In-Depth Review of Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count
The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count is a well-respected product in the world of art supplies. Manufactured by Sanford, these colored pencils are often the go-to choice for artists, hobbyists, and coloring enthusiasts alike. With their ultra-smooth application and vibrant colors, they stand out as a premium option. However, like any product, they come with their own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will explore various aspects of these colored pencils, including their quality, performance, and potential drawbacks, to provide a thorough overview.
Overview of Features
Dimensions and Specifications
- Item Weight: 2.94 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 1.62 x 16.75 x 8.37 inches
- Color: Assorted
- Number of Items: 150
- Point Type: Fine
- Lead Degree Hardness: Soft
- Material Type: Wood
The 150-count set offers a wide array of colors, suitable for various artistic applications, from intricate adult coloring books to detailed sketches.
Quality and Performance
Vibrant and Rich Pigments
One of the standout features of the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils is their lightfast, richly saturated pigments. Users have noted that the colors appear vibrant and true to their shades right from the first stroke. This is particularly advantageous for those looking to achieve a high level of detail and richness in their artwork.
Ultra-Smooth Application
The ultra-smooth application is another hallmark of these colored pencils. The soft, thick cores allow for easy blending and layering, making it possible to create subtle gradients and rich textures. This is especially beneficial for artists who enjoy working with shading and shadows, as the pencils glide effortlessly over the paper.
Durability and Build Quality
Robust Leads
The thick, robust leads of the Prismacolor Premier pencils resist cracking and chipping, making them suitable for frequent use. However, there have been complaints about lead breakage. Some users have reported that the core can slide out if sharpened too aggressively, leading to frustration. While the manufacturer suggests returning defective pencils, it is worth noting that this breakage issue may be more widespread than acknowledged.
Wood Quality
The wooden casing of the pencils is sturdy, allowing for a comfortable grip during extended coloring sessions. The pencils’ construction generally holds up well, although care should be taken to avoid excessive sharpening.
User Experience
Feedback from Users
Positive Experiences
Many users have shared positive experiences with the Prismacolor Premier pencils. Artists transitioning from other brands have reported an immediate difference in quality. The ability to blend colors and achieve different effects has brought a new level of enjoyment to their coloring experience. The variety in the 150-count set provides an extensive palette, allowing for creative freedom.
Areas for Improvement
On the flip side, some users have expressed concerns about the aforementioned lead breakage issue. This can lead to a loss of usable pencil length and hinder the overall coloring experience. Additionally, users who apply heavy pressure while coloring may find that the pencils wear down more quickly than expected.
Pricing and Value
The Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are priced at a premium compared to other brands, but many users believe the quality justifies the cost. The rich pigments, smooth application, and extensive color range make them a valuable investment for serious artists and coloring enthusiasts.
Overall Rating
Based on the features, user experiences, and potential drawbacks, we would rate the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count as follows:
- Quality: 4.5/5
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Durability: 3.5/5
- User Satisfaction: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count, are an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their coloring experience. While they are not without flaws—particularly concerning lead breakage—the overall performance and quality of the pencils make them a favorite in the art community. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner exploring the world of coloring, these pencils can bring your creations to life with their vibrancy and smooth application.
MBeau58 –
I purchased these on the 1st, they were shipped on the 2nd, and delivered on the 16th. The delivery was incredibly fast, and both the seller and Amazon’s delivery service were very attentive. If you’re looking for these pencils, you probably already know how excellent their quality is. Thank you very much!
Tatiana –
I had heard nothing but praise for Prismacolor, so I took advantage of a promotion to treat myself to a set. I’m truly not disappointed; these are excellent pencils, and with a box of 150, you get a beautiful range of colors that you won’t necessarily find in other brands. The leads are incredibly soft and blendable, and they’re also watercolorable. I highly recommend them. They are a bit pricey, but the quality is undeniable. They arrived quickly, well-packaged and protected, with no duplicates or broken leads. Absolutely fantastic! Take advantage of promotions to get yourself a set. They’re a must-have.
Jonathan –
I began my journey with adult coloring books a few months ago, exploring various coloring tools such as Marco Raffine pencils, Artist Loft pencils, Bic Marking markers, Sharpie markers, Artist Loft markers, Stabilo fineline markers, and several brands of gel pens. Initially, I thought there wasn’t much difference between Marco Raffine and Prismacolor Premier pencils. However, after trying just one Prismacolor Scholar pencil, I immediately recognized the superior quality. When I saw a deal on the 75-count Prismacolor Premier pencil set on Amazon, I took the plunge, and these pencils have exceeded my expectations. The vibrant colors are incredibly saturated, and I’ve had a blast blending shades to achieve different effects. If I desire a lighter tone, I simply apply less pressure and finish with a blending pencil for a smooth result. While a true artist might benefit from an even larger set, the 75-count offers plenty of options for adult coloring. Personally, I opted for the 150-count set, and I find myself using every single pencil. The Marco Raffine pencils seemed adequate at first, but Prismacolor is clearly the superior choice—the color payoff is better, they apply more smoothly, and they sharpen effectively.
UPDATE #1: I recently acquired the 150-count Prismacolor Premier Pencil Set. Occasionally, I’ve encountered issues with pencils breaking, and despite my gentle coloring, they continue to snap when sharpened. I’ve tried multiple manual and electric sharpeners, yet the problem persists, particularly with colors like dark green and pumpkin orange. I’m willing to invest in the 150-count set, but I’m on a tight budget and dislike wasting money. I had a pumpkin pencil that broke repeatedly in a single evening, rendering it too short to use. I previously owned the 132-count set and chose the 150-count for the additional 18 colors unavailable in the smaller set. Since purchasing them individually was costly, the 150-count set was a more economical choice. However, the frequent breakage is frustrating. I initially rated Prismacolor Pencils 5 stars, but I’ve downgraded it to 3 due to this significant flaw.
