TWSBI Vac 700R Iris Fountain Pen - Clear with plated aluminium trim

Catch the light every time you use it

The TWSBI Vac 700R Iris takes the oversized clear demonstrator body and gives it a completely different energy. The iridescent trim shifts colour depending on the light and even varies slightly from pen to pen. It still has the oversized ink chamber and visible vacuum mechanism Vac fans love, but the Iris feels less clinical and a lot more expressive. Paired with TWSBI’s large #6 nib, it’s the kind of pen that makes you want to keep writing just to keep using it.

What sets it apart

• Vacuum filling system with huge ink capacity and shut-off valve for travel
• Iridescent trim changes colour constantly depending on the angle and lighting
• Crystal clear barrel lets you see the ink level and mechanism
  
• Large stainless steel #6 nib unit, for smooth writing and easy nib swaps
  
• Designed to be maintained and disassembled 

Feel in the hand

The Vac 700R already feels mechanical in a satisfying way, but the Iris trim changes the personality completely. Light moves across the hardware constantly, especially around the grip and cap band. Combined with the oversized clear barrel and vacuum mechanism, the whole pen feels lively rather than static.

Who it’s for

• Demonstrator fans who want something less restrained then the standard trim
• Writers who hate running out of ink
• Travellers who want the shut-off security
• Fountain pen users ready to move beyond cartridge/converter pens
  
• Anyone who likes a pen with a bit more personality on the desk

Not for

• Cartridge users who want zero maintenance
• Writers who prefer compact or lightweight pens
• People who dislike brighter trim
• Anyone wanting the simplest possible fountain pen set up

Practical tips

• Pull the rod out slowly and push in quickly to fill the pen
• Open the rear blind cap slightly during long writing sessions to allow ink to move past the shut-off valve

FAQs

What’s different about the Vac 700R compared to the 580?
The Vac 700R uses a vacuum filling system instead of a piston system, holds significantly more ink and has more back weight. The Vac 700R also has a larger nib, providing more reach to the page.

Is it difficult to fill?
No, but it takes a little practice at first. We recommend doing the first fill with a cup of water, to both flush the pen and get a feel for the mechanism movement.

Is it difficult to clean?
Not really. Use the mechanism to expel any remaining ink, then do a few cycles of water into the pen to rinse out the barrel.

Can the nib be swapped?
Yes, compatible nib units are available separately. They screw on and are easy to exchange.

Does the plating wear off?
Under normal use, the plating holds up well.

What other non-Twsbi nibs will fit this pen?
Complete nib units of other brands are not usually swappable, but a JoWo or Bock size #6 bare nib can usually be fitted into the Vac 700R nib unit. This could include Opus 88 nibs and FPR, but be aware there might not be perfect feed contact.

Does it come with ink?
No, bottled fountain pen ink is required.

Can I use it with document or shimmer ink?
Yes, but cleaning the barrel is not as easy compared to cartridge/converter and piston filler pens. 

Why did my pen stop writing?
For long writing sessions, you need to unscrew the end cap a few rotations to enable ink to flow. If the ink starts skipping, check you have undone the end cap enough.

What’s included

• TWSBI Vac 700R Iris Fountain Pen
• Presentation case
• Wrench
• Silicone grease
• Instruction leaflet
• Free tuning option from LarryPOST

Ink pairing suggestions

• Blue-black inks look great against the cooler tones in the trim
• Heavy sheeners like Yama-budo work surprisingly well in this pen
• Dusty violets and cool greys bring out the metallic side of the Iris finish

Build your practice

• The Twsbi Vac20A Ink Well makes filling cleaner and less awkward
• Replacement 700R nibs are worth having if you like changing line width
• Works well with the Traveler's Co refillable notebook system

Specifications

• Brand: TWSBI
• Brand series: Vac 700R
• Launch: Dec 2020
• Origin: Taiwan
• Nib: Stainless steel
• Nib sizes: EF, F, M, B, 1.1mm stub
• Filling system: Vac filler (2mL)
• Body: Transparent polycarbonate
• Trim: Iris colour plated Stainless steel
• Cap: Twist
• Grip: approx. 10mm
• Diametre: approx. 17mm
• Length: approx. 146mm (capped)
• Weight: approx. 35g (capped)
• Comparable size: Pelikan M800, Pilot Custom 823

Not exactly subtle, which is part of the appeal.