Pantone inkset and Epson printers

[Gampa]

Hi.
Has anyone had any experience using Pantone ColorVantage inks on an Epson 2200? I'm getting tired of paying lots of money for OEM and am looking for a less expensive but high quality option and heard about Pantone's offerings. Any help and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Gampa

[George Riehm]

Hi.
Has anyone had any experience using Pantone ColorVantage inks on an Epson 2200? I'm getting tired of paying lots of money for OEM and am looking for a less expensive but high quality option and heard about Pantone's offerings. Any help and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Gampa

Just make sure they have been tested by the Wilhelm Institute. If they aren't listed then ya takes your chances.

In 6 years, I've never had a complaint using Epson inks. Dye or pigment (870 and 2000P). Even if it costs an extra $0.50 a print, and keeps the shot from comming back for reprint, or worse, it's worth it.

[Kenyada]

Hi.
Has anyone had any experience using Pantone ColorVantage inks on an Epson 2200? I'm getting tired of paying lots of money for OEM and am looking for a less expensive but high quality option and heard about Pantone's offerings. Any help and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Gampa

Since Colorvantage inks are relatively new, there isn't much available independent data about long-term results. But then, there is the Pantone name, which is familiar to many of us in the business of color graphics. I've found many websites that read like ads for the product, but there are few with actual user reviews.

The following website has some commentary on Colorvantage and the Epson 2200:
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/News/Aug05/Pantone.htm

In my search for info, I found several negative comments about what's called "continuous ink flow systems" or CFS. I would steer clear of them if I owned an Epson 2200. The biggest dig about various products in that group is the evidence of banding after continuous use. The problem disappeared when the OEM inks were returned. So beware of CFS.

Don't get me wrong; I'm on your side when it comes to alternative inking. But when it comes to photo printing, nuance of color, as well as longevity become even more important. I'm a member of another forum, which specializes in printers, OEM inks and non-OEM inks. They are even developing printhead cleansing and clog clearing methods for inkjet printers. And that's just one website out of several that are working to empower the consumer. Those printer manufacturers have made a lot of money... much of it by fleecing the public (four words, "tri-color ink cartridge") :) It's time to fight back through 3rd-party alternatives.

[Gampa]

Thank you for your comments.
Please don't get me wrong, I have had no problems and have no bad comments to make about the results I have been getting with Epson inks (other than bronzing when printing b&w on luster paper).
I have had my 2200 for 1-1/2 years and have never had a head clog or had any other real problem. However, there are days when I do a lot of printing and have to change most of the ink cartridges 2 or 3 times. This can become a burden on the wallet and, while I agree that the cost per print is relatively low, the total cost for the ink I use is pretty high.
I have read very negative things about the 2200 and third party CFS / CIS bulk systems for it and have already made the decision not to go that route with what's currently available. I only wish Epson would come out with a retrofit CFS / CIS system for the 2200 which uses their UltraChrome inks in the 110ml and/or 220ml sizes. Unfortunately, I seriously doubt Epson would even consider that option. So, the search goes on for a less expensive but equally high quality alternative.
Again, thanks, and if anyone does have some real world experience with the Pantone ColorVantage inks, please let me know.
Gampa