Copics vs. Spectrum Noir

[vdoyle8]

Ok, I finally caved and bought some Copics today. I bought 12 of them at Michaels and spent about $70 (they had a buy one get one 1/2 price sale) Then I came home and logged on to SCS and started reading about Spectrum Noir. I like those prices WAY better!

Now what do I do?? I could get a whole lot more marker for the money with the Spectrum Noir --

I'm looking for feed back -- what do you all think? Give me your opinions!!

[vdoyle8]

also -- give me your thoughts on chisel vs. brush nibs. I'm used to using brush end markers .. I'm a little worried about chisel edge.

[gregzgurl]

There's another thread discussing the Spectrum Noir markers here:
spectrum noir markers by clpangels at Splitcoaststampers

[vdoyle8]

Thanks Sue -- I did read this thread. I'm looking for all the info I can get, I guess... I've been Copic resistant all this time as the price has scared me off...

[Michellena317]

Megan Elizabeth has a video where she uses the different markers including Noir and Copic on the same project and compares them here

[melissa59]

I own the Copics and I LOVE THEM! I have about 80 Copics Sketch in a variety of colors and shades that cover most projects I come up with.

I have never used Spectrum Noir and I don't plan to switch. However, if I was just starting out I'd probably go with the Spectrum Noir and then add only the Copics needed to give me more variety in color and shade.

I think the hardest part would be trying to determine which colors I'd need. I have enough trouble doing that with my color coded Copics, much less trying to mix and match brands.

Here is another comparison video, this time on paper instead of acetate. This gal shows how Copic and Noir can be used together in blending projects.
Spectrum Noir and Copic compatability - YouTube

As for your $70 purchase, I'm not sure if Michaels will take back the markers or not. The markers come unwrapped. I guess it depends if the person at the return desk can be convinced that you didn't use them, take off a cap and leave them to dry, etc.

While I've never done a return to Michaels, I shudder to think how they'll respond just base on some of my negative experiences when I was giving them money rather than asking for it back.

[vdoyle8]

Melissa -- I know exactly what you are saying about Michaels.. I asked two different employees if they were SURE I could return them. They said yes - so if I get resistance, they will have a fight on their hands.

Thanks, Melissa and Michelle for the links. I do think I may start with the Spectrum Noirs and add Copics if and when I feel necessary.

I had promised myself that I would get alcohol markers when I hit my Weight Watchers goal LOL -- ok, that hasn't happened.

[melissa59]

Oops...I forgot to address the chisel brush nib question.

I never use the chisel end. It's too big for my fumbly coloring. However, I really like the brush nib on the Copic markers. I only wish the chisel side was a smaller brush nib or even a writing nib.

Spectrum Noir does have a smaller brush nib, which I think I'd prefer for most of my coloring. But the other end is an even larger chisel nib.

[Michellena317]

I got two copics today at Michael's and the receipt says the return price is 5.99. I wouldn't want to return them and lose money on them. Mix in the Noirs with the Copics so you have more color choices!

[scrappykat]

Don't rule out the Bic markers either. I got the 36 pc. set with fine tips (not that fine but small enough for detail coloring IMO). Anyway, to me (who owns many Copics), Bics work just as well. The only problem is that the 36 colors don't include any really light tones, so you would definitely need to fill in with Copics or Spectrum. The Bic set was ~$15 at Target. HTH!

[vdoyle8]

I was at Staples today and the Bic markers are on clearance for 50 cents each!

[Angelnorth]

I think it comes down to personal preference on nibs - I have mostly Copic Ciao because I like the brush nib and you don't get one on the Copic Original (and Ciao are cheaper than Sketch, lol).

I tried the Spectrum Noir markers when they first came out and didn't care for them at all. The nib issue was one thing (a chisel and a fine bullet, no brush nib) but for me they had nowhere near the smooth blending I can get with Copic, regardless of paper. I didn't even keep the set I bought to use alongside my other markers, it went to a more loving home!

There's a longer-running thread on Spectrum Noir markers here in case you haven't seen that one (started back in July last year).

