WingSung 3013 Fountain Pen Review

[@vermis8344]

I bought one of these a few years ago, in brown. (I don't know if this was the case in the rest of the world, but on ebay UK it was sold as both 'Wing Sung' and 'Piali') Liked it a lot, but when it wasn't used for a while I stored it nib-down. Big mistake! The next time I looked at it, the cap was filled with ink, the screw under the finial was a big rusty lump, and there was verdigris on the metal ring between the nib and section neck. Also there's a crack on the barrel that appeared from somewhere. _And_ it's a bit chunky for a pocketable EDC, IMO. But it still writes well after a cleanout and slight tune, and I still like it and the (modern) novelty of vac fillers. I had planned to complement it with a WS 699, but to avoid the same slight problems I might scrape together a few more quid and spring for a TWSBI instead.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I just bought one and had to watch your video for the parts and features and impression. I haven't received it yet but looking forward to trying it. For $5, it is worth a shot.

[@jpanthony]

Liked the into. The bass is a nice addition.

[@amigagr]

+ 1 vote for the intro!

[@luisquismondo]

Just got my 3013, my first vaccum filler, for less than 5 € and I admit that I'm impressed how well it writes since first moment. I didn't know how to properly ink it, and I did it wrong. Only a small amout of ink entered. Maybe, due to that or the viscosity of the ink, the body is now full of ink spots, instead of fairly clean as in your video. I think I will dissamble it, following the way your showed us, clean it and, either keep it clean for my collection or refill it and use it as daily pen. will see.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I wasn't all that impressed by the 3013. There is no shut-off valve and the piston doesn't seal off the chamber well so you don't get a strong vacuum. The beading of the ink is because of the silicone grease on the piston coating the inside of the barrel.

[@yominrak7975]

Ah so the Wing Sung (how come no one reads this as sung - sing, sang, sung - wing sung is a cantonese pronunciation of Yong Sheng) 698 is a piston filler, I was trying hard to differentiate between 699 and 698 from the pictures in Aliexpress. Beini is pronounced closer to Bay + Ni :D But I think she will not mind since Mandarin can be very difficult to pronounce for people in the West.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I bought two WS698 piston fillers and both were AWFUL!

[@yominrak7975]

@@InkquiringMinds I have not got any WS pens yet, I was actually intending to get a 699 vacuum filler but it does not have the finishes I like and moreover there are reviews saying the pen cracked and got leaked so I exclude 699 vac filler. Then I was tempted to get WS698 piston filler pen, but looks like I should not waste money on this lol.

[@EPeltzer]

This vacuum filler does not seal off the section, for some reason, so that is a major drawback, although these are only five or six dollars. Any kind of travel where you go over a mountain pass or go up to the hills, I find my pens can leak into the cap. So that for me is the major draw of a vac filler. Although a piston filler where you can pull the piston back to create a bit of vacuum inside can also prevent leakage.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That is a drawback of THIS particular vacuum filler. Most Vac-fillers will have the shut-off valve.

[@zenink2654]

Hey, you! I love that song!!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, ZI!

[@kapirk2244]

OMG! Was that Faith? “What a bargain!” Was that Faith? Another fun review! Thanks! Your review are just getting better and better and more fun.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey KA! Faith? Are you talking the music? Perhaps you're way too young to know my old man music... "Hey You" by Pink Floyd from "The Wall". Thanks for the comment. I'm chuffed that you're getting a kick out of them! :D

[@kapirk2244]

Douglas Rathbun Oh no, I recognize the song! That’s my era, my jam! I was taking about the clip of the female saying “What a bargain.” I was thinking that was Faith from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” One of my faves from the past, I love the Buffyverse, anything from the Whedonverse. I’ll have to watch again to see if I got it wrong.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@kapirk2244 I have no idea! LOL I found the GIF here: tenor.com/view/what-abargain-deal-sarcasm-sounds-good-sarcastic-gif-14382742

[@jeancarlostashima8629]

Thanks

[@Druuj]

I have the 3013 for more than a year now, and it has not cracked. It's not the most reliable pen, it doesn't start Every time right away, though the dry climate here does not help. But most of the time it does what it says on the tin and its pretty and its pretty affordable. I am considering the 699 in smoky or amber for the looks, but do you think it is worth to "upgrade" from the 5$ 3013 to the 30$ 699 in the part of writing experience? Also, is there any reliable brand gold nib I could buy and place it on the 699?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes I do! The 699 is a FAR better pen than the 3013.

[@Druuj]

@@InkquiringMinds Thank you very much.

[@danielste-marie779]

Doug, Nice intro and video. By the way, you guys in Calgary seem to be getting whacked with snow lately whereas we here in Fernie have none at all. Usually it is the other way around. The ski hill is opening tomorrow probably with only one run. They have been making snow like crazy for a while now.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey Daniel! Thanks! Yes, we've had some continuous snow for a few days that has collected. The sun is out today but it is brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[@Dionysor]

Thank you for this review. I was window shopping those 3 vacs and eventually caved for penbbs 456 in transparent that should be knocking in a few weeks. I hear people have issues with their 3013 and altogether i feel its a too fragile design for this budget and filling system. For this reason i got a few 3003 and I love them all. A brilliant Prera clone. I'm still considering the 699.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You'll be very pleased with your PenBBS 456. And I agree about the possible endurance of the 3013. I've had my 3008s only about 9 months and one of the bodies has already cracked without being out of the house or even used that much. The 699 is growing on me - very pretty pen.

