Fit and Finish: The pen appears sturdy, and well put together. I am careful with my pens, and it is unlikely I will drop one from any height; however, this pen gives the impression it would survive a fall, if it did not land nib-first. I give F/F a 4.5/5 I am providing a stock photo. My digital camera does not do justice to the pen.
The nib is reported to be outsourced to Namiki/Pilot, and possibly the same nib as the Pilot 78G previously reviewed. As I own both types, I believe it is possible. The smoothness of the surface of the nib, and the measured flow (not too wet, nor too dry) are very similar, enough that, if no sisters (or brothers) they are at least first cousins. I give the nib a 5/5.
The filling system is somewhat problematic. It is a cartridge/converter (converter at additional cost), which gives you options; however, both the cartridges and the converter are proprietary. The variety of ink available in cartridges is very limited, but the converter works very well, and opens up new vistas of expression, if you are tired of blue, black, or blue/black for ink colors. Filling system gets a 3/5.
In size, the pen is medium size, roughly the same as the Pilot 78G, or a Pilot G3 ball/gel point. It is lightweight, being plastic, and well balanced. It posts nicely, and is comfortable to write with posted or not. Its diameter might be a little large for those with tiny hands, but small hands and larger will find it comfortable for long-term writing. Size and comfort get a 5/5.
I purchased the pen from eBay, for very little. The price is still excellent, based on a recent survey and search of eBay. It would make an excellent introductory pen to give someone to get them hooked on fountain pens, or for a knockaround pen for work. It is generally available in XF, F, M and B. I have used only the F, but then I really like a fine point. A pen with broader than a fine point has to be really special to convince me to purchase and continue using it.
Until Later. . .
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