As back to school season is ramping up, so is the need for supplies. Teachers have given out supply lists, giving students the opportunity to stock up on pencils. Here’s a rating of the most common mechanical pencils seen in class this year:

BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil (10/10)

Image credits to BIC

Easily refillable, BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil’s original lead writes smoothly on every kind of paper. Its eraser vanquishes all mistakes effectively with low effort. The price point is highly attractive, with two dozen high quality pencils offered at under eight dollars. 

Papermate Clearmate Mechanical Pencil (8/10)

Image credits to Papermate

Clearmate pencils are some of the most common pencils seen in class, and for a good reason. These are created to last for a long time, thicker than your average mechanical pencil and by extension, easier to use for students new to using mechanical pencils. Their variety in color combinations and lead thickness (offered in 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 millimeters) is universally appealing. The flimsiness is their one drawback. Dropping it just once can shatter the eraser cap completely and the built in pencil grip rubs off halfway through the school year.  

Up and Up #2 Mechanical Pencil (6/10)

Image credits to Target

Target’s Up and Up brand consistently produces hidden gems, and their mechanical pencils are no different. Their colors are cute, the prices are affordable and buying in bulk is more affordable than the smaller package, with a pack of 8 for under two dollars and fifty pencils for under six dollars. Unfortunately, the quality of plastic is reflected in the price, as most pencils crack before the chance to refill lead even arises. 

Papermate Sharp Writer (3/10)

Image credits to Papermate

Sharp writers are the worst mechanical pencils on the market. Although they uniquely imitate wooden pencils, the fun stops there. Their lead breaks easily and is difficult to refill. Not to mention, figuring out how to push out more lead, by twisting the center, is impossible without instructions from someone else.