The Wing Sung 630 Piston-Filler • Fountain Pen Review

[@aaron3890]

Modern Wing Sung seems to have always been a level of two up in quality from Jinhao, although Jinhao has really been upping their game the past couple years. This looks like a fantastic pen to try before deciding to splurge on a Montblanc 149.

[@jamesfahey7188]

Great review! I love that you focus on the affordable end of the market.

[@MichaelG1986]

That looks like a very nice pen for the money. I really like piston fillers and it looks like a really nice alternative to the x159 I already have.

[@brettsmith1655]

I loved the x159 when it came out and picked one up almost exactly a year ago. I liked it so much that I bought 4 and have it in all 3 nib sizes that are available and I have been using them off and on ever since. I have had a 601a for about 3 years. It's a good pen but it has never knocked by socks off. I find it to be kind of a strange comparison. It's just a different pen altogether. I would think the 699 is a much closer comparison and the 628/629 is just a smaller version of the 630. Like you, I picked up a Wing Sung 630 in the maroon/gold but I did spend $$$ for a gold nib (Heartbeat Fine). It's not my first Chinese gold nib. I have a Wing Sung 698, 699 and JinHao 100/Century in gold and they have lived up to expectations so I wasn't too apprehensive. You were right when you said there is nothing wrong with the x159 because it is a nice pen..... until you pick up the 630. From a distance, they look a lot alike but when you pick it up the difference is obvious and striking. My biggest mistake was inking up my maroon x159 at the same time as the 630 and comparing them side by side. I literally cannot look at my x159 the same. It is considerably inferior in every way. My only wish is that I could find a Montblanc 149 that I could compare directly. Sadly, I live in the remote Rocky Mountains and fountain pen shops are not exactly plentiful here.

[@flaviojunior4218]

Red wine, dubonet. By far my favorite pen color. Classy. Thank you by your review, Sir!

[@crouserm]

Thanks, James! I have the 601, and find it a fine work pen with its friction fit cap which posts so well. The 630 would be great on the desk, the 601, in the pocket.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I forgot the reapond to your first question. I have all three models - the 601a, the X159 and the 630. It is a very difficult question to answer. Right now I think the 630 is the best pen of the three. For me the build quality is top notch and the weight it just about perfect. Fir smaller hands you cannot beat the 601a. It is easy to maintain, it has an ink window, and the "Vacuumatic" filler works nicely. I really like the X159 but the converter capacity is a bit small. The nib is fabulous. The 630 has a great piston filler. Incidentally i have the black version of the 630. It is not really black. If you shine a bright light behind the cap it reveals it is a very, very dark red which is the same as the Montblanc 149.

[@santauxia]

Yet another great review.

[@JG3Reviews]

Thanks!

[@johnrdoe108]

I own three x159, I gave a blue 630 away now I've just got another 630 black from China, great nibs 630 m

[@gstfrr2]

I guess this is the pen with the largest nib I have ever seen. I'll definitely add it to my collection.

[@BEYSeamaster1]

Gorgeous pen and color. I have 3 or 4 bottles of the Apache Sunset. Very beautiful color. Great review. Thanks.

[@darkchocolate4643]

Well, my 630 arrived today and after I cleaned and inked it with Sailor Blue Black ink, I gave it a test run. That was a couple of hours ago, and I've been unable to put it down. Move over, WS601A, there's a new sheriff in town. I'm usually more an EF nib kinda gal, and this F nib is definitely a Western F, but I love this nib. Mine was smooth and very juicy right out of the gate. And the pen itself is gorgeous and just oozes quality. I have a couple of vintage Montblancs and dare I say that the resin on this pen feels just as nice.. I'm a big fan! Now, if Wing Sung releases this is an EF, I'll be buying another one! My favorite clash of pen/ink is my Pelikan M600 with Red Stripes, inked with Vinta Armada.

[@frankvars7925]

Hi James! Thank you for your interesting review on a fountain pen, in my opinion, very important. I find it very significant that Wing Sung has created this #8 nib more in a Western style, therefore slimmer and less wide than an Eastern #8 nib. Really interesting, fascinating fountain pen with an excellent quality-price ratio.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have Diamine Regency Blue in my Wing Sung 630. I also have Iroshizuku asa-gao in my Jinhao 9019. For the Jinhao it could have been any color ink as I have the clear demonstrator. Maybe next time I will use Conklin Kelly Green. Going back to the 630 I bought it with the 14K nib. (It was my birthday present.). It is a great pen in terms of feel of the body and nib. If there is any complaint, the ink seems to dry out if I leave it uncapped in about a minute. I am thinking it is the ink, not the fault of the nib and feed. I will try a different ink, next. Perhaps the Pelikan 4001 violet.

