A couple years back I was looking to purchase my first demonstrator, either a TWSBI Eco-T or a Pilot Prera. Subsequently, I purchased both but a bright idea occurred to me – compare the two. Apparently, this was not an original idea – more on that in the reference material section.
Both pens should be considered entry-level fountain pens which are more than sufficient for me. I believe anyone can make a wonderful expensive pen. Impress me with a wonderful budget-friendly pen. The two pens are in the same price range and thus budget friendly. I did my due diligence and came across comments about TWSBI and quality issues, their customer service earned gold stars (meaning very helpful). The Pilot quality was great and has an impeccable history.
When I made the purchase I bought the Prera. Naturally, I searched until I found a good price. Granted at this price point a deal was insignificant but a “deal” is a deal.
The Prera has a snap-on cap with chrome accents (gotta accessorize), while the Eco-T has a screw-on cap that is off in 1 complete turn, and no chrome accents. The Eco-T is a significantly larger pen (don’t forget I have small hands and stubby fingers). The Prera included a Pilot CON-50 converter vs. the Eco-T piston filler. Some may say the converter is a deal breaker when the other choice is a piston filler but I can always remove the converter and use it in a future Pilot pen. Pilot converters are proprietary.
Both pens sport M nibs, as you can see the Pilot medium nib tip is finer. When put to the test, I found the Prera glides over paper while the Eco-T has a slight drag. Not that it is an issue, it is simply not as smooth as the Prera. Maybe a little TLC is in order.
The cap clips on both pens are chrome, Eco-T feels like it has better-staying strength while the Prera is less likely to bend to the left or right. Ignoring my fingerprint, the Prera clip appears far more refined. Both are flat-bottom pens and we know I have a preference for those.
In case you are wondering, the Prera is my fave but the Eco-T is equally impressive, just a little larger than I prefer. I’ve had nothing but good experiences with both.
Don’t Believe Me, See What Others Say
- Reddit: Prera vs ECO
- Reddit: TWSBI ECO or Pilot Prera
- Reddit: TWSBO ECO vs Pilot Prera
- Reddit: ECO vs Prera
- Well Appointed Desk: Prera Review
- The Writing Desk: TWSBI ECO buying guide
Chronicles of a Fountain Pen 
Always interesting learning about the different pens.
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Unlike disposable pens, fountain pens come in a variety of shapes, sizes and functions which make writing more interesting. Prior to using fountain pens, I associated writing writers cramp and disdain. Thanks for visiting
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I like that the Prera has more interesting nib options. The medium italic nib I got was one of my favorite. However, the body was a bit too small to my liking.
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The Prera nib options are interesting. My preference is for Medium nibs, I seem to poke holes in cheaper paper with F or EF nibs. Their CM nib is interesting, it does not have a writing surface. Success is all about the angle of the nib to the paper. I would like the Pilot Waverly nib as an option. Thanks for visiting.
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Great write up Danny. Demonstrator’s are not ones I pay an attention to for purchasing. I suppose it is due to ink choice of black mainly. As you said recently, you are looking into purples. Now owning some purple ink myself it would add interest to a see through. The machinations inside are of interest, I should imagination, to someone like yourself who is very knowledgeable about the technical side of the beautiful range of fountain pen technicalities. I see the nib and it’s ability to write easily. The filling system is either a winner or a struggler. But once filled and writing then job done. Cheers Danny. Good one.
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Thanks Gray. It is all about the inner workings. I plan on a demonstrator post comparing the inexpensive Chinese pens with these two. There is a clear (pun intended) difference in quality. All the best.
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Doesn’t need saying, but clearly, I shall definitely be looking forward to it. 😊
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Tenatively scheduled for mid-July
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Either of the 2 sign pens are good because it is the output that counts at the end of the day. Keep going and enjoy. Have a great day.
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