The Nicpro 37PCS Mechanical Pencil Set is a comprehensive kit aimed at artists, drafters, and students who need a variety of line widths and lead grades in one package. It includes four metal drafting pencils in 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm sizes, plus two 2 mm lead holders, along with 23 tubes of lead refills in grades ranging from 6B to 4H. The whole set comes in a zippered case.
In real-world use, this set is practical for someone who switches between fine detail work and broader shading. The 0.3 mm pencil is useful for tight cross-hatching or technical line work, while the 0.9 mm and 2 mm holders handle softer, bolder marks for sketching or filling in areas. The lead refills cover a wide hardness range, so you can go from hard, light lines (4H) to soft, dark ones (6B) without buying separate packs.
Key functional features include the metal construction of the pencils, which gives them a solid, balanced feel—not too heavy, but not flimsy. The knurled grips on the drafting pencils provide a decent hold, even if your hands get slightly sweaty. The 2 mm lead holders have a built-in sharpener in the cap, which is convenient for quick touch-ups. The case is sturdy and keeps everything organized, though the individual slots for pencils are a bit tight, so inserting and removing them takes some care.
However, there are trade-offs. The pencils are not high-end drafting tools—they work well for everyday use but may not satisfy professionals who demand ultra-precise mechanisms or zero lead breakage. The 0.3 mm pencil, in particular, can occasionally jam if you extend the lead too far, which is common with budget mechanical pencils. Also, the included erasers under the caps are small and not very effective; you’ll likely want a separate eraser for serious work.
Compared to buying individual pencils from brands like Pentel or Staedtler, this set offers a cost-effective way to get multiple sizes and lead grades at once. But those individual pencils often have better clutch mechanisms and smoother lead advancement. If you already own a favorite 0.5 mm pencil, you might find the Nicpro’s feel slightly rougher in operation.
Who is this for? It suits students, hobbyists, or anyone starting with technical drawing or sketching who wants to try different lead sizes without a big investment. It’s also good for travel or studio use where you need a range of tools in one case. Who should skip it? Professional illustrators or architects who rely on premium drafting pencils may find the build quality and precision lacking. Also, people who prefer plastic, lightweight pencils might not like the metal grip’s heft.
In summary, the Nicpro 37PCS set delivers what it promises: a broad collection of pencils and leads for varied drawing tasks. It’s not a specialist tool but a practical kit for general use. Just manage expectations on refinement—these are functional, not luxury.
