PenBBS 494: A good pen for less than 10 USD?

[@totallylegit2068]

this is the penbbs 494. i was looking for reviews for it but it turns out this video was actually about it, not the 322. the 322 is a cartridge converter pen.

[@totallylegit2068]

this is also the old version of the pen, the new one take 1 turn to uncap and has a section that tapers up to a curved edge instead of a step down to a ridge like this.

[@totallylegit2068]

also the section is more like a round section with 3 facets cut into it like a toned down safai unlike the curves of the old one.

[@totallylegit2068]

the piston clicks into place if you screw it harder back btw

[@totallylegit2068]

i keep leaving comments but miamian marshmallow is the low end penbbs line, consisting of the 322 and 494

[@stepheninks]

Thank you for this comment. I did some research, and I see my error now. I’m going to change the video and description as well as pin this comment. Not a 100% fix, but it’s the best I can do. In my defense, I didn’t buy this pen, but was given it by a viewer, and I had to try and find out what it was. They looked so similar I missed the differences.

[@deanandreoli1975]

Hey! I forgot I put that in there. I have a bunch. i love them for traveling. the ef Marshmallow nib is a fave for me. They do also come in F and M nibs. So affordable for almost anyone. and if you break or lose it in travel, it doesn't stab you in the wallet. p.s. I just got the new PenBBS piston filler, the 495 model. A HUUUGE improvement over their 309 piston filler. Absolutely worth the 28 bux. Great video, as usual!!🎉

[@stepheninks]

This thing is a gem! Would not have bought it myself, but I’m glad I own one. Thanks again!

[@jaimejaime1178]

Hi Stephen. Jim from Madrid, Spain (an expat living abroad). I've got to say that in reality it all depends what you can afford to cover your needs at a minimum good quality. I use Fountain Pens both for drawing and writing. I started last October (2022) buying my first FP, a J. Herbin mini FP with India Ink (didn't know what the he'll I was doing at the time). It actually worked pretty well, though it was a high maintenance setup And very low ink capacity (learned the hard way). Afterwards I bought my TWSBI ECO (most expensive FP I have at 48€ - 😃😃😃)... It's my EDC for EVERYTHING! Love the pen! Then I bought 4 Jinhao's x750 ( nibs) (19€) + a pack of 5 Jinhao's FUDE nibs (10€) + a pack of 10 Zebra G nibs (11€)... And yeah, watched more Art videos and went berserk! 😓😃😃. After that, my wife gave me as a present a LAMY Safari/Vista (demonstrator) with an nib (22€). Also a very good pen and my 2nd most expensive one. Later on, I got a Platinum Preppy nib (9€), which by trying to take out the feed and nib I terribly bent the nib, but was able to fix it and works great now (using it as an eyedropper). And finally (so far), I just bought 2 Jinhao's 80 with nibs in a pack (less than 8€/each)... All my Fountain Pens I use with different inks and mainly for drawing and Art (ink & wash, ink alone + also writing everyday). Now I'm going to buy a 1.5 Stub for my LAMY (writing purposes since I have multiple nibs for drawing) and I am also evaluating the possibility of acquiring one or more Pilot Parallel FPs for Lettering. I also paint in Watercolor & Gouache. But... Why am I boring you with all this? To make a point! How much money can you spend and what are you going to use the tools for? Because they are tools - awesome tools and ECO friendly tools, if you use them with converters and your own ink, reducing tremendously your plastic imprint. My budget is LIMITED (married with children, lots of life needed expenses to cover, etc.). Thank God today we have soooo many options to chose from at affordable prices... Are you a "Collector"? That's then a different story... So... buy efficiently to cover your needs and requirements at the budget you can spend (same as with everything in life!). And enjoy it for its purpose! But... try not to waste! That's what I do and I get things done efficiently... BTW... This PenBBS you've reviews looks GREAT (Bang for Buck!). I'll check out availability (and costs) on this side if the pond... I love piston fillers (for their Ink capacity) as well as Demonstrators (for ink levels)... I draw and paint with so many inks (besides my other painting mediums) that I will be able to use these Fountain Pens for sure (if available over here at a reasonable price). Thank you again for your video content and I am a follower of your channel... Cheers from Sunny Spain! 😁👍😎

[@stepheninks]

I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. Pen buying is a very personal experience, however, and it means different things to different people. Some are collectors, some are historians, a few artists, conservationists, pen and paper purists, and a lot of people who just like the feeling of a glassy nib on some nice paper. I would say that I probably wouldn’t have the same collection as I do if I wasn’t hosting a KZbin channel that reviews pens. My justification (weak, though it might be) is that people with less finances can see what’s good before buying. All in all, I think more than buying pens, more than using pens, and more than daydreaming about pens, what I enjoy the most is talking about pens with other people who really love pens. Thanks for your comments.

[@adrianmuino3412]

It seems to be similar to the PENBBS 494 (u$s10), mine is a bit dry and the nib is hard, but well constructed anyway. Cat's rule social media, so keep drawing them please!

[@stepheninks]

At this price point, I’m willing to forgive inconsistencies with the nib. As long as it isn’t going to crack or start leaking on me. If you have the tools, the nib can be altered to your liking. I didn’t have to do that with this nib, but I have with pens that cost me 3-4 times as much!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

My $5.00 Pilot Varsity sometimes writes better than my much more $ pens 😂😅

[@stepheninks]

Why do I feel like more money makes pens worse? That’s not right… is it?

[@Cortesevasive]

I would suggest Pilot penmanship, sth like 7euro and its refillable and screw on cap seals well, and the nib is up to pilot standards and maybe minimal tuning makes it perfect.

[@ichirofakename]

This morning I was drawing with my $25 Stabilo EasyBuddy beginner's fountain pen. It's easy to hold and control, and makes a nice, even, smooth wet line. It made me wonder: why the HELL do I own $200 pens? What a complete idiot. On the plus side, I happen to own a collection of 12 different beginner pens (with nibs) and they are ALL PERFECT and trend even cheaper.

[@stepheninks]

I go through cycles of hating myself for buying expensive pens… then hating myself for buying cheap pens. The thing that I can’t hate myself for, however is buying pens. I like pens.

[@ichirofakename]

@@stepheninks Good point. Only problem is I like Sailor Pro Gears.

[@stepheninks]

@@ichirofakename I have a similar problem.

[@Cortesevasive]

Yeah but cheap pens usually age badly, the materials are not as good and the seal is not as good so it dries up. Meanwhile the first real fountain pen i bought was pelikanP205 and its in top working condition although it endured years of torture. 200+ for Pilot pens are totally worth it.

[@ichirofakename]

@@Cortesevasive That's a good point.

[@richardfuchs5131]

We southpaws like posting our pens. Lol.

[@stepheninks]

It’s nice to have a formidable sized pen with which to smear your inks.