/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

I got pic related as a christmas gift, I'm wondering if anyone else has experience with watercolour pencils (even better if it's this particular brand).

I've tried them a little and so far (especially compared to my tube watercolors) the pigment is far more faded. I need to draw very hard (hard enough to indent my paper) to get a good strong colour. Is this to be expected? Also, what are some good uses for these pencils? I feel like I can always add richer pigment with my tube paints but I'd hate to see these go unused.