Review: Pilot Dr. Grip Ace Mechanical Pencil
![Review: Pilot Dr. Grip Ace Mechanical Pencil](/content/images/size/w960/2024/03/IMG_4562.jpg)
This is a chunky mechanical pencil.
Designed for comfort, the Dr. Grip Ace can provide great support for longer writing sessions. It also comes in a few color variants, including the pink-and-white that I have with me.
Upon first glance, that seems to be it. However, a closer inspection reveals unique features that separate the Dr. Grip Ace from the competition and provide a layer of practicality that augments the overall user experience.
![](https://www.shellshore.com/content/images/2024/03/IMG_4566.jpg)
One of the defining features of this mechanical pencil is the lead-advancement mechanism. The Pilot Dr. Grip Ace features a robust shaker mechanism, where a gentle shake of the pencil extends the lead by a few millimeters.
From an outsider's perspective, shaking a pencil probably looks like you're crazy. But who cares? It's a cool feature with an interesting mechanism. However, I have a few doubts about the practicality of the shaking mechanism. Regardless of how fun it is to advance lead by shaking the body, I can't think of a situation where a shake beats out the traditional click of a mechanical pencil.
![](https://www.shellshore.com/content/images/2024/03/IMG_4568.jpg)
One of my favorite additions to the Dr. Grip Ace is the screw-down cap. Generally, mechanical pencil caps can be prone to falling off (especially plastic ones that are lighter weight), so having a way to secure the cap is welcome. It only takes about a quarter of a rotation to unscrew and relock, so the mechanism provides an easy way to access the eraser.
I haven't seen many instruments that use a screw-down eraser cap, so having this available is quite refreshing.
![](https://www.shellshore.com/content/images/2024/03/IMG_4567.jpg)
In terms of branding, the pencil is quite minimal. The main mark is at the bottom of the barrel with a print application of their Dr. Grip logo. On the back, there is a subtle Pilot Japan logo as well. I enjoy the look of the branding and find it quite coherent with the overall design language.
![](https://www.shellshore.com/content/images/2024/03/IMG_4565.jpg)
The pencil's internals seem to be fairly well-built. Although the mechanical pencil's innards are laced with plastic components, there are a decent amount of metal parts that make the pen feel sturdy. These elements add to the overall perceived quality of the pencil and make me feel happier about this purchase.
![](https://www.shellshore.com/content/images/2024/03/IMG_4569.jpg)
One final thing I'd like to mention is the grip. It's huge and feels great to use. There is a soft yet firm rubber grip section that is wide enough to make it feel more like a fountain pen. I like using Pilot Dr. Grip mechanical pencils over thinner options because of this reason. Whereas more traditionally-sized mechanical pencils can sometimes feel cramped for my slightly above-average-sized hands, I can confidently turn to these Dr. Grip mechanical pencils for a comfortable, reliable writing experience.
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