I’m in the behavioral health field, which involves, among many responsibilities, taking detailed notes. The final notes are digitally written, but I write by hand first. This means that I write all day. The issue is that I apply a significant amount of diagonal pressure to the lead, resulting in frequent lead breaks. I would really appreciate any guidance on what mechanical pencils are the best for me.
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Hello and welcome to the forum.
There are modern systems developed to mitigate lead breakage like you described. Multiple companies have developed their own systems. I know of Zebra with the “DelGuard” and Pentel’s “Orenz System”. Maybe more exist.
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Also Platinum OLEeNU ranges, although not sure if they are still currently available.
You will also find some lead brands are considerable stronger than others.
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The pilot mogulair is another in a similar vein with lead protection.
If you have about $30 to spend on experimentation @cosmichorror, I’d get one of each on amazon and see how you like them.
The black Delguard LX is my favorite of the del guards, though the the ER has a fun eraser function.
Pentel’s Orenz system is probably the best overall for protection’s sake, but you have to be open to a certain level of scratchiness since the lead pipe hovers just above the paper. The others work mechanically to extend the sleeve only when you need it, which is just a little less foolproof.
If you are open to smaller lead sizes (0.5mm or below) my recommendation would be to try the OrenzNero. You might hate it, but you might love it too. Either way you’ll have a cool pencil.
Use at least a 0.9mm lead to minimize breaks when writing quickly. I would recommend a 1.18mm lead. Check the Legendary Pencil Company for a twist mechanism if you prefer an alternative to the click mechanism.
An annivarsary Pentel would also be a good start (might be cheaper on Amazon):
(Sharp Mechanical Pencil Limited Edition Kimono Colors Box Set (0.3mm, – Pentel of America, Ltd.)
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Anti-break features pencils are a joke. It’s better to switch to a thicker lead, like 0.7 or 0.9 mm, and use softer lead like 2B, which reduces the pressure needed to write.
I strongly disagree. The Delguard is far from a joke in my opinion! It works very well, almost unbelievably well!
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I just ordered one from Amazon to check it myself 
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I’ve used just about every lead protection system MP. These are my faves:
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For fine leads like 0.5mm, the Zebra DelGuard is excellent. Even the basic plastic model works great at resisting lateral writing pressure. The premium Type LX model has a metal grip and a metal clip.
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For thicker leads like 0.9mm, the Platinum Press Man is simple and fuss free. It has a nice spring cushioned mechanism that works great when you’re scribbling furiously. It has gone out of production but you can still find it cheap online. You won’t feel much pain if it gets lost/borrowed/stolen. Alternatively, Platinum’s OLEeNu+ MOLS-450 model is also pretty effective with its spring cushioning and lead support system.
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For extra fine 0.3mm, Pentel Orenz Metal Grip. Skip the complexity of the Orenz Nero. The slide pipe system works simply and effectively, and is easier to ‘see’ compared to the blunter tip of the DelGuard.
The one that doesn’t work quite right: Pilot Mogulair. The mechanism is ‘bulkier’ than the DelGuard and tends to scrape the lead core much more, producing more graphite dust that eventually leads to jams or back sliding.
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I agree actually, I bought one to test the unbreakable gimmick and discovered I really enjoyed using it. It has a similar feel to a TK Fine Vario with the suspension, but a little softer. Absolutely can’t fault is aside from the plastic body.
I would say the Pentel Kerry is my favorite writer.
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