Pilot Mechanical Pencil Lead Neox Graphite 0.5mm, 4B, 40 Leads (HRF5G-20-4B)

I purchased this lead simply because I need 4B in varying sizes for a project. I was not expecting to like this lead much less use it after the project was finished. But I find myself reaching for it a lot more. The lead is smooth and buttery, without any dust. The strength is so-so. Being so thin, it's bound to snap with my heavy hand. But that's my fault not the lead. So if you have a heavy hand like me, try to go easy with this lead.The lead's container is okay too, I haven't broken it yet at least. (I'm rough on my supplies)

So much better than 2B, the writing is blacker, requires less pressure, and is quieter!Now, it does break a little easier, but it's worth it.If only it came in 0.7 mm . . .

Smooth, dark and strong. Noticeably darker and stronger than my Pentel 3B lead. This is my third attempt at purchasing a darker lead and the most satisfying so far. I really like it and I have no need to go any darker. The darkness of the line fluctuates quite a bit between using firm pressure vs using soft pressure. I’m left handed and I’ve had no issues with smudged lines. Erases fairly clean.

This is still lightest shade you would want to use for designing and drafting.

Perfect softness/darkness for the recent issues of Dell/PennyPress crossword books, which are constructed with an almost oilpaper-like paper on which #2 pencils are almost invisible! My only negative is that the 0.5 lead is so thin that I have difficulty handling it without breaking it. Aside from that problem, I recommend this product whole heartedly.

This lead is so smooth and dark you will think you are writing with ink. So great. I fluctuate between this and the Uni smudge-proof. I like them both, but this one is smoothest and is what I have in all my pencils.

This 4B lead writes much darker and smoother than 2B lead, and, in my opinion, it is better than the Pentel 4B.

Writing this for the "Pilot Mechanical Pencil Lead Neox Graphite 0.5mm, 4B". I have compared it to other leads for your convenience, see an attached photo.I use a mechanical pencil mostly for writing, prefer softer and darker leads that don't scratch paper and don't break too often, mostly use 3B and 4B leads. I haven't bought leads for years (they never end in my drawer), decided to buy a few fresh ones of different brands and see what's up with the quality these days.Please see the comparison photo of HB rOtring, 2B rOtring, 3B Uni, 3B Pilot, and 4B Pilot. Note, to test erasing, I applied the same eraser with the same force twice for each lead type.In general, all the compared leads are good, made in Japan, no big cons (don't scratch, don't break). Rotring, however, disappointed - 2B lead was breaking several times during a few lines of writing, HB scratched paper a bit. I didn't expect that from rOtring. Could be an old dried-off stock of graphite though. Pilot 3B is softer than Uni 3B.Conclusion: my preference hasn't changed - Pilot 3B. I think, depending on your needs, the entire line of Pilot Neox Graphite should be considered as the first option to buy.