The Secret Weapon of the Asvine V200 | Rapid Review and Modifications

[@thorhilda]

Thank you. This is very informative and useful. The notion that the random nib alignment is an intentional feature represents the most imaginative post-hoc explanation I’ve encountered lately. However, the reality is that the thread start is entirely determined by chance-dependent on the orientation of the nib collar when the cylindrical part falls into the tapping machine. If you examine photographs of pens received by customers, you’ll notice that no two have the same orientation. To achieve the same angular offset on both sides of the clip, a three-start thread would be necessary, with one of the starts corresponding to the exact opposite of the clip. There is no other symmetrical way to evenly divide 360 degrees. The fact that the nib isn’t aligned with the clip isn’t a hidden mechanical quality; rather, it’s a manifestation of human psychology. If you desire the pen to be flawless, your mind can conjure numerous ways to perceive it as such.

[@Shak-MD]

Haha. Thanks! I have no proof that is what they intended....but makes sense to me 😀

[@mrwigwag373]

I want to thank you for inspiring me to put a MB 146 nib into a V200. I’m so pleased with the result, and I would never have realised you could do it without this video. Thank you.

[@Shak-MD]

My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it!

[@forgotMyUsername100]

I too love nib-swaps. Fantastic to hear such a pretty pen is so good at them :D

[@Shak-MD]

Absolutely. This is the best budget pen in my book.

[@Goldilockszone123]

Yes I agree that the alignment of the clip and nib is better this way. Mine is on the way and will receive it in three days. Thank you for this review. The ability to swap such a range of premium nibs into this pen increases its value, and interest.

[@jambisc1]

Another great video. Your first review convinced me to get the V200, which I think is great. I purchased the Asvine nib, but was able to swap to a Bock unit. I had a look at the website you sent for a potential of getting an ebonite feed for the Asvine. However, decided that I can get an ebonite feed for the Bock easier in the UK. I also prefer the look of the Bock feed. I was able to swap the nib for a Leonardo La Fenice medium and I think it looks and writes great. That said, this video has given me a few ideas! Thanks again.

[@Shak-MD]

Thank you. I think Leonardo nibs must be compatible with Bock housing. I love that asvine feed is so accommodating.

[@NickL00p]

I really think you deserve the title Dr. Fountainstein!! Love the content! Ps: For some reason, Pilots are the only pens I don’t want to use as donors for swapping nibs… when I saw that 823 nib I was like 😱😱

[@Shak-MD]

Hahahahah. I should change my channel name to Dr. Fountainestein: ) Great name! I like pilot finer nibs. So, now it is on for a while and works flawlessly.

[@ha_ir_la_me]

A super informative video, thanks! I was on the fence about this pen, but your review led to me ordering one today. I have a sailor nib that needs a new home, so this is perfect.

[@Shak-MD]

That is the absolute best combo 😀 You'll love it. Make sure you got the asvine nib/feed.

[@shane6242]

really cool! i got the bock because I really like bock titan nibs, but you make a good case for choosing the asvine nib :)

[@luisbalderrama8145]

Omg this opens up so many possibilities. Thank you for sharing this info!

[@Shak-MD]

You are so welcome!

[@bendunbar2887]

Now these are the kind of videos I need in my life :)

[@Shak-MD]

Thanks! How about FPR Ultra flex sv Regalia Labs crossflex bs Mag 600 flex off?

[@bendunbar2887]

@Shak-MD definitely but I think there will be a clear winner

[@rhondacarlock6735]

I have been watching videos on this pen for several days now. Finally you helped me make my decision to order. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with this pen.

[@Shak-MD]

My pleasure! I am sure you'll love it. I was stunned when I saw in person and held it for the first time. Doesn't happen often. 😀. Thank you for watching.

[@davecharvella4854]

As I'm sitting here waiting for mine to arrive I thought, why not check out Shaks' review! Tick, tock, tick, tock ... cheers!

