Epson R1800 - Question on "Compatible" pigmented ink cartridges

[agallia]

I recently purchased an Epson R1800 which uses 8-color pigmented ink cartridges with archival quality. Due to the cost of these Epson cartridges, I am now looking for a proven "compatible" non-OEM replacement.

I saw a previous post by gamarin indicating that the Xprint ink cartridges sold by www.clickinks.com may be acceptable replacements for the OEM cartridges but experience was still limited.

I will appreciate any feedback about truly "compatible" replacements that meet the Epson ink specifications and color profiles and have been tested through use. Suggestions and comments will be appreciated. Thanks.

Al

 

[mikling]

http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1272
The R1800 is such a great printer that it would be a shame to relegate its' intended duties to dye base. Serious printers deserve serious output. Consider refilling with Image Specialists pigment ink which is an excellent alternative to Epson pigment. Some consider it superior and it's a matter of taste.

 

[gamarlin]

Regarding "Xprint" compatible ink from www.clickinks.com. I have now had a test sample in a southern exposed window, diffused sunlight, for 11 days. I printed two copies of the same test print on one sheet of photo paper and covered one copy with black paper. I have checked daily and to date I can see no evidence of fade or color change. As far as color match to OEM ink, the color is acceptable but not accurate enough for art work. I used EZcolor to profile my
ink and papers and have found the profiled pictures to be excellent. I have printed gloss, luster, matte, fine art paper and canvas and I am very happy with all results. With their present offer of buy 2 and get 1 free, my ink cost has been reduced to about 1/3 of previous cost. They state that the ink is pigment based
and I have no reason so far to feel otherwise.

 

[Mikeburton]

Personally I would never insult my 1800 with anything but genuine Epson ink or a very good rival. Cheap compatibles are cheap for a reason, and it's not all down to profiteering.

I service epson machines, and you tell EVERY machine that is run on cheap compatibles, even when the punter sends it in with no ink (usually to hide the fact they are trying run it on distilled rats wee)

If you want to keep your machine in good printing order, pay the difference and use the good ink that does not goose the head, block the pump lines or disolve your plastic parts.

 

[mikling]

Mikeburton, while I agree with much of what you've said I have run into some Epsons running with Durabrite that did indeed block the pump lines but I am sure it's more frequent with compatibles. Now, to dissolving plastic parts (Wow! I've never seen but I don't repair epsons for a living) that but is that a situation where they are using solvent inks in a printer not designed for them?
All in all though, cheap compatibles are cheap for a reason, by refilling your original Epson cartridge with a very good rival ink, you get to lighten the load on your wallet and retain the intended reliability and performance built into the printer system.

 

[canonfodder]

CANONPHREAK recently reported a website that has probably the best prices on OEM ink and paper. It is:

http://www.atlex.com

 

[gamarlin]

Just a follow up on the test of "Xprint" compatible ink I mentioned above. I have had the test print in the southern exposed window now for about 60 days and the is no color fading or change. There may be an insignificant lessening of saturation but almost imperceptible to the eye. I have had no skips or clogs using this ink for almost three months in my Epson R1800. I am paying about 1/3 the cost of OEM cartridges so I will continue to use it. If any problems develop I wiil post them.