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TWSBI Eco

New kid on the block – first impressions

TWSBI EcoLast week I picked up a TWSBI Eco in white from Goulet Pens. There was a lot of hype about this pen prior to release both good and bad, so I was skeptical but figured for $30 the risk was pretty low and I would get my hands on one and see for myself. At this price point it falls into the LAMY Safari and Kaweco Sport range – on the higher end of the entry level pen segment.

TWSBI EcoPackaging is minimal but industrial and clean, matching the Eco’s design. The plastic clamshell holds the Eco, a jar of grease for the piston, and a plastic wrench to break down the pen for a full cleaning. All of it is held firmly in place by a cut foam insert – again, very clean and well done. Directions are included explaining both the proper way to fill and clean the pen. While other TWSBI models traditionally included a metal wrench I found I like the plastic design better and while I know it was done to cut costs, it fits the pen design better as a result.

TWSBI EcoOverall the design is really interesting and gets a lot of comments at work as a result. First the large demonstrator area allows you to see all that pretty ink sloshing around and the light passing through adds more depth to the visual appeal of the pen. The grip and feed section are also clear and the ink trapped between the nib and the grip looks really cool. Filling and operating the piston was effortless and the pen worked without incident – taking on almost 2ml of ink! The screw-cap posts around the filler knob (a great design upgrade over previous models) but I find it does not get a really solid grip on the o-ring when it does – not a huge issue as the pen feels better unposted in my hand. The medium (M) nib has TWSBI and their logo engraved in it along with the size (which is hard to see as it ends up under the grip once inserted). The medium is smooth and wet so it holds up well to my needs – both writing quickly and sketching. TWSBI EcoThe cap has a nice hexagon design with a TWSBI logo on the finial and a metal band around the base with TWSBI ECO etched around it.The clip is springy and matches the pen design perfectly. For comparison I lined it up with one of the competition – the Lamy Al-Star and they are pretty spot on – the Lamy measuring 139.4mm to the TWSBI’s 138.8mm.

I have been writing with this pretty much non-stop for the past week and my opinion is that for the price it is a fantastic value. The design, nib, and presentation feel more like that of a pen costing $50+ so to see this under $30 is in my mind an excellent value. Nib options range from EF to a 1.1mm italic and the pen also comes in a black body. If you are looking to learn more, check out Brian Goulet’s reply to some common questions on the Eco, or you can pick one up here.

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