Moonman T1 Fountain Pen Review - great piston filler

[@mickmckigney4177]

Chris, on the basis of your comprehensive and very positive review I ordered a Moonman T1 which just arrived today from China. It is exactly as you describe: a very well-made and functioning pen. Thank you for introducing me to this excellent pen. :-)

[@dutch_blades]

Good to see the love child of a Kaweco Sport and a TWSBI Vac Mini made it's way to the market! :p

[@chrisrap52]

More like a Fine Writing & a Kaweco. In any view, a great pen.

[@ExterminatusDuece]

Thank you Chris, as always, an absolute pleasure watching your reviews.

[@lusitaniaaquarelala884]

Excellent review once again Chris. I received my T1 about a week and a half ago, in the blue anodised finish, and I agree with you the section is a little slippy, but my writing position is a little higher up, near the threads so I have no issues. Nor do I have any issues with the piston nob not locking, it closes pretty tight. The only problem with my pen,was the protective plastic inner cap which came out when unscrewing the cap, this was a easy fix, a little silicon glue on the inner cap threads, screwed back in to place and let the glue set/harden, it's now perfect. Again well done!

[@garyweybright3227]

Wow I bought one of these about two weeks back. Agree %100. You’re a great reviewer Chris! , Claudia

[@HeldinWrites]

I really like Moonman’s offerings. Just bought this and am excited to try it. Thanks for the video!

[@FountainPenJourney]

Thanks for your review Chris. I'm glad to see that you enjoy this pen as much as I do, even though I'm still not sold on the design elements.

[@mtgrave5590]

Great video. You answered my question about the nib assembly being the same as the C1. Thank you.

[@chrisrap52]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Chris. I was looking forward to your review on this pen. I’m glad your first order finally reached you. I’m still waiting for mine (blue). And after your superlatives about the nib, I’m really in anticipation now.

[@JoelTurrell]

As the credits rolled by, I noticed that this is "Episode 499", which means that your next one will be Episode 500. That's a remarkable achievement, and you should be very proud of it. It is truly a pleasure to walk along the Pen-Hobby Trail with you.

[@chrisrap52]

Thanks for following along to the end.

[@uhohDavinci]

I picked up the moonman t1 Brass, and I have to agree, it's nib was the best I've ever wrote with.. I dont what they are doing with them, bit it was faultless. Consistent ink flow. ZERO skipping ZERO hard starting, just works. I liked it so much, I ordered another moonman nib off of ebay assuming mine was a fluke. I now plan on replacing most of my #6 nibs with these. Pleasantly surprised.

[@luvloveless]

Thanks so much for clarifying the color of this pen! This is definitely the color I want!

[@mickmckigney4177]

Another very thorough and detailed review. One to go for I think. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Chris and appreciate you doing the legwork for us all. :-)

[@mickmckigney4177]

And I have gone and bought one of them. So a vote of confidence in your judgement Chris. :+)

[@chrisrap52]

You will not be disappointed.

[@ZenMasterIDontThink]

Had the magenta for a couple of weeks. Beautiful pen and a great writer. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your watching your pieces.

[@irishguy13]

Mine arrived last week. It looks good to me.

[@dren84]

Hi Chris. Very insightful review as always. Appreciate Your work and hobby. Best Wishes. Daniel

[@Penandpapers]

Hey Chris what's your experience after using it for 2 years ?

[@chrisrap52]

Very good. Pen writes well, looks great.

[@PensForDoodling]

This new one from Moonman looks great - it ticks all the boxes for me - it looks good but it's unadorned, large capacity, no pocket clip. I'm sure I'll be trying it in the near future!

[@MateuMatheu]

I thought I'd been lucky with these Moonman nibs on the M6 and C1. But this T1 nib shows that there is some consistency that I have not found in all my M600S. These Moonman units (nib, feed and housing) sell right now for $1.89 on AliExpress, silver or gold tone.