[@Shak-MD]

I'm glad you did 😀 Hope you liked it, and got some ideas.

[@davecharvella4854]

@@Shak-MD Pen arrived. Initial impression: looks much better in person! Hope to ink it up soon. Cheers!

[@Shak-MD]

Enjoy. It is truly a premium pen.

[@Emri27]

Great insight on the nib swapping bit. Thank you for sharing! Since v126 has a #6 housing, does that mean a V126 can do the same??

[@Shak-MD]

Thank you! Unfortunately, I do not own a v126...though one is on the way 😀.

[@tonydeveyra4611]

I'm pretty new to this hobby (only have a Diamond 580 and a Lamy Safari thus far) and want to get a Vac pen. I tend to do long writing sessions, either journaling or drafting for novels and short stories I'm working on. I've been cross-shopping the Asvine v126 and the Twsbi VAC700R, now this video put the Asvine V200 on my radar! The Asvine pens seem like a better value when just looking at pricepoint and looks, but I haven't been able to get hands on any of the three pens to determine how the quality compares. That said, honestly the main thing that's appealed to me about the Vac 700R (besides that iridescent titanium oxide finish on the Iris, and my good experience with the Twsbi brand thus far in my diamond 580) is the...'platform' and 'system' type experience that Twsbi seems to have made--for lack of a better phrase. Their replacement nibs come in those very aesthetically pleasing red capped storage vials, and seems like it would work really well with my desire to hot swap EF and Stubs so I can have headers and body text for my writing. Also, that screw-in VAC 20a inkwell looks so sweet paired with the VAC700R. But then I just watched this video, and when you showed the Pineider Traveling Pen Filler, and the VAC 20a almost seems like a gimmick in comparison. How would you compare the experience between the two, if you have any? Also, any recommendations on my broader decision, of v126 vs v200 vs VAC700R? Is the extra price of the Twsbi worth it? also, I love your approach of swapping nibs, and upgrading inexpensive pens with really high end nibs. Would love to work my way up to that in due time! Thanks for the video!

[@Shak-MD]

Thank you! 580 is a great pen. V200 looks a bit more classt. The TWSBI nibs are consistent and good for the most part. Asvine nibs are also good but on occasion need some tuning. I'd take v200 over 700r on account if being overall the better value. The pineuder inkwell is easier to travel with and is cheaper. V200 takes bock 250 housing , which can accommodate many different nibs. I would pick it over the other options. All the best!

[@tonydeveyra4611]

@Shak-MD excellent information. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. It helps guide my buying decisions a lot! Oh one last question -- would you recommend ordering the v200 with the bock nib off Amazon? Are they much better than the stock asvine nibs? It's $10 more.

[@Shak-MD]

@tonydeveyra4611 Bock nibs are garbage. The asvine one still accept bock nib units. Save your 10 dollars 😀

[@tonydeveyra4611]

@Shak-MD awesome! Thanks again for the recommendations!

[@ivanwu6258]

My vehicle pen for the Bock 250 nib has always been the Kaweco Supra, but after watching your video, I’m really inspired and now want to upgrade to the vacuum filling system. I have a small question: I often change nib units before the ink is fully used up, so I’m wondering if it’s possible to do this with the vac filling system on the V200? Will there be any ink splattering due to pressure changes? FYI, I can’t stop watching your videos! I wish I had found your channel before I started buying fountain pens.

[@Shak-MD]

Ahh! Thanks my friend. You can operate V200 nib units with ease without mess. Just close the shutoff valve, or not tbh. Very convenient. Even the better Gravitas vac fillers allow for "hot swap". I do that alllll the time. Thanks for watching.

[@FreebirthBoccara]

The chamber is only under any kind of pressure change when you are pulling ink. After that it's equalized.

