Review on ✏️ Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black Carbon Blend Pencils - Jet Black Lines, 6 Assorted Sketch Pencils in Tin, Professional Art Supplies - 100B G6 by Angela Rodriguez

I just received these pencils; I haven't been able to use them in my drawing yet, but I've compared them to the previous (pre-2016) Lumograph 100 and Kimberly 9XXB on a smooth Bristol board. I will update the review when I have more experience with these pens. These pens are darker than the 100s. I would say 100B 2B = 100 4B, 100B 4B = 100 6B, 100B 6B = 100 7B and 100B 8B is slightly darker than 100 8B. The biggest and best difference is that these pencils are matte, not graphite gloss! The old 8B and 7B had some carbon; The problem was that they couldn't get as dark as 9XXB and couldn't fill paper. The new 100B 8B is just as dark as the 9XXB and fills out paper just as well. Side by side, the new 8B and 9XXB are virtually indistinguishable. 8B might even be a bit darker! The 100B lead has a slightly smoother feel than the old 8B and 7B, which can feel waxy and sticky with every squeeze. 100B feels smoother than 9XXB. Overall, I felt more control and was able to distribute values more evenly. I am very excited and happy with this purchase. I believe this will expand the range of tones, contrasts and textures I can reproduce. The thinner barrel means the 100B 8B will replace the 9XXB in my toolbox as it doesn't require a larger sharpener.