New Model 2022 Penbbs 489 Touchdown Filler Fountain Pen Review

[@thorhilda]

The more I learn about the history of fountain pen innovation, the more impressed I am with the Sheaffers of old. I know they didn't invent everything themselves but rather acquired patents from brilliant inventors but, nonetheless, it was a brand that was committed to excellence, as much as possible at a reasonable price. It is a pity that the philosophy embodied by the "white dot" no longer exists. Thank you for taking the time to explain the history of the Touchdown filling system. It is by detours like these that reviews take on a dimension beyond mere consumerism. You are a true connoisseur, not a hoarder or an covert sales representative. That's rare and refreshing.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you Þórhildur. That is much appreciated!

[@chrisrap52]

Thanks for the reference. I stand by my views on this TD pen. 0.8 ml is what most converters hold, same as TD. The sac is covered by 2 metal tubes, a clear sac will not show ink level. PenBBS could add an ink window in the section as your Sheaffer has. I appreciate the variety of PenBBS and do believe they have the greatest variety among modern pen makers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey Chris! Yeah, I didn’t say clear sac, I said clear sac protector. Like clear acrylic over PVC.

[@chrisrap52]

@@InkquiringMinds The sac protector is part of the TD system. Outer sleeve attached to blind cap is the other. I can see these made of clear plastic & working as a TD. Tolerances are tight to regulate air flow. Like the Sheaffer, metal is used for these critical components. To me, a complex filling system for a mediocre ink capacity.

[@aaron3890]

@@chrisrap52 I think the whole point of having this filling system is so you can have a farting pen. Just my thought haha

[@ungabungus01]

Snorkel penbbs when? That'd be crazy to see and at that point I'm not sure where they can even go next as far as filling systems go. If they made a vanishing point like pen that would be amazing also

[@jovantrujillo5571]

Parker 61 capillary filling system after they achieve the snorkel.

[@andrewscott9610]

Doug get feeling better. Another amazing video. What a beautiful pen.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much 😀

[@santiagomerinoacevedo7475]

Great video. Highly illustrative and instructive as usual.

[@Jartravian]

I ordered one of these after watching your unboxing video, and hearing all the nice things you had to say about Penbbs in general (recent subscriber here). Can't wait to try it out.

[@lk26181]

Thank you Prof Doug.

[@davecharvella4854]

A great review and a tutorial, to boot ... 😎

[@mrcat3493]

Another great review. I just ordered a Galaxy Blue for myself, the Touchdown filler is really neat and for the money I had to have it.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good choice!

[@aag24]

Thanks

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow! Thank you so much!!!

[@Javi_C]

Oooo thanks for showing us Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

You bet!

[@philippebarillecavalier9275]

Your love of penbbs galaxy blue didn't go unnoticed! Right now, I can hardly find a single model available with galaxy blue or amber.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I looked at the Penbbs Etsy shop the other day and they had two models with Galaxy acrylic in stock.

[@paulstant9865]

I have about a dozen Sheaffer snorkel and tip dip Pens altogether and love them. I look forward to trying the Penbbs489 out!

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is an interesting pen!

[@archivist17]

All those galaxies must make a universe! 😆 Thanks for an interesting and informative review, Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I know, right?

[@swyftty2]

I would love to see how this pen performs with one of the gold calligraphy nibs or multiple

[@amyfeigt6715]

I may need to put myself in time out from watching your videos! I have one of these en route as well! (along with several others... Oops🤭) I love your videos because you highlight excellent pens which don't break the bank (well, perhaps unless you order ALL of them... Lol) but, this is giving me the opportunity to try many different styles of pens, different filling systems, different nibs, etc. For the same cost as one single high end pen without sacrificing writing enjoyment. Although I AM jealous that I've yet to be able to find any of the Galaxy colors available anywhere. Ah... Someday! Keep enabling all of your pen-addicted fans!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome! Thanks, Amy!

[@georgeparapadakis]

Thanks, good review as always. Waiting for my 2 489s to arrive. I have dozens of vintage TDs, but didn’t know that in the Legacy TD you can remove the cartridge. I’m curious to find out if standard Sheaffer cartridges (with the flat front) fit in this pen. Also, we know from the Imperial I that the TD system can work without a sac protector and a plastic plunger, so in principle your idea of a transparent one does work.