UPDATE #2: On January 27, 2017, I purchased an Alvin 9866 Brass Bullet Sharpener for $8.76 on Amazon, which has resolved my breakage issues. This small brass sharpener features replaceable blades and can produce an extremely sharp point, perfect for coloring intricate details. Just be cautious not to apply too much pressure while sharpening. I’ve also learned to turn the sharpener instead of the pencil, which has helped. While it lacks a shavings compartment, the minor inconvenience of using a small container to catch shavings is well worth the excellent results. I appreciate being able to buy replacement blades instead of a new sharpener when the blade dulls. Although I still occasionally encounter a stubborn pencil that breaks, usually the pumpkin one, warming it on a heating pad significantly helps. As a result, I’ve updated my rating back to 5 stars. The right sharpener truly makes all the difference.
Amal Badra –
Unfortunately, they were damaged, and while sharpening them, I found several broken wires. Fortunately, Amazon is a highly reputable company and handled the situation exceptionally well, which I can’t say for the courier. I’m talking about a product that is well-known for its great quality. Everyone has their preferences, and mine is definitely for these beautiful pencils. A big thank you to the assistant, who was very kind and knowledgeable, proving once again that Amazon is the undisputed leader in online sales. ☆☆☆☆☆
Jonathan –
I can’t compare these to other higher-end pencil sets since these are the only ones I’ve really used, but they are the industry standard. They do have their flaws, the most notorious being the breakage issue—if you sharpen them too much, the lead can fall out, leaving you with a 2″ pencil that’s hard to grip. The Prismacolor website even mentions that if the core slides out, it likely means it wasn’t properly glued, and returning it is recommended. However, returning them won’t solve the problem; this issue is prevalent across the board. I was aware of this before purchasing, but I opted for them because their color quality is exceptional, and I didn’t want to risk losing money on another brand.
Fortunately, I found a solution! I visited my local art store and spoke with an incredibly knowledgeable employee who should definitely get a raise for her help. She recommended a pencil sharpener made specifically for soft leads by ‘Pro Art.’ I was skeptical, but after trying it at home, I sharpened all my dull pencils without any breakage. Best of all, it only cost me $2.50. This is the Pro Art Soft Sharpener (see picture below), with part number PRO 3083 above the barcode on the back. This sharpener is essential if you plan to buy these pencils because a regular sharpener just won’t do the job!
My second complaint is about the organization of the pencils. The flimsy plastic holders tend to slide around, causing a mess. I bought these for the pencils and not the container, but I found that rubber banding the shades together worked best for me. I sorted them by color (blue, green, red, etc.), with black/white/silver/gold, gray tones, and skin tones (pinks and tans) kept separate since I often use those two sets together. This method has been effective for me. If you have a stationary workspace, a fixed holder would make more sense.
As for the pencils themselves, they do wear down quickly, but they color and blend beautifully, which justifies the price if you’re serious about your art. They have a waxy texture that allows them to glide smoothly on paper, and I can press down hard without tearing through it. I used to love art in my youth, but life got in the way over the past decade, and I drifted from my true passion. If your dream is to become an artist, I encourage you to pursue it—it’s something I wish I had done instead of letting it slip away. I’m now trying to relearn what I once knew.
4.5 stars!
blume –
It’s great!
blume –
This review may be lengthy, but I believe it will provide valuable insights about pencils in general and the Prismacolor Premier specifically. I’ve been coloring since I was very young, and it’s hard to pinpoint when I first picked up a coloring pencil—now I’m nearing my seventies! Throughout the years, Prismacolor has consistently been my favorite brand, and their Premier pencils are truly a dream to use. I always feel happy and confident when I work with them. The colors are incredibly rich, and the soft cores blend beautifully. However, there’s a downside: because the cores are so soft, those who tend to press hard to achieve darker tones may find the pencils wear down quickly. I personally don’t apply much pressure when using them, but I also enjoy the Scholar 60 pencil set. In a previous review about the Scholars, I mentioned:
“I’m a senior lady who loves coloring. I have a collection of around 30 coloring books and prefer pencils that allow for a wide range of tones. I use a lot of pencils from various manufacturers, but while the Premier pencils are my top choice overall, I prefer the Scholars because they blend easily—I’ve tried five different colors so far. They are just as beautiful as the Premier pencils, last longer, and are more affordably priced.”
Additionally, there’s something noteworthy about the Prismacolor brand, both Premier and Scholars. Years ago, art and craft stores offered the option to buy individual pencils, which allowed customers to replace specific colors easily. Even today, you can find stores that still sell them this way, making it simple to replace one or more pencils without having to purchase a whole new set.
Now, regarding sharpeners and soft-core pencils: I’m not particular about sharpeners and usually opt for the cheapest ones available. The last sharpener I bought was from a dollar store, and I’ve been using it for years without issue, even with various brands including Raffine. The truth is, regardless of the brand of soft-core pencils you use, if they get dropped or mishandled, the core is likely to break. My aunt, a professional painter, taught me this when I was young, and it was frustrating whenever I dropped a pencil. So, I developed the habit of using a cup or small container to keep my pencils secure while coloring, preventing them from rolling off the table or onto the floor. If you receive a box with broken cores, it’s likely the box was dropped or mishandled, and I would recommend requesting a replacement in such cases.
This is why I take such good care of my pencils. I don’t share them and always keep extra boxes for kids, providing them with jars and teaching them to be careful as well. Prismacolor Premier pencils are an investment, but using them is always a wonderful experience. You won’t regret your purchase—but remember, they are indeed soft cores!