The mechanical pencil first became popular in Japan in 1915, when it was introduced by Tokuji Hayakawa, a metal worker. Some reviewers said that the tip is easy to break and that the barrel can be quite easily crushed. CONS: small eraser, flimsy clip GRAPHGEAR / GRAPH GEAR 500 / PG527. CONS: small eraser CONS: tip bends if the pencil is dropped In fact, you could purchase one of these mechanical pencils and a separate eraser for less than the cost of some of the other pencils on our list. Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Pencil, 0.5mm, Carded Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Pencil, 0.5mm, Carded I’ve had a chance to use the Pentel Graph Gear 1000 for a few weeks at this point and it’s become one of my favorite in the Graph Gear line. It also features a retractable tip, which might be appreciated if you frequently carry your pencils in your pocket. The rOtring comes pretty close. Most have just a small nub of rubber that does not properly remove lead marks and wears down quickly. Pentel Refill Erasers For Most Pentel Automatic Pencils Such As GraphGear 1000 GraphGear 500 Sharplet PG500 PG300 P200 Kerry Energize Sterling Flexfit Technica-X & Executive Z2-1N (Pack Of 6 Tubes - 24 Eraser Refills) Because a pack of 10 BIC Pencil Medium Point Xtra Life costs less than most of the individually sold professional-grade pencils, it would not be fair to expect the same level of quality. PROS: side button, twist up eraser that works well, good value A small eraser and lack of a grip were frequently mentioned negative points, but the overall quality of the pencil won over most reviewers. Materials and aesthetics: Just like other writing utensils, there are an array of colors and styles of mechanical pencils available. The Uni KuruToga Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm, however, while a reasonable product for $6, doesn't stack up against its competitors quite as well. Many said that it is too lightweight and not very well balanced. CONS: not suited to light writing, does not work for cursive or script writing, tip does not retract Browse pentel+graphgear+500 on sale, by desired features, or by customer ratings. We especially liked its side-click lead advance feature. This is a good thing, since one will cost you about ten dollars. PROS: lightweight, extendable eraser Fine Point Correction Pen. Additionally, the price is quite low for a professional grade mechanical pencil and they are known for having a particularly long life. Unlike most models that have the lead advance button at the top of the pencil, the Pentel Quicker Clicker button is located on the side of the barrel. We liked its slick design and its smooth feel, and at just a few dollars, it’s high quality for a low price. This model has a lot of features and upgrades which the 500 didn’t have. PROS: solid metal construction, nice knurled grip The name is a combination of the English words pen and tell (as in, telling a story). But if you want a pencil with a big, squishy grip, we know the perfect one for you. CONS: difficult to find in stores It also addresses the most common complaint – an eraser that is too small – for almost every mechanical pencil on the market with a longer, twistable and replaceable eraser. But just like we learned testing pens, the most expensive isn’t always the best. The Pentel GraphGear 1000 differs from the Pentel GraphGear 500 in a few key ways. Graphgear 500 vs Graphgear 1000. It’s easy to throw it in a pocket or a purse and there’s no need to worry about the metal tip stabbing your leg or scratching your other personal belongings. Extra Fine Point ZL72. With a mechanical pencil, you normally click a button to allow the lead to come through incrementally. Price: £12.50 (UK), $16.50 (USA) Lead size options: 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm Barrel options: aluminium with grip and lettering coloured according to … After reading through thousands of reviews and consulting with the artists of the WonderStreet community, we conclude with summarising our favourite products. Some complained about the flimsy, poor-quality plastic material and an unlucky few reported that their pencils broke after being dropped onto the floor. Correction. It also has a very modern and elegant design and balances well in the user’s hand. It is also not recommended for those who write with a very light hand for similar reasons. Then, we took to Amazon to find the most popular and highly-rated pencils loved by consumers. This pencil is the sibling of the larger Pilot G-2, which could be considered more of a student grade pencil. The most common lead sizes are 