Rodeo - Pilot Custom 823 vs Sailor Realo

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Excellent duo for a comparison. My broken (cracked barrel) PC 823 has an M nib, but I’ve used a friend’s 823’s B nib a few times this year. Superb writer, need I say? I have a burgundy Sailor Pro Gear Realo with a Broad nib. It’s another very attractive and amazing pen. If I didn’t already have the Realo, I would definitely jump out in a hot second to buy yours when you offer it for sale. I think what I love best about the 823 is the way it looks uncapped (like a customized, long stylish spear, almost) and the way it feels in my hand. Very few pens feel this good in hand when writing with it. I’m quite over the Vac-filling of the pen. Not quite the draw to me it once was. I will maybe get another 823, this time with the B nib. Of the two, I’d pick the Sailor Realo every time. Mainly for the way its nib writes. Smooth, with a definite, slight, pleasant feedback and a certain control and precision to the writing that is generally true of all Sailor’s gold and steel nibs, in my experience. When pressed to choose only one, I just know that I’d pick a Sailor with a 21k nib over any Pilot pen. The only minor gripe I have about the Realo is that I wish it were (uncapped) the same length as the uncapped 823. Also, the piston filler only has a capacity of barely over 1ml. That’s a let-down. Sailor’s only piston filling pen (or any piston filler) ought to hold at least 1.5 ml of ink. Lastly, no pen on the planet rivals the Aurora 88. ❤️

[@davidanderson3425]

Hi Sajjad. I read your comment very carefully. As I respect both your and Jason's views on pens I was interested and surprised to see you prefer the Realo. It just shows how subjective the whole business of evaluating pens can be. I don't own either of the two pens in the video so I can't say too much. I do like both pens but the writing samples were quite different. This could well be a deciding factor to any potential buyer.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Hi, David…Always great to read your comments and occasionally trade thoughts with you. Very kind of you to say that you appreciate my views on pens. Thank you! I guess I made my feelings on the Sailor pens, in general - and the Realo, in particular, pretty plain. I have sixteen Sailor pens and eight Pilots. The Realo is quite the outlier (not least because of being the sole piston filler) in Sailor’s line-up. In contrast, the 823 has long been universally praised and loved and established as a ‘grail’ pen in the pen fan community. I forgot to add that I actually like at least two other Pilot pens I own more than I do the outstanding 823. I also forgot to say how the ink viewing window on the Realo being always visible with the pen capped is a very cool feature. Both the pens are somewhat comparably priced (the Realo being pricier everywhere). Jason and I sit in opposite camps on this rodeo. So, I’m keen to see what it will be in the future similar rodeo videos he does. It all comes down to personal biases and preferences, obviously. For me, Sailor simply rules! 🙂 Edit: On second thoughts, why were you surprised at my choosing the Realo? Did you sort of expect me to prefer the 823 instead? Also, Jason uses one among the invariably wet-flowing Iroshizuku inks on his 823. He used the equally reputedly dry-ish J Herbin ink in the Realo. Unfair competition leading to an arguably skewed representation in the writing sample.

[@davidanderson3425]

@@sajjadhusain4146 Why was I surprised? I suppose because of the reputation of the Pilot Custom 823 which made it a hot favourite in this comparison. Having seen so many reviews of the pen and many people thinking it is a grail pen and pretty faultless. I don't know, I don't own one. Then to see you prefer the Realo was, I thought, against the run of play. A bit like the underdog winning the game. It just shows there are never any clear winners at similar price points.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@davidanderson3425 ..That’s what I thought. I haven’t seen anybody in any comment section do anything but heap glowing praise upon the 823. Sailor pens and nibs are always more divisive. You’re quite correct both about the Realo being the underdog in this contest and the fact that pens at very similar price points being open to very conflicting opinions and preferences. I quite like that it is so.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I love the broad on the Pilot Custom 823! I have not used a medium. I'm a little curious how you cracked your barrel? I've shared mine: exposure to a disinfectant purchased in the early days of COVID-19. Both parts of your description of the 823 work: the spear and the filling mechanism. The vacuum filler is cool, but that's a few seconds of pleasure. The rest of the time, the pen had better write well... Normally I like feedback, but the feel of the Sailor just isn't right to me. I much prefer that of Platinum of my Aurora 88. I might have to bring that into this mix!

