In-Depth Review of Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set
Castle Art Supplies has made a name for itself in the art community, particularly with their 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set. This review aims to highlight the features, quality, usability, and overall experience of using this set, catering to both novice and professional artists.
Product Overview
Key Features
- Manufacturer: Castle Art Supplies
- Item Weight: 0.014 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 8.98 x 8.86 x 3.78 inches
- Model Number: CAS-120CPZ
- Color: Multicolor
- Closure: Zipper
- Pencil Lead Degree Hardness: Soft
- Material Type: Wood
- Number of Items: 120
- Point Type: Medium
- Ink Color: Multicolor
The Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Set comes with an unrivaled range of colors, meticulously organized in a sturdy and portable zip-case. Each pencil is named, numbered, and color-coded, making selection a breeze.
Quality Assessment
Lead Performance
One of the standout features of these pencils is their soft yet durable lead. The latest formula developed by artists and technicians ensures a buttery smooth application that resists crumbling under pressure. Many users have noted that the pencils lay down color beautifully, making them a joy to use. The pencils can be layered, blended, and burnished seamlessly, allowing for a variety of artistic techniques.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Pigmentation
The pigmentation in these pencils is intense, providing rich, creamy colors that stand out on various surfaces such as paper, canvas, and even wood. Users have remarked on the excellent coverage and the ease with which they can create depth and texture in their artwork. However, some have noted that the pigmentation may not rival the highest-end brands, yet it holds its own considering the affordability.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Durability
These pencils are built to last. Users have reported that the cores remain intact even under pressure, and they sharpen well, maintaining a fine point for detailed work. The included nylon zippered case is also a highlight, as it holds the pencils securely in place while remaining easy to transport.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Usability
Organization
The zippered case not only keeps the pencils protected but also features elastic bands that hold each pencil in place, keeping everything organized. The pencils are sorted into color families, making it quick and easy for artists to find the perfect hue.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Additional Resources
Included in the set is a color swatch sheet and a unique fold-out tutorial that guides users in refining their colored pencil skills by re-creating a stunning galleon illustration. This educational aspect is a great addition, especially for beginners looking to improve their coloring techniques.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Gift Potential
The Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Set makes for a fantastic gift for artists of all levels. The exceptional variety of colors and quality packaging contribute to its appeal. It is an excellent option for high school students or anyone interested in exploring their artistic side.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer Service
Castle Art Supplies has also shown exceptional customer service, with users reporting positive experiences when addressing any concerns. This level of attention to customer satisfaction adds to the overall trustworthiness of the brand.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Conclusion
In summary, the Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their artistic toolkit. While it may not compete with the highest-end brands, it provides excellent value for its price point. The quality of the pencils, combined with thoughtful extras like color organization and tutorials, makes this set a noteworthy investment in your artistic journey.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this set stands out for its performance, usability, and overall satisfaction. It’s a well-rounded product that promises to deliver, making it a worthy addition to any artist’s collection.
Amazon Customer –
A great addition to my colored pencil collection.
magical flower –
The wide range of colors and the smooth application make for beautiful results. Drawing with these pens is truly enjoyable.
Amazon Kunde –
Great product for the price! The coloring capacity of the pencils is impressive. The accompanying case is very practical. A worthwhile purchase. Thank you, Amazon!
Ashley W –
UPDATE 17 APRIL 2023: Since my last review, I heard from Carlos at Castle Art Supplies! Although they aren’t responsible for the packaging at the Amazon warehouse or how carriers handled the shipment, they offered me a set of 120 pencils in a tin box! What AMAZING customer service! Huge thanks to Castle Art Supplies, especially Carlos, for turning my shipping disappointment into a positive experience. I truly love the results of my coloring pages with the Castle Art Supplies Soft Touch colored pencils. They definitely have a loyal customer!
I received my order last November and saved it for myself as a Christmas treat, which is why my review is later than usual. When I opened my Castle Art Soft Touch wax pencils, I was a bit worried about the packaging. The pencil case was placed inside a flimsy plastic sheath, and having seen how items are often tossed around during shipping, I knew this could be a problem. My fears were confirmed, as I encountered several issues with broken leads. It’s incredibly frustrating to keep sharpening new pencils when the cores are shattered. The greens, in particular, tend to have more crumbs than actual core! I’ve been coloring for years and know how to sharpen pencils properly, so this is a common problem that I’m sure many others have faced.
Now, onto the positives! The pigment layering is absolutely beautiful, and they blend wonderfully. They work fantastically on smoother, slightly glossy paper of high-end coloring books like Klara Markova and Hannah Karlzon. I can layer a dozen or more combinations on the paper to create pages I’m proud to share with friends and family. The Castle Art pencils also perform decently on cheaper paper, as long as you use lighter layers! Pressing too hard can quickly wear out the tooth of the paper.
