MEEDEN Artist Colored Pencil Set vs Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets
Buy the MEEDEN 72 set if you want a large, well-organized oil-based pencil range at a lower entry cost and a metal tin for storage. Buy the Holbein set if you want softer 3.8 mm leads, stronger blending and covering power, and access to Holbein's 150-color line. No current prices were supplied for either set, so compare live store prices on this page before deciding.
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MEEDEN Artist Colored Pencil Set
Choose the MEEDEN 72-color set if you want a named-color, lightfast oil-based pencil range in a sturdy tin and you care more about value than about the softest lead.
Pros
- 72 named colors make shade selection quick
- Metal tin protects and organizes the set
- Break-resistant cores suit heavy use
- Oil-based leads layer and blend well
Cons
- Lead diameter is not published
- Smaller color range than Holbein
- No soft-lead option stated
What separates them
| MEEDEN Artist Colored Pencil Set | Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead softness | High-density core described as break-resistant and smooth | Soft lead, 3.8 mm thick |
| Color range in the line | 72 colors in this set | 150 colors across the line |
| Lead diameter | Not stated | 3.8 mm |
| Color labeling | Each pencil has a printed color name | Not stated |
| Blending and covering | Color fusion and layering claimed | Exceptional covering and blending on any paper |
| Packaging | Sturdy metal tin | Set packaging not specified |
| Brand heritage | MEEDEN, art supplies brand | Holbein, making color since 1900 |
Price history
- MEEDEN Artist Colored Pencil Set: lowest $69.95 on Nov 1.
- Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets: lowest $660.00 on Nov 1 at Plaza Artist Materials.
Prices at every store
MEEDEN Artist Colored Pencil Set
- DraftlyCheck price at Draftly
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Oil & CottonCheck price at Oil & Cotton
- Plaza Artist MaterialsCheck price at Plaza Artist Materials
Specs compared
| Spec | MEEDEN Artist Colored Pencil Set | Holbein Artists Colored Pencil Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 120 piece | 150 piece |
| Pencil type | Oil Based | oil-based colored pencils |
| Set size | 72 Count Set | — |
| Writing instrument form | Colored Pencil | — |
| Color | Multicolor | — |
| Age range | Adult | — |
| Product dimensions | 35 x 19.3 x 2.4 cm | — |
| Weight | 980 g | — |
| Packaging | sturdy metal tin | — |
| Lead diameter | — | 3.8 mm |
| Barrel diameter |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for blending and layering?
- Holbein, because its soft 3.8 mm lead is built for blending and overpainting. MEEDEN also layers well, but its harder, high-density core gives more control than softness.
- Which has more colors?
- Holbein's line runs to 150 colors, while the MEEDEN set has 72. A Holbein 12-color set has far fewer than the MEEDEN 72, so check the set size you are buying.
- Which lasts longer?
- MEEDEN's break-resistant cores and metal tin help pencils survive transport and drops. Holbein's softer lead wears down faster with heavy shading, so it needs sharpening more often.
- Is Holbein worth the extra cost?
- If you blend heavily or want the wider color line, yes. If you mainly want many named colors in a protected set, MEEDEN covers that for less.
- Are both oil-based?
- Yes. Both sets use oil-based cores, which blend smoothly and resist fading when the pigments are lightfast.
- Which is better for adult coloring books?
- MEEDEN's 72 named colors and firm cores suit detailed coloring and stay sharp longer. Holbein's soft lead is better for smooth, blended fills.