Platinum Curidas Preview (WN195)

[@Steeltoothees]

Just when I thought I didn’t need any more pens right now. You show this.

[@Inktensito]

Hey Team G, Thanks for the excellent overview vid, I wasn’t disappointed in waiting for the Goulet Scoop! I’d really love to see a shootout/comparison between this, the Vanishing Point (i own a few of these now!) and Lamy’s Dialog 3 (and any other retractable FPs that might be out there that I’m not aware of). I realise that the Platinum Curidas comes in at a rather different price-point than the VP and Dialog3 but I think it would still be interesting for people to see differences between the mechanisms etc. Keep up the great work!

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, I agree. I think a retractable nib comparison could be an interesting video idea! - Colin

[@thebrickshooter5974]

Agreed

[@jayatherton8673]

Yep!

[@marybaker8582]

Thanks to your sale, I have finally been able to get my Curidas. I have had my eye on it since it came out.. I thank you Goulet Pens

[@JacobDrosdick]

"I like things that I can't screw up" Me too, Drew. Me too.

[@diablomom]

Much to my enjoyment you two were ESPECIALLY awkward today. I love it! #fellowgeek And the pen is cool too 😎

[@sevenoctobers7471]

I am definitely getting this as my first retractable fountain pen. Thanks guys!

[@Speech-geek]

I’m decluttering my collection but this is one that I’m planning on getting. The red one looks so sick in the pictures - I can’t wait!

[@AnzanHoshinRoshi]

Thank you, Brian and Drew. Very curious indeed.

[@jeffellis662]

Brian you were using the clip removal tool wrong. It’s to slide the clip off to the click side of the pen and push it back forward. As seen in a video Platinum put out.

[@namope359]

Definitely a function over form pen, but that works, personally. I'm hoping to actually hold one at some point. Anything above $20 is my "I have to hold one before I take the plunge".

[@Indusxstan]

Astrid Gonzaga you’re smart.

[@Gouletpens]

And this is definitely a pen you'd want to hold. The clip, bumps, weight all could factor into whether this would be a useable option. - Colin

[@kimlindseyOH]

The nib shape looks similar to the old Platinum PTL, but that was a gold nib not steel. I'm glad it takes their converter, not just cartridges. My only hesitation is the clip/bump from the clip - - it might be in the wrong spot for some people's grips (like me, a lefty), and as you said the nib only aligns one way. Thanks for sharing this, Brian & Drew! Write On!

[@Gouletpens]

Interesting thought! It does look similar to the PTL nib, wondering if that would be swappable. I'll have to test it out when it comes in. - Colin

[@Gouletpens]

After testing, I don't think they'd be swappable! The PTL nib is actually bigger, which I was surprised by. - Colin

[@grayerthangreen]

I am burning for this. Two great hairstyles too! Lol.

[@MotoMarta]

Nice to hear an almost first impression from Brian of a new pen and the things he notices without getting to spend much time with the pen.

[@jim221jolley]

This looks great! I'm growing more excited to get one by the day!

[@Hexsyn]

Not going to lie, I have tried to get my curidas to replace my VPs for use at work since I would hate to damage a VP or lose it, but the mechanical problems I have had with the curidas makes me leave it at home. I think I am on the verge of figuring out how to fix the problem, but the fact that I need to fix it at all is a bit of a problem to me

[@mikethelma]

I have also had continually problems with it. It writes well, but the "tinker- toy" nature of it frustrates me. It is my only truly bad pen purchase.

[@0987977]

I just used a sample Curidas at the London launch of this been. Exciting!

[@sathishrao7926]

Couldn't resist the temptation of owning a second retractable pen after Pilot VP.. Just pulled the trigger !

[@MarysInks]

I am so excited about this pen!!

[@sweetpea22000]

Super excited about this pen

[@imomushi9528]

I am seriously surprised that nobody has mentioned it yet in the comments; but this pen has an ink window in the metal insert thing that houses the converter, neat!!

[@Indusxstan]

ImoMushi oh yes 😮 thanks !

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, definitely an intentional design. I will say it's somewhat hard to tell with the Smoke design, so I'd imagine it'd be tougher for any of the others. - Colin

[@adamccrawford]

I generally don't spend more than $30 on a pen, but if they offered it with a broad nib I would buy one in a heartbeat

[@Gouletpens]

Not sure if the broad nib is coming. Platinum doesn't typically offer broad nibs on their lower cost/steel nib offerings. But could be a possibility if they have a gold nib at some point in the future. - Colin

[@drnomad16]

This pen is awesome!

