Back to School with Maped Helix Review
Back to School with Maped Helix
Reviewed by Victoria Moore
There’s only one way to go back to school – and that’s with Maped Helix
Ahead of the back to school rush I’ve taken some time to put some of the classic and new Maped Helix creations to the test. Probably semi unconsciously we’ve all been buying their products for generations as they’ve become synonymous with back to school life for decades. In the mad September rush to try on every pair of potential new school shoes and figure out if any of the P.E kit can be found and if it still fits, a smile can always be found in the stationary store as the pencil case selections start for the new school year.
A perfect back to school gift and starter essential is the clear case pack with a compass, protractor, ruler, sharpener and eraser, no explanation needed, we’ve all had one, we’ve all loved it.
The Maped Graph Pens tried were a three colour pack, they are triangle shaped with easy grip rubberisation near the nib. An extra fine point felt tip pen that come in a range of colours, with a coordinating lid and base for easy identification in a pencil case. Soft and precise, beautiful to write and draw with. So fine they are perfect for graphs, diagrams and outlines. Not just for graphics and design classes, these pens brighten coursework, are fluid to write with and make note taking easier. I’d thoroughly recommend these pens for every pencil case, desk draw and pen pot.
The Maped – BlackPeps easy loading cartridge pencil holds like a pen, writes like a fountain pen and refills by the click of the button near the nib, not at the top as usual with click pencils. Fantastic for writing and drawing with replacement leads available in easy refillable cartridges similar to cartridge fountain pens. This funky yet stylish pencil case must have, it’s hard wearing and easy to top up so no matter how many times a pencil case is dropped or a bag thrown into the corner as it arrives home after a long day, it will be easy to ensure there’s plenty to write with next morning.
The Maped 2-in-1 Pencil sharpener and eraser is ergonomically designed, easily held for both the eraser (rubber) and the pencil sharpener. A nifty slide for access to the sharpener with easy to empty side slide cover. The eraser is encased in a lid which although a little stiff to remove I imagine would stay in a pencil case without a lid so wouldn’t really cause any problems. This is a tactile and dually efficient piece of kit. One thing to note is that this is great as an eraser once the shiny outer has been rubbed away as it smudges before it gets down to the rubber, and works better on words than drawings.
The Helix Oxford handwriting pens are the traditional and original pen for handwriting, known and loved the world over. Originally in the red casing it works with ink eraser pens as the ink is washable. Smooth to write with and an ideal introduction to how the ink in a fountain / cartridge pen writes. Easy click lid with a pocket clip, this a staple in everyone’s school tool kit.
Maped Helix shows that being practical certainly doesn’t mean sacrificing being super stylish, their range of stationary items come in a selection of bold and bright designs that are vibrant and quirky. The Back to School range is filled with everything anyone could need to get through in any school day.
Rating: 5/5 
Available to buy from all good stationery stockists. For more information visit www.mapedhelix.co.uk.