[@viv_2489]

Have ordered one in black as it closely resembles MB149 and black color pen goes good with both blue and black ink...based on the review that it has better build quality than X159 ( which i already own) and has unique nib , i ordered one...thanks for the nice review as always...

[@xplorerman105]

Favorite clash is definitely green and orange reminds me off an orage hunting vest over camo

[@mrsoulpc915]

I think it would have been interesting to compare it to the Majohn/Moonman P136, the nib is only a #6 nib, but it is exemplary, as is its finish. Far superior to the X159 and less expensive than the Wing Sung 630. The only advantage of the latter is the gold nib option.

[@JG3Reviews]

I’m editing that comparison now.

[@mrsoulpc915]

@@JG3Reviews Great, thanks for getting involved. Let me know when it's done, I'll go and watch the video!

[@andrewdaydreamer5209]

I have a 601 and it is my edc. But the nib is hard as a nail. I have the x159 (F) and like it. I would really like the 630 if I could find it with a (M) or 1.1 stub nib. I only see it in F at the moment.

[@sylviarienzo6955]

I wish you were comparing the Wingsung 630 with steel nib vs the same with gold nib. IOW, is it worth paying the up charge to get the gold nib.

[@philnaunton7181]

Already popped for the Jinhao X159 , so I think I'll stop there. Too many Nunchuck sized pens weighing down my shirt pockets. Nice review in typical JG3 style. And you got a LOL when you mentioned your thoughts on the Gold Nib version.

[@darkchocolate4643]

Between the WS 601, the 630 and the Jinhao X159, which would I pick? Well, James, that's like asking me to pick my favorite cheese. I own the 601 and the X159 and I have the 630 on the way. I'll keep you posted, if I'm ever able to make up my mind between these three. :) Have a great day, James. You sure always know how to brighten mine.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I have a couple of C159s,2 916s in transit. I like this pen for being a piston filler,having a decent ink window and a good quality nib. Another review I watched,stated that Wing Sung made the 630 to weigh exactly the same as the 149. I always prefer the extra warmth of gold accents on solid colour pens.

[@JG3Reviews]

I think the gold trip suits this burgundy pen quite well. I didn't know that about the weight, but it doesn't surprise me. It's a very pleasant pen to use.

[@manifunk1]

I ordered the 601 with a 14k gold nib, it freaked me out that I was paying about £77 for a Wing Sung but it’s a lovely pen and it’s as good as my Lamy 2000

[@borkgormsson]

Clash-Combo: Twsbi Diamon 580 AL Prussian Blue with Visconti Turquoise

[@kattz753]

I already have an X159 and a 601A (flighter version with bent tubular nib) and I love both of them. I'm on the fence about the 630. I've seen both great reviews and bad reviews. I put Diamine Oxford Blue on my brown Wing Sung 699. It seems to be the best ink for it but it triggers an OCD reaction every time that i use it. Noodler’s Black Swan in Australian (or English) Roses would look great in the 630. I can get my Jinhao 9019 in the bottle.

[@santiagomerinoacevedo7475]

Great review, as usual. How about the tool to dissamble the piston filler? Do they include it? Or must it be purchased separately?

[@JG3Reviews]

I didn't receive one with mine, but they are available (saw a couple for around $3.50 US on Aliexpress yesterday).

[@monkpato]

This looks a lot better than the x159, which tends to break at the cap/clip very quickly.

[@poppyglow]

I am really trying to do the clash thing. When I do it will extreme! lol

[@BEYSeamaster1]

Great review. I have the X159 which is more maroon than burgundy. Is the 630 burgundy or more on the maroon side like the X159? Thanks.

[@JG3Reviews]

I don't have them handy, I'm not at home, but the Wing Sung is definitely a darker shade than the Jinhao. I'd say it's not fully burgaundy, but closer.

[@BEYSeamaster1]

@@JG3Reviews That’s great. Thank you.

[@marct-y5q]

Usuallly wing sung and jinhao are cheaper fps, but the ones i got at least so far, a few years passed just got cracks, the plastic feels rough and aged, even thou i havent used them so much. The nibs are a hit and miss e everytime. I came to the conclusion that prefer to buy a affordable pilot or faber castell pen instead. 🖖

[@ewill42]

I have been eyeing the 630, the piston 699 but I want that 601.

