TL;DR Artists, this isn't for you. The Ultimate Mechanical Pencil: Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Roulette (0.5mm) paired with Pentel super high polymer HB lead. Pentel high polymer eraser for [[Eraser Testing|erasing]]. You won't find a better combo anywhere. Trust me, I've tried. (Actual testing data is in the works) # OK hi! After four years of testing countless mechanical pencils, I’ve concluded that the Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Roulette is, hands down, the best on the market. Here’s why: • Rotating Core Mechanism: This ensures consistently sharp and clean lines, unlike many other pencils where the lead wears unevenly. • Stainless Steel Build: It’s durable and has a satisfying, premium feel—unlike cheaper plastic alternatives. Other Mechanical Pencils I’ve Tested 1. Pentel Graphgear 1000: • Pros: Well-made, great for technical drawing. • Cons: Lacks a rotating core, so lines become uneven over time. Solid 8/10. 2. Pentel Orenz Nero: • Pros: Another strong contender. • Cons: Doesn’t meet the same standard as the Kuru Toga Roulette. 3. Uni-Ball Kuru Toga (Plastic Model): • Pros: Same great rotating core as the Roulette. • Cons: Plastic body feels cheap and less durable. 4. Uni-Ball Alpha Gel: • Pros: Smooth writing experience. • Cons: The soft, squishy grip is unpleasant to use. 5. Bic Disposable Mechanical Pencils: • Verdict: Just awful. Avoid at all costs. 6. Nik Pro: • Verdict: Poor writing experience—don’t bother. Conclusion on Mechanical Pencils Unless it has a stainless steel body and a rotating core, it’s not a top-tier pencil. That’s why the Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Roulette stands out, earning its place as my go-to. I’ve stocked up on ten of them because companies have a bad habit of ruining good products over time. # The Best Lead for Mechanical Pencils After testing numerous brands, one lead stands out above the rest: Pentel Super High Polymer HB. Here’s how everything stacks up: 1. Pentel Super High Polymer HB • Verdict: The undisputed champion. • Why?: It’s the darkest, smoothest, and most durable lead I’ve tested. On top of that, it’s affordable, making it the perfect combination of quality and value. 2. Uni Nano Diamond Blend HB • Verdict: A solid runner-up. • Why?: Smooth writing and good break resistance, but it’s not quite as dark or durable as Pentel Super High Polymer. 3. Mr. Pen HB • Verdict: Decent but not exceptional. • Why?: It’s better than some but doesn’t match the performance of the top two. 4. Pentel Ain Stein HB • Verdict: Fine but frustrating. • Why?: While smooth, it breaks too easily to recommend. 5. Paper Mate 66400PP HB • Verdict: Forgettable. • Why?: It’s functional but completely unremarkable. 6. Staedtler Mars Micro Carbon 2B • Verdict: Unimpressive. • Why?: Despite being 2B, it doesn’t deliver the darkness or smoothness I expected. Conclusion For the best writing experience, Pentel Super High Polymer HB is the clear winner. If that’s not available, Uni Nano Diamond Blend HB is a worthy alternative. Everything else? Meh.