The Pilot Custom NS is the rebellious younger brother of the Custom 74

Pilot's new take on one of my favorite fountain pens. Great effort with one big problem.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Thank you for “taking one for the team” by purchasing the NS. I was eying the NS myself, and was about to get one, until I saw it was a steel nib for over 100 dollars. I have a Pilot Capless Special Alloy, which I got for around 70 dollars. If the Custom NS can be bought for similar money, then it would be a no brainer.

[@buck-pucker]

With gold at an all time high in dollars, and especially in yen, we may see more price hikes. I hope the big three can invest in more interesting steel nibs. And Pilot should bring back the Lucina...

[@janmaaso]

If this pen took the con-70 converter, it would easily be my favorite. The nib is simply is fantastic. I am no fan at all of the custom 74, I guess we all have our favorites, and my favorites all have steel nibs. Have used steel nibs for over 50 years at this point, and the only gold nib I care for is the one in the Waterman Carene. That nib is done right imo. Thanks for sharing. Jan.

[@middleclassmotoring]

This pen makes me miss the Lucina! Thanks for the video!

[@seattlepenclub]

You and me both!

[@tsherbs1309]

Great review, as always

[@nohandle-01]

Yours is one of only a handful of reviews for this pen which helped me make up my mind on this pen. I’ve managed to bag the last one on a site in europe at reduced price. I can’t seem to find it anywhere else so not sure if it’s been discontinued. Thanks

[@vitamindust1995]

If it's as smooth as the gold nib, though not as soft, then I'd still go with the Custom NS over the Custom 74. I finally found a cigar-shaped Pilot in a colourway I like (ivory)! (Also, I think it was released way earlier than last year since there are some reviews and posts dating to 2020)

[@michaeltihon3485]

I have exactly the same problem than you with the 74. I like this pen but my fingers are always grabbing the threads. Reason why I almost always use my 823 instead. The 74 is a very good pen but not when you have larger hands.

[@georgerichards2713]

Thanks!

[@MichaelCousins-e7d]

I recently received this seems. It seems that the cabochon (jewel) is loose, as well. Seems to just be a part of the pen’s design. Have you noticed if this being loose allows air through the top? Does the nib dry quicker than other Pilot’s?

[@paulmchugh1430]

My hesitation on getting this pen is the CON-40 converter and the smallish nib. This pen could take a 10 or possibly a 15 size with ease.

[@shane6242]

This pen looked pretty cool but it's way too expensive.

[@RJayRoberts]

So in other words, if one finds it on sale and must have it, go for it. But not at suggested retail price. I'll stick with my pilots (Custom 74, E95 and a custom heritage something-or-other). Frankly I'd expect the nib to be excellent and perhaps the price reflects the work put into the nib.

[@brycemachalek7192]

Are the nibs swappable between the two? I’m curious if I’d be able to buy the custom 74 and put the gold nib into the custom NS.

[@seattlepenclub]

Yes, they are. The feeds are slightly different but the nibs are the same size. I actually swapped a 14k nib into the NS after making this video

[@brycemachalek7192]

@@seattlepenclub so the feeds won’t swap? It looks like the filling hole on the custom 74 is closer to the tip of the nib than the custom NS

[@bngr_bngr]

Do you have a video explaining the Pilot numerology 😂😂😂