[@levon9]

The 699 is a vac filler .. just fyi. It writes really well.

[@williammodlin2621]

Gotta quit watch videos from you and Doodlebug; I always end up buying something. I’ll fill my 630 with Diamine Writer’s Blood when it arrives. Thanks for the videos and work you put into reviewing pens.

[@jimmybritt8405]

James. What pen is that on your stand, far right (looking at the screen) next to the Pelikan ink bottle? Thank you, sir.

[@JG3Reviews]

That is a red Wing Sung 618.

[@jimmybritt8405]

Thank you!

[@Abid_Zaman]

Both the gold and the steel nibs write fine.

[@kevinblack8365]

I'm not sure the gold nib is worth nearly $100 (and it's still the iridium on steel or gold that hits the paper, but I do like the pen). I see there are three colourways ATM and for each colour, there is either a clear ink windows or a shuttered (alternating clear and black stripes). you have the clear window. I might try the striped version. Your review, as always, excellent and makes me want the pen (notice want vs need). I do like the #8 nib, wetness of the nib/feed/ink combo and the overall smoothness of the nib. I have the X159 and the 630 looks to be better all round (not that there is anything at all wrong with the X159), but the piston filler/nib combo - maybe that's what Jinhao should have done with the X159. Now sure, in my $$$s the Jinhao was $17 and the Wing Sung is $50, so I'd expect it to be better. (My x850 was $4 and it's a beautiful writer as is my $50 Hongdian N7) so price might not be a good guide.

[@kevinblack8365]

Got the WingSung 630 (in the wine I meant to order black, but the order was processed before I noticed my mistake). Anyway, excellent pen. Cap is a little finnicky (I see this as a common issue). Nib is very wet with some amount of spring and plenty of feedback. Whilst it says 0.5mm-0.7mm mine would be closer to 0.5mm and . It is an excellent writer and feels good in the hand. In fact, it's probably the best writer of all my pens. AUD$50 well spent.

[@dm1523]

It’s a great pen. It’s much bigger, but I noticed the clip has some similarities to my Platinum 3776. There was a Leyland Motors that was absorbed by Rover but I can’t come up with Sunkam, so I’m probably on the wrong rabbit trail.

[@JG3Reviews]

Sunkam is definitely what it looks like (oops!), it was supposed to be Sunbeam. The Tiger is the most familiar, but I really like some of their 1920-1930s the best.

[@petaks01]

Just inked up my Lamy Safari Terra with Diamines Majestic Blue, guess that could be called a clash :D Cheap and reliable pen at work that does stand out just a little bit from all the disposable ballpoints we normally carry and the ink color works for all kinds of documents and notes. Have been looking at the 630 for a while now and really want to get one to try the style in my big hands.

[@paulherman5822]

Having trouble paying for a gold nib at $200? I had a struggle paying $150 for a Parker 51 Vacumatic. And my "wet noodle" antique Mabie Todd Swan was even less.😁 But if they're retailing for more for a lesser pen (modern Parker 51 with a gold nib, looking straight at YOU 😉), so what if it comes from China. Workman is worth his hire. 😁 And gold nib is usually just a brag point on many pens today. I'm generally as happy with the steel nibbed pens I own. I'm generally very happy with the 6 series Wing Sung pens. Like you, I'd go with the steel nibbed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this pen. Hope you are having a great week, and God bless, James! Edit: a workaround for the small Diamine bottles. Get an old Sheaffer's Skrip inkwell bottle and decant into it. They are available on eBay all the time. And with the "pocket," you can get the last few drops of ink.

[@JG3Reviews]

Thanks, Paul! That’s a good idea on the old bottles. Agreed on gold vs steel in many cases. 👍🏼

[@paulherman5822]

@@JG3Reviews I've commented on the Goulet podcast when they asked for a favourite way to use as much as a bottle of ink as possible. I've been a Sheaffer Skrip fanboy since my first bottle of ink in 1983. Those Eaton Sheaffer bottles were the inkwell type. Another source for one for 30 mL bottles? See if a stationers that sells samples and Sheaffer Skrip has a modern inkwell bottle. The current one is 30 mL, I think.

[@jacobling2119]

Would you make a comparison video for WS630 to a Majohn P136? I know they're different sized pen, but their price range is close enough, I wonder how they compare in terms of build quality and such.

