10 Best Mechanical Pencils 2025 in the United States

The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils are a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable writing instruments, whether for school, work, or personal use. One of their standout qualities is the 0.7mm medium point, which strikes a good balance for various writing tasks, making them versatile for everyday use. Users will appreciate the smooth lead that doesn’t smudge, ensuring clean and professional writing every time. The included erasers are a practical touch, allowing for easy corrections without leaving messy marks behind.

Comfort is also addressed with these pencils, as they have a good grip that can make extended writing sessions more enjoyable. The build quality is satisfactory for a plastic pencil, giving it a lightweight feel, which is beneficial for portability. They are easy to use, as the retractable mechanism allows you to advance the lead with a simple click, eliminating the need for sharpening. Additionally, being No. 2 pencils makes them compatible with standardized testing, a plus for students.

The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils offer a blend of convenience, comfort, and quality, making them great for students and professionals alike. However, those seeking a heavier-duty pencil or a bolder writing style might want to explore other options.

The BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils come in a convenient 24-count pack, making them a practical choice for students or office workers who need reliable writing tools in bulk. Their 0.7mm medium lead size strikes a good balance for general writing tasks—fine enough for neat notes but not too fragile. The HB (No. 2) lead hardness is standard and widely accepted for most writing and standardized tests, producing clear, smudge-resistant lines that erase cleanly, which helps keep work tidy.

These pencils feature a ribbed grip, which provides basic comfort and control during writing, although it may not be as cushioned or ergonomic as some higher-end mechanical pencils. The lead advances with a simple click of the eraser, a common and user-friendly mechanism that makes it easy to keep writing without interruptions. The retractable tip design helps protect the lead and prevents accidental marks when not in use.

Build quality is solid for everyday use, especially considering the affordable price and bulk packaging. The pastel barrels add a touch of color variety and visual appeal, though the pencil body is mostly plastic, so it may not feel as durable or premium compared to metal-bodied models. These pencils are not designed for specialized or professional drawing tasks but excel as dependable, no-fuss writing instruments for school or office environments. If you need a cost-effective, easy-to-use mechanical pencil with decent lead quality and comfortable grip for regular writing, these BIC pencils fit the bill well. They might not offer advanced grip comfort or heavy-duty durability but perform reliably in a wide range of everyday writing needs.

The Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils offer a variety of useful features that make them ideal for school and drawing purposes. These pencils use a 0.7mm lead size, which is a versatile choice for writing, drawing, and sketching. The HB #2 lead provides a balanced hardness, suitable for various writing and drawing tasks, creating clear and precise lines every time.

One of the standout features is the side lead advancement mechanism, which allows for easy lead loading without needing to release your grip, enhancing convenience and ease of use. The soft grip design significantly improves comfort, making it easier to write or draw for extended periods without hand fatigue. Additionally, the jumbo twist eraser is a practical feature that ensures clean and easy erasing, which is especially useful for students and artists who need to make frequent corrections.

The assorted barrel colors add a fun and personalized touch, which can be appealing to teens and younger users. However, the product has a couple of minor drawbacks. The pencils are described as having a 'broad' point type, which might not be preferred by users who need very fine and detailed lines. Also, while the soft grip is comfortable, it might wear out over time with heavy use.