with a gold SFM nib, and it's got a decent amount of flex - might have to try the Falcon one day...

[@Gouletpens]

I love my 912 and ALSO want a Falcon! You're not alone! - Drew

[@mat99rich]

The one thing I enjoy is the bounce even if I don't flex my "flex" nibs I enjoy the softer writing experience you get from a flex nib. And of course adding some flair every once and a while just comes with the territory.

[@bellacilia7594]

Yay.. flex pen!! 🖋️

[@islaymmm]

One "problem" with modern finer nibs I've found is they can be pretty unforgiving of inaccuracies in your handwriting and they are prone to making the lines look a bit sharp. So while the line variation can look nice it doesn't always make for prettier letters. I like what you got with the pineider the most in this video despite it not being the finest nib, and it's probably versatile enough to be a daily driver as well. I personally like dip pens when I wanna be extra fancy since it's much easier to get that sharpness under control even with an extremely fine nib.

[@michaelreed649]

Fantastic video as usual. Thanks Drew

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for saying that, Michael! - Drew

[@jacobling2119]

Hi, just that you should do one for Pelikan M200/M205 steel nib, because that nib is also famous for a bouncy steel nib, so would really interesting to see one in action. Maybe you can slot in a small session in the weekly pencast! And remember to assign a Drew's rating after that!

[@deniseplasse5126]

This was great! I love that you showed so many! It certainly answered MY questions about flex nibs and which one I want…. falcon! Lol

[@Amyduckie]

The omniflex deserves the full penguin, come on! Lol.

[@SilverDelta]

Thank you Drew, now I want a Pilot FA nib and a Platinum. o.O

[@Gouletpens]

I have a 912 with an FA nib and I love it! - Drew

[@SilverDelta]

@@Gouletpens added to the wishlist ^.^

[@alexandrapirvu7945]

Interesting and useful video, Drew! And also amusing :)

[@masont2429]

I feel like this is how the scientists at the CDC handled covid. Sorry Drew I may have just hit you below the belt. Great video! 😅

[@Azizjan76]

please also try platinum honest 60 and white feather, they are really awesome

[@amandajstar]

I like this, Drew. Good fun!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for joining me, Amanda! - Drew

[@N1inSK]

Your scoring system is a bit quirky, but accurate. I award your viden all of Jupiter plus its 4 Galilean satellites.

[@osirisgolad]

Hold up, hold up... Are these premium quality engineered-for-fountain-pens Drewlet toothbrushes, or just regular old drug store toothbrushes? It obviously makes a huge difference to the score for the E95s.

[@Gouletpens]

Good point! I should have specified! lol - Drew

[@Catherinzsl]

You raise an excellent point. I've recently seen "smart" toothbrushes for sale for over $500. Personally, I think a toothbrush that's $500 worth of "smart" should qualify as a dentist, but that's just me.

[@jenoakborn]

So much fun, good info and the best ratings evah! 🤣🤣🤣

[@peterpuleo2904]

Interesting grading system.

[@ameliabuns4058]

pilot kakuno is also a bit soft In my experience :3 after a light re-shaping of the nib to be less stub and more round it becomes my fav nib on all my pens even more expensive ones not as flexi as the diploma (never had one but I'm assuming) but still more flexy than most steel

[@EastWind123]

Top-notch presentation. This video has obviously earned three turkeys and one hammock.

[@Gouletpens]

That's EXACTLY what I was shooting for! Thankya kindly! - Drew

[@QueenB-ee]

The rating system just made my morning!!! I give it 3 happy muffins and a block of chocolate!!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! All the happy muffins, please! - Drew

[@mindpoacher4732]

Drew!!! I really appreciate your review!!!! Those are nice nibs for new pens! But I'll always go for my vintage fountain pens.....if they could ever duplicate those old nibs!!!! I give your review 4 buttons 2 socks and 1 tire pump . I noticed you weren't drinking your " coffee" 😊 alrighty than ....that is all.

[@Gouletpens]

LOL I had a coffe IV pump off-camera, don't worry. :) - Drew

[@rainysaturdaycreative]

I have the Omni flex nib as my first flex nib and I was wondering if I was doing something wrong because I wasn’t getting the line variation I wanted, though I mean I still love the pen. I will rewatch this video before buying another flex nib. I really appreciate you doing this!

[@mayomancer527]

Nice comparison of all different modern 'flex' nibs! I sometimes get lost when people talk about flex nibs because each one can be very different. By the way, which was the ink used?

[@basta.dotto_]

You're killing me Drew: I'm on a keto diet. Happy Muffins here, Happy Muffins there, Happy Muffins everywhere! I bet you wrote with Chocolate Brown, or something-Pecan. Sigh... I'm hungry :(

[@trlan55]

I have the Innova with the Omniflex nib - for me it resend a -3 rotten tomatoes. I had to push down so hard that I was afraid of springing the nib. That being said, without pressure it writes pretty well.

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, it's a weird nib. - Drew

[@canadakaren1131]

Thanks Drew! After a hideous day at the office I needed this. I give it 4 corgis and a pizza cake!

[@Gouletpens]

ALL THE CORGIS!!! - Drew

[@Klokopf52]

FPRs Flex Nibs are the closest thing to an "old" Flex Nib i have seen so far (apart from really expensive semi custom stuff).

[@jinseinogakuseiesq2724]

Oh my goodness!!!!! Triple tail!!!! I cant believe I havent seen you...

[@willieb918]

Such a dork I love it and I loVed your scoring system.

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! I am indeed - thanks for watching, Willie! - Drew

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

Well, that was a lot of fun as well as being informative! The one drawback (similar to all Goulet and Brown videos): I know want to dash off an order for a couple more pens to Virginia! Could I have a lotto jackpot, please? Rating: 🤴🥂🥂🥂🎻🎻

[@Gouletpens]

LOL we appreciate any support, Michael! Even if it's just one ink sample! - Drew

[@dangaines405]

Great video! For some reason you wrote at a very sided nib position with the Pilot 912 FA.

[@mjpete27]

Well Drew I am going to give you the 👍🏼 for your efforts. Not sure that your rating system is as deserving, but it got your video a comment nonetheless! Thank you for sharing your opinions on flex nibs with us. Oh my favorite flex is still the TripleTail from Noodler’s!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks so much for watching! - Drew

[@hawkeye454]

Came for the pens, stayed for the ratings.

[@archivist17]

Happy Muffins to you too, Drew! I rate this video three crazy shirts and one turkey hammock 😀

[@Gouletpens]

Happy Muffins and Hammocks! - Drew

[@phillipstroll7385]

That Justus nib reminds me of the wearever pennant dollar pen stay wet nibs. Which is my favorite nib of all time. It's steel nib is more flexible than today's flex and gold nibs combined. Love it love it love it and it was only 3usd. And it wasn't even wearever's flex nib. Which is just awesome and makes today's nibs a joke.

[@Delta66-jz1vl]

Thanks for the review, is the nib on the Diplomat Magnum a special "flex" nib or does the flex you describe apply to all Magnum nibs?

[@johnsomers8269]

What about the Kaweco tri tine nib, and is the Noodler's out of the running?