Pilot Hi-Tec-C Maica Review

The last thing I expected in JetPens latest new product push was a revamped Pilot Hi-Tec-C but that is what I got with the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Maica. So, what is this new take on an old classic trying to accomplish? I'm so glad you asked!

I must admit upfront that the product description on the JetPens page scared me. The words "jewel-like," "sparkly," and "pizazz" had me wondering if I was truly the target market for this pen. I'm not a 14 year-old Japanese girl after all. But this is the price you pay to get new stationery products on this side of the Pacific, and all things considered, this is not that girly of a pen despite the description.

What it is is a solid upgrade to the standard Pilot Hi-Tec-C barrel. It is rounded and slightly heavier, and the grip area is smooth with small, raised dots. The cap loop I will call roll-away protection since I won't be stringing charms through it any time soon. When posted, it is longer than the standard barrel as well, which you can see in the pictures.

One thing I am not crazy abut is the ridge in the grip area. Since the cap seals flush with the barrel there is a slight step down in that area, and at least Pilot had the sense to round the edge unlike some other companies. I do feel it near the base of my grip when writing but it isn't a deal breaker.

The teen girl marketing aspect of the pen? I honestly don't see it. The only thing that hints of it on my Blue Black model is the tiny faceted jewel on the top of the cap. I didn't even notice it for several minutes - it blends in so well it is hardly noticeable. There is nothing about this pen design that would keep me from using it regularly, but then again I do love my pink pens. Your milage may vary.

So now my big question: Why is the Maica only $2.50, while the regular Pilot Hi-Tec-C runs $3.30 (prices as of current writing at JetPens.com)? The refills are identical in size, although I have either used a bunch of the Blue Black Maica already or it was filled a little short. I ordered a Black Maica as well and it is filled evenly with an unused standard Pilot Hi-Tec-C. The Maica barrel seems a little more complicated to make too, so I'm not sure what warrants over a 30% price difference.

If nothing else, I know how I will be ordering color refills for my Render K from now on.

Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki Ink Review

If you listened to yesterday's podcast you caught me having a senior moment while discussing some of my ink reviews. I did a batch of three reviews in one sitting and when I was discussing the inks with Myke I was thinking I had published at least two of them on the blog. Well, now I can say that I actually have.

Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki is one of the most popular inks on the market, and in one short review, I can see why. The rich, bright blue is stunning, and the shading is simultaneously subtle and exceptional. What really impressed me though was how well the ink behaved from the nib. Once again, I used my TWSBI Mini 1.5 mm stub nib for the review and found it the perfect choice. The ink flow was smooth and consistent - not too dry, and not too wet. If all Iroshizuku inks behave this well I am going to be in serious trouble.

The third ink review should be posted sometime next week, but I bet many of you can guess it from this image alone:

For more details on Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki check out these great reviews:

Seize the Dave

Greasemonkeyhands

Ed Jelley

Vec Blog

My Fountain Pen Education: The Pilot M90 Limited Edition

Mabeloos is the smart one as it turns out. Not that I didn't know that already, mind you. She has been an online friend and pen compatriot since the start of this blog. Back in 2009, she did a guest review that up until a few weeks ago I had forgotten existed. Looking back on it now, I remember thinking how insane she was for spending so much money on a pen. Today, I am jealous of her prescience. What was that review?

The Pilot M90 Limited Edition.

With a production run of only 9000 units, the M90 was released for Pilot's 90th anniversary in 2008 and was a nod to the original Pilot MYU which was released in 1971. If I only knew then what I know now I would have been one happy camper to pick one of these up for $180.

The MYU has been popular since its release despite not being manufactured since the early 1980's. That made the M90 a hot commodity and they sold out in no time. Luckily for me, my friend Thomas has one in his collection he allowed me to test.

I was wrong in my Pilot Murex post (and have since made the correction) that the Murex was the first of the line made by Pilot in 1971. The shorter Pilot MYU actually came first, with the full-sized Murex following in 1977. The MYU is just as highly regarded with its sleek portable design, durability, and beautiful integrated nib.

The M90 kept the majority of the original MYU design intact, with just the name on the clip, clip design, and blue stone in the cap differing according to Russ Stutler. The model Thomas sent me has one more slight difference: a nib ground to 0.20 mm (a true Japanese EF) by renowned nibmeister Mike Masuyama.

Like the PO nib in the Pilot Heritage 912 the firm steel nib of the M90 took some getting used to. This may be the firmest, finest nib I have used in a fountain pen to date. And honestly, it was difficult to write with. I think if I used it all day, every day I would find the sweet spot but I had a tougher time writing with it than I did the Murex. That said, that only knocks this pen down to a 9 out of 10 at worst. It is a marvel to hold and use and I would love to add one to my collection.

Thanks as always to Thomas for allowing me to test out some of his collection (there is more to come), and thanks to Mabeloos for being ahead of the curve and teaching me a thing or two along the way. You can find more from Mabeloos at her website The Jadecow Sketches.