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7mm. The Quicker Clicker, which our testers described as “smooth and reliable,” comes in three line widths: 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm. ® Wow! The pencils appeal to teachers because students no longer have to leave their desks to sharpen an old-fashioned wooden pencil. We do extensive research and hands-on testing, so you can trust the products we recommend. This brand of mechanical pencil could be considered “disposable,” because the pencils cannot be refilled. Also, the pencils can be purchased in bulk, which is ideal if you are on a budget. PROS: strong lead, wide variety of colours, sold in a package of 24 pencils A lead advance button on the side of the barrel ensures more rapid movement and faster note-taking abilities. CONS: tip does not retract PROS: smooth lead, long-lasting, sturdy, unique mechanism 80 ENERGIZE X. ORENZ. It has an aluminium barrel with its back half being cylindrically shap… I have some amazon credit, and I would like to buy a top quality mechanical pencil(max 15 bucks). Like many other mechanical pencils, however, the tip does not retract and some reviewers complained of being stabbed in the leg with the lead when carrying the pencil in their pocket. Ain STEIN 2. To find the best mechanical pencil, we scoured forums like r/mechanicalpencil and blogs like The Pen Addict (Brad and his friends also love pencils) and Bleistift to get an idea of the pencils the obsessives like best. PROS: large and comfortable barrel, smooth lead, good value Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black (PG525A) 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,400. However, there were plenty of user comments from full-grown adults who love these pencils and the thick lines they create. 1-16 of 146 results for "graphgear 1000" Amazon's Choice for graphgear 1000 Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil, (0.5mm), Black Barrel, 1 Each (PG1015A),Brown Students like these pencils because of the wide array of brightly coloured barrels. CONS: eraser becomes loose after repeated use Many reviewers complained about a variety of issues: jammed lead, broken lead, smashed barrels, etc. Unlike the metal mechanical pencils of Rotring, this plastic model is not built to last. For my thirteenth birthday, I received a Pentel Graphgear 500, a Staedtler 925 05, a Pentel Graphgear 1000, and many other drafting pencils. Though this model has some fans, it is not as popular as other brands and perhaps for good reason. Every pencil from this series has a full aluminium body which gives it both a cool appearance and a balanced body. These leads come in a variety of different thicknesses and can be advanced through the pencil using several possible mechanisms. hi-polymer super leads hi-polymer super leads hi-polymer ain hi-polymer ain stein lead ain ain stein colour lead colour lead. Also, many were unimpressed by the less elegant exterior design of the Zebra DelGuard. PROS: elegant design, lavish packaging, all-metal construction CONS: flimsy clip, tip does not retract © 2020 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. It's perfect for artists, architects, mathematicians and more. Others still have a twist advance. Correct Express. This extra is missing from the Rotring 800. The price is also on the lower end of the spectrum with regards to professional-grade mechanical pencils. What is the Best Affordable, Best Inexpensive, Best Cheap Brands to Buy. They have a much thinner construction of hard plastic, however, they remain fairly resilient pencils that can withstand many years of use and abuse. Drafting pencil/DessinPencils. Occasionally the eraser becomes loose, which is annoying but does not render the pencil useless. A more continuous motion equals efficiency. It is quite small and can easily fit in a pocket, purse or wallet. Leads. The Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil 0.3mm is a great Mechanical Pencil for its $13 asking price. From one of the world’s most recognizable names in stationary, the Faber-Castell GRIP PLUS Mechanical Pencil offers a solid option for a good price. Many reviewers said that they have been using the Pentel Sharp Kerry for several decades. The grip is knurled, meaning that there is a textured pattern rolled into the material by a lathe during the manufacturing process. It also has a very smooth and soft rubber grip around the barrel for additional support. CONS: flimsy clip The one exception? PROS: functional eraser, twist advance lead mechanism, durable All of our reviews are unsponsored, so we earn money by using affiliate links. Our testers’ biggest complaint with this pencil was the grip; most found it somewhat uncomfortable. The top of the pencil is rather bland, with a simple metal button and a clipped-on metal clip (interesting). Also, they said that the eraser is nearly useless. Well, I was looking for one a little better, and I found the Pentel GraphGear 500. Many reviewers said that it is comfortable to hold and to use for longer periods of time because the barrel is nicely weighted with a low center of mass. From there, we did a qualitative analysis to determine which mechanical pencil was the best. This one isn’t worth paying over five dollars for. This miniature metal pencil offers many of the same features as the Pilot G-2 Mini Mechanical Pencil. The retractable tip on the Pilot G-2 pencil makes it much easier to carry around in a backpack or pocket because there’s no need to worry about it becoming snagged or tearing a hole through your clothing. Grip: A pencil grip won’t necessarily make your pencil more comfortable to use, and some people actually find them cumbersome. Like almost every other mechanical pencil, this model has a very small eraser and some reviewers felt inconvenienced by the eraser cap. This is expensive and not the most environmentally-friendly option available. Most Pentel products are manufactured in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Mexico, and France. Uni – Kuru Toga Roulette: Similar to our runner up, but with an upgraded metal body and knurled grip. The push button end cap is a black cylinder covering colored lead grade indicator which has a narrow ring of color at the base and on the top there is a plug of color with the lead size stamped in white. I have the Pentel Graphgear 1000 in 0.5, 0.7, & 0.9. This pencil has a fairly comfortable grip and is designed to complement the manufacturer’s line of ballpoint pens by the same name. The grip is comfortable and a twistable eraser is functional and easily replaceable, which is more than can be said for most of the more expensive brands of mechanical pencils. But with the ubiquitous and cheap auxiliary erasers available on Amazon, we don’t consider this too big a problem. So today I decided to wash it, it was a little greasy. Pentel – Twist Erase: The Twist Erase has a cool name, but the lead is too light, thick and dull. Weighted at your fingertips for precise drafting & template work Metallic mesh grip on a slim, beveled barrel promotes control when writing 4mm tip design makes it ideal for use with rulers and templates Pre-loaded with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer® HB lead; never needs sharpening, is super strong and produces a … Prices are reasonable: you can purchase several Pilot G-2 pencils for less than the cost of one professional-grade pencil. Alvin – Draft-Matic: The Alvin, another “luxury” pencil at over ten dollars for one, disappointed us. This feature is perfect for older individuals and those who suffer from arthritis because it makes it easier to grip. Even more expensive than the Rotring 600, this pencil offers the same level of sophistication and quality. PROS: comfortable gel grip Many of the world’s premium mechanical pencils have been designed and manufactured in Germany and Japan, two countries known for their dedication to high-quality engineering and attention to detail. One of the main reasons why it is considered as a good business opportunity, especially for new ones, is because there are no fees and commission that will be paid to you when you buy from them. This ensures a tight hold, even with sweaty hands. Lead size and grade: Most people will like a 0.5mm or 0.7mm width pencil (the width refers to the size of the lead and the line it creates), but there are smaller and larger widths available if you prefer. We recruited the same group of illustrators, hand lettering artists, bullet journalers and designers that we used for our best pen testing to test mechanical pencils. Like the rOtring, this is a technical pencil well-known among architects, planners, and designers. Both have a metal grip, but the GraphGear 1000 is heavier and has a retractable lead. Pentel Co., Ltd. (ぺんてる株式会社, Penteru Kabushiki Gaisha) is a privately held Japanese manufacturing company of stationery products. However, it does not work well for those who have a very light hand. GraphGear 500. Uni-ball was founded in Tokyo, so it’s no wonder that its name is Japanese. A removable eraser cap is unnecessary and will most likely be lost. The latter might be due, in part, to the very delicate knurling of the grip, which is appreciated by many reviewers. The barrel is quite a bit narrower than other models, which