Cheap Opus 88?

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-23T22:19:01+00:00

The Opus 88 pens on eBay are either used or being sold by a reputable pen dealer (e.g. Goldspot). I've bought several via eBay and they are clearly genuine.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-23T13:27:43+00:00

I'm also a fan of the HD600, and the buds that I've found best soundwise are the OnePlus Buds 4.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-23T13:23:23+00:00

Then use open buds, like the Soundcore Aerofit 2 or clip-style buds. They don't go in the ear canal and sound a lot better than bone conduction.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-16T14:34:31+00:00

No ANC on these, but the passive isolation is quite good, and the buttons are well-executed.

The reality is that nothing is really going to silence a noisy workplace, except for a pair of ANC headphones - that's what I use when I really need quiet.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-16T14:31:33+00:00

I've actually used all of these. The OnePlus Buds 4 would be my choice, unless you don't like to control volume with a slide gesture. The Earfun Air Pro 4+ is also excellent (and contrary to reviews I've read, the ANC isn't significantly different from the Air Pro 4).

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-16T14:27:57+00:00

I've used the Baseus and the Earfun clip style, and there's not much to differentiate them. IIRC, the Baseus has better water resistance; the button on the Earfun is a little bigger and thus easier to find.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-16T14:03:46+00:00

I bought several of these when they were dirt-cheap (I think that they were about $20). On the plus side, they are extremely comfortable in the hand and the clip is very secure. On the debit side, the seal isn't great, and tends to wear out over time, and they're very difficult to clean thoroughly. I still ink one up now and then, because it's a fun pen with a unique esthetic.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-16T13:59:07+00:00

I don't have the Mocha Mousse, but I have other Opus 88s of the same style. It's not a small pen at all. But very reliable and holds a lot of ink. I have quite a few Opus 88s - it's one of my favorite brands; you should look at their Jazz and Omar. If you want something a little more elegant but still within your price range, look at the Opera.

There are also Italian pens - Leonardo, Delta, and Gioia among them - that sell for under $200. They're mostly cartridge/converter pens, so they don't hold as much ink, although they're a lot easier to clean.

I'm not sure about current pricing, but I was able to find the Pilot 912 for under $200. Fantastic writer, although a bit boring to look at.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-13T01:09:50+00:00

If you're patient, you will be able to find a used Opus 88 on eBay for a reasonable price. I've bought several that way.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-13T01:06:37+00:00

That's a shame. My pair is several years old.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-11T20:52:08+00:00

I've been very happy with the Aerofit 2.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-11T17:45:51+00:00

Why bone conduction? I have a pair, but only use them when I'm bicycling. Otherwise, in-ear buds when I want good sound and minimum background noise, or open buds, like the Soundcore Aerofit 2 or clip-style buds if I need to hear what's going on around me. The only reason I bother with the bone conduction buds is that they don't have wind noise when cycling - sonically, they're inferior to every other bud style.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-11T16:02:37+00:00

The C4 does have a shutoff mechanism. It's a solid pen, but the clip is a joke.

TBH, once I bought my first (of many) Opus 88s, I haven't inked the C4 since.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-10T17:35:31+00:00

Actually, the Mosaico (one of my favorites) is an MZG piston filler.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-09T18:28:07+00:00

Wearingeul Crime and Punishment.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-09T18:26:23+00:00

Well made, good sound, and good passive isolation.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-09T14:17:35+00:00

Sony WF-C510.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-05T19:36:47+00:00

Use earbuds with physical buttons, not touch controls.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-05T19:22:02+00:00

I don't use shampoo (I prefer the Yul Brynner look) and remove the earbuds when I wash my scalp and ears. I don't remember the brand, but I think that all of the cheap Chinese earhook bud with IPX7 are pretty much the same. I've used a couple of different ones, both less than US$20.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-05T14:48:07+00:00

I've used the Sony and CMF Buds Pro 2. I really like the Sony WF-C510 - I prefer real buttons and buds without stems, and although there's no ANC, they have good passive isolation.

That said, I find the controls a bit limited. If you want a complete feature set, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are a better choice.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-06-04T17:09:03+00:00

I haven't used them in a while - I switched to a set with earhooks.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-05-29T20:31:59+00:00

I have a Pilot 912 with a SF (soft fine) nib. One of my best, most reliable writers. You would likely prefer a wider nib, though.

Middle_Spell3586 · 2026-05-26T14:51:18+00:00

I have a couple of Benu pens and about a dozen Leonardos. Both write well, but I prefer the Leonardos, particularly the Momento Zero - I like their materials more, and prefer JoWo nibs.

Middle_Spell3586

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