[@carmenclemons2556]

How sturdy would you say the plastic is? Would it survive being knocked around in a bag or a pocket?

[@karens_9234]

Good question. I'm wondering if the plastic is closer to Preppy/Prefonte quality or 3776 quality. Or somewhere in between?

[@Gouletpens]

I was actually surprised by the material quality. I don't think it's the same as the Preppy/Prefounte, it's more substantial and thicker. There's no way to 'lock' the click mechanism, so that could be a concern for a knock around option because if a book or something is pressing the nib out, could be an issue. But beyond that, it seems durable enough! - Colin

[@jierenzheng7670]

Is the nib exchangable with the preppy's?

[@Allthough]

In the world of tiny light bulbs and electronics cables, that locking system is frequently called a bayonet mount. Not sure if that term translates over to the pen world :)

[@growingayeard1061]

In the closeups, it looks like the Alien queen--which makes it even more interesting for me...

[@x-changex-outx-oner8224]

After reading your comment, all of a sudden I have a funny feeling in my stomach (did I eat too much 😨😨😨😨😨😆😆😆😆). I remember seeing Aliens when it first came out.

[@ChrisSaenz13]

I'm very much on the fence about this one since the price is high for my budget. I'm wondering about the cleaning? Would it have to be flushing with the converter? This video is the best I've seen so far - I very much appreciate the close up views of the mechanism!!! Thank you! I'm still undecided but it's great to see this cool pen up close!

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, I think flushing with the converter is probably your best option. The nib might be removable but probably more work than its worth! With the seal keeping the nib from drying out, hopefully the cleanings are few and far between. - Colin

[@anonymouse2428]

Does the Platinum Curidas have a fiber feed too, like their Plaisir?

[@samuellee3507]

Drew's Hades tumbler!!

[@bobbuilder118]

Thanks for the video. I’m looking forward to getting one. I’m think I’ll get the fine nib with the green or red body.

[@emobean]

I have a fine nib one, and hoo boy, I've had a time with mine.

[@jayashreelaxmekuppuswami8600]

Good time or bad??

[@deusex2032]

We will have the option to but replacement nibs?

[@Gouletpens]

As of now, there will note be replacement nibs available to retailers. - Colin

[@thadtheman3751]

Is that housing/door unit replaceable? Seems like after "so many" clicks that hinge could wear out and come off.

[@Gouletpens]

It's not something that will be available to retailers as a replacement option, but could be covered under a warranty. That said, I think it'd need some serious wear and tear to get to that point. - Colin

[@thadtheman3751]

@@Gouletpens The thing is that I suspect you can't just replace the unit, you have to replace the whole housing. As for durability, if people click like Brian often enough it will break.

[@LordCinnamon]

I love the pen. I will be excited to get one if they release more units in broad.

[@SoumendraM]

It is a cool FP and platinum nibs are awesome. I just wish they had a stamped nib, but I m curious!

[@johan4628]

I sure can't wait for a retractable nib pen for less than $70!

[@frizzen]

With the converter installed - do you have to take it all apart to fill it?

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, you'll still want to unscrew the back section and remove the nib unit. It's similar to the Pilot Vanishing Point in this way. - Colin

[@mikethelma]

Yes, it is a project every time.

[@Nick-cp3sr]

Brilliant review and fascinating pen... sadly the ‘ears’ and the ‘bumps’ in combination with my weird grip style preclude this as a choice for me... still cool pen! 😎 👍🏼

[@bcase5328]

The bump also will work as a roll-stop.

[@blueplague5911]

I am interested in this pen. I like platinum but nothing was ever really in my range

[@bradleyh8044]

Any insight into exactly when this pen is getting released now? I noticed that your site recently rolled the date back to sometime in March. Very little coming from Platinum on this.

[@Gouletpens]

The release was delayed a few weeks, looking like a mid-March timeline! - Colin

[@MarysInks]

Ack! Where’s my pen?!

[@bradleyh8044]

@@Gouletpens thanks! I suppose I can be patient.

[@barrylevitt1170]

A similar design to the Pilot Vanishing point. Is the converter included??? A deal breaker for me is if I have to purchase the converter separately. Thanks for the information.

[@bradle4162]

According to a live video from a Platinum USA rep in Instagram they're not sold with converters "to keep costs down".

[@barrylevitt1170]

@@bradle4162 Thanks for the information but 80.00 for a injected moulded plastic pen and no converter, the value is not there.

