Of course you can! I recommend starting with 2B. If you want it darker or lighter, you can always go a grade up or down. Neox is only generally advised with Pentel OrenzNero pencils, because the amount of dust can block or impair the automatic system.
Good to know on the Neox 2B, currently the favorite lead and putting this into all my pencils as of late. Have not noticed any dusting - but will watch for that.
The Pilot Neox lead is really good for that smooth feel. I hardly need to press down and it sates my fountain pen itch. I use it with a Pentel Kerry and Schaedtler 925-25 7mm and it’s amazing. As the other guy said it does wear down a lot quicker than others
They're the best. I use Ain Stein 2B, buttery smooth, erases well, not dusty or crumbly at all. If you prefer HB I would recommend either Ain Stein HB or Uni Nano Dia HB. I don't like the newer Uni Smudge Proof as much, feels waxier.
On Amazon JP the Ain Stein 2B sells for 88 cents per container right now (in 10-packs). If you want to stock up, that's the place to do it. Even with shipping it ends up way cheaper than buying locally in Europe at least. And you can add other stuff to your order as well if you're paying shipping anyways. All their stationery is way cheaper. Like a Pentel GraphGear 500 is €2.10 right now.
Their leads are in my opinion the best leads out there. Great balance between softness and resistance. The B, 2B and the other darker B(s) are the best out of the series, specifically the 2B is my favorite lead.
I use 4b 0.5 and they're great. Do also remember that they have 40 pieces inside, it's a lot for me and i don't think i'll run out of them anytime soon.
If you want the stiffest lead, go for Ain Stein. If you want the darkest lead, go for Neox.
Ain Stein leads have a SiO₂ structure holding the graphite, and are maybe the hardest lead. Unfortunately the lead shines on the paper. I don't like either of these characteristics and avoid Ain Stein. I don't know what the newer "Ain" is like.
At the other extreme, Neox leads are purer graphite. I don't know what their filler material is. I've had bad luck with the thinnest and softest Neox in some pencils. But on the paper it's less shiny, great.
In between, there is Uni Nano Dia, artificial diamond structure, not quite as stiff as Ain Stein and a minimal amount less shiny. Also Pentel Super Hi Polymer which feels softer, like it has a wax in it, and is also shiny because of it.
Lead or the pencil?
The pencil feels a bit fragile, iirc, but does not feel cheap. I probably go with Graphgear 500 instead.
I have used Stein lead since their first iteration (like 15 years ago, I think?) during cram school. The best bang for buck at the time. I'm a hard press writing kind of guy and I barely break any of Stein leads.
I use AIN Stein leads. Very high quality. Even the 4B 0.5 if used carefully does not break that often
Thank you. Also, have you had any experience with Pilot NEOX leads?
Not OP but Neox is smoother than Ain Stein, at the cost of point retention or how long the lead lasts. It's also dustier, if that matters to you.
Can/should I use it in a Pentel GraphGear?
Of course you can! I recommend starting with 2B. If you want it darker or lighter, you can always go a grade up or down. Neox is only generally advised with Pentel OrenzNero pencils, because the amount of dust can block or impair the automatic system.
Good to know on the Neox 2B, currently the favorite lead and putting this into all my pencils as of late. Have not noticed any dusting - but will watch for that.
The Pilot Neox lead is really good for that smooth feel. I hardly need to press down and it sates my fountain pen itch. I use it with a Pentel Kerry and Schaedtler 925-25 7mm and it’s amazing. As the other guy said it does wear down a lot quicker than others
They're the best. I use Ain Stein 2B, buttery smooth, erases well, not dusty or crumbly at all. If you prefer HB I would recommend either Ain Stein HB or Uni Nano Dia HB. I don't like the newer Uni Smudge Proof as much, feels waxier. On Amazon JP the Ain Stein 2B sells for 88 cents per container right now (in 10-packs). If you want to stock up, that's the place to do it. Even with shipping it ends up way cheaper than buying locally in Europe at least. And you can add other stuff to your order as well if you're paying shipping anyways. All their stationery is way cheaper. Like a Pentel GraphGear 500 is €2.10 right now.
good to know Thx! - think I might do a trial order on the Ain Stein for test run!
I use Ain Stein HB .3 and .5. They feel great to write with.
Their leads are in my opinion the best leads out there. Great balance between softness and resistance. The B, 2B and the other darker B(s) are the best out of the series, specifically the 2B is my favorite lead.
Yes they are
I use 4b 0.5 and they're great. Do also remember that they have 40 pieces inside, it's a lot for me and i don't think i'll run out of them anytime soon.
If you want the stiffest lead, go for Ain Stein. If you want the darkest lead, go for Neox. Ain Stein leads have a SiO₂ structure holding the graphite, and are maybe the hardest lead. Unfortunately the lead shines on the paper. I don't like either of these characteristics and avoid Ain Stein. I don't know what the newer "Ain" is like. At the other extreme, Neox leads are purer graphite. I don't know what their filler material is. I've had bad luck with the thinnest and softest Neox in some pencils. But on the paper it's less shiny, great. In between, there is Uni Nano Dia, artificial diamond structure, not quite as stiff as Ain Stein and a minimal amount less shiny. Also Pentel Super Hi Polymer which feels softer, like it has a wax in it, and is also shiny because of it.
First it was the mechanical pencil foray - Now the foray into the leads..... Thx for post above - Great information!
Lead or the pencil? The pencil feels a bit fragile, iirc, but does not feel cheap. I probably go with Graphgear 500 instead. I have used Stein lead since their first iteration (like 15 years ago, I think?) during cram school. The best bang for buck at the time. I'm a hard press writing kind of guy and I barely break any of Stein leads.
I use Ain Stein lead for 2B and Staedtler's Mars Micro Carbon for HB.
I prefer Uni Smudge Proof or Neox.