I purchased both the 600 and 800 pencils. The 800 has all met inner parts and retracts to protect the tip. One complaint: the pull off eraser cover should also be 6 sided like the pen itself to prevent it from rolling off a desk and getting lost. It’s is curious why the designers designed it to be round. The cover needs to be re-designed.

After comparing this 800+ to my standard 800, I was unable to find any difference except for minor cosmetic changes. The retractable brass tip and the lead feed mechanizms seem identical to me. I think the dual purpose pencil/stylus is a great idea and we'll be seeing more of them. I hope someone was smart enough to allow for a replacement rubber stylus tip. The MSRP for the 800+ is about $10 more than the 800 and I don't think anyone would disagree that both of these are expensive instruments. I mean you could buy a 600 and a Rapid Pro (my two favorites) and have money left over. A point of interest; I think the good old days of those very nice Rotring boxes is coming to and end and we will be seeing more of these fold up triangular shape containers for all of ... MoreAfter comparing this 800+ to my standard 800, I was unable to find any difference except for minor cosmetic changes. The retractable brass tip and the lead feed mechanizms seem identical to me. I think the dual purpose pencil/stylus is a great idea and we'll be seeing more of them. I hope someone was smart enough to allow for a replacement rubber stylus tip. The MSRP for the 800+ is about $10 more than the 800 and I don't think anyone would disagree that both of these are expensive instruments. I mean you could buy a 600 and a Rapid Pro (my two favorites) and have money left over. A point of interest; I think the good old days of those very nice Rotring boxes is coming to and end and we will be seeing more of these fold up triangular shape containers for all of their models.

I purchased this pencil with the expectation of it becoming one of the best mechanical pencils I own. And as a bonus I could use it with my iPhone and iPad.Unfortunately, there is a surprising degree of 'play' or 'sloppiness' between the extended gold-colored stylus and the pencil body. Enough play to break the lead inside the pencil as the lead is extruded while in use. Once broken, the lead is not controllable and has to be pulled out, and a new lead advanced into writing position. Then the next lead would break in just a few seconds! This makes the pencil just a very expensive stylus for my idevices.I do use soft lead, in the B range, so perhaps a harder lead would work better. Nevertheless, I still wonder why Rotring doesn't ensure the gold-colored extension ... MoreI purchased this pencil with the expectation of it becoming one of the best mechanical pencils I own. And as a bonus I could use it with my iPhone and iPad.Unfortunately, there is a surprising degree of 'play' or 'sloppiness' between the extended gold-colored stylus and the pencil body. Enough play to break the lead inside the pencil as the lead is extruded while in use. Once broken, the lead is not controllable and has to be pulled out, and a new lead advanced into writing position. Then the next lead would break in just a few seconds! This makes the pencil just a very expensive stylus for my idevices.I do use soft lead, in the B range, so perhaps a harder lead would work better. Nevertheless, I still wonder why Rotring doesn't ensure the gold-colored extension is not tightly held by the pencil's body. Then the pencil would meet my expectations.But as it is, my recommendation now is to use your money on a better made pencil. The Ohto and Pentil and so on make superb products for much less money and much higher value.

This is the most solid feeling pencil I have. It's heavy with very clean construction. The knurling is between the abrasive-as-sandpaper Staedtler 925 and the so-gentle-that-it's-slippery Super Promecha - it feels just right. The centre of gravity is at the middle of the pencil. The clip is stiff and stable, the barrel writing hasn't faded at all (yet!) and the metal piece with the eraser and lead jam fixer has a proper premium design unlike many pencils which skimp on this bit.The lead advancement mechanism, however, is the worst I've used. It's extremely mushy with an awkward two stage click that looks and feels nowhere near the price tag. Also, the lead advances a bit too much for my liking: one click is too short if the end of the lead is already angled from ... MoreThis is the most solid feeling pencil I have. It's heavy with very clean construction. The knurling is between the abrasive-as-sandpaper Staedtler 925 and the so-gentle-that-it's-slippery Super Promecha - it feels just right. The centre of gravity is at the middle of the pencil. The clip is stiff and stable, the barrel writing hasn't faded at all (yet!) and the metal piece with the eraser and lead jam fixer has a proper premium design unlike many pencils which skimp on this bit.The lead advancement mechanism, however, is the worst I've used. It's extremely mushy with an awkward two stage click that looks and feels nowhere near the price tag. Also, the lead advances a bit too much for my liking: one click is too short if the end of the lead is already angled from writing. Two clicks is too much. Given how it has an unconventional advancement mechanism I'm not sure how you'd fix a jam since you can't simple force the chuck open like normal pencils. I've never given much thought into that as it has never jammed for me.The sleeve retracting mechanism is pretty unique and has its ups and downs. You can fully retract the sleeve with some lead still protruding so next time you use it you don't need to use the awkward lead advancement mechanism again. Very handy. The spring-loaded knurled section you turn to extend/retract the sleeve has a bit of play, once again making it feel uncharacteristic of a pencil with this price tag, but it works well and feels nice. Unfortunately, Rotring got rid of the lead grade indicator to make way for this mechanism. The sleeve on the 800+ actually moves with extended/retracted and consequently wobbles a lot.The wobbling can make this premium pencil feel like a cheap biro when you write. Why? Because sometimes you can hear the inner mechanism hit the inner tip of the pencil when you apply pressure, just like how the inktube of a biro hits the biro's body. However the wobbling hasn't caused any lead breakage for me. This is with HB lead, using the newer version of the pencil with the metal piece on the inside.The main feature of this model, the stylus, works pretty well in my experience. Initially I had to apply a bit of pressure to make sure that it registers contact, otherwise a swipe would often become an accidental tap. But over time it seems to have improved so it needs more pressure than using your fingers but not so much pressure that it's annoying. This is with my smartphone which as a glass screen protector and my Ultrabook with has no protector. Rotring gives you 2 spare silicon pieces in case yours wears down or something.Overall, I don't think this pencil is worth the price tag. It has exceptionally high build quality combined with very cheap feeling mechanisms for the lead advancement and the sleeve retraction. If you want this pencil for the stylus or just to add to your collection than I reckon it's cool if you can find a good deal, but if you're looking for a new "main pencil" for work then I'd go with something else. It feels very good in the hand and is reliable but it doesn't work or write solidly at all.

