Pentel Ain Stein Mechanical Pencil Lead, 0.7mm HB, 40 Leads (C277-HB)

Nice lead and strong case to keep them from breaking before use.

I prefer this Pentel Ain Stein 0.7mm 2B lead over Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB since it writes smoother and slightly darker with lighter pressure, yet it erases easily and does not smear. It is also more sturdy than I expected. If all my refillable pencils weren't 0.7mm, I think Pentel Ain Stein 0.5mm 2B lead would be a good choice for me. I'm enjoying this lead.

Outstanding quality.

Writes good and dark, doesn’t break easily. Much darker and softer to write with compared to Pentel super polymer lead that can be had in most stores. Great choice, makes any pencil feel premium.

These leads make a huge difference. Writing with them is very satisfying because they just glide across the page so smoothly and they produce very clean, dark lines.

Don’t get me wrong: overall this is a solid, trustworthy product. It hasn’t broken yet and is pretty smooth, but is just slightly thicker than the lead hole in my pencil so it can get kind of thick / difficult to get in/out at times. Pros and cons, would probably be 5 stars if I was using a different pencil.

I use the Pentel Ain Stein in every .7 mechanical pencil I have including the Zebra Del Guard and the Pentel Twist Erase models It is darker not only of the common HB lead, but darker than other 2B leads that I have used. It does not break, and I apply more than mild pressure. It’s also easy to erase despite being a darker lead. I have ordered the Pen Ain Stein leads many times and the quality is the same. Also I use this same brand in 2B for a .9 pencil without any problems. I won’t buy any other brands anymore.

Fit my Pentel mechanical pencil perfect. Very pleased with the lead.