TLDR Review: Professional Gear Imperial Black 11-3028
Pros
- •Features an exceptionally fine Japanese nib, much finer than Western or European fine nibs, perfect for those who want super precise lines.
- •Writes smoothly without skipping or hard starts and maintains consistent ink flow even at faster writing speeds.
- •Beautifully finished with a black titanium iolated 21k gold nib and an elegant resin barrel, giving a premium look and feel.
- •The allack, stealthy design is sleek and visually striking, making it a standout piece in any collection.
- •The nib is flexible and provides noticeable feedback, delivering a writing experience somewhat like using a pencil, which some users really enjoy.
- •The pen is welade, durable, and retains a like-new appearance over time.
- •Fully disassemblable design makes cleaning easy, including access to the converter area.
- •Higuality materials and exquisite craftsmanship are evident throughout, including decorative details like the Sailor symbol and nib engravings.
- •Considered an excellent value given the quality of the genuine 21k Sailor nib and overall build.
Cons
- •The nib may feel extremely scratchy or provide more feedback than some users prefer, which can be ofutting until the right ink and paper combo is found.
- •The shorter barrel length might feel uncomfortable for people with larger hands unless they post the cap while writing.
- •Lacks an included ink converter, so buyers will need to purchase one separately.
- •Nib swapping or replacement by the user is not possible, which could be frustrating if you dislike the nib’s feel.
- •The medium nib tends to produce bolder lines than expected, so buying without testing nib sizes in person is risky.
- •Lightweight feel may not satisfy those who prefer a heftier pen for writing comfort.
Bottom Line
The Professional Gear Imperial Black 11-3028 is a beautifully crafted, precision-focused fountain pen that caters to users who appreciate the ultra-fine Japanese nib and its unique feedback experience. However, if you’re sensitive to nib scratchiness or need a more flexible nib replacement option, this pen might test your patience. Also, keep in mind the shorter barrel and lack of included converter. If a smoother nib experience or included converter matters, consider exploring other brands or nib sizes in person before committing. _This is a stylish, high-quality piece with a distinct writing feel that appeals to niche tastes._
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Get ShopSavvy
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!