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 Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils 0.7mm set is a solid choice for students, office workers, and anyone needing reliable pencils for everyday writing or sketching. The 0.7mm lead size is a popular middle ground—fine enough for detailed work but thick enough to last through longer writing sessions. The pencils come with HB lead, which offers a good balance of darkness and hardness suitable for general use, including standardized tests.

One of the notable strengths is the comfort grip, which helps reduce hand fatigue during extended writing tasks. The pencils also feature a retractable lead mechanism, making it easy to advance the lead smoothly while protecting it when not in use. Another plus is the smudge-resistant eraser, which cleans up mistakes without leaving much residue. With 24 pencils in a pack, this set is great for classrooms or group settings.

The build quality is generally basic plastic, which is typical for this price range but may not feel as durable or premium compared to higher-end mechanical pencils. The classic design is simple and functional but might not appeal to those looking for stylish or modern aesthetics. This set is a dependable, cost-effective option for everyday writing needs, offering comfort and practicality without specialized features.

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.