Rotring - Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil Black 0.5 mm

Well, I don't draw & I don't draft. But I do write & if writing's enough to say how I feel, then I'll say this pencil is a delight. I'm usually with my pens, old Rotring 600s (ballpoint & fountain) and have been happy with them for close on to 20 years now. When I long ago heard that Rotring wouldn't be making the 600s any longer, I'm one of those folks who bought as many as he could to have replacements for the long haul. The occasional web search led me to JetPens and the discovery that I could get those Rotring 600 pencils once again. So I did, in black & with the non-retractable tip -- no problem there since I just found an old plastic cap to put over it when I roamed. It was actually the need to get a new ballpoint pen (the last 600 lost on a trail in Nepal!) ... MoreWell, I don't draw & I don't draft. But I do write & if writing's enough to say how I feel, then I'll say this pencil is a delight. I'm usually with my pens, old Rotring 600s (ballpoint & fountain) and have been happy with them for close on to 20 years now. When I long ago heard that Rotring wouldn't be making the 600s any longer, I'm one of those folks who bought as many as he could to have replacements for the long haul. The occasional web search led me to JetPens and the discovery that I could get those Rotring 600 pencils once again. So I did, in black & with the non-retractable tip -- no problem there since I just found an old plastic cap to put over it when I roamed. It was actually the need to get a new ballpoint pen (the last 600 lost on a trail in Nepal!) that brought me to the Rapid Pro Drafting Pencil. What the heck, I thought, may as well get a pencil while ordering the pen -- the retractable tip sounded worth trying even though I still had my older pencils.So now that I have this & have given it a fair amount of trying out, I want to report that I am satisfied all the way around. Even the differences from the 600 in less edgey octagonal ridges, the hole in the cap that reveals the eraser, and the movement of the rotring down the shaft have won me over. They freshen the experience while retaining enough echoes that I know what geneaology I'm in. And the things I like about the 600 are here in abundance: the elegance, the balance, the craft & feel of something that took care to design and make. And the heft. My writing with this pencil (since that's what I do with it) has been pure pleasure. I haven't run into any of the failures of product that some have reported -- jamming, wobble, or other displeasures at this point (maybe these take a lot longer to reveal themselves than the month or so I've had this) -- it's been a delight in every way & I am supepr happy. Happy enough, in fact, that I ordered the same instrument in the 0.7 mm size for when I like a slightly thicker line (I like that one, too!). I tend to use this finer pencil for writing notes in books while reading and the other for manuscript edits. But truth is that I like the feel of these Rapid Pro pencils so much, I have begun to use them in my field notebooks, too, where they add a little spice to the ballpoint).The lead advances precisely and not overmuch so that I have yet to suffer from breakage while writing. I like the feel of the click -- firm enough to get a little resistance -- and the wobble free contact with the page. This pencil is sturdy and precise enough that I also use it, in alternation with my pens, for my more general note-taking at meetings and lectures. And while I claim not to draw or draft, I have been led by the possibilities of lead to begin to draw myself little diagrams in my notes, expanding the texture of these things with shadings and the kind of variation that you can only get with a pencil. This thing is drawing me out of my shell.As with my Rapid Pro Ballpoint, folks do a double take when they see me with this pencil, working in my notebooks in a coffee shop or a pub. They ask about it and want to hold it. It's nice to know that people look at things like what you write with. I'm not much of a proselytizer but I've never had a bad thing to say about this pencil & I tell them that it's been worth it for me.All in all, completely in keeping with the kind of quality I had long ago come to expect from Rotring. And while I'm at it, I must also sing the virtues of JetPens. I have never before had such pleasant, efficient, fast service on the web. These folks are a wonder.