[Cinnistew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by melissa59

I never use the chisel end. It's too big for my fumbly coloring. However, I really like the brush nib on the Copic markers. I only wish the chisel side was a smaller brush nib or even a writing nib.

I am in the process of changing out the chisel ends with smaller nibs. I got them at my LSS store and they work great. It's the Copic medium round nibs and you can get them at Oozak.

If you are thinking about doing this be sure to get the nib tweezers...

[KathiR]

The barrel shape of the Spectrum Noir looks a big clunky to me.

I also LOVE the brush nip of Copics!

That being said, if I were just starting my addiction/collection to alcohol markers, I'd want to try both products before investing in a purchase.

[melissa59]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinnistew

I am in the process of changing out the chisel ends with smaller nibs. I got them at my LSS store and they work great. It's the Copic medium round nibs and you can get them at Oozak.

If you are thinking about doing this be sure to get the nib tweezers...

This is GREAT news!!
Before I got my Copics, I'd asked about changing out the nibs and someone told me that I could replace the chisel tip with another chisel tip and the brush tip with another brush tip.
Yes indeed. This is VERY GOOD news!

[ashjoy]

How does changing the chisel end out to a smaller nib work with the air bush system?

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrappykat

Don't rule out the Bic markers either. I got the 36 pc. set with fine tips (not that fine but small enough for detail coloring IMO). Anyway, to me (who owns many Copics), Bics work just as well. The only problem is that the 36 colors don't include any really light tones, so you would definitely need to fill in with Copics or Spectrum. The Bic set was ~$15 at Target. HTH!

I am a big fan of the Bics. I have the 36 piece set, and also a 24 piece set of Sharpies. I got several Copics in the light pale pastel colors to fill in, as the Bic and Sharpies are all pretty intense colors. The Copics I bought one at a time, using coupons. I just cannot bear to pay $5.99 for ONE marker!

I also have several sets of the Spectrum Noirs that I got at Joann's using coupons. The Spectrum Noirs seem to dry out much quicker than the Bic and Sharpies, but I saw a tip about refreshing them with alcohol that I'm going to try.

[gregzgurl]

I don't like the Spectrum Noir markers all that much. I bought every set that AC Moore sold (on sale, of course), and I've used them, but they do dry out VERY quickly. Someone said (on that other thread, probably) that they are refillable, but I just toss them as they dry out, since I'm not in love with them, anyway. My Bics, on the other hand, I LOVE! I have a handful of Prismacolor markers, too, that I really like. I have also heard really good things about the ShinHan Touch Twin markers, as another alternative. It's my understanding that all of the alcohol markers play relatively well together...

[klh54]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathiR

The barrel shape of the Spectrum Noir looks a big clunky to me.

I also LOVE the brush nip of Copics!

That being said, if I were just starting my addiction/collection to alcohol markers, I'd want to try both products before investing in a purchase.

I have been on again/off again with alcohol markers. I don't have the $$$ for Copics, had a pretty good set of Promarkers and sold them after deciding I didn't want to color. Then I got interested in them again and bought 3, 6 marker sets of the Spectrum Noirs. I can say they are very clunky...I don't have really small hands but it is very difficult to hold one marker and color with another (the way I color I always have the next color in my hand while coloring with one other color) As for juiciness, some colors are really juicy and flow very nicely while others it seems takes forever to color in an image. I don't know if I will purchase more of them. I do have the Bics and they do flow nicely they just don't have a very good color spectrum. I have the colorless blender of Copic and I get what you mean about the brush nib...it is really nice.

[PaperManipulator]

I have quite a few of the Spectrum Noir markers. I hardly ever use them, because I'm not really one who likes to color. I got them "just in case" I needed to color something. Anyway, they are drying out just from sitting. If you buy any, be sure to get the new version. I believe I read that they have been redesigned to seal better.

[EllieBaby]

If it came to a choice I would go with the Copics every time, you know the saying "you get what you pay for" - in this instance it is probably true! In my experience the Spectrums do not blend as well, they have been known to leak and dry up quickly. Hope this helps.