What you're actually getting
Thirty-five pieces sounds like marketing padding, but with mechanical pencil sets it does mean something. You get multiple pencil bodies, a range of lead grades, spare leads, erasers, and probably a couple of lead holders thrown in. Nicpro is a Chinese brand that's been quietly solid in the sketching community for a few years. Nothing flashy. Just decent kit at a sensible price.
Personally, I'd hand this to anyone who sketches casually, does a lot of note-taking with ambitions, or a teenager who's started getting serious about art. It's not going to replace a draughting professional's Rotring setup, mate. But for most people? Spot on.
The bit that actually matters
I tested a similar Nicpro set a while back, sitting at a kitchen table doing thumbnail sketches. The pencils feel lighter than you'd expect, which some people love and some people find a bit cheap. The leads don't snap constantly, which is honestly the main thing I ask of a pencil at this price.
Reservation: the grip sections on these aren't grippy enough for long drawing sessions. Your fingers start to notice after an hour or so. Not a dealbreaker for casual use, but if you're doing proper extended work, you might want a rubber grip sleeve.
Who this is for
Sketchbook beginners, students, people who lose pencils constantly and feel guilty buying expensive ones. If you already own a proper mechanical pencil you love, this set won't change your life. But as a starter kit or a desk top-up, it's not half bad for just over twelve quid.