can become tiresome for the hand over time. A high-quality mechanical pencil will almost always cost you less than a high-quality pen. Leads tend to break easily inside the barrel and several reviewers said that they do not like the cheap plastic-y feeling of this product. PROS: anti-break mechanism, durable, reasonably priced Among the common complaints are the cheap eraser cap that does not fit tightly over the eraser and rattles against the barrel of the pencil, and an aluminum grip that tarnishes much faster than other models. Lead cushioning: Some mechanical pencils use a lead cushion or guard that reinforces the lead against rougher writing styles. We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links. CONS: lead breaks easily Still, with nearly 2,000 Amazon reviews, we had to give it a go. The Kuru Toga was named with a Japanese portmanteau of “rotating” and “to become sharp.” This aptly describes the pencil’s rotating lead mechanism which keeps lead, you guessed it, consistently sharp. They’ve come up with a lot of “firsts,” including the Quicker Clicker mechanism — Pentel says it’s the “original side-advance mechanical pencil.” It comes standard with Pentel lead and eraser, a strong metal clip and a transparent barrel so you can see the status of your lead. It comes in a variety of bright colours and it has a strong and flexible clip that can be fixed to a pocket or the cover of a soft or hardbound notebook. Are they right for you? Mechanical pencils can be used for a variety of purposes, including writing, sketching and drafting. Extra Fine Point Correction Pen. The Pilot Dr. If for some reason you can’t get your hands on that one, the Uni-ball – Kuru Toga is also a good bet. PG515 Graphgear 500 Drafting Pencil (0.5mm) BLACK ... PG1017 Graph 1000 Drafting Pencil (0.7mm) – BLUE; BUY IT AT PENTEL O.S. We spent weeks testing 16 of the top mechanical pencils and found that the Pentel – Quicker Clicker is the overall best mechanical pencil. So why isn’t the Kuru Toga our first-choice pick? This pencil is perfect for writing notes or any other task that requires a quick hand. Nonetheless, it can’t be beat for its sophisticated look, and when all is said and done, it writes well. Retractable vs. capped: Standard mechanical pencils are retractable, but if you want to look more polished in the boardroom, Pentel makes a capped version. The pencil body looks pretty simple. Hey everyone! If you’re not writing longform content though, this pencil might still be for you. Pros: Very well made & just looks good. Our testers found that you have to press harder than is comfortable to use it. As a general rule, don’t assume that the quality of the pencil’s “look” is equal to how well it writes. The Pentel Orenz is a favourite among many artists. Some reviewers pointed out that this is problematic for those who write in cursive or script because it is not necessary or natural to lift the pencil off of the paper when writing in these styles. This is a good all-around pencil for students. Like the Uni-Ball Kuru Toga, this model also has a unique rotating mechanism that releases lead as the user pushes the point down onto the paper. It offers the same overall quality shared by all Pentel products. Unsurprisingly, it was sub-par in almost every way. What’s best for you comes down to preference, though the idea behind a side advance pencil is that it’s quicker and disrupts your writing flow less. The 1.3mm are targeted toward young children who are just learning to write — the larger width of these utensils makes them easier for little hands to control. However, aside from the clip, it has a remarkably durable construction. We also consulted Wirecutter’s and Wired’s reviews of mechanical pencils. However, the tip does not retract (unlike the Pilot model), which is a frustrating oversight in a pencil that is meant to be portable. We know that different people are looking for different levels of quality (and “keepability”) in a mechanical pencil, so we also tested a range of price points, from around 15 cents to 25 dollars per pencil. Pentel – GraphGear 500: We loved the GraphGear 1000, but its little brother didn’t make the same impression. Retractable nib makes carrying it easy. CONS: flimsy clip, metal grip can be uncomfortable after extended use, tip does not retract Extra Fine Point ZL72. PROS: all-metal construction, strong clip, sleek design This one isn’t worth paying over five dollars for. There are many a loyal Quicker Clicker devotee out there. CONS: plastic, not very durable or reliable The quality is fairly high, with only one reported defect. PROS: large high-quality eraser, comfortable