[@archivist17]

I'm pretty much done with cartridge pens, except for pocket pens, where there are space constraints. Pistons and vac-fill are my thing now. 823 v 800 is an interesting comparison.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I still have a soft spot of cartridge/converter pens: I love how easily they can be cleaned. And, while inked, I don't notice the difference. Hopefully you enjoy the 823 vs 800!

[@ichirofakename]

1. Weird that the stiffer Sailor has more line variation than the softer Pilot. Is the Sailor stubbish? [I hope not] 2. It's a wonderful pen world we live in where there is a distinct and meaningful choice between the experiences of these two high-end pens. I describe it as the Pilot is more expressive and the Sailor is more precise. Another meaningful difference that I am not so thrilled about is the "Sailor Tax" - their stuff just costs more, and the top stuff way more. Though a Sailor Boi, I don't think I'll ever pull the trigger on a KOP. 3. Those attracted to the 823 but who would prefer a converter, the Pilot 743 was made for you - same pen, but with a converter. AND available with the semi-flex nib, that I can recommend. 4. Having to open the piston valve to write is a deal breaker for me. Looks bad, distracting. 5. I would like to see the M800 compared to something.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

1. I wouldn't call the Sailor stubbish. But it definitely had a lot of line variation! 2. Your description of these two nibs is good. I prefer the Pilot in this case. On the other hand, the Sailor Zoom nib is a lot of fun. 3. I own a 743 with an FA nib. Lots of fun! 4. Opening the piston valve is annoying. I see it as just part of the pen being in use. But I remember trouble with one ink that was too viscous for bubbles to get around that valve and up through the pen: it would quit writing suddenly. 5. The m800 will be showing up next week. And I got some new ideas as a result of this video!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I have twelve Sailors w/21k nibs, in various sizes. Not stub-ish, but there’s something I can’t quite definitively describe but I feel the way the nibs are ground and tuned gives the nibs (though stiff) a certain slight spring to them in the tipping, affording that line variation in the writing. And I’ve noticed how all the different Sailor inks in all my Sailor pens also seem to shade well, to varying extents. Sailor’s pricing, in the U.S.,particularly, is borderline extortion, no question. Sailor fans are just as devoted, irrational and complulsive buyers like anybody else. So, the pens still always sell swimmingly well, because fans like me keep buying them. Sailors are pricey even in Japan. The two Pilot pens I own and like more than the 823 are the Justus 95 and the Silvern (sterling silver) with an 18k inlaid nib. I’m interested to see Jason’s take on the Aurora Flex. A few old online reviews don’t seem to rate it much. I reckon (or hope) it has to be better than anything (barring Noodler’s Triple Tail) in the market today.

[@therealjenso]

I had the Sailor KOP on my wish list as well but after I bought a Sailor Pro Gear, I switched out the KOP for a Pilot Custom Urushi because I wasn't happy with the feel of the nib. I bought the Custom Urushi last year to celebrate a special occasion and I'm extremely happy with it. Thanks for the video.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I would like to try out one of Pilot's Namiki pens! They're expensive, but maybe I can scrape together some KZbin money. Thank you for reminding me of this goal!

[@therealjenso]

@@WaskiSquirrel That's a great pen that I would love to own. I'm looking forward to that review.

[@texasmom8827]

Thanks for the comparison. Very helpful!!

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dashsunil]

Practical observations. Sad to see ypu do not enjoy Realo so much. I like Sailors' feedback though. 😊

[@WaskiSquirrel]

The Realo isn't a bad pen. It's just its feedback isn't comfortable for me.

[@davidanderson3425]

An interesting new series of pen comparisons. I like a good Rodeo! Glad you have your video camera running again. I look forward to more bare knuckle pen contests in the future!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

But the significant shadows over his writing marred that segment of the video considerably. To me, anyway.

[@davidanderson3425]

@@sajjadhusain4146 Yes, you're right. I think Jason did mention at one point he needs to move the lights.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I'm glad to have this camera running again too. Now that I don't have to spend money on that, I need to work on the lighting. And, yes, more bare-knuckle pen contests!

[@chrisrap52]

Only Sailor I have inked up is ProGear with Naginata-Togi nib. I agree Pilot makes softest nibs of the Japanese big 3. And Sailors have most feedback, which I do not mind. How do they feel in your hand, weight, balance, section, etc.? Which can you write the longest with? Some aspects you might include.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Thank you for the suggestions! As for the nibs: I like Platinum's feedback. I don't like Sailor's feedback. Pilot has limited feedback and leaves a great line.

