Front Weight Biased Mechanical Pencil?

[ConcordeSST]

Hello everyone, I am an engineer that uses mechanical pencils both for general writing and drafting. I had three MPs: TWSBI Precision (0.5mm fixed sleeve), Staedtler 925-25-05 and Alvin DM05. Unfortunately both the 925 and DM05 are out of service (lost one, broke one). So there comes the time that I will purchase another mechanical pencil.

 

I like my TWSBI's hefty weight, sturdy build and full metal construction, but with a balance point at ~73mm from the tip, it feels tail-heavy. The Alvin got the balance right for me (~62mm from the tip), but I can pick up a tad roughness in the grip area. It also not quite as solid or heavy as the TWSBI. The diameter of the grip of Staedtler is the largest among the three, which I found the most comfortable, but everything else is kind of in the middle. Just wonder if there is a mechanical pencil that combine the pros of all three?

 

I don't really mind what type of tip the pencil comes, be it retractable sleeve, fixed sleeve or vanishing point, because I put them in a bag. But I personally like a solid feeling without any "play" so fixed might be a plus.

 

What is on my shopping list:

1. Rotring 600: very good reputation, but how it compared to TWSBI? I also heard there are several different versions with some better than others.

2. Uni Kuru Toga Roulette: some people complain about the slight "give", others don't. Not sure what I will feel. But as an engineer I really appreciate those innovations and thoughts behind simple objects. Might give a try.

3. Rotring Rapid Pro and Lamy Scribble: at almost 40 USD, they are just too pricey for me. But I will leave the options open nonetheless.

4. (anything else should be there?)

 

Any thoughts are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Sebastian

 

Edit:

Preferred mechanism: push top ratchet, metal for durability

Preferred lead size: 0.5 or 0.7 mm. (But never tried 0.3 mm before...)

Edited February 25, 2016 by ConcordeSST

[Algester]

Pentel Graph Gear 500 (if found unavailable Muji should have them only with a white barrel)

Zebra Del-guard type LX (quite new actually)

Pilot S10

Zebra Tect2 way (shaker)

Tombow Mono graph (considering they are shakers)

Orenz Metal grip (well this is the thinnest lead you can get and is just introduced this month it seems)

Edited February 25, 2016 by Algester

[Goudy]

The Uni Shift Pipe Lock is probably the most front-heavy mechanical pencil I have: http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Shift-Pipe-Lock-Drafting-Pencil-Color-Body-Series-0.5-mm-Black-Body-with-Smoke-Accent/pd/3610

 

It's metal at the front and mostly plastic at the rear. The balance point is a bit under 6cm from the tip.

 

There's no "play" when writing, unlike the Uni Kuru Toga, which is designed with a springy tip that rotates as you lift it off the paper (so that you always get a sharp edge).

[Pickwick]

Pentel GraphGear 500 are very good pencils, and front weight biased. They're also self loading by placing a couple of leads from the top of the barrel which I find convenient especially for my 0.3mm which I use for long periods.

Edited February 25, 2016 by Pickwick

[Mike 59]

The Staedtler Mars 780 is a 2mm leadholder, overall length 151mm with the balancing point at 61mm from the front.

The front grip section is gnurled, chrome plated brass (I think) with the rest of the barrel in ABS plastic.

Weight is 13g, and I think I bought it in about 1985, the only sign of wear is on the lettering.

At the top there is a removeable cap, which has a lead pointer inside.

Well made and totally reliable.

[aderoy]

Platinum Pro Use 1 may fit your requirements. Front heavy, thicker section can be found in 0.5 or 0.7 mm

 

see: http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=platinum+pro+use&v=2

[ConcordeSST]

Pentel Graph Gear 500 (if found unavailable Muji should have them only with a white barrel)

Zebra Del-guard type LX (quite new actually)

Pilot S10

Zebra Tect2 way (shaker)

Tombow Mono graph (considering they are shakers)

Orenz Metal grip (well this is the thinnest lead you can get and is just introduced this month it seems)

Never use a 0.3mm before. Probably great for drafting but how is it for general writing?

 

The Uni Shift Pipe Lock is probably the most front-heavy mechanical pencil I have: http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Shift-Pipe-Lock-Drafting-Pencil-Color-Body-Series-0.5-mm-Black-Body-with-Smoke-Accent/pd/3610

 

It's metal at the front and mostly plastic at the rear. The balance point is a bit under 6cm from the tip.

