Rotring 600 Vs Twsbi Precision - Which Is Better For $25?

[Rofl Copter]

I did a quick search and found several threads in the past mentioning each of these pencils and several reviews on them, but I couldn't seem to find one directly comparing the two. The TWSBI pencil can be had for $25 on the Goulet's website, and the Rotring 600 can be had on this Massdrop also for $25, assuming you order within the next day. Which of the two is a better deal for that price? I have never owned a decent mechanical pencil so I have nothing to compare to here. Is a non-retractable tip as much of a pain as it's made out to be? Will it break? What are the pros and cons of each?

Edited December 20, 2014 by Rofl Copter

[RMN]

I do not own either of these pencils.

 

About a retractable point: that has it's pros and cons.

 

Fixed: +: stable -: could break of in your pocket/purse, could make holes in a pocket/purse

Retractable: +: easier transportable (see - above) -: wobbly, in/out system could be damaged

 

If you keep the pencil in one place, on your desk, I would advise fixed. Also if you have to do technical drawings that should be exact.

For writing it would not matter which. If you take it on the road I would take the retractable.

 

 

D.ick

[graystranger]

I have the TWSBI retractable and carry it with me all the time. Never failed. Very robust, well designed. Holds about 50 leads. Never had a lead jam, never had one break inside the pen. My pen is 0.7mm. Easy to disassemble. Skinny eraser that is about 1.5 inches long. Hexagonal body. Comes in silver or black anodized aluminum. 0.5 or 0.7 mm lead, and fixed or retractable (any combination of the three).

 

I see the fixed design as being best when kept on the desk or in a drawer. The retractable is best for carrying in the pocket or tossing in a purse. I don't see the retractable mechanism being damaged unless you forget to retract it. I think it would break off, the same as the fixed version. Never seen the Rotring 600 or know anything about it. I do know that the customer support from TWSBI is awesome, but in the 18 months I've been carrying and using this pencil it has never had a problem.

 

One minor detail, you have to use the metal cap that fits over the eraser to advance the lead. Once you take it off to use the eraser don't forget to put it back on. I tried to advance the lead with the cap off and I pushed the eraser down into its sleeve and had a hard time getting it out. Had to push a strong pin into the rubber and pry the eraser up enough to get hold of it. But, before I retired I kept an eraser on my desk and never used my pencils' erasers anyway. But, this TWSBI is the best feeling and most robust pencil I've ever seen in over 40 years of engineering R&D, so I'm not interested in getting any other pencils now, even if one is better. This pencil suits me for the odd times I need a pencil over a fountain pen. I think it is a lot of pencil for 25$. I got mine from Goulet Pens and if you get one with problems they will stand behind it. So will TWSBI USA.

[Ethereal Winter Wind]

If you plan on carrying it any where (including in a pencil case) I would most definitely take the retractable TWSBI. I've got both and whilst the rotring 600 is quality, it's not really meant for carrying, more as a desk/drafting table pencil.

 

If you're willing to send some more money, check out the Rotring 800.

Edited December 20, 2014 by Ethereal Winter Wind

[Rofl Copter]

You guys make a good case for the TWSBI, but I can't help but feel that on a fountain pen forum there might be some bias towards the pen made by the fountain pen manufacterer... What is it that makes the Rotring 600 so popoular?

[sd10521]

I recently bought the r0tring 600 on the second to last Massdrop and like it a lot. very sturdy and well made with a nice solid heft to it. I was initially planning on using it for a daily carry but you could injure yourself with this thing.

I had an old Pilot from the eighties that I can't find anymore except for on eBay a few weeks ago for about one hundred dollars, so I guess it's lost forever.

In another thread here a fellow member was impressed with the Pental P207 0.7. Still not a retractable point but not as lethal as the 600 for a daily beater at work, and pretty cheap price too at the local stationary stores.

[Bemo]

I just recently purchased a few of the notable mechanical pencils. I must say the TWSBI is very impressive but is hefty. And for the same price you could get at least two of the higher end Pentels. I've really fallen in love with the Pentel Kerry but also like the Pentel Graph Gear. My Rotring 600 from the Mass Drop is also on it's way.

[Rofl Copter]

So which would you guys recommend to carry around in a pen case to school and back? Doing mathematics homework with a pen is just not feasable.

[scribble1]

I don't use pencils on a regular basis. However I have had both a Rotring 600 and Twsbi precision and they are both great pencils. My personal preference is the Rotring 600 in terms of its weight and balance. I would say that the Rotring 600 is the classic drafting pencil.