Brutfuner Professional Colored Pencils Review: Are They Worth the Hype?
We’ve all been there. You’re standing in the aisle of an art supply store, looking at a set of "professional" pencils that cost as much as a fancy dinner for two. You want to practice your shading or start that adult coloring book, but you don’t want to take out a second mortgage just to buy some colored lead.
Then, you go online and see these massive sets of Brutfuner 48/72/120/150/160/180Colors Pencils Professional Oil Wood Soft Watercolor Pencil For School Draw Sketch Art Supplies review pages popping up everywhere. They look professional, they come in huge variety packs, and the price tag is suspiciously low.
I’ve spent the last few weeks testing these pencils to see if they’re actually a hidden gem or just another cheap product that’s going to end up in the trash. Here is the honest truth.
What Exactly Are Brutfuner Pencils?
Brutfuner is a brand that has taken over marketplaces like AliExpress and Amazon by offering massive color ranges at a fraction of the cost of big-name brands like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell.
The main appeal here is simple: you get a huge library of colors without breaking the bank. Many sellers also offer free shipping, which makes the deal even sweeter. These are marketed as "oil-based" or "soft" pencils, meaning they are designed to be smooth and easy to blend.
But let’s be clear: these are definitely budget-friendly tools. You aren't paying for heritage-brand quality, but you are paying for an entry-level set that lets you experiment with hundreds of shades without feeling guilty every time you sharpen them.
Real-World Features: How Do They Actually Perform?
When you buy a set of 120 or 180 pencils, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume. It’s overwhelming in the best way possible. Here is how they handle in day-to-day drawing.
The Texture and Blendability These pencils feel quite soft. If you are used to hard, scratchy school-grade pencils, you will notice a big difference immediately. They lay down color with very little pressure. Because they are oil-based, they don’t have that "waxy" build-up you get with cheaper wax-based pencils, which means you can layer them a few times before the paper gets "slick."
The Color Variety This is where Brutfuner wins. Having 180 colors means you rarely have to mix colors to get the exact tone you need. If you’re drawing a landscape, you’ll have a dozen shades of sky blue. If you’re doing portraits, the skin tone range is surprisingly decent.
The Build Quality The barrels are made of wood, and they are generally round. While they look nice, the wood isn't the highest quality cedar. Sometimes, the core can be slightly off-center, which makes sharpening a bit of a headache. You’ll definitely want a good-quality sharpener, not the cheap plastic one that might come in the box.
The Pros and Cons: An Honest Breakdown
I believe in being fair. No pencil set is perfect, especially at this price point. Here is what you need to know before you click "buy."
The Pros:
- Massive Color Selection: You get a huge range of colors that would cost hundreds of dollars from premium brands.
- Smooth Application: The soft core is great for beginners who aren't used to controlling heavy pressure.
- Budget-Friendly: You get a lot of bang for your buck.
- Convenience: Many listings include free shipping, which is a huge plus when you’re ordering a heavy box of 180 pencils.
The Cons:
- Inconsistent Sharpening: Because the wood isn't premium, the lead can break if you use a dull sharpener.
- Lightfastness Unknown: If you are a professional artist selling your work, these aren't for you. The colors will likely fade over time because they aren't made with high-end pigments.
- Color Matching: The color on the end of the barrel doesn’t always match the actual lead perfectly. I highly recommend making your own swatch chart as soon as you open the box.
Who Is This For (And Who Should Skip It)?
This is for you if:
- You’re a beginner or hobbyist: If you’re just starting out and want to learn how to layer and blend without worrying about wasting expensive materials.
- You love adult coloring books: These pencils are perfect for coloring books because the soft core covers large areas quickly.
- You’re a student on a budget: If you need a wide variety of colors for school projects but don't have a professional's budget.
Skip this if:
- You’re a professional artist: If you are creating commissioned work that needs to last for decades, stick to professional-grade brands like Caran d’Ache or Polychromos.
- You hate sharpening: If you get frustrated when a pencil tip breaks, the wood casing here might annoy you.
What Real Users Are Saying
I reached out to a few people who have been using these sets for a while to get their take.
“I bought the 160-piece set for my coloring hobby. Honestly? I’m impressed. Are they as good as my expensive set? No. But for the price, I can color every day without stressing about running out of my favorite colors. Plus, the free shipping was a nice bonus.” — Sarah, Hobbyist
“I’m an art student and I use these for my practice sketches. They aren't the most durable, but they blend surprisingly well. They are perfect for messy, fast-paced sketches where I don't want to ruin my expensive supplies.” — Marcus, Art Student
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Money?
After putting these pencils through their paces, my final verdict for this Brutfuner 48/72/120/150/160/180Colors Pencils Professional Oil Wood Soft Watercolor Pencil For School Draw Sketch Art Supplies review is simple: Yes, they are worth it, provided you have the right expectations.
If you are looking for a professional-grade, museum-quality tool, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to explore your creativity, fill a sketchbook, or enjoy some relaxing coloring time, these pencils are a fantastic value.
They aren't perfect, but they are fun, vibrant, and incredibly accessible. Just make sure you invest in a decent sharpener, and you’ll find that these pencils can do a lot more than their price tag suggests. Happy drawing!