[@InkquiringMinds]

My Sheaffer Valiant will not accept cartridges. Apparently, Sheaffer introduced a cartridge/TD convertible filler with the Legacy in the mid-90s.

[@georgeparapadakis]

Update: received them today and I can confirm that the 489 can take standard Sheaffer ink cartridges! They fit snuggly into the section and they fit nicely inside the plunger. Annoyingly when trying to unscrew the plunger on the transparent one, the plunger knob came off instead, but it was a case of just tightening the internal screw. Good to know that it can be taken apart to change the seal… eventually!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@georgeparapadakis Excellent! I’m going to try it too! I’ve seen others have that end knob issue as well.

[@jeffroberts532]

Nice review, as always. How is the pen in terms of cleanup? Especially if you want to change inks.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is an easy cleanup. I used my syringe to shoot water into the TD unit and it cleaned up nicely.

[@jeffroberts532]

@@InkquiringMinds good idea! Thanks Doug. I have a galaxy on the way. Missed out on Amber.

[@oscarmedina1597]

Another excellent review with just the right punch: 16:10 .

[@InkquiringMinds]

I put that in there thinking of you, Oscar! ;)

[@oscarmedina1597]

@@InkquiringMinds, love you too!

[@JayJayYUP]

I just love how PenBBS keeps going back to test the waters with features found in past pens to see how well it holds up. Btw, what was that awesome string piece playing during the writing sample quote? That sounded awesome!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Jason! That was the middle of the piece that opens and closes my videos from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "Spring" Allegro (in E major).

[@vageli]

Sir Doug, much 💖 to you and your 7 strokes to Inky Happiness. You always have great content for us to NJOY!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you kindly

[@stefanwood2182]

Outstanding, Doug. Love the detailed history of the filler and the mods that Shaeffer did to improve the model. That PenBBS has shown a willingness to take those old filling methods and apply them to modern designed pens does show a creativeness and risk taking that other pens companies are hesitant to do. Sad that it doesn't post, but I accept that for this model - perhaps it could be modified on a later version. FInally, I love that I could have the option of putting a cartridge in this (looking at the LAMY right now). I would think PenBBS would eventually offer separately replacements for the sac holder mechanism should something happen. Yes, PenBBS and Ranga are the leaders in variety, though only PenBBS has models utilizing different filling systems. Rangas are cartridge, converter or eyedropper. You should look at the Ranga model that incorporates the Schaeffer nib from the 70s. Real nice. Looking forward to receiving mine, but because of the holidays in China (Moon Festival, I believe) the shipment has been paused for a couple of weeks now.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Are the steel Sheaffer imperial nibs on those Ranga/Sheaffer hybrids as good as the gold?

[@stefanwood2182]

@@InkquiringMinds stiffer, but smooth. The model is the Ranga 4CS.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@stefanwood2182 Yes, I've hovered over the "buy" button a few times.

[@stefanwood2182]

@@InkquiringMinds the nibs are apparently swappable. You can ask to confirm.🤔😁

[@LisaPottinger]

The 489 is smaller than I expected. I was expecting it to be more like the 355 in size. Although, I have medium sized hands for a woman the smaller size feels slightly “off” to me. I guess I’ve got used to larger pens lately. I have the Galaxy, demonstrator and Niangao finishes and they look absolutely stunning, as always. I’m sure I’ll get used to them after a few writing sessions.

[@stefanwood2182]

My Galaxy Blue arrived today. Not capping is a negative, but I like the size and feel of the pen, and the nib, as always, is great. The look is excellent. They just needed to taper the barrel a little more and the cap would slip on deeply and securely.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree 100%, Stefan!

[@stefanwood2182]

@@InkquiringMinds The 456 still rules, followed by the 355 and 308 as virtually tied for me. This is just below that. If capped, then higher.