[@yuklimka7251]

@@InkquiringMinds I just got a 699 about three weeks ago in brown with an opaque section and a fine nib. I like it a lot. And last weekend I bought a 3013 which I haven't inked up yet, so I may still be able to return it and exchange it for two 30 ml bottles of Diamine ink. Have you had any issues with cracking or the screw in the cap rusting?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@yuklimka7251 I gave this pen away in a channel giveaway, so I'm not sure of how well it aged. However, the 3008 is the same kind of material with the same screw in the cap and 2 of 4 cracked without being used much and three of four screws rusted.

[@yuklimka7251]

@@InkquiringMinds Thank you, Doug. That just reinforces my decision to return it and either get a refund or exchange it for some Diamine 30 ml colors.

[@paulmchugh1430]

I should have watched this before I bought one. It is a cheap pen. Like the look but my main gripe is that the pen does not seal, at least mine. It wobbles to the section. Is the 699 worth getting as a replacement?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes!

[@knifenoob5411]

HEY YOU I am not doing any plane travel. So before I use the penbbs 456 and WS 699 I have to fiddle with end cap before writing? Sounds like a pain. I am looking for O ring set for pens, have any recommendations? Thx for vid.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The spare parts kit from the Penbbs store on Etsy is a real bargain. Lots of O rings etc. And yes, the 456 and the 355 both have shut off valves so when the section run out of ink, you need to allow more to flow by opening the knob. You can leave it open if it bothers you.

[@kapirk2244]

Loved the song, and the guitar chops! The pen is petty nice, with the modifications. I have EoC ink also and I have to use it in a wide nib, it tends to dry up and clog a pen. But, it is pretty!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, KA Pirk! I have just a couple pens inked with the Emerald of Chivor. It does clog things up a bit, but as you say, it is worth the effort!

[@333pro333]

Has your cap screw corroded? I've changed the cap screws in all my 3008s with an M4 5 mm stainless steel screw. Perfect fit. The 3013 has a different screw, and I haven't seen any corrosion in mine yet. Do you know what screw type the 3013 has, in case it also needs to be replaced?

[@InkquiringMinds]

My 3008's corroded badly. So far, not sign of corrosion on the 3013. The screw is a Phillips head but I don't know what size as I've not taken it apart.

[@Johan-vk5yd]

Thank you for this in depth review. Investigating each and every corner of a pen with your eyesight and your touch shows an attitude that fits mine. How big is the gap between the feed and the plunger at its narrowest do you reckon? A single millimeter or more?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey, Johan. Thanks so much. I measured the gap and it is about 5.3mm. Not small!

[@Johan-vk5yd]

Douglas Rathbun An abyss! Seems far fetched to try and somehow bridge that gap, and improve on the construction. I’ll go for one of the other vacuum fillers mentioned.

[@yominrak7975]

If I am a student who relies on parents' allowance this cheap vacuum filler fountain pen would be prefect, but as a working adult of so many years there are times when buying expensive pen is more satisfying (it is like obtaining a medal after years of hardwork)... not just writing experience, in fact writing experience is secondary (secondary does not mean not important it is important just that the primary decision of buying is not for writing experience - in fact good writing experience should be a given due to its high price) the primary is the classy feel of holding a Pelikan M800 it is just like a symbol or medal to prove a milestone in life as a working adult, just my thought lol.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Pelikan M800 is definitely a trophy pen that is also one of the best writing fountain pens I've ever experienced.

[@Druuj]

The problem I have with the Pelikan M800 and others likewise priced pens, is that they are not for everyday use/carry. God forbid it slips of your pocket, or you forget it somewhere. I would have it only on my desk for fear of anything happening to it. Its a wonderful pen for life, but its price is close to a full month's wage.

[@juhan9117]

YES old yamahas are great!

[@InkquiringMinds]

You have a good eye! That's my 1968 Yamaha FG150 Red Label. Same guitar that Country Joe of Country Joe and the Fish played at Woodstock. I have it in Nashville tuning.

[@juhan9117]

Nippon gakki 👌

[@magnoliamike]

Can you get a full fill? That’s why I was watching but you skiped that part! 😑😅

[@InkquiringMinds]

About 3/4. Fairly full if you repeat the filling twice.

[@garylangford6755]

my 3013 seals off when closed. and i find that feature VERY annoying. actually it's turned me off vacuum fillers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

If you never need the feature, then it is a pain!

[@lucm6476]

i bought two like this , lucky the price tag was very small. Turn out to be very bad fountain pens , barely write... :(

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm sorry to hear that Luc! Mine barely wrote but I tinkered with it a bit to get the ink flowing.

[@v000000000000v]

beini is pronounced bay knee

[@v000000000000v]

I received 2 of these vacs the other day and I might have gotten lucky, both of them worked well, the F nib was more of an EF though even after flexing the nib for a good bit, not sure if I prefer the vac over regular piston fillers but it's my first vac filler glad that I bought a cheap one first

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for this! :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@v000000000000v You'll love a PenBBS 456. Classy, well-built and not that expensive. My EDC.

[@v000000000000v]

@@InkquiringMinds That looks awesome, I'm a sucker for transparent pens and I just recently got a moonman C1, PenBBS seems to offer a lot of different finishes for their acrylic shells, really tempting..

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@v000000000000v I love all of their finishes, especially Amber and Galaxy. But the 456 is best in clear glass. I love my C1 as well but the 456 is MUCH more ergonomic.