[@mscohen57]

Thanks for this video! I got the V200, looks amazing! I’m kind of new to FPs, but I want to experiment with other nibs. What should I be looking for when looking for nibs so that they fit the V200? (Size #x, Jowo compatible, something else?) Thanks again!

[@Shak-MD]

I just experiment with the pens I have. The original feed can take many different nibs. I say try a few that you already have, or easy to get. [Kaigelu and Hongdian nibs are ez to get. I love them.

[@vincenta584]

Great video. Thank you! Does the stock Asvine nib have much bounce or is it very stiff? Are you pleased with the extra fine?

[@Shak-MD]

Thanks for watching. The stock Asvine nib is quite stiff without much bounce.

[@delkott]

Thanks for this nice review! I especially appreciate the your demonstration of swapping the Asvine nib [I love Asvine nibs!] with the exquisite Pilot, and Sailor nibs. It makes the pen more personalized, and I assume it makes the writing experience significantly better. I don't own a V200 yet, and will appreciate your thoughts on the quality of the plastic threads on the vacuum end cap. I fear that it might wear out due to engaging with the metal thread. Thanks, and please keep up the excellent work!

[@Shak-MD]

Thank you! I started out worrying as well, but I feel like they will last quite a while, long enough that I'll be ready for the next on e:) I feel it is best value for the performance fp. Hongdian, got some stuff to say about that, however :) :)

[@delkott]

@@Shak-MD You are most welcome, and thank you for your response and reassurance of the V200's build quality. Thanks again, and I look very forward to watching your next review.

[@brianknight9823]

Hi Dr. S!! Thank you again for responding. Ordered the V200. I do have one more question. Both my 823FA & 912FA write so much better with a 2 slit ebonite feed. Using the Asvine feed for a fine or medium looks like it keeps up fine. Have you placed any decent flex nibs nib requiring more ink, like the 912FA or your Montblanc 146 on the V200? You already know how great it would be to have my 912 on a reservoir instead of the Con-70. Take care, and thank you again for all you do.

[@Shak-MD]

I have tried fa 15..it is ok...not the best. I say give both a shot.

[@brianknight9823]

Will do!! Thank You Dr. S

[@Volkmannx]

Interesting, I'm surprised all those nibs fit. Is it a like particular property of Asvine feeds and housings or would those nibs fit into Jowos as well? Anyway, thank you!

[@Shak-MD]

Haven't tried on JoWo housing...but what surprised me is that both #10 and #15 pilot nibs fit perfectly. What a treat. Now the pilot 823 nib on V200 is my workhourse...replacing Pilot VP and Majohn A2.

[@paulriggall805]

SHAK ... This is a fantastic idea - changing out the nibs. Wonder how the Asvine feed would hold up with a custom heritage FA falcon flex nib.

[@Shak-MD]

Unfortunately not good enough flow for reliable performance. I was slightly bummed :) The feed can be modified though, to give better flow. Still skipping and railroading is a tick off!

[@dwayladallas3375]

I wondered too! At the price of the Asvine three pack of feed units, it may be worth attempting a modification. ​@@Shak-MD

[@Shak-MD]

True, but fpr makes a perfect nib unit for it, and it is better than the pilots' FA nibs imo.

[@dwayladallas3375]

@@Shak-MD You, with the calming voice and logic: This is already well solved; you just watched the video, grasshopper. Me: I could be a Pengineer! I bet there's a great tool set! After your ASMR boxes I had to talk myself out of buying a used Pagewriter and making art. There's a lot of talking myself out of ideas. :)

[@kjjoahb]

Great video! Curious whether other former Asvine's nibs and feeds can be hacked with Pilot #15, Sailor 21k or Montblanc 146 so pertectly

[@Shak-MD]

I just tried Pilot #15 on Asvine P36, and the answer is yes, it fits perfectly on the original asvine feed. I am guessing others will fit too :). Good luck.