I have tried a lot of 0.5 drafting mechanical pencils (including Rotring 600/800, Graphgear 1000, Promecha 1500, etc) and to me this is the winner. In fact, I love it so much that I've just got the second one (the silver version this time). I'm using it almost exclusively for drawing / sketching / drafting, usually loaded with 4B, sometimes 2B.Pros:- The grip is awesome, it has a very nice feel and never slipping, it's like becoming part of your hand.- The grip is starting very close to the nose. Sometimes I like to hold the pencil very close to its nose and having the grip there is great. This combined with a shorter than usual pipe (most drafting pencils have 4mm) really works for me.- It's long. I have rather large hands and I rotate the pencils while ... MoreI have tried a lot of 0.5 drafting mechanical pencils (including Rotring 600/800, Graphgear 1000, Promecha 1500, etc) and to me this is the winner. In fact, I love it so much that I've just got the second one (the silver version this time). I'm using it almost exclusively for drawing / sketching / drafting, usually loaded with 4B, sometimes 2B.Pros:- The grip is awesome, it has a very nice feel and never slipping, it's like becoming part of your hand.- The grip is starting very close to the nose. Sometimes I like to hold the pencil very close to its nose and having the grip there is great. This combined with a shorter than usual pipe (most drafting pencils have 4mm) really works for me.- It's long. I have rather large hands and I rotate the pencils while drawing. I hate it when the clip gets in the way, but with this pencil it's far away and low profile too.- The grip diameter is just right.- There is a cushion mechanism inside. When I placed the order I was actually worried about this feature (since I like precise feedback in my pencils) but it turned out to be OK. It just adds a bit of smoothness when I land on the paper really hard, somewhat like a suspension, but very subtle. It also prevents lead breakage.- The pipe glides and the tip is retractable.- Although rather heavy, it's nicely balanced in my hands.- Looks great. The one I've just bought has the silver (metal) body, so no more black paint to chip in time.- It oozes quality. Rotring is a German company and probably the pencil is designed there, although I heard this model is actually designed in Japan. Anyway, it's made in Japan - as written on the box.Cons:- No lead hardiness window.- A bit expensive, but it worth every cent in my opinion.This is easily my favorite drawing mechanical pencil. I also use Pentel Graphgear 1000 (and Uni Kuru Toga Roulette for writing, usually loaded with HB).

It's been about a year since I bought the rapid PRO. All I can say is that I'm amazed. I'm a student, so I use it up to 6 hours a day. While I've been relatively very careful, it has gone through probably 25 falls, a few with the tip extended, and I've even put it through the washing machine (the pencil was somehow unscathed and perhaps a little cleaner). The tip and extension system works perfectly. Pushing down the clicky still gives the resistance and hearty click as it did the day I got it. The grip is slightly less abrasive than some other drafting alternatives (such as the very rough graphgear 500 line), but I have not had any slippage issues even during long writing sessions. If you are a heavy sweater, you may experience slipping though.Just to review some ... MoreIt's been about a year since I bought the rapid PRO. All I can say is that I'm amazed. I'm a student, so I use it up to 6 hours a day. While I've been relatively very careful, it has gone through probably 25 falls, a few with the tip extended, and I've even put it through the washing machine (the pencil was somehow unscathed and perhaps a little cleaner). The tip and extension system works perfectly. Pushing down the clicky still gives the resistance and hearty click as it did the day I got it. The grip is slightly less abrasive than some other drafting alternatives (such as the very rough graphgear 500 line), but I have not had any slippage issues even during long writing sessions. If you are a heavy sweater, you may experience slipping though.Just to review some of the best and most striking qualities of the pencil: the clicky system allows you to extend out the tip a tiny bit, which has no give and is great for writing. Then you can easily push harder and extend it out fully for drafting or sketching, still with impeccable tolerances. Under high pressure, the tip pushes in, meaning it's necessarily impossible to both break the tip and tear into your paper. It has an amazing balance that allows a high level of control, even when you are gripped further up the barrel. The clip is insanely durable. I've clipped it to just about everything, it has a strong hold and has given up none of that hold. The body is also very hearty, as besides all my falls there is only one noticeable scratch (it's not actually noticeable to anyone but me) and it has slight wear (showing the metal) on the barrel around the tip and at the cap).Now, problems (the few): about four months in, the cap became loose, it would slip off too easy. Solution, using pliers I squeezed the cap a little, making it much more difficult to take off, and now it has not come off by accident since then. Second, the clip has a little grip space at the end, which means over some time a little grime can build up. I usually just push it out with a paper clip. Third, the grip likes picking up tiny particles, like eraser shavings or who knows what that make it look dirty. Best way to clean is continue to use and your fingers will abrase such out, or you can use a wet cloth and rub it down. Fourth, in writing sessions of over three hours straight: it's still a heavy metal drafting pencil, and your hand will definitely show a lot more wear than your pencil. And it may hurt. It's ok, switch to your uni kuru toga for a little bit while you recover. Finally, about ten months in, sometimes more lead will slip out when you try to extend than normal. This is probably the inside grip showing wear, or perhaps I am just using a lower quality lead than before.This pencil is a fantastic piece of engineering. It is a honda engine of pencils. This year anniversary isn't so much about the year the pencil has served me well, but rather the many years I expect it to continue doing so.