[@lawnmoose]

A gold nib is so flashy. White gold/ silver is my preference. The sailor writes well.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I do prefer the silver look. But these pens don't come with that.

[@paulmchugh1430]

Sailor nibs are known for their scratchy/ feedback but as you write with them more, the smoother they become. I have a 1911L and a King of Pen and would not get rid of either. I have a Platinum 3776 with a soft fine nib that while it is a bouncy nib, it is not soft nor provides any line variation and is very scratchy. Pilot makes the best nibs, at the moment. I have their soft fine nib that is a joy to use. As for filling systems, vacuum fillers are the most difficult getting completely clean. I am considering eyedropper fill pens for their ink capacity and ease of maintenance.

[@jacobus57]

They are absolutely NOT scratchy, nor do they have that much feedback. This myth kept me away from Sailor much too long.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I wouldn't call it scratchy. It just feels laggy in a strange way that I don't like. Maybe if I use it more, I'll like the Sailor better...but I doubt it. I do enjoy the soft fine on the Platinum 3776. Our disagreement on that nib is part of the fun of this hobby! I agree on the quality of Pilot pens. Of course, I have not tried their soft fine nib, so I will have to look for that. You definitely cited the major weakness of vacuum fillers. They are dramatic, but hard to clean and hard to maintain.

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@WaskiSquirrel I am glad such conversations exist. If everyone had the same view on these pens, it would be kind of boring

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@jacobus57 ..True, on both counts. Not scratchy, and only slight feedback. Also, the nibs are always rather smooth. So many people seem to regularly make it appear that Sailor nibs are anything but smooth.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@WaskiSquirrel ..Vac-fillers are also quite prone to failing, and a headache to repair.

[@EnCwoisant]

I have a vintage 1911 sailor nib that is smooth and even a bit soft. Now their nibs are stiff with feedback- which I like too.

[@jacobus57]

The 21k nibs actually have a pleasant degree of bounce.

[@EnCwoisant]

The vintage I have is 14k and soft in a different way that the 21k nib is bouncy. Doesn’t take as much pressure in my experience. And I would still say the modern 21k nibs have stiffness while still being a bit bouncy - confusing I know

[@WaskiSquirrel]

This Sailor nib is an H-B. It is meant to be stiff. I'm not sure about their regular broad nib.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

@@WaskiSquirrel …The regular broad nib (on my KoPs) are also hard/stiff and have a distinct feedback, but simultaneously feel sublime smooth, too. It is an enigma, in a sense.

[@gertahnstrom784]

I do not (yet) own any high end Pilot pens, but I have my eyes on some models. . . But my Sailor Pro Gear Slim Sky is a wonderful pen, sold at quite a deal since the first owner didn't like the feedback and that ink got in under the transparent grip section. It even went back to Sailor to improve the nib, but that obviously didn't solve the issue the previous owner had. I love good feedback, a pencil lead type of feedback is ideal for me. I feel like Bambi on slippery ice writing with some of my super smooth Sheaffers in comparison. Nice to see some Sailor content though. I would really like to see the Realo vs the M800. (Off to find that community tab vote. . .)

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I’m a longtime and avid Sailor fan. And that unique feedback of the nibs (both 14k and 21k) is something I especially enjoy a lot. Besides, the nibs are also very smooth, if stiff. The nib on the Sailor King of Pens reigns supreme. As for the Realo (B) vs M800 (B), it would be quite the mismatch. Pelikan’s top-of-the-line gold nibs typically run quite a lot wider than the stated size point compared to other Western brands. The only others that come close to this are Montblanc and Visconti. Even Pelikan’s standard Medium gold nib is almost always going to write wetter and wider than the Realo’s Broad nib, which btw, writes like a true average Western broad. At least mine does.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I'll have to add that comparison! I had only planned to compare the Realo to the Pilot, but now I think it will have to be part of more comparisons! Doing my statistics showed me a surprising number of possible combinations. And I'm thinking of more pens since them. This could turn into a crazy huge series!

[@brian6290]

It's been a while since we've had a Rodeo, so thanks. When I started collecting pens, I didn't like the look of the 823 because it was transparent. I'm over that now, so it's probably time for me to find out what all the fuss is about.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

The 823 is pricey, but it's a really good pen. I own two: a fine and a broad.