[@stefanwood2182]

Well, I'm finding I'm enjoying writing with this pen uncapped more than I would have expected. The balance is very good, and the nib is smooth - my writing glides across the page. I put a LAMY cartridge in it, and while I'm not so crazy about their black - I prefer the Pilot standard black - I'll try to do a syringe refill with the Pilot ink and see how that works out. I know it runs counter to the purpose of the pen, but I do like the option of placing a cartridge in it. But the size is hitting a sweet spot for me - not miniscule, nor like a jumbo cigar pen. This is someone with large hands/

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@stefanwood2182 Putting cartridges into a Touchdown filler is something Sheaffer actually did with the Sheaffer Legacy. So, it is a thing!

[@stepheninks]

Interesting review, Doug! I also had some flow issues with my 489. My video comes out Monday! Thanks for the tip about the Parker cartridge. That might be a way I go with this one. Also, I had never seen your method of making the pen dryer. I usually do the “7 strokes” method reverse writing. Maybe someday I’ll be brave enough to try your method.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool! I look forward to your review!

[@wayneo5342]

I was just going to ask Doug to watch your video Stephen. I have one of these on order. This is a pretty good amount of money for this retired old phart, so please please keep us posted guys. Thank you so so much!!!

[@stepheninks]

@@wayneo5342 I definitely feel like for the money, the 489 is really overshadowed by some of the absolute gems in the PenBBS lineup, such as the 456, 308, and the 499 (among others) those are just 3 of my favorites.

[@williamcatalano1762]

Man Doug I'm ready for Hockey season as well haha Let's go Blues!! The only thing about this pen I seem to be a bit disappointed in is that it doesn't post. I'm a poster. I'm excited about the filling system, love anything vintage styled. Also I saw Leonardo put an ink window on the new version of the momento zero grande. I asked on the post if they were doing the same to the Furore Grande as well... They didn't say anything back but liked it haha So who knows?? I wish they would make new colors in the Furore Grande!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I've seen the MZG 2.0. Very interesting. I find it odd that the Furore and Furore Grande don't get more attention.

[@williamcatalano1762]

@@InkquiringMinds I still have yet to get both the regular Furore and grande version. I like the colors of the regular furore way more though. Wish they would do a celluloid or some vintage looking jade green or something like that. I'd be on those fast haha

[@willemgroenewegen5934]

My 489 Touchdown arrived yesterday (transparent black). It was almost half price in the Aliexpress summer sale. (Pens Supplier Store) It arrived in the same box, but with the screw in the top finial audibly loose. That's how I found out there is also a tiny silicone ring under the screw. Rarely have to tackle such tiny screws, so took me a while to find a suitable screwdriver in the shed. I heard the gurgle after screwing it in and pushing the rod down, so it must be ok now. Question: did you put silicone grease between the outer metal shell and the barrel? About to fill it up for the first time so I'm going to watch this video again.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah. Just a bit to help it slide.

[@alohm]

Now I want the Tiger, mainly because I am a Tiger myself. Born in a Tiger year, at the hour of the Tiger. It is interesting, as unlike astrology in the west, the personal understanding tends to resonate far more. I believe the saliency flows from the inquiry into the intuition, and not an extra sensory entity. Like Carl Jung, I find the exploration of the sense and nonsense to be fascinating. Awe inspiring even. If only there was a pen to match.

[@shane6242]

I got one just for the touchdown system...got a clear one but still can't tell how much ink I have left haha

[@jamesmiddleton2856]

One thing I like about this filling system is the flow of ink to the nib. With a #14 nib in one 489, and a #15 nib in another, I find the almost excessive flow to be an extremely pleasant aspect of the pen. Along with making the #14 not quite so crisp (a little work with micromesh made it a much more pleasant to use nib.)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good to know. I'm looking forward to my #15.

[@samyg123]

I’m a stickler for having a way to see the ink level. The fact this fits (some) cartridges is a saving grace. Nonetheless 💯 agree it is great to see the innovation from this brand

[@theProf_01]

OMG! Those galaxy blue pens are beautiful. If that sac can’t be removed, Penbbs will have to make the sac/protector tube unit available as a separate item for sale, of course depending on its lifespan. Great review - learned a lot. Looking forward to tomorrow’s Pen Resurrection video. 👍👍👍(wow! Three thumbs up again - the max rating) 😎

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree! Tomorrow's video is a Laban 325. Pen Resurrection Sunday will return next week!