I love this pen! This is my new everyday pen that I will obsess over, and it is replacing my Fisher AG7, which replaced a slew of Parker Jotters. I've always liked the style of drafting pencils, and that probably dates back to finding them at my grandparents' house, and this is about the best pen in production to fit that style.I had never actually seen a rOtring before a month ago, but I ordered a Tikky pen and and a Tikky II mechanical pencil to test out the brand, and it immediately became clear why people liked these. I chose to give my beautiful yellow Tikky away to one of my gawking coworkers, as it was a bit larger than my small hands could appreciate, and I bought this in hopes that it would fit my hands a bit better, and thankfully it does. Its knurled ... MoreI love this pen! This is my new everyday pen that I will obsess over, and it is replacing my Fisher AG7, which replaced a slew of Parker Jotters. I've always liked the style of drafting pencils, and that probably dates back to finding them at my grandparents' house, and this is about the best pen in production to fit that style.I had never actually seen a rOtring before a month ago, but I ordered a Tikky pen and and a Tikky II mechanical pencil to test out the brand, and it immediately became clear why people liked these. I chose to give my beautiful yellow Tikky away to one of my gawking coworkers, as it was a bit larger than my small hands could appreciate, and I bought this in hopes that it would fit my hands a bit better, and thankfully it does. Its knurled grip barrel is no wider than the body, although the hexagonal shape makes it seem as though it would be in some of the pictures.I immediately understood why people obsess over the rOtring 600, and getting one of those is now on my long-term grandiose things-to-buy-if-I'm-ever-not-poor list. The weight of this pen is perfect. It is hefty, but not cumbersome, and the bulk of the weight is centered in the grip and above the tip, so it feels very solid and balanced when writing. (One of my few complaints about the AG7 was how top-heavy the pen is.) The feel of the black coating is nice, but if I forget to click the tip out, it will mark up paper.I use this pen at work, so it is with me and use about 60 hours a week at minimum. The pen itself was made in Japan and comes in a nice little cardboard (100% recycleable!) box. The included ink cartridge listed France as its place of manufacture, so I suspect it is just a rOtring rebranded typical Parker ink cartridge, which isn't really good or bad. I replaced it with my preferred Fisher pressurized ink cartridge immediately. Overall, I love this pen, and I will definitely be getting a silver one soon.

Overall this is a sturdy, handsome pen. I used it daily for over a year and had no complaints.Of concern, however, is the red plastic segment onto which the grip screws. At first I thought it looked a bit cheap, but I didn't think it would cause any problems. After a year or so this part snapped-- plastic cement worked for a day until it snapped again. It is unfortunate that plastic is used for such a high-stress area. Admittedly, I screwed and unscrewed it somewhat habitually, but ideally that wouldn't wind up causing a total failure of the pen.If you only screw/ unscrew the tip when changing the ink, then I don't think this flaw would appear, and the pen would be a solid tool for daily use.

I've been using a Rotring Rapid Pro pencil and pen for years and they have never disappointed me. They are solid in hand, pleasantly heavy, and hold up well over time. This purchase was actually a gift for a friend who also fell in love with this pencil. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Rapid Pro line to anyone looking for a solid everyday writer.

This pencil is fantastic. I've had it for a while and it never disappoints. It writes like a dream and is super swanky looking.In my hand, the pencil is just heavy enough to feel solid without being cumbersome and it's nicely balanced in the center to make writing easy. The knurled grip is made of metal but it's textured in a way that doesn't destroy my skin. A firm grip is easy to maintain. It's also the perfect diameter, for my hand at least. It's slightly thicker than the 600 and 800 series, but that extra thickness is comfortable.Writing is a very pleasant experience. Moving the pencil around is easy, despite the weight of the pencil. No part of the pencil blocks the view of what I'm writing. The click of the pencil is a bit lacking, but there is definitely ... MoreThis pencil is fantastic. I've had it for a while and it never disappoints. It writes like a dream and is super swanky looking.In my hand, the pencil is just heavy enough to feel solid without being cumbersome and it's nicely balanced in the center to make writing easy. The knurled grip is made of metal but it's textured in a way that doesn't destroy my skin. A firm grip is easy to maintain. It's also the perfect diameter, for my hand at least. It's slightly thicker than the 600 and 800 series, but that extra thickness is comfortable.Writing is a very pleasant experience. Moving the pencil around is easy, despite the weight of the pencil. No part of the pencil blocks the view of what I'm writing. The click of the pencil is a bit lacking, but there is definitely an audible click and a faint vibration in the pencil when clicking. So, it's at least a better click than the atrocious 800 series but not as good as the 600 series. The retractable tip extends a good distance and vanishes completely when retracted.If I had to complain about something, it would be the clip. It isn't fastened tightly enough to stop it from rotating around the pencil as I write. Also, the chrome is a magnet for finger prints and smudges. Those are only minor annoyances.If you're looking for a well crafted pencil that can last you a lifetime, buy this one. It's well worth it.