[@luckyoleary9626]

The Sailor can feel quite different with different ink and paper.... Particularly paper. On Midori paper, I find my Sailor's have too much feedback, but on TR and CAL I find the feedback perfect. But! Pilot nibs are very nice too 😁

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Thank you for the comments. One feeling I'm getting as a result of this video is that I need to give the Sailor another chance.

[@sathishrao7926]

‘Feedbacky ’ nature of Sailor’s nibs is one of the reasons I’m reluctant to own a Sailor.. BTW, Sailor has just released India exclusive “1911 King of Pen Shri Ganesh Ji Limited edition”. I’m sure I’ll have to sell my property to afford it, so I can’t think about it even if offers zero feedback !

[@WaskiSquirrel]

A pen like that is probably not worth owning! I use KZbin dollars sometimes to justify some expensive pens, but there is a point where I say, "Nope, that's enough!"

[@chemicalcowpoke307]

Mr. Squirrel, How would you describe the design type of these pens, when was this style brought into commerce? cigar shape, fairly large nib... This design doesn’t really appeal much to me, but it is interesting. Pilot pen are pretty nice in my experience.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Cigar shape is how these pens are described. I think the earliest pens were flat tops, so I'm not sure when this shape first appeared. And, yes, Pilot makes some amazing pens!

[@claudioabbate4292]

I chose the realo and I would choose it again

[@WaskiSquirrel]

The nice thing about a comparison of quality pens like this is that you really can't go wrong with either one.

[@mellow-jello]

Like the L2K, there is a sweet spot for Sailor FPs, and the control is reserved for Hanji & Kanji characters whilst cursive writing couples the light feedback. Stick to Pilot if you exclusive write cursive or print.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I had never heard that about Sailor before. Interesting to know. And I have wondered if they are more Japan-centric, especially with some of their interesting nibs. I do like Pilot pens, though the Sailor Zoom nib is ridiculously fun!

[@brettthorndike1079]

It seems to me "All" Pilots write nice..Great Video !

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I haven't had a bad Pilot yet!

[@13noman1]

Nice to see the comparison though I'm a Pilot/Namiki fan from waaay back. After hearing so many extoling the virtue of the Sailor nibs, I went and bought a few (including Realo) but my Realo spends a lot of time in storage -- pretty dry writer-- while my 823 was constantly inked for several years running! I had a KOP on my wish list, too but scratched it off ~ a year ago. Meanwhile, my 823 sits on my list of pens I'd "replace immediately" if anything happened to it! Looking forward to the Pelikan M800 vs 823 rodeo!

[@WaskiSquirrel]

So, true story, I replaced my fine 823 almost immediately: I had a bottle of cleaner that dipped over on it and destroyed the plastic. I was able to save the nib and feed, and I saved the piston and plunger as parts. But I knew I would miss the pen too much to let it go.

[@jacobus57]

The Realo and the 823 are pretty much apples and aardvarks. It's a stretch to compare a piston filter with a vac filler, and Pilot nibs to Sailor. The HB nib is not representative of the general performance of Sailor 21k nibs.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I sometimes think that the H-M and the standard Medium could possibly be the best of Sailor’s 21k nibs.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

To be fair, I don't think any of these pens are similar at all. It's more just fun to look at two different pens I own. In this case, good to realize how seldom I've actually inked the Realo up!

[@ibpopp]

The better nib wins hands-down. Thanks.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

Ha, see ya in court about that! 😀

[@ichirofakename]

If smoother is better, then yes.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

The writing experience is important, for sure! I can't imagine defending a pen because of the gorgeous finish or the fun filling mechanism if it can't write.

[@jerry550]

Is it blasphemous to suggest you smooth the nib on the Sailor? I wouldn't have the nerve to try. I'd also be concerned that I might be tempted to try. I've never seen a Lava Lamp ™️ with clear liquid before. Must be the 21st century version.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I'm leaning more toward selling the Sailor than smoothing it. It's a new Lava Lamp. I originally bought it for school, but it took too long to heat up, so I decided to use it at home.

[@jerry550]

@@WaskiSquirrel Interesting. I would have thought the clear liquid would convey the heat better than the colored liquid. Either way, as I remember, it takes a while for the wax (Lava) to heat to a proper psychedelic effect.