I love this pencil, I have tried several pencils to find one that has both a good weight in hand, smooth writing ability, and doesn't damage/break. This pencil is exceptional in all three areas. The weight feels perfect in hand and the writing is the smoothest I have had yet. The twist mechanism works very well and helps protect the writing point from any damage. I don't have anything bad to say about this pencil and even though it's a higher price pencil, it is well worth it and will be the only pencil you need for years and years.

Great mech pencil

Great stylus pencil. Rotring make very reliable artists and drafting pens and pencils and other arty things. The 800plus pencil is a mechanical pencil, but the pencil part retracts and the soft end can be used as a stylus for a tablet/etc. Very useful

Review of OverviewA technical writing instrument for the modern age. Matching the need for both analogue and digital, the 800+ switches seamlessly from pencil to stylus with a turn of the upper barrel and a satisfying click. Finished in matte black with touches of gleaming gold and Rotring red, the sleek geometric design makes this pencil both stylish and practical. The hexagonal barrel sits easily against the hand, whilst the rounded knurled grip section provides a secure and comfortable hold. The elongated pencil mechanism provides an uninterrupted view of your work and can be retracted to use the capacitive stylus or to protect the pencil when not in use. With a fully metal construction the Rotring 800+ mechanical pencil has a pleasing weight in the hand and is a must have for any 21st century draughtsman.

Excellent quality.

Review of Rotring 800+ Black Mechanical Pencil

I had been using Pentel clicks and other mechanical pencils for a while, untill my latest click broke, they are relatively cheap, but have many desirable attributes missing, meet the Rotring 800+, a robust, brass mechanical pencil that will, if treated correctly, will outlive even yourself! When using the pencil you may feel about a .005 mm play in the tip, for me it's not really much a bother, the twist to retract is a functional thing, it makes the difference of stabbing yourself in the leg or forgetting it's even in your pocket! The stylus tip works flawlessly, while not an active stylus, it does it's job really well, transferring from paper to tablet is as seamless as the advert shows! While it won't be as precise as a apple pen or Samsung, it does it's job and ... MoreI had been using Pentel clicks and other mechanical pencils for a while, untill my latest click broke, they are relatively cheap, but have many desirable attributes missing, meet the Rotring 800+, a robust, brass mechanical pencil that will, if treated correctly, will outlive even yourself! When using the pencil you may feel about a .005 mm play in the tip, for me it's not really much a bother, the twist to retract is a functional thing, it makes the difference of stabbing yourself in the leg or forgetting it's even in your pocket! The stylus tip works flawlessly, while not an active stylus, it does it's job really well, transferring from paper to tablet is as seamless as the advert shows! While it won't be as precise as a apple pen or Samsung, it does it's job and as I said, pretty well.So far been using it as part of my daily drivers, and has not disappointed! When I'm on the bus or using my phone, this pencil is available when you need it to be, also don't fill it with more than 3 leads at once! The clip is also top notch, it even is stronger than my poor parkers clip. The pencil feels solid and sturdy in the hand, and the knurled grip feels good on grip, you can feel the texture hold the fingers.

Very nice solution to mechanical pencil and stylus

High quality mechanical pencil with a stylus tip. Would have preferred .7 or .9 lead but this .5 is soft enough that it's more difficult to break than harder grades. Mechanism is precise and well designed.