Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Design
Lead
Size
Count
Colors
Our Top Choice
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Drafting Pencil
Pentel is synonymous with excellence and reliability, delivering the best of its kind in writing tools. It’s an award-winning brand with over 70 years of consistent quality.
Contoured, metallic barrel. 0.9mm break-resistant lead. Lead hardness indicator. Soft pad, latex-free grip. Refillable. Yellow highlights on barrel.
Because it’s made of metal, this mechanical pencil may feel a little bit heavy at first.
Retractable, refillable
0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9mm
6 inches
1, 2, 3 or 4-pack
Brown, gray, blue, yellow
Best Value
BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil
Speaking of writing tools, BIC is a universal and household name that requires no introduction. Its products are ever reliable, top-notch fun to use and quite affordable.
Fun, sparkly designs and colors. Smooth-operating push-click advance mechanism. 24-count pack. HB lead, great for standardized tests.
Its grip is not textured or contoured and as such, may not be too comfortable for long writing sessions.
Shimmery effect
0.7mm
7 inches
24 or 48-pack
8 colors
rOtring 600 Series Mechanical Pencil
The German company rOtring was established in 1928 and its hallmark is products characterized by simplistic and minimalist designs that speak volumes of their elegance and quality.
Shiny, metal black barrel. Knurled, textured grip. 0.35mm thin lead. Simple, push-click lead advance mechanism. Perfect for artwork and drawings.
The metal point that holds the tip is quite fragile, and may bend if dropped, so you’ll need to be extremely careful.
Hexagonal barrel
0.35, 0.5 or 0.7mm
5 inches
1-pack
Black, silver
Uni-ball Kurutoga Roulette Model Pencil
Uni-ball has, for 130 amazing years, remained at the cutting-edge of innovative and elegant design when it comes to pencils and other writing materials.
Top push-click lead advance mechanism. Jam-free and smooth operation. 0.5mm thick lead. Contoured barrel design. Textured grip. Pocket clip.
The sharp, non-retracting lead tip makes this pencil pocket unfriendly. You’d have to carry in a case.
Roulette model
0.5mm
6 inches
1-pack
Gun metal, silver
Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil
Paper Mate is all about revolutionizing writing tools by designing innovative and pace-setting products meant for long-lasting and reliable performance at affordable prices.
Translucent barrel. 0.7mm lead for clear markings. Jumbo-size, efficient eraser. Lead and eraser refills. Contoured barrel. Soft, textured grip.
The pocket clip tends to break off the pencils easily, so you’d have to be mindful of it.
Jumbo twist-up eraser
0.5 or 0.7mm
7 inches
1, 2, 4 or 12-pack
Blue/clear