Platinum Pro-Use (プロユース) Mechanical Pencil Lineup

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A Comprehensive History of the Platinum Pro-Use (プロユース) Mechanical Pencil Lineup

This overview encompasses the complete lineup, including currently available and discontinued models, with specific details on model numbers for each caliber, release information, key features, and original retail prices in Japanese Yen (JPY).

Current Lineup

The modern Pro-Use family is distinguished by its innovative features that offer a highly customizable and advanced writing experience.

Pro-Use 241

The latest evolution in the Pro-Use series, building upon the technology of its predecessor.

  • Release Date: August 1, 2024.234
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • MSDD-2500B (0.5mm only).15
  • Features: This top-tier model offers four distinct writing experiences by allowing the user to switch both the "Hayaai Mechanism" (an automatic lead advancement system) and the "Syn-switch Mechanism" (lead cushioning) on or off.13 It also incorporates the "OLEeNU Guard Mechanism" for superior lead protection against breakage from impact.1 The grip features a newly designed knurling for enhanced control.1 It is available in black and blue body colors.25
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥2,750 (tax included).25

Pro-Use 171

Known for its groundbreaking "Snork System," this model became a modern classic.

  • Release Date: May 15, 2017 (Standard models); July 20, 2020 (Matte Black); March 8, 2022 (Limited Edition Colors).678
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • Standard (¥1,500): MSDA-1500A (0.3mm), MSDA-1500B (0.5mm), MSDA-1500C (0.7mm), MSDA-1500D (0.9mm, ).49
    • Matte Black (¥2,500): MSDA-2500A (0.3mm), MSDA-2500B (0.5mm).610
    • Limited Editions (¥3,000+): e.g., MSDA-3000A (0.3mm), MSDA-3000B (0.5mm) for the "Matte Black & Copper" edition released in December 2022.8
  • Features: The signature "Snork System" allows the user to adjust the length of the lead pipe and to switch a lead cushioning mechanism on or off, providing a customizable writing feel from firm to soft.67 The standard models feature an ABS resin body with a metal grip, while the popular matte black and other special editions often feature full metal bodies and premium finishes.4611
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥1,650 (tax included) for standard models, ¥2,750 (tax included) for matte black, and higher for limited editions.46

Discontinued Models

A significant portion of the Pro-Use series, aside from the 171, was discontinued around early 2022, and these models are now sought after by collectors.12

PRO-USE 231

  • Model Number: MSDC-1500
  • Release Year/Month: 2023
  • Available Sizes: 0.5mm only
  • Features:
    • OLEeNU Guard mechanism for lead protection
    • Pipe Slide mechanism for retractable sleeve
    • Stepped cone design
    • Rubber grip
    • Considered experimental/pilot model for testing new mechanisms1
  • Retail Price: ¥1,500110

Pro-Use II (MSD-1500) Tsuchinoko

A uniquely stout and comfortable model.

  • Release Year: Believed to be in the early 2013s.
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • MSD-1500A (0.3mm).13
    • MSD-1500B (0.5mm).12
    • MSD-1500C (0.7mm).12
  • Features: Known for its short, thick, and comfortable aluminum body with a distinctive ridged metal grip instead of traditional knurling.14 It featured a lead grade indicator and was praised for its stable, well-balanced feel.
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥1,500 (excluding tax).12

Pro-Use (MSDB-1500 / MSD-1300)

A matte black version of the classic slim Pro-Use.

  • Release Year: A model with a similar design, the MSD-1300, was announced in 2017.5 The MSDB-1500 followed as its successor.
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • MSDB-1500A (0.3mm), MSDB-1500B (0.5mm), MSDB-1500C (0.7mm).9
  • Features: This model is essentially a matte black-coated version of the MSD-1000. It has a lightweight, slim aluminum body, a ridged grip, and a low center of gravity.5 The lead grade indicator ring was colored differently for each lead size for easy identification.9
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥1,500 (excluding tax).

Pro-Use I (MSD-1000)

The classic, all-metal drafting pencil.

  • Release Year: August 6, 2012
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • MSD-1000A (0.3mm), MSD-1000B (0.5mm), MSD-1000C (0.7mm).15
  • Features: A traditional drafting pencil design with a slim, all-aluminum body providing a metallic feel.15 It featured a ridged grip section and a lead grade indicator.15 Despite its metal construction, it was noted for being relatively lightweight.
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥1,000 (excluding tax).15

Pro-Use (MSD-500)

An entry-level model with a comfortable rubber grip.

  • Release Year: 21 Aug. 2012.
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • MSD-500A (0.3mm), MSD-500B (0.5mm), MSD-500C (0.7mm).
  • Features: This model offered a black plastic body paired with a rubber grip, a feature less common on drafting pencils.10 It included a 4mm fixed lead sleeve and a lead grade indicator, making it a highly functional and affordable option.10
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥500 (excluding tax).

Pro-Use (MSD-300)

The most affordable entry into the Pro-Use series.

  • Release Year: Early 2000s (exact year unconfirmed). Available to the West since December 28, 2012.
  • Model No. / Caliber:
    • MSD-300A (0.3mm).6
    • MSD-300B (0.5mm).
    • MSD-300C (0.7mm).
  • Features: A lightweight, slim plastic body with a simple grooved grip for slip resistance.6 It featured a 4mm lead sleeve, a metal clip, and a lead grade indicator, offering core drafting features at a very low price point.6
  • Retail Price (JPY): ¥300 (excluding tax).9

Other Interesting pages about Platinum PRO-USE:

  • プラチナ万年筆・プロユースシリーズは全部で7種類！一覧とそれぞれの違いまとめ【比較表あり】(https://iganmai.com/platinum-prouse/)