Aurora Optima Anniversary Fountain Pen – Grey, Chrome Trim

I had the opportunity to test 5 different 88s at the 2017 LA Pen Show, each containing one of the new flex nibs. After spending at least an hour over the weekend writing with this newly developed nib, I believe it is the best modern flex nib available!

I’m a bit of a flex nib fiend and have used every modern incarnation of flex and soft nibs, if not own them. I also have about a dozen vintage flex nibs and have bought and sold at least twice that many. I’m far from an expert, but I believe I have enough experience with a variety of flexible nibs to provide a well-rounded assessment and comparison.

Comparing Aurora’s new flex nib to several notable pens, and keeping in mind I haven’t taken exact measurements, I would say the line variation is similar to that of the new Wahl-Eversharp Decoband (the Decoband does have a finer nib than the 88 which will increased the perceived line variation) and easily the same as, if not more than, the Pilot Falcon and FA nibs. I would also say there’s more line variation than what the Omas Extra Flessibile offered.

Where the Aurora nib really excels is in feel. It’s not as soft and mushy as the Omas Extra Flessibile and doesn’t require as much force as a Noodler’s steel flex nib either. It also has great responsiveness, meaning the tines snap back quickly when the pressure is released.

The prototype pens I used at the LA Pen Show had the same ebonite feeds as the standard non-flexible nibs and I was able to get the pen to railroad after 10-15 words of fully-flexed writing. The flow did come back quickly, though. That feedback was provided to Aurora’s nib master who was at the show and they said the feeds will be adjusted for increased flow to reduce railroading as much as possible. If they’re not adjusted, or just not enough, then that’s something I can do and will include that service free of charge.

Please note that ink plays a significant role in any pen with a flexible nib. At the show, the pens I used were filled Aurora’s new Blue-Black and performance was pretty good. There are inks available that will work better, and inks that will make the pen perform poorly. Even the best vintage flex nib can be hamstrung by poor ink selection.