(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)
The TWSBI GO isn't that new any more, but I've only just recently picked on up to play with. It always spoke to me as a great candidate for being an ink testing pen due to the simple filling system. After using this one for a while, there's definitely a lot more to like about this fun pen, and it will be more than just a testing pen.
I went with the fully transparent model with a 1.1mm stub nib as my intro to the GO. This is also my first time trying a TWSBI 1.1mm stub nib. Lots of firsts going into this pen experience!
There are plenty of TWSBIs in my collection already, so I knew what to expect in terms of the nib and build of the pen. With this being their lowest-cost entry point, I'm actually more impressed than I thought I'd be. For less than $20 USD, you get a lot of pen. I'm embarrassed that I waited so long to check out the GO and see what the fuss was about!
For the uninitiated, the GO is a plastic-barrel pen that features a spring-powered piston filling system. The large spring under the transparent body also adds a fun visual for the pen as well as being functional. It uses the standard TWSBI nib, but without the convenient threaded nib/feed module that you'll find on the more expensive models. You can still swap out the nib without much trouble, but it's not as quick and easy as with other TWSBIs.
This is the only TWSBI I've used that has a friction-fit cap instead of a screw-on cap. I still make the mistake of trying to unscrew it! The cap works really well. Capping and uncapping the pen is really stable and makes a satisfying click. You can post the cap on the back of the pen, but this makes the pen too long for my preference. The uncapped pen is the perfect length for me when writing.
The grip section is a really nice shape. It has a nice taper down to the nib, and then there are three flattened edges that add a nice aesthetic to the grip but also a good spot for your fingers to hold steady.
To cut down on costs, there's no clip on this pen. It does have a small nub on the cap to keep the pen from rolling on your desk, but you can't clip this pen to anything. For the price, I'm not complaining. I'd rather have the cool spring filling system over a clip for this price.
Like every other TWSBI nib I've used, this is a great nib that worked great out of the box. It's my first time using the 1.1mm stub nib, and I've been really happy with it. The flow is smooth and the nib lays down a nice layer of ink with ease. I've tried several inks with it already, but I'm currently still loving the Laughing Kookaburra Wing with this pen/nib combo now.
The TWSBI GO is a fun pen, and I wish I'd tried one out sooner. The design is so much fun, and the large spring in the body catches everyone's attention. People can't help but pick up this pen, and that's exactly what I like to see with a pen that's marketed toward newcomers to the hobby. It's crazy what you get with this pen for less than $20 USD. Cool transparent body? Got it. Included converter that doesn't need cartridges? Even better — this pen has a built in piston filling system that can hold lots of ink. Good nib? Yup. I don't think there are any other options under $20 for getting a good 1.1mm stub nib. All considered, this pen is a phenomenal value that is perfect for newcomers who are interested in non-cartridge fountain pens and stub nibs. But, it's so much fun that it's great for those of us that already have too many pens!
The playful and unique design makes this a great pen for your collection that can also be a workhorse. It also makes for a great gift for those fountain-pen-curious folks in your life!
(Vanness Pens provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
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