Gravitas Vac 2.0 vs Gravitas Monster: Which Vacuum-Filler Suits You?

Introduction

Gravitas makes two vacuum-filling fountain pens that sit side by side in the lineup: the Vac 2.0 and the Monster. They share the same core filling mechanism, but they differ meaningfully in size, nib, and price. The Vac 2.0 lists at 195 euros excluding tax, while the Monster starts around 285 euros and can cost more depending on the finish, so you are looking at roughly a 100-euro gap between them.

Is the comparison entirely fair? The Vac 2.0 is based on the Ultimate Vac, which is getting harder to find, so stacking these two up still tells you a lot about what Gravitas offers. Both pens use the same vacuum filling system, which makes this a useful head-to-head for anyone deciding between them.

Gravitas Vac 2.0: In-House Nib and Practical Filling

The Vac 2.0 is built from an aluminum cap, a stainless steel section, and additional aluminum components. The filling system works simply: you unscrew the end, pull the rod up to extend the seal, dip the nib into an ink bottle without squishing it, and push the rod back down. The vacuum pops and ink is drawn up into the barrel. The seal design itself is impressive, reportedly drawing on engineering inspired by artificial heart valves.

The nib is a standout because Gravitas makes these in house. It has no breather hole and a fairly long slit, which makes it quite responsive and capable of pleasant line variation when you add a little pressure. A medium stainless steel nib on the test unit was a lovely, smooth writer with no pressure at all.

One subtle detail worth appreciating: Gravitas puts micro grooves on the section. You can barely see them with the naked eye, but you can feel them. That tactile finish keeps the metal section from getting slippery, addressing a common complaint about metal sections. There is also a quote engraved on the cap ring: “Just as nature abhors a vacuum, humans resist change. Change will occur. Vacuums will be filled.”

Gravitas Monster: A Big Pen with a Big Appetite

The Monster earns its name not through length but through girth. It is not dramatically longer than the Vac 2.0, but it is noticeably wider, with a large cap relative to the rest of the pen. Some pens are even wider, so it is not something to be intimidated by; just pick it up and write. It uses plenty of aluminum, though other materials are available, and it carries another engraved quote, this time from Frankenstein: “Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful.”

The Monster steps up to a number eight nib, compared with the number six on the Vac 2.0. It is a very pleasant nib, and the broad nib on the test unit was also a lovely writer. These nibs are not designed for flex, so do not push your luck trying to squeeze out line variation. The same micro grooves are present here, and the same comfortable tactile feel, making the big body easy to handle. The flat top ends are a design touch many will prefer over the pointy ends of the Vac 2.0.

The same Kraken filling system is implemented here, with a clear material instead of Ultem, and the ink capacity is huge. If you really want, the pen can be posted, but it becomes enormous, and most people probably will not bother.

Key Differences: Ink Window and Handling

The detail that genuinely sets the Vac 2.0 apart is its ink window. Because the seal at the end of the rod closes off the primary ink chamber, the pen eventually runs dry and stops writing. With the Vac 2.0 you can see how much ink is left in that chamber. With the Monster, you have to guess.

The workaround on the Monster is simple: unscrew the end knob slightly as you write so the seal moves forward and the pen will not run dry. Not everybody likes unscrewing the end of the pen like that, though, so this is a real usability trade-off to weigh. The Vac 2.0 is already not a small pen, but if a wider body and maximum ink capacity matter to you, the Monster delivers both.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you do not want to spend too much, the Vac 2.0 is the way to go. It is the cheaper of the two and you still get a lot for what you pay: an in-house made nib, a beautiful filling system, large ink capacity, tight tolerances, and a well-made pen overall.

If you love bigger pens, the Monster is the choice. It is girthier, has a larger cap, huge ink capacity, and that number eight nib. If forced to pick one, the Monster wins on looks, particularly the flat top ends, but a Monster with an ink window would be the dream combination. Either way, you cannot really go wrong with either pen.

Conclusion

Both Gravitas pens are excellent vacuum fillers with the same core mechanism, comfortable micro-grooved sections, and generous ink capacity. The Vac 2.0 offers the better value, an in-house nib, and the practical ink window. The Monster offers more presence, a larger nib, and more ink. Choose based on your hand size, budget, and how much you value seeing your ink level at a glance.