[@kjjoahb]

@@Shak-MD That's cool. Thanks Shak

[@dafarce]

Enjoyed watching! On the V200, is the Bock nib unit interchangeable with the Asvine nib unit?

[@Shak-MD]

Yes, the whole nib units are interchangeable.

[@dafarce]

@@Shak-MD Thanks. Ordered a Bock-nibbed medium, now knowing that I can swap the Bock for one of my Asvine nib units if necessary.

[@Shak-MD]

@@dafarce Awesome!

[@AndrewWertheimer]

Interesting. Sadly I bought the Bock nib because I wanted to swap it with a Nemosine .6 stub nib.

[@Shak-MD]

That might work. I love that Asvine feed is so accommodating. They are cheap to buy in 3s. I hope you try 😀

[@AndrewWertheimer]

@@Shak-MD thanks for the encouragement. Hope you can get some sleep before your busy day… unless it’s already your morning. 01:30 in Hawaii. Good night. 😃🖋️🌈🐾

[@Shak-MD]

@AndrewWertheimer Thanks! Was I was night shift 😀 will get the day to sleep 😀

[@AndrewWertheimer]

@@Shak-MD I see. I like night shift but switching is tough. Hang in there.

[@georgelim9933]

I managed to put a platinum 3776 nib in it as well!

[@Shak-MD]

Over the original feed?

[@georgelim9933]

@@Shak-MD yup! Works flawlessly with the asvine feed and not too misaligned also when inserting into the pen.

[@ArthurPhillip7]

Wonder if this works for the Pilot #10 FA nib too & if the asvine feed /bulk filler solves both Flow issues at the same time🤷🏻‍♂️ could have the best modern flex pen. Also wonder if I could put my FPR #6 ultra flex steel in there. They come with their own ebonite feeds and are cool nibs, but I have so many issues with the overall pen that I can barely use them (cheap body, leaking, a messs on my hands everytime I use it). So many options. People could save money and get the 21k sailor nib in the small, cheaper body (compared to 1911L) and save 30-40 dollars and buy this Asvine and again solves issues of the inferior Sailor converter issue. How fun, great find and I'm sure will provide a ton of solutions for people who love certain nibs but not necessarily the overall pen body/converter. Thanks Shak!

[@Shak-MD]

It works great with regular #10. But I expect it to fail at the flow to support flex nib. The Flexible nib factory feeds for pilot helo with the flow.

[@sylviarienzo6955]

If the Asvine V200 and the Kyoseido Katari would be the same price, which would you buy? Which would you prefer to write with?

[@Shak-MD]

KK is a much better pen in hand. I would prefer that in terms of pure writing quality, but only up to double the price of V200. Over that, the V200 is a better value.

[@atthemoney]

6:50 Do you mean that I can put an Asvine nib and housing in an Asvine V200 that comes with a Bock nib? I recall one of the pen reviewers said that you couldn't do that on a P36.

[@Shak-MD]

I say you can on V200. 😀

[@BruceElliott]

How is the misalignment of the nib a part of the design, given that the feed uses a friction fit? Is it keyed in some way so that you can align it only one way? I had guessed that you could choose to align the nib with the clip, if that were your preference.

[@Shak-MD]

The nib does sit a certain way. But, the clip is very easy to unscrew and adjust to wherever you like it, as I found out later. I did add a video showing that.

[@sylviarienzo6955]

I have never contemplated nib swaps because my favorite nibs are Pilot and so far as I know one cannot buy a Pilot nib. You must have robbed your own expensive much more pens to put their nibs in the Asvine. In my case, the Asvine see through appearance is an acquired taste I have yet to acquire (!). But out of curiosity what nibs can you actually buy to put in other pens?

[@Shak-MD]

I really like Kaigelu nibs from Amazon. You can also buy Hong-dian nibs that are great. Esterbrook also sells their branded [Jowo #6] nibs. Jinhao makes a bunch. You can find Montblanc 146 and 149 nibs online and through some pen shows. You can buy Wingsung nibs online, and of, course, Bock nibs are out there for sale. I personally swap nibs because certain body fits my hand better than others. And it is lots of fun, and life is too short :) :) Hope that helps.