grip That being said, the Kuru Toga Roulette Model is well-designed and routinely praised for its ability to stay sharp and maintain consistent lead thickness, even after hours of continuous use. It feels good in the hand, especially because of its soft grip. Its grip is a mixture of knurled metal and translucent rubber, which provides you with a comfortable and skidproof grip. rOtring – 600 Series: This is a classic design that has an avid following among designers; we’ll call the rOtring a luxury mechanical pencil. CONS: eraser cap is inconvenient This feature is particularly useful for taking quick notes when time is limited and speed is required, because you don’t have to move your hand to the back of the pencil to click -- just a simple flick of the wrist will have the same effect. PROS: includes a sharpener, thick barrel It is a relatively durable model that can withstand repeated use and abuse. CONS: plastic, leads break easily, tip does not retract For jazzing up your kid’s pencil box? Super Hi-Polymer Refill Leads. Drafting pencil/DessinPencils This product is technically a “lead holder” and not a mechanical pencil. However, this is a common issue for many mechanical pencils. Long strips of lead are stored inside the barrel and can be “advanced” with a button that completely opens the barrel. Extra Fine Point Correction Pen. The eraser on the Quicker Clicker is high quality, as far as attached mechanical pencil erasers go. Leads. Unfortunately, many who have been using it for years don’t like the new and “improved” model with the rubber grip. Plus, while the grip isn’t smooth, it also doesn’t dig into your hand. However, many reviewers preferred the 600 because of its unique lead indicator dial, which displays the thickness of lead that you are currently using. PROS: retractable tip, comfortable grip, refillable Like the Pilot Delful Mechanical Pencil, this product also has the ability to advance the lead simply by shaking the barrel of the pencil. pencil leads. Fine Point Pocket Correction Pen. Instead, it has issues with the lead falling out of the advance mechanism after repeated use. PROS: functional eraser, inexpensive, replacement lead and erasers are not difficult to find It’s available with an extra-sharp 0.3mm size and writes precisely and smoothly. For less than two bucks, you get something that feels good to write with. Best (and most obvious) of all, its lead is erasable. This attractive higher-end mechanical pencil, which costs just a few dollars, is easy to refill and a pleasure to use. PROS: durable, nicely weighted, reasonably priced It doesn’t stand out for much except its uncomfortable grip and the distinctive way it makes you feel not-in-control of your own writing. PROS: good value, stainless steel grip, nicely weighted Paper Mate – 34666PP Clearpoint (0.5mm), 30+ Work From Home Statistics | Remote Work in 2020. PROS: very fine point, metal lead protector tip, high-quality construction A wide barrel make this model more comfortable to hold and reviewers seem to appreciate the wide range of unique colours that are offered by the manufacturer. This is useful if you often carry your pencil in your pocket and do not want to damage the pencil tip or your clothing. You can purchase it in a myriad of colors, and we especially like the classy look of the sky blue. It looks exactly like a capped pen until you remove the cap and see its point. We tend to treat mechanical pencils like they’re disposable, but really, a good one should last you a long time. We found the 500 to be dull and fragile, with lead that breaks too easily and a lead changing process that’s too time-consuming. Most of our testers found them very comfortable to write with. Potential buyers are warned that the tiny eraser that comes with the pencil is insufficient and wears out quickly. Pentel – GraphGear 1000 Automatic Drafting: Our testers found the GraphGear 1000 to be delightfully “futuristic,” and they also liked that the top clicks into place like a pen when you advance the lead. CONS: expensive refills It’s got the weighted, smooth feel of a high-quality pencil and it encourages neat handwriting. We tested brands known for their mechanical pencils (like Pentel) and the big two technical drawing brands, as well as some traditionally cheaper brands like Paper Mate. And lest style be a concern, rest assured that there are plenty of attractive (and even pen-like) mechanical pencils on the market these days. For a pencil to take on the go, we recommend the Pilot G-2 Mini Mechanical Pencil because it is small, inexpensive and has a retractable tip. 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