Models D6 and B5
Compared
Students of reality can vouch for the fact that seemingly minute differences often lead to vastly different effects. The B5 and D6 are in just such a situation. Both are addictive to write with. Both are dense, made of tungsten and have similar dimensions (differing by a mere 1/16th of an inch in diameter). Both are endlessly intriguing in their almost musical presentation of notes of gravity and momentum. But, in the hand, they are very different instruments that design vocabulary doesn't easily describe. We don't have words for the subtle interactions between body, mind and object that are the currency of BOMApens.
Naming Conventions
Without benefit of an explanation, BOMApen names are rather opaque. This is a deliberate extension of an Inkling theme: what you see depends on what you know. The first part of the name is the model letter. Model A was the first style created–a techno/retro creation that resembled a big crayon (a very heavy crayon). Model B was second–a classically smooth and slim evolution of Model A. Model C had four strong design elements layered one on top of the other, resulting in what I will politely call "design overshoot". This was devolved into the Model D, the fourth and most visually sophisticated design.
The number after the model letter is the nominal diameter of the pen in 16ths of an inch. (Why such an arcane unit? Consider it a small rebellion against the tyranny of the base 10 decimal system. We SHOULD be using base 12 or base 6.) So the B5 is nominally 5/16ths of an inch in diameter and the D6 is 6/16ths or 3/8ths of an inch.
Writing with the B5 and D6
The B5 is a slim, cylindrical pen with classically proportioned curves, front and back, that bookend the pen's body. It weighs between two and three ounces. In the hand it feels dense but eminently responsive. It's well within the normal range of momentum and force that one's hand is used to working with. As a result writing with the B5 is smooth and effortless and it's mass begs the user to twiddle with the pen. In a sense it's a finger-centric feel and write suited to faster paced use.
The D6 is a thicker pen with a slow taper from forebody to end. It weighs from three to four ounces–distinctly above average. It's remarkable how a one ounce difference from the B5 triggers such a different impression. It calls attention to the very real boundaries of what is considered normal. One to two ounces: normal. Two to four: heavy. This is probably why people who test both the B5 and D6 usually choose the B5 - the D6 is an over-the-top creation.
How to Choose
To use a musical analogy, the B5 is akin to a violin and the D6 is more like a cello. If you have a strong preference for one's sound over the other, go with the corresponding pen. If you're more of a musical omnivore, perhaps some of the following analogies and preference choices will help you decide (or perhaps not):
B5: nimble; D6: strong
B5: Audi A4 ;D6: Toyota 4Runner
B5: maple; D6: cherry
B5: Bryce; D6: Canyonlands
B5: northern lights; D6: rainbow
B5: Sierra Nevada; D6: Wind River Range
B5: slate; D6: granite
B5: Cozumel; D6: Fiji
B5: Picasso; D6: Magritte
B5: Alaska; D6: Antarctica
B5: dijon vinegrette; D6: Caesar
B5: monkfish; D6: grouper
B5: sapphire; D6: ruby
B5: hydrogen; D6: helium
B5: game hen; D6: duck
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