[@HaveAGoodHeart]

Hi I also bought a V200 with Asvine nib. I really like the writing experience of this pen. Can you kindly recommend some specialty nibs like flex, fude, stub, architect for this pen? i would like to try some specialty nibs.

[@Shak-MD]

Congrats! I would recommend trying the Zebra G nib and housing from flexible nib factory for flex. You can also try the Kaigelu nibs, they make a "naginata like" nib on amazon. You can turn the bock nib or the original asvine nib into a stub, or an architect as well. :) I have video on my channel showing how I make an architect out of a Majohn C4 nib. Pilot number 10 and number 15 nibs fit right over the asvine feed. They have great selection of nibs, all of which fit on the V 200. Hope that helped.

[@HaveAGoodHeart]

@@Shak-MD wow! amazing! i will go find out and also checkout your video. tks alot!

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

Love the mods 😅 How's the section, is it slippery?

[@Shak-MD]

Thank you. The grip sections is awesome. Not slippery. I really like this pen. I keep wanting to order a few more .. makes great gift.

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

@@Shak-MD Thank you for the quick response. I will put one of these in my cart. How do you like the piston filling version?

[@Shak-MD]

Pistonnfiller is nice too, but maybe 50% as nice. This pen punches at 1000$ weight class, and I am not kidding.... It knocks Jinhao 9019s bottom out of the park...lol

[@brianknight9823]

Hi Dr. S!! FP’s for about 1 year. Have an 823 & 912 both FA’s and Mag C. 600 W/ gold flex nib. You just put a #5, #10, and #15 all in the Asvine I believe all fitted on the Asvine feed. I did not know you could put 3 different size nibs on same feed. I will try to learn more so I understand how that’s possible. Instead of Asvine I’m going to buy the Kyuseido Kakari in stead. I’ve seen your vids where you put your favorite nibs on the Kakari and Conid BF’er, and that seems like the best vehicle /donor for higher quality nibs. Am I able to put my Mag 600 14k flex nib and both of my pilots #10 FA AND #15 FA on the Kakari as well? Also manufacture you recommend for great nibs for the Kakari? Thank You Again in advance Dr. S!! -BKEveryone praises your video’s and they are great. For me, you have imparted knowledge with a humble demeanor and calming voice. (Which I can hear plenty loud and clearly). And I have hearing loss from serving in the military…lol!! Thank You Again

[@Shak-MD]

Thank you for the kind words. Kyuseido pen take Jowo #6 nib units. There are various modified jowo nibs. My favorite is the Crossflex. The nibs on kk actually rival the oilot 823 nibs very well. I have not tried putting pilot nibs in kk. I love the 823 #15 nib on v200. That is one of the best ever writers. Mag 600/605 have jowo #6 housing and fit the kk pen very well. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@brianknight9823]

@@Shak-MDThank You!!

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

I lucked out... My random nib alignment is pretty much right in line with the clip.

[@Shak-MD]

I found a fix, an will upload the trick :) :D

[@P90Camper]

Do you prefer the Bock or Asvine nib? What size Bock to you have?

[@Shak-MD]

Asvine 100% of the time. Bocks [ef only] have been super scratchy, I don't like at all.

[@HomerIncognito]

Do you have a FPR or Kanwrite #6 flex nib?

[@Shak-MD]

I do have FPR ultra flex 14k. Very very flexy. I'm going to compare with Mag 600 and Regalia Cross flex in a video soon.

[@christopherrubino3614]

I thought the Bock nib housing threads differently than the Asvine nib housing meaning you cant switch between them?

[@Shak-MD]

You can switch the housing....but I can't just switch the nib and use the bock feed for frankenwork.