[@chrisrap52]

I have a few Moonman nib assemblies I order from eBay.

[@catwhisperer911]

Awesome review, Chris. Thanks for sharing. While I'm not so keen on the pen's form factor I have to admit that the nib does look awesome.

[@bhoola123]

I ordered one from Bobby through Amazon. Accidentally ordered the EF Bobby special and it came with a phenomenal Wing Sung EF nib. Nib writes a lot like the Faber-Castell loom. Was so impressed that I ordered two more T1’s with special grinds from Bobby through EBay. Unfortunately I ordered in the window where shipping had stopped for the Lunar New Year, and before the virus reared it’s ugly head . . . Anyway, the tolerances on the piston and barrel on my pen are so close that when I ink it you can actually see the ink pulling up first in the middle of the barrel, almost like a waterspout or a tornado rising, minus the rotation. Really cool.

[@chrisrap52]

Yes, I saw that too. Very well made pen.

[@tee_m]

Funky pen, it's kind of like 3 different pens merged in to one. Thanks for the review!

[@wtisaac]

Weird.... I used the wrench that came with my TWSBI Echo (red plastic one) and it fit mine perfectly. I took it out and silicone greased it and used the wrench to reseat it. Are the TWISBI Echos different? Mine is the T1 in blue. Surely the different color T1's wouldn't use different pistons??

[@MrEvoz]

Yes, I can confirm this is true. Twsbi's red plastic wrench fits on T1.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have heard of it but never considered it. I will now, if it still available.

[@chrisrap52]

Brass version on Amazon - www.amazon.com/Moonman-Fountain-Vintage-Transparent-Capacity/dp/B08DRJ86VR

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@chrisrap52 I looked at this and I don't think the weight designated is correct at 60gm, is it?

[@chrisrap52]

Yes 60gm, cap is 32. It is a heavy pen. The aluminum weighs 26gm. Less than half.

[@bengagliardo]

just descoverd your channle .. allways good getting finding another pen channle lots of luck in your channle

[@chrisrap52]

Welcome. There are 100s of videos for your viewing enjoyment.

[@fernandos5048]

Great video, loved the pen. One question, where do you get the grey undulated pen organizer where you display your pens? Thank you

[@chrisrap52]

gopens.com/12-x-16-slotted-display-trays/

[@ChrisSaenz13]

Thanks Chris - this is a very interesting pen!

[@afifakimih8823]

Beautiful pen..and great review as alwz.!! There is another beautiful looking pen from moonman "Moonman T2".plz do a review of this pen.

[@chrisrap52]

At this time I do not plan to review T2. Filling system like GO & 500. Shiny metal section not to my liking. I'm sure others will review.

[@ferrypen4952]

Anther great review Chris, I really like this pen. I will need to see about getting some of that PenBBS ink as well it looks pretty amazing on the paper.

[@kano1raider]

I am curious did you try the other pen color with a different ink is it possible you got a luck nib or are the new production nibs all that good.

[@chrisrap52]

Time will tell & comments from other T1 users. My C1 & M600 nibs were very good. I put a Monnman nib in a 352 & like it.

[@13noman1]

Appreciate the review. There's a lot here to tempt me -- except the somewhat slippery section. I have a few pens like that (my Diplomat Aero comes to mind) that, despite being great writers, don't make it into rotation too much because of that slippery section.

[@chrisrap52]

Then I do not recommend this pen for you. My Aero also not in rotation more for the balance than the section but I love the nib .

[@michaelmelling9333]

Mine is the same color and should arrive today via Amazon, should be fun!

[@chrisrap52]

Enjoy. 😋✍👍

[@matthewbeddow3278]

Thank you Chris . A nice looking pen with an excellent nib for a reasonable price , what more could you want. Regarding steel nibs v Gold, I have written with some wonderful steel nibs and gold nibs but to me in modern pens there is very little difference between the two apart from price. I don't understand the piston not going all the way down, i don't see the reasoning behind that but you got a decent fill anyway , so i guess it's not an issue.