[@JG3Reviews]

I don't have the Majohn P136 at the moment, but I *think* a local friend does. Maybe I can borrow that for a comparison.

[@davidanderson3425]

This is what Jinhao should have done with the X159, in my opinion. Not just offering a piston filling system but also the option of a gold nib. The Wing Sung is a much nicer pen. I would go one step further and say Wing Sung should ditch the steel nib. Just offer the pen with only a gold nib and a better presentation box. Also, give customers a choice between EF, F, M, B, BB and a stub. Surely that's not asking too much!

[@JG3Reviews]

I can be onboard for all that. 👍

[@brettsmith1655]

The 14k 630 does, in fact, come in a very nice presentation box that you would expect from a $150-175 pen

[@crouserm]

@@brettsmith1655 Yes. My 14k 629 came in such a box, which I'd be happy to use if ever I gift the pen to my son who likes fountain pens.

[@kevinblack8365]

Absolutely agree with the piston filler in the X159. Not convinced of the merit of Gold nibs, but sure, they could have offered it as an option with the X159.

[@luisguillermoperezmejia7907]

Parker 51 original color borgoña y tinta Diamine Oxblood. Pluma Waterman Le Man 200 y tinta Diamine blue black. De las tres propuestas, prefiero el Wing Sung 630 por la relación calidad precio que ofrece. Además me gusta su tamaño y el color Burgundi es particularmente elegante y llamativo. Buena revisión. Saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.

[@Абусупиян-й1й]

Hello! Jinhao x159 and wingsung 630 nib are interchangeable?

[@JG3Reviews]

No, they are different sizes and use different feeds.

[@Абусупиян-й1й]

@@JG3Reviews you tried?

[@levon9]

How would you compare this pen to the Majohn P136?

[@JG3Reviews]

I haven't actually used the P136, so I'm not sure. Both received great reviews from others, I'd think size is the biggest difference?

[@levon9]

@@JG3ReviewsI think so, but I'm not certain. Would be good pen to review, and compare with the 630 for sure though.

[@poppyglow]

Thank you for supporting Mr. Tardif.

[@animula6908]

I’m not into Orange or yellow or red, but ink that makes writing look like flames painted on a hotrod is irresistible for me. I use it every chance I get. But I respect the Apache people too much to ever honor this southwest nonsense. In my heart this cool ink will always be a tribute to their history, the more so now that people have tried to erase them from it just like we’ve historically tried to erase them from existence.

[@JG3Reviews]

"In my heart this cool ink will always be a tribute to their history..." Same.

[@Trafficaloco]

I bought a near mint 146. Pretty but it's a plastic pen. Seriously overpriced. Maybe China wins again?

[@Kryptolistic]

Really nice review new sub. I've been collecting mainly mechanical pencils, will now start adding some fountain pens. I am mostly into drawing but I consider my lettering decent so they will get proper use. Since Fountain pens budget wise have a higher toll than pencils, what are some recommendations to start with? I like fancy looking nibs and those that expand (don't know the names yet) Will take a look through your channel either way :D!

[@JG3Reviews]

Thanks for the sub, and welcome! PenBBS is a great brand to take a look at if you like fancy nibs. Their pens come with pretty standard #6 nibs (good), but they have a pretty steady stream of nibs that are sold separately, some with fancy engraving. They sell both steel and gold nibs. On the expandable (flex nibs) side, Fountain Pen Revolution offers the Himalaya V2 and Jaipur V2 that are both great pens when paired with their Ultra Flex nibs. I have the Jaipur, and like it. There are a ton of reasonably priced pens reviewed here that can have their nibs swapped out, from Jinhaos to Lamys to Wing Sungs. Depending on what aesthetic you want from the nibs, Hongdian has some neat Chinese designs on some of their nibs, Faber-Castell has some great looking (and writing!) nibs, Diplomat...tons, really. Lots to explore. Just don't buy them all, you'll go broke! lol

[@Kryptolistic]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the great response I was unaware of fountain pen nibs being interchangeable, I just got on some eBay bids for a few Wing Sungs at a dollar each! @@JG3Reviews I am already close to broke with mechanical pencils, I started with Amazon Japan orders and a few local shops and now I am addicted to eBay Auctions, I've gotten a bunch of great deals, recently a Parker 12k plated set for 15usd and another Givenchy set priced at $150 for 12 :D i'll definitely find nice FP deals I just need to start reading and feeding myself with info thanks for the head start!