[@WaskiSquirrel]

At the risk of an obscure reference: those blue pens remind me a lot of the Centropen celluloids! I can tell these are acrylic, but they are really well done! I own some vintage Touchdown fillers. I like them: they're simple to use and seem to hold plenty of ink. You have me almost curious about this pen! One thing I'm enjoying about the Chinese manufacturers is that they are bringing back some of the earlier filling mechanisms.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Jason! I agree about the Chinese manufacturers bringing back vintage systems - but it seems only Penbbs is doing this. The others are too busy copying Montblanc, Lamy and Pilot!

[@hannahzechariah5062]

Smaller ink capacity can be a selling point. I struggle to use all of a fill of ink and now consistently half fill pistons and vac fillers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That's true!

[@avgjoeshow4208]

So does this touchdown filler work more or less like a vacuum filler? Only it has a sac instead of using the body of the pen?

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is a pneumatic filler. Which means the sac is compressed and then the compression is released and the sac expands thus creating a vacuum inside it and it draws up ink.

[@paulherman5822]

JG3 said the sacs are "silicone" (probably actually PVC like every Chinese aerometric today, and like was in the Parker 51.) So, probably will be good for several lifetimes. If so, I am definitely sold on getting one. "Sac fillers are too hard to clean." Have you tackled a German piston filler? I cut my teeth on sac fillers, so I ain't scared. If they come out with a Tip-Dip nib... I would be ecstatic.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I’ve got a beautiful ocean blue Sheaffer Cadet Touchdown filler (circa 1953-54) with the Tip-Dip nib. I love it a lot. My most inexpensive vintage Sheaffer pen, too. Bought it 2 years ago for just $50.

[@paulherman5822]

@@sajjadhusain4146 Mine is green, and looks to be still working with the original sac. Don't make them like they used to...

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the info, Paul!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@paulherman5822 ..Cool! I love green more. These were just outright excellent pens by every measure that matters. Good on us both to have this particular Sheaffer. 👌

[@paulherman5822]

@@sajjadhusain4146 Ultimately I got it because it looks like one i remember seeing on my grandfather's desk. If I had realized back in my teens probably could have had it... 😢

[@Guderina]

I guess you can count me among those fp geeks. My 489 in "galaxy" is in its way to my home now....😁

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome! You'll love it, GeekyGuderina!

[@edwardwiper1323]

Hi Doug received my 489 in Galaxy & have been using it for a week.Just removed the barrel from the section & found ink on the section treads & in the barrel,it appears to be coming from where the sac cartridge pushes into the section.Wondered if you’d had or heard of this problem & yes it was pushed into the section correctly?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think I heard someone else mention the TD unit didn’t fit tightly. Grease the threads of the section. That will help.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I doubted if I would get this pen. But with the option of using Lamy cartridges is a definite plus. Will be ordering it today. I thought this pen would be too complicated but that is not the case. Great review, Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Paul!

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@InkquiringMinds one of the tins I like about pens from China is the ease of maintenance for most of the pens. Other manufacturers should take note.

[@coreyjs55]

just got my 489 in yesterday, also in galaxy. it's my first from Pen BBS, and I can see why you hold them in such high regard, the nib is right there with the big brands in terms of quality. the touchdown filler is interesting, and I'm glad they brought it back, but its really making me want to go and get a vacuum filler. maybe when the 456 galaxy is back in stock. and as a small coincidence, my sheaffer imperial iv came in on the same day, I'll need to replace the sack in the TD mechanism on that one however. and i just ordered an ultrasonic cleaner to put it in. it'll be my first restored pen so I'm pretty excited.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very cool, Cory! Congrats! Good luck on the touchdown. I just restored a 1950 Sheaffer Craftsman TD. You'll see it Sunday.

[@coreyjs55]

@@InkquiringMinds I'm looking forward to it! and I know you're going to be doing the inkvent soon, but I wanted to recommend Sheaffer Coastal Blue to you. I recently got some in and it is a beautiful turquoise. the other turquoise inks I have (Waterman inspired blue and Pelikan Turquoise) are both on the bright blue side but this is closer to the green / aqua side of the colour. plus they brought the little ink well back to their new bottles, kind of like a built in ink miser.