[@chrisrap52]

Needed two fills to get a full fill. After more thought, I believe that is as far as the position rod goes. Only so long that rod can be. Each time I use the pen I say WOW.

[@matthewbeddow3278]

@@chrisrap52 That's great I have put it on my list of pens to get, I'm on a no spend currently. Glad your enjoying the pen though .

[@T_B1]

Hi Chris great video, I've just got a blue t1 I really like it. Do you know what the ink capacity is?

[@chrisrap52]

Underrated pens. Enough ink capacity.

[@T_B1]

@@chrisrap52 I was curious to see how it compared to the twisbi eco considering they are very similar in terms of function. Also would you be able to swap this moonman nib with any other number #6 nib?

[@chrisrap52]

Yes you can swap nib. I don't see the ECO comparison. Two pens that only share a piston filler.

[@T_B1]

@@chrisrap52 thanks Chris

[@humanfirst11]

Hi Chris, if you are still replying to old videos, which one you feel is the better writer, the T1 or the C1? , I am planning to buy one. Thanks!

[@chrisrap52]

Moonman No.6 nibs are consistent across models. For a pen design, I prefer the C1 over the T1. Feels better in my hand.

[@Maahantuoja]

Nice review, I really enjoy it even though I already have it. It's nice to sit back, relax and enjoy my morning coffee while watching great pen reviews. That is a great pen as I say. Moonman nibs are great, but now I have a time when I like more broader line so I switched that moonman nib to fuliwen nib what I think is also really greate. I really like fuliwen medium nib, it is really smooth to write, wet and broad line, and it is great price too. I have about ten fuliwen nib stored in my drawer, when I buy those I got 5 pcs little bit over 5 €. Until next time.

[@methodical_66]

Well what specific Blue Penbbs ink did you use? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@chrisrap52]

I show bottle in video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnyUi6ObaN-Ibqc

[@simonrobertson1985]

I love your videos. I would love to know what you would do if you had started your collection from scratch. What inks and pens would you get if you say had a one to two hundred dollar budget? I think you have a great eye for detail and would have a great answer to something like this.

[@chrisrap52]

Not an easy simple answer as I started 50 years ago. First need to decide what was most important, what is my writing style/needs, Do I want flashy or standard inks, permanent or not? Starting from scratch I would buy some standard inks, like Pilot Blue/Black, & some less expensive pens, Jinhao, Moonman, Wing Sung, Pilot, Platinum, all under $10, get different nibs in them. Maybe spend $50 total. Then as I used the pens & inks, decide what to buy next. Maybe a PenBBS, maybe a piston filler, maybe just some nibs to swap into pens I had. It is an evolution. What I wouldn't do is buy one pen with my whole budget.

[@kritter_fr]

I love the reviews! I was nervous about ordering this pen, but now I'm all in. One question I have though; can you replace the nib with a standard #6 nib from Bock? I find that the fine is much too fine for me, and I'd prefer a Bock Broad. Thanks! (Did I mention that I love your pen reviews?)

[@chrisrap52]

Thanks. A Bock B should fit OK. Enjoy. Did I mention I love comments?

[@kritter_fr]

@@chrisrap52 You did haha! Thanks for the help, I haven't been able to find information elsewhere. Enjoy your day!

[@afifakimih8823]

Very nice Very lovely fountain pen..exactly what I love about a fountain pen design,this is it.I already order gray one..💜❤❤ As alwz Great review!!

[@michaelmelling9333]

Great review. Can you tell us where you got your spare o-rings?

[@chrisrap52]

PenBBS sells a spare parts kit, they sell out quickly. There are sellers on eBay selling o-rings for pens. www.ebay.com/itm/PENBBS-pen-parts-package/183994985059

[@idipbananasintocoffee]

I like this one but I'm not sure there's a place for it in my collection since my brother got me a Narwhal piston pen for my birthday. The piston notch seems like it's pretty similar! Great review though!

