Pentel has a profound history of manufacturing unique writing instruments with affordable prices. The Pentel GraphGear 1000 is not an exception and is considered one of the most popular mechanical pencils on the market. Produced with four different lead sizes, it can be a great support for the everyday work of students, sketchers, writers, and professional engineers.
Design Features
The Pentel GraphGear 1000 is a perfect automatic drafting pencil for average users, having a ceiling budget commonly spent for regular stationery items. This model has a lot of features and upgrades which the 500 didn’t have.
Covered with satin silver finish, the 1000 comes in four different colors, coded with regard to the lead size. The pencil body looks pretty simple. It has an aluminium barrel with its back half being cylindrically shaped and having all the necessary information printed here. The front half includes a grip section which is knurled and has soft textured rubber parts to increase comfort during writing. These gel-like spots are designed to cushion the fingertips and are hardly noticeable. The 1000 model is rather hefty compared to the previous one. The pencil is well-balanced and needs no efforts while moving on the paper.
The pencil clip is wonderful. It is loaded with a spring and is hinged, so it can easily clip to anything you need. It slides off with no damage left by its well-polished edges. The Pentel branding runs alongside the clip.
The lead indicator is located at the transition between the grip and the pencil body in the viewing window. The lettering, which shows the pencil’s hardness, is colored according to the lead size. It ranges from 2B to 2H, but if you are using a different lead, it shows a blank spot.
The eraser is hidden beneath the cap. It is rather small, but firm enough to perform a proper job getting rid of marks.
All clicking and locking mechanisms work smoothly, quickly, and satisfyingly for users. When you first press the button on the pencil end, the lead pipe pops out and is locked in place due to the locking system. With another click, the lead is extended.
A fully retractable tip means that the pencil can be safely kept in the pocket. The typical problem of most pencils to poke through shirt pockets is successfully eliminated in the design of the GraphGear 1000.
Lead Size Options
You can choose any lead size you need for work. This information is marked on the pencil and is determined by pencil color.
| Review | Lead Size | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 mm | Brown |
| 0.5 mm | Black |
| 0.7 mm | Blue |
| 0.9 mm | Yellow |
| 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm | Color Coded |
The Pentel GraphGear uses high-polymer leads which are guaranteed to scan on tests.
Writing Quality
The GraphGear is a multi-purpose pencil, which can be used for designing, sketching, or writing. The model is released with four different lead sizes, which are suitable either for extra fine or bold lines. A well-balanced pencil structure provides fatigue-free writing. The lead pipe is stable enough with no wobbling.
Pros & Cons
The 1000 model is a solid writing tool, which is acknowledged by lots of users. Comparing it to the previous version, here are some do’s and don’ts mentioned in Pentel GraphGear 1000 reviews.
- Excellent rubber grip ensures comfortable writing
- High-polymer leads are easy to refill
- Retractable mechanism makes the pencil pocket-safe
- Multifunctional use
- Convenient clip
- Helpful color coded grips
- Hardness indicator requires more options
- Small eraser
- Plastic piece below the rubber grip may break
Price Range
This mechanical pencil has a good balance of convenient use, high quality, and attractive price. Its price ranges in the lower price segment and depends on which lead size is used in the pencil. In fact, it is a reasonable cost for such an outstanding device. With a number of useful features, solid writing performance, and attractive appearance, it is really worth the price.
Overall Impression
The Pentel GraphGear 1000 has only a couple of insignificant complaints, which don’t much determine its functionality. However, other pencil characteristics are elaborated for its perfect work. It is a superb instrument for both writing enthusiasts and professionals, which can be recommended by WoWPencils for long-term sessions.
References
- Pentel GraphGear 1000 – http://www.pentel.com/
- Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Drafting Pencil – 5 Sizes Set – https://www.jetpens.com/
- About the GraphGear 1000 – https://www.reddit.com/
Is there only one main difference between all these mechanical pencils? I mean, do they differ by the color of a grip only? or can I buy, let’s say 3mm lead with blue barrel, is it possible?
Thank you for your question. In fact, each size of lead comes in barrel of one color only. Thus, I’m afraid, you won’t find such option.
Nice to read this overview because I’m searching for the mechanical pencil. I’ve ordered with 0.5mm lead on Amazon and waiting for it. Once I get it I’ll complete my review.
Thank you. Hope you will enjoy it and we are waiting for your opinion here!
I don’t know whether I am the only person in the world who faces such an issue with this item. First, I ordered it on EBay for a month ago, I don’t know why, but the seller canceled my order without any explanations. OK, I ordered once again on Amazon and it came to me. In fact, I ordered 2 pieces for me and my brother. Both of them were broken. I contacted the seller and he said that he will replace it. Then, in one week I received another parcel and, again, one which was for my brother was OK but mine was broken again. I’m so upset and don’t get it, is this item too fragile or this the it was broken during transportation?
I’m so sorry to hear that. As far as I know, this device is not fragile at all. I believe you have experienced the issues with delivery.