Brand: Pilot
Model: 78G
Body Material: Plastic
Trim: Metal
Length (capped): 5.32"
Length (uncapped nib-end): 4.74"
Length (posted): 5.87"
Barrel Diameter: 0.45"
Section Diameter: 0.34"
Nib type: Japanese
Nib material: 22K gold plated steel
Weight: 13 g/0.5 oz
Barrel design: Round, torpedo
Fill type: Cartridge/Converter
Price: $10.50
Where to buy: Jstationery
PACKAGING
There is no packaging for the Pilot 78G. At this low price, I'm not surprised. I don't mind - I only have so much space for pen packaging.
APPEARANCE
I inked this pen with Private Reserve DC Supershow Blue, having just received a new bottle of it. The nib puts down a really nice, consistent, smooth line of ink. There is a small amount of feedback but to a level that I enjoy. I really like to hear the sound of the paper and sometimes I like to feel the paper, particularly with italic/stub nibs, usually because I use them for calligraphy-type writing and I tend to go slower when using them. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it's just my personal preference.
IN HAND
- Comes with an aerometric converter.
- Converter can be removed if you prefer Pilot ink cartridges.
- Lightweight plastic pen.
- A few body colours are available.
- Functional, sturdy clip.
- Nib and feed section can be removed from the pen.
- Plastic barrel looks like it can be converted to an eyedropper, if you are so inclined.
- Barrel is easy to scratch.
- Not available in a rounded broad nib.
- Small ink capacity.
For the price of the Pilot 78G, you can't really go wrong. It is a nice, light, attractive pen that is available in several body colours and with interesting nibs. The broad italic writes really nicely and reminds me of the Pilot Plumix, although I feel it writes even nicer and is a nicer pen overall. I highly recommend this pen to new users and even to experienced users who are looking for a fun nib or a knockabout fountain pen, or just something new and different to add to your collection.
Enjoy some more Pilot 78G reviews
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27 comments:
That's quite a lovely pen for only $10!
Azizah, My Friend,
We must share some sort of mind link, because two days ago I received four Pilot 78Gs, each with a cartridge and a converter. I think I paid $20 for the lot on eBay. I had heard good things about them, but that they had been discontinued. In any event, these pens (even at the $10 list price) are one of the best deals around. The nibs I got were M and B --two each--and the bold nib is wonderful to work with. The problems, as you mentioned, is the short ink supply for each fill and themessiness of the converter. I've been using the bold nib for a couple days; it's delightful.
The new Pilot Metropolitan seems to be an upgrade on the 78G. Its metal barrel replaces the plastic 78G, It has,, the same ink filler and takes the same Pilot cartridges. It is available, though, in only black and metallic colors, and with a medium nib. prefer the 78 G in the end.
Your Fan,
Randy Schwartz
Upi
Ahh, thanks for the link! I actually really like how expensive-looking the black one is (from a certain distance of course) and even though the non-plated steel nib on Penmanship writes better. The construction of this is much more solid. I think I need to give this some love next month, after I finish all my current inking.
It is! $10 = two Starbucks drinks, right? This pen - much better choice.
WHOA! $20!! Nice deal! I am loving this B nib, it's just so nice though I hate the converter indeed hehe. The Metropolitan is quite nice (still hate the converter on that one) but this nib is way cooler still. I believe they're interchangeable though so maybe I should try doing that, then my Metro would be even cooler :D What colors did you get?
Hmm I wonder if the Penmanship nib is interchangeable with this one? As I mentioned to Randy in the other comment, perhaps it's interchangeable with the Metropolitan... but to swap it with the Penmanship would be interesting as well!
I got teal, green, red, and black. The teal and green are almost indistinguishable. That converter, though, is really a drawback. I may have to resort to Pilot cartridges. Oh, well--for what I paid, who can complain? Have you heard whether the 78G has in fact been discontinued? That would be a shame. The Metropolitan is almost everything a starter pen should be--but, oh, again, that converter!