[@christopherrubino3614]

@@Shak-MD When screwed down does it seal off the feed like other vac fillers or does it stay back from the feed allowing ink to flow even when fully threaded shut? Im ok either way, just like to know especially since im about to take a flight and might pick one up.

[@Shak-MD]

Yes. It shuts off.

[@humlab9998]

I bought the v200 and made the decision to use it as a body replacement for my pilot custom 743 nib (same as 823) and it is not the fit I expected. To have the nib go in to the point it is supposed to, it appears the inner side of nib has to bend a little. I didn’t not want to deform this expensive nib so I didn’t push it but it is not an elegant fit by any means. It really needs to be wedged in. Of course any customization or removal of the nib is on one’s own risk but just thought it would be good to know. Maybe only do this if your Pilot nib will never need to return to their original parts.

[@Shak-MD]

Sorry to hear that. I had that problem with Bock nib unit, but not with PIlot. The 823/743 nib fits very well over the asvine feed without any modifications, and I have transferred it back and forth without issues. Same with the #10 nib from custom 912. Hope that helps.

[@humlab9998]

@@Shak-MD It’s not much of an issue to use it as it’s own pen for now. In the future, I may want to modify the feed on the v200 to accommodate a better fit for the Pilot nibs. I do wonder if the product specs have changed or if they are variations. 🤔🤔

[@Shak-MD]

I wouldnt be surprised.

[@BASHER193]

I have a leonardo piuma with a terrible flexiable nib I am considering putting a gold sailor nib on it. Which pen should I buy for this sacrifice to fit the piuma? thank you in advance

[@Shak-MD]

I have replaced my MZG #6 nib with a custom 823 nib. I am not sure if there is a good sailor equal for that. KOP is too large for Leonardos #6 and too small for their #8 housing.

[@BASHER193]

@@Shak-MD I am happy to say that this has worked for me, thank you and have a lovely day :)

[@BASHER193]

@@Shak-MD Now I am sad about my pilot 823, can I buy a replacement nib or do I have to buy a new pen now :D

[@Shak-MD]

@BASHER193 Nice Did yiu transplant 823 nib into the leonardo or Asvine? You can just keep the body or sell the body. Or buy a new one [743 is the same nib a bit cheaper pen].

[@BASHER193]

@@Shak-MD I think I will get the 823 in a different color because the price is very close in my country but thank you for the suggestion I put the 823 nib on a leonardo piuma, I sent you an email with pictures :)

[@omeryehezkely3096]

If you'll replace your Bock nib unit with a platinum Bock nib unit (no need to pull out any nib), you'll discover why the Bock option is better...

[@Shak-MD]

I would love to put soft fine nib on the pen. Where do I find the unit?

[@karlgozo]

Now where to find pilot nibs 🙄

[@Shak-MD]

Can not find nibs separately. I used my exosting pilot pens. 😀

[@karlgozo]

@@Shak-MD ah ok. Any good nibs that one can buy that can fit the V200? Don't want to risk messing my Pilot 743

[@Shak-MD]

I have a gravitas Ti ultraflex nib that fits perfectly.

[@Emperor-Titus70AD]

Would jowo nibs fit?

[@Shak-MD]

Not to my taste.

[@arenared]

Those look like #6 nibs btw

[@Shak-MD]

Maybe. One is Pilot #10...the other #15...and there is a sailor. I am sure they are different sizes overall...but fit nicely on the V200.

[@7_v610]

Not a fan of companies for which you can find few things on the net. Thanks for the video, though.

[@georgerichards2713]

STOP WHISPERING ON YOUR VIDEOS!!! It is extremely difficult to understand you even with a headset!!!

[@Shak-MD]

Valuable feedback! I will up the volum for the next videos. I have to consult a specialist because on my computer the voice is quite high. I am not sure if YT does something to the audio level. I'll definitely look into it 😀. Thanks for your patience and for watching my videos. ❤️