If you like writing with mechanical pencils but are looking for something with a sweeter look and a comfort grip then the ClearPoint Elite is worth checking out. There are a couple of things that separate it from other mechs like the eraser refills [although you can use any of the one inch sleeve erasers], barrel design and weight of it. Some mechs have an extremely cheap feel to them, like they are going to break when you are writing with them. These are not indestructible but with a little care you can get a lot of write life from them.

I prefer to use a woodcase pencil for writing on most paper because you can get a darker line and the option to sharpen them to a fine point is always there. If you are a heavy handed writer you are going to have lead snaps but not as often as you would with a basic mech. Smearing and smudging aren't usually a problem with the ClearPoint unless you are dragging your hand over it but you are going to want to avoid using a highlighter over it because you will end up with the lettering looking a little fuzzy. The lead does copy nicely if you need to photocopy notes but if you are writing in a notebook with this you are going to get a softer line from it, that can also mean that underlying pages will have slight indents in them from where you were writing.

This is not the same as the regular version; that is a .7mm tip and this is a .5mm so there is a slight difference but if you are just using it for notes or to have on your desk to write phone numbers or messages then chances are you won't care which one you get. The Elite is easier to find than the regular; I'm not even sure that PaperMate makes the regular .7mm version any more. The mechs are durable and can last for years if you take care of them; you can refill the eraser sticks with basic white ones but you have to watch out for the cheap ones because those will crack.

Even though the lead that is packaged with it, as well as the refills, are listed as being #2 they are not something that you are going to want to use on a standardized or machine graded test. There is a chance that the machine will not be able to read the lead, you are better off using a woodcase pencil. The lead gets a little extra protection from the sleeve at the end of the mech but you are going to want to avoid writing like you are a gorilla to keep the lead from snapping. To get a darker thinner line write on a hard surface, to get a softer smooth line write in a notebook or on a couple sheets of paper.

The price on these is about the same as most comparable mechs; the singles are about $1.50 and the double packs with lead are about $2.50. I haven't seem them sold in larger sizes but I never really bothered looking for them. They are a nice looking mech but might be a little too much for an upscale or professional office. I like the way that they write and the way that they feel and the comfort grip prevents you getting those nasty little indentation in your fingers when you are writing for a long period of time.


^V^ © Freak369 - 2012 ^V^


PaperMate Tri Grip Mechanical Pencil
PaperMate Mirado #3 Firm Lead Pencils
PaperMare ClearPoint .7mm Mech
PaperMate Biodegradable Mechanical Pencil

Recommended: Yes