One more inexpensive multipencil. Please see the previous post on the Uni Style Fit for comparison.
Pilot also makes an inexpensive multi-refill writing implement, the Hi-Tec-C Coleto. Like the Style Fit, any combination of appropriate refills works. There are 2, 3, and 4-refill bodies, and by my count, 45 different pen refills, varying by diameter and colour. As well, Pilot makes a stylus and a 0.5mm pencil refill.
I ordered the 3-refill body ($US2.20 at Jstationery) and three pencil cartridges. As an international customer, I like Jstationery’s shipping policy – always charging the customer only the exact postage incurred.
My intent was again to create a multipencil, but this time in a tri-grade graphite format rather than tri-colour. I used Pentel Ain lead in 4H, HB, and 4B to create a nice graphite spectrum.
The Coleto has a number of differences with the Style Fit. First, the selection and advance mechanisms are not part of the pencil body, but rather attached to the refills! It looks odd to me, but works quite well in practice.
The body is more of a standard cylindrical shape, the clip much more able to actually clip something, and the grip area has a rubberized pattern overlayed. Overall, I find it much better thought out and practical than the Style Fit.
While it started as an experiment, I really like the result. The 4H/HB/4B pencil combination is definitely appealing and something I will use.
Boy, you sure are making me jealous with all these graphite multi’s.
The refill bodies are so slim, they look as if they are very difficult to refill. What a shame that Pilot also only has a 0.5mm refill :(
The cartridges would require at least three hands to refill on their own. I tried! But once placed inside the pencil body, refill becomes as simple as it would be with any other through-the-tip mechanical pencil.
Very nice review.. and very helpful.
I’ll buy exactly what you got there. Hehe..
Thanks for the idea.
I recently ordered the Coleto 4 off Jetpens.com (haven’t received it yet) for the exact same purpose — to fill it with a 4H, HB & 4B + a black ink. The idea is that when I’m out sketching in my moleskin sketchbook on the train or in a park (or whenever I see anything inspiring) I only have to reach for ONE pencil to do everything. Since I draw a lot of storyboards, whenever something strikes me I need at least 3 grades of pencil, plus a black ink to draw in the boxes, camera instructions, etc.
It actually took me a while to find a pencil like this! I hope it’s everything I’m looking for
I’ve got this Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto pencil refill. I love it. And also love the idea of creating a multipencil.
I’ve been using it with other pen refills until the pencil refill ended. I wasn’t sure how to refill it until I saw this page. I fed a single 0.5 up the spout successfully. Then started to feed a second one which broke twice very early. I decided to abandon the second refill but now the pencil won’t work. It would click when pressed (as expected) but nothing would feed out. I just tried to clear it with a needle while depressing the button to keep it open… but now it won’t even click. Seems like I’m gonna need a new one or three. :( :)
I am definately getting these. Do you know anything about the Pentel Sliccies? Is there very much difference between it and the Pilot Hi-Tec-C or the Multi-fit by Mitsubishi?