Today, I bought a Pilot VPen (or V-Pen) and a bottle of Hero black ink. The Hero ink is in a separate review.

The Pilot VPen is a disposable fountain pen. It's pretty cheap, just slightly more expensive than the Pilot Hi-tecpoint V-series pens (I use the retractable versions). I bought mine at SGD$2.40.

I seem to remember there's an earlier version prior to this VPen, althought I can't remember the name. It seems that Amazon is selling another variation called Pilot Varsity. The ink system looks similar.

There are two nib sizes, medium and extra fine. Mine's the medium nib and the line is about as thick as a 0.5 Copic multiliner.

If you've used the Pilot Hi-tecpoint V-series pens, there really isn't much difference. Both pens have smooth flowing, quick drying ink. Both are metal tips, the V-series being a roller tip.

The nib isn't pressure sensitive so it can only produce consistent uniform lines.

Below are some sketches with this pen.

The VPen ink isn't waterproof. You can dip the paper into water and come out with almost a blank paper. That's how soluble it is. The black looks black enough though.

I'll give this pen a 4.5 out of 5 stars. My minor quibble is the ink can get used up quite quickly.

Modification

My purpose of buying this pen is to put waterproof ink in it.

I sketch on Daler Rowney cartridge paper and the paper wear down the Copic multiliner pens quickly and without mercy. A metal tip pen is more suitable for cartridge paper.

Refilling the ink for this pen isn't too difficult. All you need is pliers, a strip of paper and a syringe.

In order not to damage the nib, fold the strip of paper and wrap it around the nip.

Then use the pliers to grab hold of the wrapped nib, give it twist and pull it out.

Next, use the syringe to put the ink into the empty cartridge.

Use the pliers to put the nib back. If you can't push it back to the original position, hold the nib with the pliers and hit the bottom against your table, and the little force will push it back.

Easy.

Here's my pen with the Hero ink added. I've also used sandpaper to sand off the surface so that I can see more clearly how much ink is left inside. Running out of ink while drawing is not fun.

Note that waterproof ink are mostly pigment ink and might clog up the ink flow system. I've tried the Daler Rowney Calli ink and it clogged up one of my non-disposable fountain pens.

I'm going to buy another VPen just to try the Calli ink in it. If the pen dies, it can go straight into the bin. No hard feelings.

Availability
Some links are to the VPen, and some are to the Varsity. Both pens should function similarly.

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