One step up from the TWSBI Eco, the Diamond 580 series features metal parts where the Eco uses plastic but still remains a set of demonstrator pens with transparent bodies and a clear view of the ink inside. Standard versions of the 580 with clear caps and single-coloured sections and adornments retail for about € 75.-, whereas the second iteration of the Smoke & Rose Gold model has an asking price of about € 110.-. For the premium, one receives an arguably more noble-looking pen with no changes in writing experience except for the grip (see below).
My model of the 580 is equipped with rose gold-plated stub nib that writes very similarly to TWSBI’s standard steel stub nibs in the Eco and 580 ranges. The angular tip provides some slight changes in line width depending on the writing angle and direction, arguably improving even less experienced writers’ handwriting. Whilst enhancing the look of printed characters, the nib truly excels in cursive writing—if one is capable of producing legible cursive in the first place (cursive writing sample not included for reasons).
The Smoke & Rose Gold II’s grip is made from plastic and, in my experience, more slippery than both the AL R and the AL versions of the Diamond 580. The AL’s grip is smooth metal and works quite well, wherease the AL R has a rifled section providing the best grip—but also attracts dust and grime depending on how it is being used. Cleaning the grip with a toothbrush is recommended.
Suggested ink: Pelikan Edelstein Mandarin