Pentel Hi-Polymer Ain Pencil Lead - 0.3 mm - 2B

So soft and smooth, the lines are nice and dark, but people are right about the lead running down quickly so just keep that in mind. Worth buying at least one of these to try out though. :)

This lead is excellent, but yes very easy to break with many pencils. For a long time, I tried, without success, to use the 2B with a Pentel S473, but 2 clicks would bring the lead too far out to avoid breakage. It eroded quickly enough that 1 click would result in me rubbing the pencil sleeve against the paper. Very frustrating, and almost made me give up entirely on 0.3mm (HB isn't dark/smooth enough in my opinion).

However, with a GraphGear 1000, a couple clicks is just the right length, where the lead doesn't break so easily and doesn't vanish completely right away. It's great for situations where I can't sharpen, but want a nice smooth dark lead in a fine line.

In terms of darkness, it really doesn't compete with the best wooden pencils, but Ain in 2B is pretty dark and rich. Not a bad lead at all, and one of the best options conventionally available in my opinion.

Love the dark lines, only problem is how fast it wastes... I find half the lead clumping on the tip of my pencil...

this lead is good for drawing and writing for my 0.3 pencils,this is highly recomended

If you want to write with a mechanical pencil as smoothly as with a good fountain pen this is the lead for you. Pilot Eno 2B used to be a little bit darker but also harsher to write with. Ain 2B in a good pencil ("Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro" for example) is as smooth as one can get.