[@bradle4162]

@@barrylevitt1170 I understand. But some people only buy new and only uses EF, F, and M nibs so it fits the bill for some. Personally, I like broads and stubs and the lack of info of replacable units is my deal killer. Plus I don't mind secondhand.

[@barrylevitt1170]

@@Gouletpens Thanks for the information Colin but not including the converter is a deal breaker. You may want to run a survey to get your customers opinion about the converter and relay the infornation to Platinum. No company wants a new product to have poor sales because of a 1.00 item, at their cost, they did not include.

[@barrylevitt1170]

@@bradle4162 I have a Pilot Vanishing Point I purchased in the mid 1980's that is still working like new. I would like to try the Platinum but I know the Vanishing point will last years and my other concern is that the plastic components that hold the nib unit may break over time. Have a good day.

[@peterhofmann8292]

Brian & Drew, appreciate the overview of the pen. The one question I have is, how does the M nib compare to the western counterparts as Japanese nibs tend to write on the "finer" side. Not sure if you guys had the pen long enough to find this out. TIA

[@Gouletpens]

It'd say it's closer to European sizing with the M and than Japanese. It's a wet writer with good flow! - Colin

[@johnd9357]

Not available till March?

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, looks like a bit of a delay. Mid-March release more likely now. - Colin

[@busternineshoes]

That nib looks like it would be interchangeable with the 14k Platinum PTL 5000A.

[@Gouletpens]

After comparing the two side by side, I don't think it would be. The PTL nib is actually bigger/wider which was kind of a shock. Like a similar size comparison from a #6 to a #5 nib. - Colin

[@bkstarkey]

Wasn’t this pen initially cheaper? Could swear when I first saw my email about the link list it in the high $50s low $60s?

[@Gouletpens]

Yes, when it was first announced, it was $64. Platinum Japan decided later on to now allow discounting on this product, so it's back to $80, but we are now including the Platinum converter with it as well to offset that price increase. - Colin

[@bradle4162]

Personally, I have no problem buying used fountain pens. I think I gonna stick with the Vanishing Point. But hey, always happy to have more options.

[@Gouletpens]

No wrong answer in the retractable nib game really. Each bringing something interesting/worthwhile to the table. - Colin

[@marioferu290365]

Drew does drawings! Platinum chose to compete with the Capless Pilot at a more affordable price. I bet they gonna hit. This will be an addition to my Stipula, LAMY, Pilot capless collection for sure.

[@isturma]

Pilot sells an "alloy" nib version of the VP, basically stainless steel, overseas at about the same price point. It's not available in the US for whatever reason.

[@marioferu290365]

isturma Good to know! Blessings to you. I step watched something here in YTB but not paid attention.

[@neemancallender9092]

how does it compare to the VP

[@Gouletpens]

I think it's more comfortable in hand. A bit lighter, not as chunky as I find the VP. Click mechanism is similarly smooth, but the steel nib isn't quite the same as the gold you'd find on the VP. - Colin

[@Anycas]

I don’t know, i was kinda excited but this looks like a preppy nib. I think if you buy pens for their mechanism it is interesting to try, but the esthetics and the nib make it a meh pen. Sorry. I am still saving for my first VP and i think i am just gonna keep that as a goal of a retractile pen.

[@ichirofakename]

If you need a converter, I am sure you can add two numbers together and judge the value based on that number. I'm just the opposite: I wish they also charged for the clip, letting me buy it for less without a clip I never would use.

[@Gouletpens]

There's definitely an opportunity for a 'modular' fountain pen that starts inexpensive and you can add on things like a clip/converter/etc. - Colin

[@theresa_lili]

Nice!!

[@bryanmacam6127]

How heavy compared to a diplomat magnum?

[@Gouletpens]

A bit heavier than the Magnum (24g to 14g). Also, better balance with the weight. I find the Magnum to have most of the weight in the cap. The barrel itself is super light. - Colin

[@bryanmacam6127]

@@Gouletpens thanks colin, I am just waiting for the release gonna order soon. Im hyped on this one. Its my first first retractable fp and platinum.

[@Error-5478]

The removable clip is a huge turn on. I like the vp but the clip is in the way for me.

[@carolbrozman1415]

How does it write/perform? Writing sample? The nib looks cheap like a preppy? Is it better quality?

[@Gouletpens]

There is a writing sample of this with a medium nib towards the end of the video. I find it be a pretty wet writing with good flow, smooth as well. This is only the medium nib though, haven't had the opportunity to test the others. I'd the quality is better than the Preppy which can offer some feedback. - Colin

[@laitae]

I live the idea of a click pen (Decimo is in my top three pens), but shame it is not very pretty:(

[@maxthecatwizard7937]

Does anyone know of some noodlers inks that would match a Kaweco Sport in navy? I have tried noodlers Bad Blue Heron and it bleeds.