 

There's no "play" when writing, unlike the Uni Kuru Toga, which is designed with a springy tip that rotates as you lift it off the paper (so that you always get a sharp edge).

Thanks for the suggestion, I will add that to my list as well.

 

Pentel GraphGear 500 are very good pencils, and front weight biased. They're also self loading by placing a couple of leads from the top of the barrel which I find convenient especially for my 0.3mm which I use for long periods.

How do you think about 0.3mm lead for general writing? I normally use 0.5mm, never tried a 0.3mm.

 

The Staedtler Mars 780 is a 2mm leadholder, overall length 151mm with the balancing point at 61mm from the front.

The front grip section is gnurled, chrome plated brass (I think) with the rest of the barrel in ABS plastic.

Weight is 13g, and I think I bought it in about 1985, the only sign of wear is on the lettering.

At the top there is a removeable cap, which has a lead pointer inside.

Well made and totally reliable.

Sorry Mike, I have to admit I like the versatility of thinner lead more, although there is a special charm that is unique to leadholders.

 

Platinum Pro Use 1 may fit your requirements. Front heavy, thicker section can be found in 0.5 or 0.7 mm

 

see: http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=platinum+pro+use&v=2

Can you comment on the difference between Pro-Use I (thinner one) and II (thicker one)? Do they share the same internal mechanism? Hard to find a direct comparision online. Right now I am leaning towards II for its heavier weight, thicker grip and more tip-ward balance.

[aderoy]

 

Can you comment on the difference between Pro-Use I (thinner one) and II (thicker one)? Do they share the same internal mechanism? Hard to find a direct comparision online. Right now I am leaning towards II for its heavier weight, thicker grip and more tip-ward balance.

 

 

The internal mechanism is very similar, the Pro 1 (thinner model) is approx 12mm longer. Both lead tubes are black plastic, brass clutch ring. Very positive click on advancement with approx 1.5mm lead extended on each click.

 

Both bodies are made from aluminum, very fine machined threads just above the finger section. Both can have the pocket clip removed if you so desire. Very well made, have been in use almost daily for a number of years, never an ounce of trouble, bodies holding up well just minor hand wear.

 

Have both and find some shirt pockets can not handle the longer body (clip does not have much fabric to hold on to), so will grab the Pro II (stubby). Neither are pocket safe :-(

 

The top push button cap has the lead size, can set the lead type lower on the body.

 

Well made should last as daily carry.

[Pickwick]

Never use a 0.3mm before. Probably great for drafting but how is it for general writing?

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I will add that to my list as well.

 

How do you think about 0.3mm lead for general writing? I normally use 0.5mm, never tried a 0.3mm.

 

Sorry Mike, I have to admit I like the versatility of thinner lead more, although there is a special charm that is unique to leadholders.

 

Can you comment on the difference between Pro-Use I (thinner one) and II (thicker one)? Do they share the same internal mechanism? Hard to find a direct comparision online. Right now I am leaning towards II for its heavier weight, thicker grip and more tip-ward balance.

I find the 0.3mm needs careful use as the lead easily breaks. I only use it for drawing fine lines.

[Algester]

Never use a 0.3mm before. Probably great for drafting but how is it for general writing?

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I will add that to my list as well.

 

How do you think about 0.3mm lead for general writing? I normally use 0.5mm, never tried a 0.3mm.

 

Sorry Mike, I have to admit I like the versatility of thinner lead more, although there is a special charm that is unique to leadholders.

 

Can you comment on the difference between Pro-Use I (thinner one) and II (thicker one)? Do they share the same internal mechanism? Hard to find a direct comparision online. Right now I am leaning towards II for its heavier weight, thicker grip and more tip-ward balance.

Orenz at it's thinest is .2 I already have the pencil in question it is good for general writing the lead to my eyes are dark enough to be like .3-.4 (ohh and the lead because of the mechanism doesn't break as fast as it should unless your intentionally breaking the lead like the Del-guard from Zebra) but the other pencils I suggested come with the standard .5 unless you want .7

Pilot S10 is infact a drafting class pencil available in .3-.9 lead

Uni Shift Pipe lock is also a drafting class pencil with .3-.9 lead

GraphGear 500 seems to be also a drafting pencil at .3-.9 (Muji only carries the .3-.5 variant) same can be said of it's cousin the GraphGear 1000

Edited February 29, 2016 by Algester