[@chith6512]

Why do piston filled pins not make it harder to accidentally turn the piston? I find it very irritating that you can turn the piston with cap if it is posted.

[@chrisrap52]

Some piston fillers have locks.

[@spideyboy1922]

Pls upload a video about eyedropper pen

[@chrisrap52]

I have a few - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp6wlWdtfb6lqcU kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3muXqOupa2Na7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKe6mJ9pjrB_pdE kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZa0lZx3dpuqsKM

[@justbex2485]

I bought this on amazon and it worked well for a while then when I went to clean it the end popped off and it had plastic shavings that came out. I tried to get it back together but with no luck. I did get my money back but I dont know if i would get another. What are your thoughts

[@chrisrap52]

I have not heard of others having experienced that. My T1 works well, use it regularly. If you like the pen, get another.

[@Ryan_H22]

Nice review! Maybe the piston stop in the barrel is to keep the piston from coming completely unscrewed in the barrel? Just a thought. Edit to add: Are there any other low cost pens you know of the nib units will fit? I'd like to try one these nibs but 2 1/2 turns to get the cap off and no clip... not a pen for me

[@chrisrap52]

Moonman M600S has a clip, C1 & M8 do not. Or buy some loose 35mm Moonman nibs & put in a pen you like.

[@cebukitty]

Great review :) How is the acrylic of the T1compared to TWSBI? TWSBI Ecos are prone to cracking, and Ive had good experience with the M2s and C2s, no cracking issues so far.

[@chrisrap52]

Based on my initial feelings the plastic barrel will survive well. I've had TWSBI cracking experience & that design with injection molded parts is less stable.

[@cebukitty]

chrisrap52 : Thanks for the reply. Am gonna order the T1 too :D

[@bradyberry4815]

Do you think the kaweco sport clips would fit this pen?

[@chrisrap52]

No, T1 too large.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I was slightly tempted to get the T1 because of these superb new Moonman #6 nibs that write beautifully. But I never quite liked pens with dual metal and plastic/acrylic finishes. I prefer either in full body (barrel & cap) finishes. And the T1 doesn’t quite cut it for me, design-wise and overall appearance. I especially dislike that shiny, slippery looking section. I already have 20 excellent Chinese pens - all bought over the course of 2019. I’ve decided not to buy anymore, save one: the clear transparent Penbbs 355 Bulkfiller. I badly want that one. None other this year, until they finally start offering nice true M and B nibs. Besides, I’m saving up to definitely buy the pricey Waterman Exception Slim.

[@chrisrap52]

A very logical approach. My goal is to show you pens and have you decided if they appeal to you. I enjoy using a wide range of pens. Chinese pens have moved from a EF/F to a F/M nib but generally do not offer a variety of nibs on a model. I expect most pens are sold to Chinese customers, their nib choices will drive the future nib sizes. Keep your eyes open for a 355-16, they sell out quickly.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

chrisrap52 ...Oh, I can’t thank you enough for all the detailed, riveting reviews of tons of Chinese pens that you have put out here for all of us. I’ll readily confirm that a majority of my Chinese pen purchases last year were informed and driven by what I saw here on your channel. I’ve really despaired, though, of the default F nibs that I have to reconcile with on my Chinese pen buys. I never buy EF, and M nibs are rather rare and very hit & miss. Yes, I’m determined to get a pair of the irresistible 355s. A clear one and another one of a different, dark colour. I don’t want to buy any more pens and inks this year. I’ll dive deep into my existing beloved collection of legends.

[@felixaviseyii8878]

Its a mix of some famous fountain pens

[@ungabungus01]

Is this a number 5 or 6 nib? I'm more of a medium guy so if I could swap it with a jinhao #6 that would be nice

[@ungabungus01]

Looks like the m600s nib, which is #6

[@chrisrap52]

It is a #6 nib, like on M600S & C1.