This is not a fancy 'writing instrument'. It is solid, well-built pen that feels like it will last forever. Very German. I'm using it for every day writing and it's much nicer than whatever you might find in the office drawer. People tend to say the ink cartridge isn't all that great but, it is lightyears better than any basic pen. I can't wait to see what an upgraded refill will do. This is what I'll be keeping in my planner (yes, a planner) for a long time.

My new favorite! Great balance, great grip, such a nice combination of elegance and cool. Weirdly, I came across a silver version I had bought a couple of years ago and had totally forgotten about (I found it in a backpack I had stopped using). I remember that at the time I decided I liked it but didn't love it (my Platimum Pro-Use 1.0 ballpoint was my favorite), hence it being OK to toss in the backpack for occasional use. But my new black version is now my all-day, everyday pen, and somehow seems so much better than the silver one. Is it psychological? Is there a minute difference in specs? I don't know, but I'm glad I forgot that I had gotten one of these. Second time's the charm!

Oh how I love this pen! Elegant, balanced & sleek -- crafted to unite beauty & function, a "tool" in the best kind of way. This Rapid Pro Ballpoint replaces my first Rotring love, a similar but not identical black Rotring 600 ball point that I'd probably describe using similar words. I lost that beloved pen while doing research work in Nepal this past fall -- it had been with me for years & now it's gone on some trail by the Tibetan border.... Ah well, I thought, a new search in the offing.I knew that the 600 series pencils were back and available at JetPens (I own a number of these) & thought just maybe our friends at Rotring would bring back the 600 ballpoint, too. Checked with JetPens & was delighted to discover this close approximation in the Rapid Pro. Now ... MoreOh how I love this pen! Elegant, balanced & sleek -- crafted to unite beauty & function, a "tool" in the best kind of way. This Rapid Pro Ballpoint replaces my first Rotring love, a similar but not identical black Rotring 600 ball point that I'd probably describe using similar words. I lost that beloved pen while doing research work in Nepal this past fall -- it had been with me for years & now it's gone on some trail by the Tibetan border.... Ah well, I thought, a new search in the offing.I knew that the 600 series pencils were back and available at JetPens (I own a number of these) & thought just maybe our friends at Rotring would bring back the 600 ballpoint, too. Checked with JetPens & was delighted to discover this close approximation in the Rapid Pro. Now that I've checked it out with daily carry and varied use I'm happy to report my delight.Sure it's different from the 600 -- less pronounced ridging in the octagonal edging, red band down the shaft, the plastic joint where that new rotring lies, and maybe just a hair lighter than the 600. But the full metal body, the knurled grip, and the overall feel is so close as to make me feel my 600 has come back to me in a new incarnation that completely satisfies. The blance is superb, the heft just right for long writing forays without tiring, the size and shape narrow like a fine wood pencil is perfect for my hand, and the quality crafted feel makes writing as much a pleasure as before. No wobble in the refill & I'm good with the feel of the click. Like many I swapped out the Rotring ink cartridge for another of my preference, but I always did that before, too. And I don't mind that the barrel joint is plastic at all (think about it -- all those plastic joined pens before Rotring worked just fine for years of service -- this feels like much higher quality than those 5 dollar papermate refillables).I use this pen for writing and I use it hard. Fieldnotes in my pocket notebooks, constantly scribbled; jottings on my notepads when I put things together at the office; note-taking in lectures & meetings; doodles all the time; and more. It's constantly with me & I expect will soon have the black color worn in spots (softening the visual edges just like in my old 600s) -- I cherish that wear, too, as testimony to the close relationship between a worthy tool and its user. I not only write with it, I also hold it in my hand while I'm thinking out an essay or a letter, or just to hold meditatively. A good pen is to think with even beyond the writing.And, too, it still pleases that this is the kind of pen that gets noticed. People always look twice & often ask about it. I happily tell them about Rotring & JetPens. Worth the price! And the JetPens service!