Shuttle Art 172 Colouring Pencils: Soft Core Colour Pencils Set for Adults, Drawing and Sketching

Overview

Shuttle Art 172 Colouring Pencils is a large colour set designed for both adult colouring books and everyday drawing projects. On the surface, it looks like a straightforward range, but the key question is whether a 172-colour palette delivers practical value for a mix of techniques—from light sketching to shading and blending. If you prioritise a broad colour spectrum with recognisable names and numbers, this set offers a clear organisational benefit: you can pick the exact hue you need without guesswork, thanks to the colour name and number printed on each barrel and the body matching the core colour.

What to know

This is a soft-core, break-resistant pencil set, aiming to balance ease of use with durability. The pencils are designed to glide smoothly across paper and to blend well, which matters whether you are layering vibrant tones or building gentle gradients. The inclusion of 12 metallic colours alongside 160 regular colours expands possibilities for highlights, accents and decorative pages, which can be appealing for adult colourists who occasionally experiment with metallic effects. However, as with most soft-core pencils, you may experience some breakage if you press hard or work on very rough paper.

Design and build quality

Each pencil carries the colour name and a number for straightforward identification, reducing the time spent matching shades. The soft core is intended to offer easy blending and a smoother transition between tones, which is helpful for shading and creating depth. The wood is described as high quality, and the core is described as break-resistant, suggesting a practical balance between softness for blending and resilience for daily use. It’s not a premium, luxury-feel set, but it is generally adequate for beginners and hobbyists who want reliable performance without fuss.

How it performs in practice

If you are colouring adults’ books or doing simple art projects, the palette covers a wide spectrum, which means you can achieve both bold blocks and more nuanced shading within the same session. The metallic colours open up options for metallic accents, though they may require slightly different layering compared to regular colours. In terms of usability, the naming and numbering help you stay organised, which can matter when you’re working on a multi-page project or following a guide.

The strengths

• Large colour range with visible colour cues on the barrel.
• Soft core supports smooth application and blending.
• 12 metallic shades add flair and variety for mixed-media styles.
• Clear naming/numbering helps you identify shades quickly, a practical time-saver for beginners.
• reasonable build quality for everyday use and hobby drawing.

Limitations to consider

• Soft cores can be more prone to breakage if pressed hard or used on very rough paper, a light touch and good-quality paper mitigate this.
• Metallics can be less forgiving on some papers, requiring careful layering or a white base to maximise punch.
• It’s a large set, which means it takes up more storage and may feel overwhelming if you only colour occasionally.
• The description doesn’t indicate any colour-mixing guides or case/box included, so you may need a separate organiser if you value quick access.

Ideal users

This set suits adults and older hobbyists who want a broad, named palette for colouring books, practice drawing, or basic sketching. It’s also useful for beginners who appreciate colour-by-name clarity and a large variety of tones without needing to buy smaller, bespoke assortments.

When it might not be the best option

If you already own a smaller set, or you require ultra-precise, professional-grade pigments, this might feel like overkill. Likewise, if you work predominantly on heavy or textured papers where a firmer, less blendable core is preferred, a different range could be more appropriate.

Before you buy: practical checks

• Confirm you have a suitable drawing surface or paper that handles soft cores well to minimise breakage.
• Consider whether you’ll profit from metallic shades and if your typical projects would benefit from them.
• Think about storage and whether you’ll need a box or organiser to keep the 172 colours tidy and easy to reach.

How this compares to alternative approaches

For those who value a single coherent palette over multiple smaller sets, this 172-colour option pools a wide spectrum in one purchase, reducing the need to mix and match from several packs. If you prefer a tighter palette focused on portrait or landscape realism, a smaller, more tonal range might serve you better. If you value premium, high-pigment pencils, you may encounter the trade-off between price and pigment richness with this set, which is more about breadth and practical everyday use than studio-grade perfection.

Final decision

Is it worth it?

Worth considering if you want a broad, organised colour range for hobby drawing and adult colouring books, with obvious benefits from colour naming and a blend-friendly core. If you mainly colour occasionally or prioritise compact storage, you might prefer a smaller starter set. If you crave a large palette and dependable everyday performance, this Shuttle Art collection can be a sensible, value-for-money choice.

Quick FAQ

• Do the pencils come with a case? The description doesn’t specify a case or box, you may need separate storage.
• Are the colours true to the barrel? Yes, the body matches the core colour to help quick selection.
• Can metallics be blended like regular colours? Metallic shades are often used for accents and may require different layering for best effect.
• Is there any dedicated dry-fix for tired tips? The information provided does not mention an eraser or fixative, use standard pencil care.
• Would this suit absolute beginners? Yes, the naming, broad range and softness can be friendly for beginners learning colouring and layering.