[@ungabungus01]

@@chrisrap52 Thanks

[@knifenoob5411]

What’s your favorite moon man?

[@chrisrap52]

Hard to choose just one. The M600S would be my one choice. Nibs all the same so this is based on the pen. The M600S feels great in the hand, comes in many colors, very well made. In second place a tie, C1 & S5, excellent eye-dropper pens. 3rd is the M8, for it's unique beauty. 4th the T1.

[@alicesremedy9161]

If they made this all resin or at least kept the section resin, put a clip on it, and reduced the turns required to uncap (Less than 2; preferably around 1.5 or less), I'd be on board. The aesthetics are beautiful, but they sacrificed too much functionality for them, IMO. But it's nice to see Moonman explore Piston Fillers successfully. I'd like to see more from them : )

[@chrisrap52]

Not every pen can be everyone's pen. I have enjoyed the T1 daily since this review. Amazing nib, can write for hours. Yes, it could be better, but it is great as is.

[@alicesremedy9161]

​@@chrisrap52 It's good, but not great. They can do better. They sacrificed functionality for aesthetics to sell the pen, and I don't blame them. It's beautiful, attractive, and makes me want it. And while being satisfactorily functional, they didn't go the extra mile to make it optimally functional: They get an "A" for aesthetics, Nib performance, Dimensions, and Piston performance, but a "B-" at best for user-friendliness/ease of use and EDC-potential by not having a clip, requiring 2.5 turns to uncap, and making a metal section that can be slippery. It's a step in the right in the right direction, a positive evolution, but still not quite there.

[@hrnekbezucha]

Many Chinese pen makers understood that if you can make the pen disassemblable without any tools, it's always better. Surprising that Moonman didn't. Or that they didn't provide the tool necessary. Metal sections are a no-no for me, and so is non-locking piston. T1 is clearly not for me. But that's fine.

[@bhoola123]

I’ve had my T1 for a few weeks now, and I have never felt that having a non-locking piston has been any type of detriment. It is very secure. TWSBI Ecos don’t have locking pistons either. Metal sections are a matter of personal preference, and if I need to take apart my pen, I will figure out some way to do so. Really enjoying it at the moment, though.

[@hrnekbezucha]

@@bhoola123 I'm honestly glad you like it. I didn't know the twsbi doesn't lock either.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

The model is (T1) is not on the cap. The make Moonman is on the cap. It would be nice to see the model stated on the cap. First impression--“Woh”. Was not sure what that meant for another 5 minutes. Someone talked about a gold nib, “So, pppppopppttttt”. Ha!

[@mayurpatel2901]

Shocking review! I didn't expect that! Maybe I can find $30 in quarters if I take the cushions off the sofa....

[@AnzanHoshinRoshi]

Thank you, Chris.

[@melkon1an]

Anzan Hoshin Roshi it’s not a CHRISRAP52 video without your useless comment. I love this hobby.

[@Johan-vk5yd]

melkon1an Besides being a contribution emotionally to the community, I have the notion that any comment is food for the KZbin algorithm, meaning substantial support for the channel in question. ( Maybe I should’ve done this as a comment, and not an answer?)

[@bhoola123]

melkon1an I don’t think his comment is useless, but I agree - wouldn’t be the same without it!

[@pjbiggleswerth8903]

Should show the filling

[@chrisrap52]

Standard piston filler. Not unique. I don't show filling unless something special. Thanks for watching.

[@uhohDavinci]

Wait till you see the brass one!

[@chrisrap52]

Too heavy for me. Seems to be sold out on eBay.

[@uhohDavinci]

@@chrisrap52 definitely heavy! was surprised by its weight, but its mostly in the cap. it writes beautifully!

