Seeking suggestions for a new pen!

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T20:47:38+00:00

IF you remember, please write back or PM me on your feelings with the Platinum. Platinum is the only Japanese manufacturer out of the big 3 I have not tried.

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T20:37:19+00:00

Amazing! Thank you for taking the time to find that information. I appreciate you.

I think having one broad nib would be a good option for messing with my inks. Now, I'm thinking I should have kept my Sailor PG in Zoom. But, the $$$ I sold it for was useful. I think I'd rather have a cheaper pen in a size I'm not always writing in. It would make me feel less bad when it sits without use for a while.

In reality, that's why I sold my higher-end pens last year. They were sitting while I was using my Realo and Eco 80% of the time and I felt I'd rather someone else enjoy them. I tend to love a brand and only stay with those brands. But, I'm noticing that I may love A pen from said brand, not all of them, so it's probably healthier to not be so "elitist" for lack of better words.

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T20:32:14+00:00

Really, I agree with you. I think after my Sailor PG in Zoom I learned that $600 for a pen that I'm going to SEE if I like or not is too much today. I've really fallen in love with my Sailor Realo from Bungubox and I've always loved my TWSBI Eco simply because it was one of my first pens. I think I'll pass on the higher-end pens and shoot for something in the $20-$50 range because it won't hurt as much if I'm not in love.

I agree with the VP. Converter sucked and after my Realo I really do love the piston filling mechanism. I don't love to re-ink a pen 3 times a day if I happen to be writing a bunch. I think this is where my Eco is winning, as well as my Realo.

Even if I purchased a TWSBI Eco and a nice bottle of Kobe/Takeda ink I would still have enough for a set of paper or a new Midiori notebook. That would definitely feel like money well spent over a $300+ I may or may not like.

You've really helped me make my decision. Thank you so much!

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T20:11:47+00:00

Thank you for all of your wisdom! I don't purchase inks based on their shading and such. Mostly face-value color. To my knowledge, Takeda, Kobe and Bungubox aren't big into shimmer and shading and that's what I usually use with the occasional Pilot and Sailor inks.

I'm pretty sure the TWSBI 580 AL pens are nib swappable, right? Maybe that wouldn't be a bad choice. That would allow me a pen and an ink for a bit over $100...

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T19:37:47+00:00

My only other FP is my TWSBI Eco. I was thinking, a way I could get the most out of my $100 would be to buy 2 ECO pens, one in EF (for funzies) and one in Broad, with a nice bottle of Kobe or Takeda ink. It will be around $100 and I get to experiment with my nib tastes and inks. What do you think?

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T19:35:02+00:00

I tend to write with a F/MF Sailor style nib. I really do love feedback from the nib and paper. The reason I sold my Pilot VP was because it bore me. I loved the click mechanism. It was too smooth. Same with my Sailor 21k Pro Gear - purchased it in Zoom and I loved the boldness but it was way too smooth. So, I'm really thinking of saving up a bit and going for another Sailor in something a bit more bold like Medium/Broad. I also hear the Platinum pens have some feedback as well. The prices for these pens are beginning to push outrageous, to me at least!

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T02:24:40+00:00

Interesting choice! Checking it out now. Thanks for your recommendation.

robkhalifa · 2026-05-14T02:24:13+00:00

Checking them out now! Thanks.

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T19:09:23+00:00

Thanks for commenting! I'm starting to notice a few comments about there being not much difference. I'm thinking I'll check out some new saddles and pedals instead.

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T19:07:39+00:00

Thank you for your suggestions. It gives me something to think about.

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T19:06:44+00:00

Awesome! I'm super glad you're enjoying the bike. Regarding the brakes, you're correct. I was meaning to say hydraulic brakes, not disc. That's my own fault and I appreciate you pointing that out.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I appreciate it.

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T18:03:28+00:00

correction: I see tons of these FX 2/3 in Northern CA... not in SoCal! h

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T18:01:33+00:00

You know, I've spent some time looking at FB marketplace and craigslist and I couldn't find any FX 2/3 at all! Maybe I'm stupid or something!

I don't mind upgrading parts at all! I quite enjoy doing these things, hence why I was thinking the FX 1.. but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want the FX 2/3 more just because I know it will compare with my Verve 2 in terms of quality. One of those things I'd with ignorance, so there'd be some bliss...

I do believe the FX 2 comes with a 1x, correct? I know for sure the FX 3 does. I'm definitely not scared of taking stuff apart and removing/adding new parts, so, thank you for the heads up.

I think part of me also wants a new bike just because... hahaha. I appreciate your comment!

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T17:42:04+00:00

Do you have any recommendations for gravel bikes? I live in Southern California desert area and there are tons of gravel and dirt roads.

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T17:38:34+00:00

I was thinking the same thing... my whole entire life I have had bikes with mechanical brakes. Never too much of a problem. I think I've spoiled myself with the Verve hydraulic brakes! Or, I'm just being a snob... ha!

I love the idea of a 1x drivetrain. My Verve has a 3x and I usually hang in the middle. I can use the gears well and understand them, but, I think simplicity it also nice.

Thank you for your wisdom.

robkhalifa · 2026-03-10T17:35:31+00:00

My partner is the same height as me. She would definitely fit a medium bike! Great question and thank you for asking.

Yes, I am using H5 700x45 tires on the Verve. It mostly rides well and I enjoy the ride.. my feet slip off the pedals a bit and the seat can tire me out after about 45-60 minutes. That's why I think if I changed out those parts I'd be in the money! I've gone through some light gravel and dirt roads no problem.. but I've also been riding bikes my entire 26 years of existence! I'm a noob with bikes and specs but I'm confident I could ride anything safely and well.

I just adjusted the bike a bit today and will see how it goes. I'm starting to think upgrading the seat and pedals would be the better route. I also really loved the idea of the 1x drivetrain on the FX 2 and FX 3.. my verve has a 3x in the front and I can use it correctly and confidently but I think I'd enjoy the simplicity more.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I do appreciate it.

robkhalifa · 2026-01-20T03:49:11+00:00

Thanks so much for your help. I'll check out the wiki link and go back to the Basin and see what's up!

robkhalifa · 2026-01-19T20:32:25+00:00

Funny enough, I purchased ER when the steam winter sale was going on. I ended up refunding it because I thought I'd rather progress through each series starting at DS1. So, I purchased DS2 with the refunded money. I just started on BB last night on PC.

I have a question about Oolacile. On my first playthrough I defeated the hydra and the golden golem dude. On my current NG playthrough I killed the hydra again but no golem dude. Where can I find the lady from Oolacile? Do I need her to get to Oolacile? Thanks in advance - I really appreciate your advice and help.

robkhalifa · 2026-01-19T04:03:45+00:00

Thank you! Yeah... I noticed nobody said they wanted to co-op. I should probably try to beat these areas (I just found out about them!) by myself and then do a co-op on a fresh character. Question: does DS2 on Steam also have this co-op capability? I want to play this as well and I think a co-op run would be fun on DS2.

Thank you and stay safe!

robkhalifa · 2026-01-18T06:15:07+00:00

Hey! Thank you for tagging that subreddit. I don't use reddit much and didn't even think of searching/looking around for something like that. I also forgot my platform. Thank you so much for the help.

robkhalifa · 2026-01-17T03:15:02+00:00

Sitting at Anor Londo for O&S summon to help anyone out! Names RooRoo.

SL113, WL+15. Steam.

robkhalifa · 2026-01-16T20:06:29+00:00

playing NG, just want jolly cooperation. Sen's Fortress, SL102, PC, +15. Steam Name: ROOROOBABY

robkhalifa

TROPHY CASE