[@x-changex-outx-oner8224]

I'm using Noodler's Blue American Eel in my Opus 88 Omar and behaves very well. I'm using the ink with an EF nib, so I'm not sure how it would act with the nib size you're using (being a lubricated ink). It seem a bit light out of a EF nib. But using the same ink in my Noodler's Boston Safety Pen it comes out as a deeper blue....and that is a #2. sized nib if I am not mistaken. The paper I use is the Black n' Red or Clairefontaine. No bleeding (paper wise) nor nib creep (nib wise). Hope this helps.

[@Gouletpens]

Midnight Blue could be a good match as well. Ottoman Azure might be a tad lighter, but could work! - Colin

[@maxthecatwizard7937]

Thanks! I’ll order both ink samples

[@javiersp15]

The price and look don't add up for me honestly. I know it's a complicated pen to make.

[@theredbar-cross8515]

Makes me wonder why there's never been a VP demonstrator, or a VP with a steel nib at a lower price. A gold nib on a nib that small is kinda a waste anyway.

[@Gouletpens]

I believe there is a steel nib VP available, just not to the US market. Similar price point, but yeah a demonstrator option would be interesting! - Colin

[@kingpolaris]

How'd pen chalet beat you to this one ?

[@BrianHartman]

I don't think I'd spend that much on a retractable nib mechanism. I mean, it's interesting as a curiosity, but I kind of feel like if a retractable nib is that high a priority, I could save a lot of money with a gel or ballpoint. I get the novelty of it, of course. It's just not worth that much to me. But I love the Preppy I got from you guys. :)

[@DanielSpielmann]

Had a closer look at it at the Paperworld fair in Frankfurt earlier this year. I'd go for the Procyon anytime, as the Curidas to me just lacks a feeling of quality.

[@SArthur221]

How do you pronounce it you ask? クリダス

[@CaptainWumbo]

繰り出す to lunge, to unleash... probably was the intention, not dispatch lol. although "to sally forth" is a pretty good one too. Surprising that it ways the same as the decimo despite being plastic.

[@thebrickshooter5974]

okay so this would be a TERRIBLE pen to take to college for me because I cannot resist the fidgeting

[@mlbumller]

Pretty sad, dishonest and disrespectful of Platinum to pull the rug from vendors by not allowing an introductory price demanding the $80. I tried to email the USA distributor, but the email was returned as invalid address. I know I will probably not consider the brand for sometime.

[@horseshoe_nc]

My thoughts exactly. At a street price of $64, I was considering picking one up. At full MSRP of $80, I would rather get a Pilot retractable, for about the same price or slightly more.

[@mlbumller]

Posted a comment on thre Facebook page, no reply

[@horseshoe_nc]

@@mlbumller, I posted my disappointment in a few comments on Platinum USA's Facebook page. I've yet to get a response.

[@JaniceHudson]

The pronunciation comments so far would be unhelpful to someone who can’t read Japanese 😹 koo-ree-dah-soo (but in many Japanese words, the u can be silent, especially at the end, thus “kooreedahs” for the American English brain)

[@Gouletpens]

Good to know! I had the feeling we've been saying it wrong... - Colin

[@animejunkie10]

Did anyone else cringe and almost scream when he was abusing that poor pen to see of there was any spritzing?

[@ichirofakename]

Does anybody else find this thing ugly? With a microscopic nib? But on the other hand, yay for some competition with the Vanishing Point, yay for a price half of the Vanishing Point's, and yay for the removable clip, who wants a clip between their fingers when writing?

[@rogerzheng2814]

I agree with the ugly part lol. However, the pilot VP has an 18k gold nib, and I think gold nib would warrant the extra cost alone. It is quite rare to have 18k gold nibs at under 140$, and the capless feature definitely is a plus.

[@ichirofakename]

@@rogerzheng2814 Good point. Personally I don't do gold. Yet...

[@xslickrickx2103]

I like smaller nibs like this, my first fountain pen was a the old Parker Urban that also had a small nib so perhaps I’m bias in always thinking pans look kind of ugly with huge nibs

[@ichirofakename]

@@xslickrickx2103 Actually it is not the nib proper that looks bad to me, but the difference in scale between the nib and the body.

[@xslickrickx2103]

Ichiro Fakename when I think about it I agree and just have the opposite preference. For example the old Parker urban I think looks nice, the new one I think is boring / weird.