My suggestion: request protective packing before placing your order. I would have rated these higher if it weren’t for the damaged cores. For budget-friendly pencils, they deliver a great depth of color!
Kindle Customer –
These pencils are fantastic! They apply color beautifully and can be blended easily for added depth and definition. The color selection is excellent, and I absolutely love the zippered case; all 120 pencils fit perfectly, making it convenient for classes. I’m also pleased that the pencils are organized by color in the case and that it includes a chart for color swatches. You can’t go wrong with these pencils. Just a note: they have a lower wax content, so they don’t blend as smoothly with odorless mineral spirits compared to Prismacolor pencils. However, Castle Art colored pencils offer outstanding value for the price.
Momo –
I really appreciate that the pencils come individually housed in a spacious case, neatly sorted by color range, such as various shades of blues and greens. It’s amazing to see the spectrum of greens available. This diverse array of colors allows artists, students, and learners to maximize their creativity in drawings, designs, and more.
The case zips up easily, and all the pencils are pre-sharpened. I’ve used most of them for coloring pictures, and I’m impressed with the strong pencil lead that doesn’t break under pressure. The colors apply smoothly and layer well with others.
They sharpen to a fine point effortlessly, whether using an electric or manual sharpener. With 120 colors, the selection is greater than I expected. They are enjoyable to use and comfortable to hold.
Bethany T. –
I purchased this as a gift for a high school student, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. While it may not be as highly pigmented as some professional art supplies, it offers an excellent range of colors and mimics the soft, smooth texture of higher-end brands. It’s a wonderful gift for the price and overall a great purchase. Everything arrived in perfect condition.
Liz –
I apologize for going off-topic, but I recently ordered the 120 color set, and I’d like to share my thoughts.
Product: The set features an impressive variety of colors, spanning from vibrant reds to deep blacks, all with strong, reliable cores. None of the colored pencils were damaged upon arrival, and they all came sharpened. Each pencil is clearly labeled with silver text, displaying the brand name, color name, and what I assume is the color number. They are packaged in a convenient nylon zippered case with elastic bands on each panel to keep them securely in place. Additionally, the set includes a color swatch sheet along with some useful tips and tricks for coloring.
Quality: I’m genuinely impressed with these pencils. The pigments apply smoothly, making it easy to layer and darken as needed. Having used various “professional” colored pencil sets, I can confidently say this one ranks among my top five trusted art brands.
Giftability: If you or someone you know enjoys drawing or is an artist who appreciates high-quality tools, I wholeheartedly recommend this set. Both you and the recipient are likely to be very satisfied.
P.S. The paper quality is low, typical of a basic coloring book.
Liz –
I own several large sets of colored pencils from different brands, but overall, this is my favorite! While there are certainly better brands out there, this set stands out for its price-to-performance ratio, making it my go-to standard colored pencil. Although it may not be the cheapest option, personal preference plays a significant role, and I appreciate what this set offers.
I first purchased a set of Castle Arts pencils over a year ago, and since then, I’ve also bought the Gold set, metallic, pastel “macaron,” and watercolor sets, always opting for the largest zipper pouches available. I try to keep my spending on art supplies reasonable, but I found myself drawn to the quality of this particular set. In my opinion, it surpasses the others from this brand. I would definitely buy this set again, but I’m not entirely sure about investing in their other products unless I use them all up.
In terms of performance, these pencils are comparable to Crayola but with a smoother and more vibrant finish. If you’ve started with Crayola and are looking for something a bit more upscale, this set is a logical next step. I know some people criticize Crayola due to its widespread availability, but I still use them for coloring books rather than expending professional-grade pencils on simple projects. These Castle Arts pencils are excellent for coloring books, especially in the convenient zipper case that includes a color swatch sheet.
The pencils also come with helpful instructional information. I love their layering and blending capabilities. While there is some wax bloom, it’s common with any colored pencils. Compared to their Gold set, these layer and blend significantly better, though the Gold set offers more vibrant colors with less pressure needed for saturation. If you prefer traditional coloring techniques and enjoy building up layers, I would recommend this set over the Gold. These pencils excel at layering, rivaling even some higher-priced Derwents.
To clarify, while I compared these to Crayola, they indeed layer better. The Gold pencils, being “oil” pencils, lay down more color but don’t achieve the same subtle layering effects. Many people claim to dislike colored pencils, favoring markers or gel pens instead, often due to the softness and lighter color of pencils. However, if you’re working with double-sided coloring books, pencils are often the best option. For those who think they dislike colored pencils, I suggest trying oil pencils like the Gold set.
Ultimately, this set has been nearly perfect for me. It offers a well-rounded range of colors, sharpens well, and I haven’t encountered issues with patchiness or scratchiness, which is common with cheaper brands. After over a year of use, I’ve had no problems. The durable case and the pencils’ hardness are impressive—they hold a sharp point well. Overall, this consistently reliable set is versatile for both coloring books and standalone art projects!