[@failedgrace2891]

I myself love their Hotaru color and strive to get just about every iteration I can. I'm hoping they make one in the 355 improved version, if I haven't missed it already.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Looks like Gatorade to me! LOL

[@avgjoeshow4208]

How do they come up with the numbered naming system?? I couldn’t keep track of that. A magnetic filler sounds interesting

[@ichirofakename]

Yes, the magnetic guy is very intriguing. Too bad it doesn't work.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Precisely, Ichiro!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think there is some method to their madness, but life is too short to figure it out.

[@kylehazachode]

can you use your fountain pen clout and ask penbbs to make a snorkel filler?

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Ask PenBBS to first start offering more varied, far better nibs than they currently do, before they go aping Sheaffer’s snorkel filler. Even the nibs on vintage Sheaffer pens are leagues better than anything the Chinese makers offer today.

[@InkquiringMinds]

George: I have little, if any, clout with Penbbs. Long doesn't speak English and will not return my calls!

[@aag24]

Another marvellous video Prof Doug sir, thank you very much. What a lovely pen. I like that Galaxy acrylic too -- but by the time I come to buy there are only the horrible acrylics left! . C'est la vie! (You won't have noticed (unlike you, a famous PEN-fluencer, I'm just an ordinary person) - but I have been banned from Instagram - they've accused me of being "under-age". Very flattering, but I'm not prepared to send Meta a copy of my passport!)

[@InkquiringMinds]

You have to follow "Taste the Rainbow" on Facebook and watch for Beini announcements and then get up early on Sunday mornings and keep refreshing Etsy until she starts filling the shelves. They only had around 25 of the Amber is a Cat 489s and they disappeared in under five minutes.

[@aag24]

@@InkquiringMinds I'm afraid I don't have Facebook, thanks for the reply though, sir.

[@johnsomers8269]

Does Pennbbs offer OM, or OB nibs?

[@InkquiringMinds]

No, not as such. Penbbs nib charms are available in XF, F, and RM. Penbbs has 15 different calligraphy nibs that can give some very broad lines. In addition they have 14k gold nibs available.

[@unknowncrash1]

Nice

[@yes-hun]

Where can i buy it

[@InkquiringMinds]

www.etsy.com/shop/PENBBSOfficialStore?ref=usf_2020&section_id=27983877

[@wayneo5342]

Well, I got mine today. Very disappointed. There is a lot of space on the pen without the cloudy effect on it. I’d say that at least 25% of the pen is just blue. After rewatching this video, I also see that my pen has VERY little glitter on it. Almost none, in fact. I have a message out to the Penbbs store. I guess we’ll see what happens. Thanks for your help getting me started in my collection.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Each pen is unique. Sometimes you get one that is from a part of the rod stock that isn't as interesting.

[@ichirofakename]

1. Woah, that's a lot of blue swirly plastic. The man knows what he likes. 2. I think I am over pens with no ink level indicator. I have two, and that's one too many.

[@Tom4ick]

I hate it that I discovered your channel. I have now a penbbs on the way, and -40$ in my wallet.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hate is such a strong word. Try "I'm mildly annoyed that you've enabled my shopoholism"

[@Tom4ick]

@@InkquiringMinds hahaha I'm sorry. I really love your channel, and the way you review stuff (pens)! Keep it up!

[@bieberninja1]

I own the Penbbbs 456, 355 and 535 and I really appreciate their filling systems. I have no idea why anyone would be making modern fountain pens with sacs. I can understand Conklin with their Crescent I guess but Penbbs should continue to innovate not go backwards, just yuck!

[@Raul1971xxx]

Hi Dough.. ¿Have that pen replacement pieces?.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The filling system doesn't currently have any replacement parts. The nib, feed and nib collar with all the silicone rings are available in various parts on the official Etsy store.

[@Raul1971xxx]

@@InkquiringMinds Aha.. Thanks for the info. 👍🇪🇸