PentelGraph Gear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.3mm, Brown Barrel, 1 Pack (PG523BP)

I am an engineering student and an artist, and for years I have collected dozens of pencils, mechanical and wooden, for these two purposes. Pentel is known for the high quality and reliability of their mechanical pencils, and this pencils big brother, the Graphgear 1000 is the most recognizable model in production. This pencil, however, is a superb balance of value and quality, and in my opinion, the greatest value for a pure, durable drafting pencil extant. In fact, after purchasing the pencil which most consider the epitome of mechanical draftic pencils, the Rotring 600, I came away with some interesting comparisons.I purchased two of these pencils over a year ago, seeking a reasonably priced (if replacement was required) drafting pencil of high quality. Both pencils were and remain in perfect operating condition, with no mechanical malfunctions to date. The fit and finish is standard for mid-priced mechanical pencils, nothing special, though no visible flaws. The mechanism is superior to most, both tight and positive when operated, with a brass clutch surrounded by an otherwise plastic inner parts, to the detriment of absolute durability, as the plastic will wear more quickly than the steel or aluminum in higher-end drafting pencils. Outside, the pencil barrel is also plastic, though it is thick and I see no everyday wear affecting it, as it has had no effect on my examples in over a year of daily use. The grip and lead sleeve are presented as a single piece of stainless steel, which combined with the plastic barrel make the pencil very tip-heavy and represents a balance of weight for sure lines, and lightness for daily use. The grip is also somewhat thicker than the rest of the pencil, which makes for a very comfortable grip, as does the knurled texture on the steel itself. The metal grip and tip are extremely solid, and the sleeve is sturdier than others, even on much more expensive pencils, meaning that dropping the pencil onto the tip is slightly less of a concern, especially with the lower weight. The tip, as I said, is solid, and so it is not "pocket safe" as some say.A few months after I purchased these pencils, I ordered a Rotring 600 in order to see if it lived up to it's reputation (and the import price, which is now somewhat less, but at the time represented a 600% markup over the Graphgear 500). The Rotring is indeed a superb pencil, and I understand how it earned such a following. It is perhaps the purest and most refined incarnation of a drafting pencil produced today. Fit and finish was near-perfect, and it's construction is solid brass, with rolled steel inner workings, making for a hefty and balanced pencil. The clutch itself is brass, just as the Pentel was, though the clutch surround is plastic, though no moving parts are. It's lead hardness indicator is practical and works very well, and the clip is very secure, yet removable. The Rotring falls short on two points where the Graphgear shines, however. One is writing comfort. As I said, the Rotring is as pure an example of a drafting pencil produced, however, it's small-diameter grip and shallower knurling make for a grip that, in my hands at least, requires a tighter and more disjointed grip, which can become uncomfortable after just a page of writing. Secondly, the Rotring's lead sleeve is somewhat more delicate that the one found on the Graphgear, and in fact, bent slightly less than a week after I purchased it, causing the pencil to malfunction. This proved to be a only slight problem, and was fixed with just a bit of pressure on the tip to bend it back into shape, though for a pencil costing as much as six Pentel Graphgear 500's, this should not be a problem at all.So, in many ways, I view my Pentels as the equal of the much more expensive pencil, and for daily writing, it is superior. Of course, the Rotring wins in finish, absolute durability, and features, but this begs the question, is this worth the 600% price difference? In the end, I recommend this pencil to students, and Rotring (especially the higher-end models, which solve the problems noted of the 600 here) for those wanting the absolute best, professional drafting pencils.

You can’t go wrong with Pentel mechanical pencils! Our family has used them for generations. Whether you’re doing homework with the kids or drafting an architectural drawing, this engineering-like pencil is amazing. Comfortable, sturdy (durable) pencil, it’s stable in the hand. Definitely has the appearance of a pencil that means business! It will last forever and it’s so easy to get the Pentel lead wherever you go - online, bookstore, office supply store, grocery… readily available. We keep multiples of these pencils in stock around the house.

This pencil will last you forever. It has stuck with me through PSAT, every state test imaginable, every droning class, mock trial tournaments, and everything in between. I plan to pass this pencil down to my children if I have any, because I expect it to outlive me. :)

This was a great price for an all-encompassing kit! Love that it included 2 pencils, an eraser and even refills. The pencil itself was very comfortable to write with and sketch with. It was light to hold and very easy to use.

Pentel makes quality mechanical pencils, especially its Graph Gear 1000 series, which are commonly used by drafting professionals who demand great performance. My son, who loves mechanical pencils, has a set of Graph Gear 1000 pencils, but he takes his less expensive 500s to school.The Pentel Graph Gear 500 series is a step down from the 1000 at about half the price. The 1000 has a retractable lead sleeve, while the 500 does not. This is a big advantage in preserving the tip from damage. The 1000 has a lightweight alloy body, while the 500's is plastic. The 1000 has a lead size indicator, which the 500 lacks. The 1000 has a durable, spring-loaded clip, while the 500's is cheap. On the other hand, the 500's weight is closer to the tip, so some users might find it has better balance and a more effortless writing experience. The knurling on the 500's grip is more pronounced than the 1000's, which may make it possibly easier to hold.So while the 500 is the lesser of the 1000, its much lower price and the way it's weighted may make it a more value-minded Everyday Carry (EDC) than the 1000.This two-pencil Graph Gear 500 set comes with an additional four pencil-size erasers, refill leads, and a full-size drafting eraser. It's a fine deal for what it offers.

Love these pencils. They are a little heavier if you aren’t used to it, but they are great. Amazing quality great for all purposes.

It’s a good product. But the price is a little “eh” for me. But it’s decent

One of my favorite. Sturdy, has a good balance and weight to it. Planing to get a full set in different sizes