[@TheNightowl001]

Hey, Chris. At 7:49, you show four pens, and remark that the top one is a Wing Sung. In the information about the video, you show that as a Wing Sung 3008. I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you! However, if you know what it actually IS, I'd appreciate knowing! I have received three, now, no-brand pens just like that. All three have an EF marked on the nib (because I did order extra-fine nibs on all three of these orders), but I received these pens when ordering, variously, a Wing Sung 3008, a Wing Sung 698, and a PenBBS 494. They are, rather obviously, none of these. They're actually good writers, with pretty decent Chinese EF nibs, but they are not marked as Wing Sung nibs (which all my ACTUAL Wing Sung pens have), and it wasn't marked as a PenBBS nib, and actually didn't really look much like the 494 I saw in reviews. Because of the lack of any brand markings, I honestly to this point have no idea what model these are, or what manufacturer they are actually from. If you know, I'd sure like to know too! Thanks. Good review of the Moonman T1. I have one, but mistakenly got a medium nib instead of an extra-fine, so I will be ordering more with EF nibs in them!

[@chrisrap52]

I have found many piston fill Chinese pens with various designs that look like the 3008. I have found many eBay listing for the models you mention that show different pens. There is a great variety of similar pens being sold. The sellers may be guessing as to the model or using a known model to entice sales. As you say, if they write well that's what matters. There is no way to say who made them. I have over 20 similar piston fillers with various clips & nibs.

[@greyareaRK1]

Great looking pen.

[@TwistedArtdesigns]

OMG.. when nib to paper started...the sound made my teeth hurt like nails on a chalkboard! LOL Am I weird or did anyone experience that???

[@chrisrap52]

Sound is highly amplified. I can see how that could be unpleasant to some.

[@melkon1an]

ESCALATOR OF CHRIS

[@snoozleblob]

Now there's a Moonman T2! Has the twsbi go kind of spring piston filler mechanism though. Have you seen it or bought it? Would love a review! www.etsy.com/listing/775067954/moonman-t2-elastic-piston-fountain-pen?ref=notif_nfyfs****

[@chrisrap52]

Thanks, I have not seen. Interesting pen. Moonman is expanding their models. All sellers same price, eBay & Etsy, $25.99 USD. The design does not appeal to me, shiny small metal section. I have 4 excellent PenBBS 500s. These satisfied my spring loaded piston needs.

[@manoloyloles]

Great review, as always. This Kaweco + TWSBI (let's say) look is not for me. I was tempted but, after seeing the great images, look, slippery section... I'm definitely out.

[@servoveritas]

Parma Abogados. My first thought was: twsbi meets kaweco. I very much like the look of the pen especially the cap. But it looks fragile to me.

[@martinturecky42]

Thank you exactly what i had on mind nothing new from moonman and it looks like frankenstein

[@VariscoLuca]

Bought one even before watching this video. Landed here because I have issues with nib writing quality. I feel scratchy and skips. Extremely dry. Anyone else? I will try to adjust the nib. Regards

[@chrisrap52]

Mine continues to write well. I have not had a "bad" #6 Moonman nib. Have you checked tine alignment with a magnifier? You could floss the nib to increase flow. Scratchy & skips, smooth the nib.

[@entropy79]

Twsbi+ kaweko+Chinese quality

[@MisterNiles]

Made by real moon men

[@bengagliardo]

q tips and paret towels the mark of one thats been bitten by founten pens nownown cure .. but a few more. lol.

[@solstar4778]

You don’t tell us where or how much 👎🏻

[@chrisrap52]

Yes I did, see 17:22 in this video.

[@solstar4778]

chrisrap52 - 17minutes 22 seconds into a pen video! Something that should be brought up in the first minute and a half ! By then I have lost interest in the presentation! But it does not tell us where in the State of Texas that carry’s it ! And for $27 it’s not to my color liking !

[@chrisrap52]

You could just search eBay or Etsy. Prices change.

[@solstar4778]

chrisrap52 - your from India things are different here in Texas (USA) half way around the world from you!

[@nikthegreek4223]

I have made wrenches from some old keys with a file and they work perfectly on my penbbs pens. Now that I have ordered this one I think that I will make another one.

[@chrisrap52]

Great idea.