That's awesome! I may resort to the cartridges as well... they are sadly preferable to these darned little things. I must go look up this teal now...!
I had not heard these were discontinued... I wouldn't be surprised if they were discontinued here in the US? They still seem to be available from Japan though.
I concur wholeheartedly with your review (which is excellent, by the way!!). I have a couple 78Gs, and I have been very pleased with them -- they are a good value for the money.
I think it is (well, they look the same size) and the one on penmanship was yanked out easily, but I just can't take the abomination of gold trim + steel nib combo (yeah yeah, the OCD thing again) so I am leaving the 78G alone.
Currently I am having the penmanship nib on a plumix (mine was dry and uneven) and they fit each other perfectly.
Thank you! Pilot is pretty good at making inexpensive, decent fountain pens!
For that low price, I may have to check this pen out! Price is probably the main factor that stands between me and most other fountain pens. And that bold italic nib looks great. I love your handwriting!
I wish I could test out a whole batch of them so I could speak for their quality control in batches, but if they're all like this one - fantastic. It would be so fun :) And thank you :D It's a work in progress hehe
Great review on a great pen! I have one in each of the fine, medium and B italic. All great writers, but the fine seemed a little too fine for my liking so have put that one to bed for a while. My daughter liked my medium nib one so much she bought a Metropolitan, which are the same nibs. Thanks again.
That's a lovely hand Azizah. What's your best guess as to how many pages like the above you could write between refills, and do you think you'd get more from Pilot's cartridges? Your broad italic certainly appears to lay down a generous and easy flowing line, very crisp in the corners, and yet you don't say anything about the nib catching the paper! Remarkable pen, at any price, to produce such pleasing results.
Thank you William! I imagine the fine must be quite tiny, being a Japanese nib. But I looove the B :)
Thank you! I can't guess how many pages you could write between refills using the converter but I suspect the cartridge would last longer. The converter is a little thing. I will pay attention next time I use the converter for an idea of how much it writes :)
I don't know if all the B nibs are like this one, but this one is great. It's not sharp at all, the nib didn't catch the page at all. of course, I am writing on Clairefontaine so that could have helped.
The 78G has not been discontinued. It's no longer imported into North America (I'm not sure about Europe), but is still available in eastern Asia.
The 78G and the Metropolitan/ MR use the same converter
Ah excellent to know, thank you!
For my metropolitan, I just use an eyedropper to refill the cartridges. Works great, holds plenty of ink and easy to check the ink level.
That definitely works :) I refill my cartridges too, but when I have to empty them, it's so much work lol
Late to the party, but just wanted to say this review led me to buy two pens on the spot -- one for me, one for my sister. Even got the broad italic nib for fun (and testing new ink's shading qualities!). Thanks!
Olivia! I'm so glad you have given them a shot - I think they're great pens, especially for the price. The broad italic is the best of the bunch, in my humble opinion. Thank you for stopping by and letting me know. Keeps my spirits up :)
I like the clarity of your review. (Other reviewers compare the pen to other pens, with which the reader may not be familiar.) I feel that I was swindled, having paid $21 for my 78G. I didn't see any (with B italic) for cheaper, though. Maybe they've gone up in price?
Hey there! Thank you for your kind comment :) I'm glad you enjoyed my review - that's helpful to know for future reviews!
Don't worry, $21 is actually pretty decent. When I reviewed this, it was several years ago and they were still available. They're not discontinued so to get one at that price is not too bad at all :)
I just found one for $12.50. Oh well, c'est la vie!
Kudos for the review of Pilot's 78G calligraphy fountain pen. But its availability in India is difficult. However, I have been lucky to have two with B and M nibs calligraphy nibs. Its pleasure to hold and write with 78G compared to other expensive pens. The only similar pens which I came across was Lamy Safari or Joy with 1.1mm nibs. But the grip, size, and hold while writing is better with Pilot 78G than Lamy.
Moreover, it also writes when held in reverse and gives sharp lines too....
Thanks for review with specimen which too is very pretty....
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