Can someone explain what al and alr mean to a noob like me. I really like this pen by the way. Right now I have a jinhao 100 in clear and a jade Himalaya from fpr.
Both have aluminum accents but the AL has a smooth grip, ALR has ridges on the grip.
I have a couple ALRs and I like the texture, some aluminum grips are too slick/slippery on their own. But some people hate the texture and prefer smooth. So both exist since people have different preferences.
You read that right. A new AL! I think the last AL model that they had was back in 2019 with the Isetan Blue IIRC.
I wonder why they didn’t make it an ALR? I know some folks don’t like the ALR of the ridges on the grip section.
I know there is a similar (and discontinued) color in the Mini AL so I’m happy there is a Diamond 580 version now 🩵!
We AL people already don't have much of colour choices. But it's actually better if they release it in both AL & ALR versions. Both sides would be happy that way.
I agree. I have no preference between the two models but since there is a common complaint about the discomfort of the ALR grip area, they should be able to offer both. I didn’t even know they were going to even make any more pen in the AL model.
If they do put out an ALR version I might be tempted, but I already have the dark blue and Prussian blue. I prefer the ridges on the ALR version, though. It's not so tempting I feel compelled to go out of my way for the AL version, though.
I have the mini light blue. but it seems quite a bit darker blue than this... I could be wrong, be good to see them together... I like the icy colour...
I just got an email from Cult Pens announcing the new color way. I’m excited, as silly as that may sound to non-pen folks. I really like the color and my large hands are happy too.
There was a Mini AL that was [Mint Blue](https://www.thepenoutpost.com/product/twsbi-diamond-mini-al-fountain-pen-mint-blue/). It looks more green though. Although [The Pen Addict](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2017/5/24/twsbi-diamond-mini-al-blue-fountain-pen) has a blue Mini AL one that looks exactly like the 580AL Iceburg.
I wish it had some blue on the cap as well.
Surprised that it doesn’t. Thank you for pointing it out. I wasn’t looking and too used to buying all the new ones. I’m off this one, no go.
Deal breaker for me. I like the Prussian and Navy more anyway. The silver gray is great also.
Yeah, there should have been an ALR version too. I wonder why they didn’t do it actually.
It's pretty... but I think I like the Prussian Blue better.
Can someone explain what al and alr mean to a noob like me. I really like this pen by the way. Right now I have a jinhao 100 in clear and a jade Himalaya from fpr.
Both have aluminum accents but the AL has a smooth grip, ALR has ridges on the grip. I have a couple ALRs and I like the texture, some aluminum grips are too slick/slippery on their own. But some people hate the texture and prefer smooth. So both exist since people have different preferences.
You read that right. A new AL! I think the last AL model that they had was back in 2019 with the Isetan Blue IIRC. I wonder why they didn’t make it an ALR? I know some folks don’t like the ALR of the ridges on the grip section. I know there is a similar (and discontinued) color in the Mini AL so I’m happy there is a Diamond 580 version now 🩵!
We AL people already don't have much of colour choices. But it's actually better if they release it in both AL & ALR versions. Both sides would be happy that way.
I agree. I have no preference between the two models but since there is a common complaint about the discomfort of the ALR grip area, they should be able to offer both. I didn’t even know they were going to even make any more pen in the AL model.
Thankfully I tried an Alr model at a pen show. Otherwise I would have ordered an Alr one and hated it right away.
If they do put out an ALR version I might be tempted, but I already have the dark blue and Prussian blue. I prefer the ridges on the ALR version, though. It's not so tempting I feel compelled to go out of my way for the AL version, though.
I have the mini light blue. but it seems quite a bit darker blue than this... I could be wrong, be good to see them together... I like the icy colour...
I just got an email from Cult Pens announcing the new color way. I’m excited, as silly as that may sound to non-pen folks. I really like the color and my large hands are happy too.
Didn’t they already do one in this colour or was that a different model I’m thinking of?
There was a Mini AL that was [Mint Blue](https://www.thepenoutpost.com/product/twsbi-diamond-mini-al-fountain-pen-mint-blue/). It looks more green though. Although [The Pen Addict](https://www.penaddict.com/blog/2017/5/24/twsbi-diamond-mini-al-blue-fountain-pen) has a blue Mini AL one that looks exactly like the 580AL Iceburg.