Choosing 120-Count Colored Pencils: What Makes KALOUR's Soft Core Set Stand Out
When evaluating a 120-color set like KALOUR's Premium Colored Pencils, buyers should focus on how the soft core formulation performs for blending and layering, which is central to its advertised use for sketching and shading. The sheer number of colors requires consistent pigment quality across the entire spectrum, not just in primary hues.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Soft core pencils, like these KALOUR models, offer superior blendability but require more frequent sharpening and can break more easily than harder cores—consider your technique and pressure.
- A 120-set's value hinges on color range utility; assess if the included shades provide meaningful gradations for skin tones, landscapes, or your specific subjects beyond just having a high count.
- For beginners and adults returning to art, the pencil's opacity and ability to layer without excessive wax bloom are crucial for achieving vibrant results as advertised.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality indicators include minimal color streaking on smooth paper, consistent pigment transfer across all 120 pencils, and a core that sharpens to a fine point without constant crumbling. The barrel should feel substantial and resist rolling, a practical concern with sets this large.
Pencils Market Context
Market Overview
The market for large-count colored pencil sets is highly competitive, with numerous brands offering 120-piece kits at varying price points, often targeting hobbyists and beginners seeking professional-range color options without professional-grade prices. KALOUR positions itself in this accessible 'premium' segment.
Common Issues
Common problems in this segment include significant color duplication across pencils with different labels, inconsistent core hardness within a single set, and pigments that appear vibrant in swatches but lack intensity when applied to paper. Packaging often prioritizes presentation over functional storage.
Quality Indicators
Look for sets that specify lightfastness ratings, even if basic, and mention core composition (e.g., wax-based, oil-based). A quality 120-set will have pencils securely housed to prevent transit damage and should include a detailed color chart that accurately represents true pigment output.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B with a 10% estimated fake review rate suggests the overall sentiment is reliable, but shoppers should be mindful that approximately 1 in 10 reviews may be artificially positive. The adjusted rating of 4.30/5, down from 4.56/5, is a more trustworthy performance benchmark.
Trust Recommendation
Prioritize verified purchase reviews that discuss specific use cases like shading techniques or paper compatibility over vague praise. Given the 90% genuine rate, look for consistent patterns in feedback about core durability and color vibrancy, as these repeated points across different reviewers carry more weight.
Tips for Reading Reviews
For art supplies, pay special attention to reviews that describe testing the pencils on different paper types (e.g., mixed media, Bristol) and those that mention longevity issues like tip breakage or pigment fading over time, as these are substantive, experience-based insights.
Expert Perspective
The KALOUR 120-set presents a compelling value proposition based on the analysis data, with a strong adjusted rating of 4.30/5 from a substantial review pool. The high percentage of genuine reviews (90%) indicates authentic user satisfaction, particularly regarding color vibrancy and suitability for beginners—key claims in the product title. The soft core formulation appears to deliver on its promise for blending and shading, which is central to its advertised use.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the need for an extensive 120-color palette against the practicality of storage and the potential for softer cores to require more maintenance during detailed work. The set is ideal for those exploring color theory and gradient work but may be excessive for casual, occasional coloring.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare core hardness, included accessories (like sharpeners), and color chart accuracy with similar 120-count sets from brands like Arteza or Shuttle Art before deciding.
