I know, I know, we have alllllll been there! Wondering what notebook to get? Wondering which will suit your needs and which will be perfect for your year. So I created this HUGE bullet journal notebook review to help our newbies out! We have also highlighted which are front runners in the notebook quality, newbies and value for money!
This is an honest review about how I like notebooks, so I want to make that clear up front, that what I like might not be what you like. Notebooks are all about personal preference so keep reading to find something that matches you and your needs. So if you are looking for the “best” bullet journal, while you might find one here in this list, it might not be the one that I called “the best”
For me the top bullet journals were:
- Best bullet journal for value for money: Tumbitri Metri
- Best Quality bullet journal Notebook: Archer and Olive
- Best bullet journal notebook for watercolor: Archer and Olive
- Easiest bullet journal notebook to use: The Happy Planner – Happy notes
- Best customised bullet journal Notes books: Citrus Book Bindery
- Best bullet journal notebook for newbies: Lemome
If you want to see any individual reviews you can find them here
*Please note that the prices listed are updated often so the ones in the images reflect the price at the time of publishing this post
Lets get started!
The Ultimate notebook review video!
Some notebook review terminology
Ghosting: Where you can see pen marks though the paper
Bleeding: When the pen or marker bleeds through the paper
A5: is the size of standard notebook
GSM: Is the weight of the paper (grams per square metre) and the higher the gsm, the thicker and more robust the paper.
Leuchtrum 1917 notebook review
This notebook sets the benchmark for notebooks on the market, it is considered the “official bullet journal notebook” and even is sold on the bullet journal website with the bullet journal branding…
In reality the benchmark has been set pretty low! With the ghosting and bleeding the LT1917 drives me bonkers, but some of you might like that!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Leuchtrum 1917 |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure 2x Ribbons No Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting and Bleeding |
Sizes available | A4 – B6/ Passport |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard and soft cover available |
Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Key, Index, Page Numbers |
Additional extras | Archive stickers |
Overall rating | 2/5 I personally cannot stand the ghosting and bleeding through the thin paper |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
Price | $10.99 |
Number of Pages | 60 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.4mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Citrus Book Bindery |
Price | $32.00 |
Number of Pages | 240 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 120-225gsm |
Number of dots | 28×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Customisable ribbon number Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | barely any |
Sizes available | Multiple sizes available |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Mainly hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | If you want them |
Additional extras | You can ask for additional extras like rounded corners or special binding |
Overall rating | 3/5 One of my favorite notebooks, because its hand made by the owner |
Happy Planner – Happy Notes
I am so sad that I discovered this notebook late! If I was starting out again, I would probably chose this to start with, because the pages are disk bound so total removable if you make a mistake.
The pages are really thick, far thicker than I expected and they hold up to watercolor incredibly well. You can combine a notebook and planner to make it a simple system for you!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
Price | $10.99 |
Number of Pages | 60 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.4mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Moleskine |
Price | $11.03 |
Number of Pages | 240 pages |
Paper gsm | 70gsm |
Number of dots | |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | All the ghosting and all the bleeding |
Sizes available | Many sizes available in this brand |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard and soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple covers |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 1/5 It is my least favorite notebook of all time. |
Citrus Book Bindery Notebook review
Looking for more practical customisation? Well CBB has it in spades! But the price starts getting pretty steep pretty quickly. For a notebooks with 144 numbered pages A5 and a back pocket, with ribbons it starts heading towards the $65 mark. So the price of $32 is the base price with zero additionals, so it can be considered as a really pricy notebook.
What makes this notebook pretty cool, is it is hand made by the owner and her husband.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Citrus Book Bindery |
Price | $32.00 |
Number of Pages | 240 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 120-225gsm |
Number of dots | 28×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Customisable ribbon number Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | barely any |
Sizes available | Multiple sizes available |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Mainly hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | If you want them |
Additional extras | You can ask for additional extras like rounded corners or special binding |
Overall rating | 3/5 One of my favorite notebooks, because its hand made by the owner |
Happy Planner – Happy Notes
I am so sad that I discovered this notebook late! If I was starting out again, I would probably chose this to start with, because the pages are disk bound so total removable if you make a mistake.
The pages are really thick, far thicker than I expected and they hold up to watercolor incredibly well. You can combine a notebook and planner to make it a simple system for you!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
Price | $10.99 |
Number of Pages | 60 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.4mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Karst Stone Paper |
Price | $25.95 |
Number of Pages | 144 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting, no bleeding |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
Colors available? | Limited muted tones |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | Made from stone paper |
Overall rating | 1/5 Kinda expensive for what you are getting. |
Moleskine Notebook review
The very first notebook I owned! And probably the thinnest and worst! But – it deserves to be in the running for being on the dot grid notebook map. I guess you get what you pay for and these notebooks are cheap, but really, you really are getting some bleeding and ghosting pages for that. And heaps of them!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Moleskine |
Price | $11.03 |
Number of Pages | 240 pages |
Paper gsm | 70gsm |
Number of dots | |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | All the ghosting and all the bleeding |
Sizes available | Many sizes available in this brand |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard and soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple covers |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 1/5 It is my least favorite notebook of all time. |
Citrus Book Bindery Notebook review
Looking for more practical customisation? Well CBB has it in spades! But the price starts getting pretty steep pretty quickly. For a notebooks with 144 numbered pages A5 and a back pocket, with ribbons it starts heading towards the $65 mark. So the price of $32 is the base price with zero additionals, so it can be considered as a really pricy notebook.
What makes this notebook pretty cool, is it is hand made by the owner and her husband.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Citrus Book Bindery |
Price | $32.00 |
Number of Pages | 240 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 120-225gsm |
Number of dots | 28×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Customisable ribbon number Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | barely any |
Sizes available | Multiple sizes available |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Mainly hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | If you want them |
Additional extras | You can ask for additional extras like rounded corners or special binding |
Overall rating | 3/5 One of my favorite notebooks, because its hand made by the owner |
Happy Planner – Happy Notes
I am so sad that I discovered this notebook late! If I was starting out again, I would probably chose this to start with, because the pages are disk bound so total removable if you make a mistake.
The pages are really thick, far thicker than I expected and they hold up to watercolor incredibly well. You can combine a notebook and planner to make it a simple system for you!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
Price | $10.99 |
Number of Pages | 60 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.4mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Archer and Olive |
Price | $50.00 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 200gsm |
Number of dots | 24×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure Pen Loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | None |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | Ring bound |
Overall rating | 5/5 If you want a heavy watercolor notebook that will withstand lashings of water when painting, then this notebook is for you! |
Karst Stone Paper Notebook review
Now this a weird one! If you are wanting something a little different then this notebook might be for you. The paper is made with stone paper – yes stones. But It does make the paper waterproof which is a total bummer on the watercolor or juicy pen front because nothing dries and it takes an age for things to stop smudging!
It is claimed as tear proof, which is moderately true, and if you do get something wet on the page, you can dry it with a dryer but the heat crumples the paper to ash! And makes the paper “ROCK” hard!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Karst Stone Paper |
Price | $25.95 |
Number of Pages | 144 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting, no bleeding |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
Colors available? | Limited muted tones |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | Made from stone paper |
Overall rating | 1/5 Kinda expensive for what you are getting. |
Moleskine Notebook review
The very first notebook I owned! And probably the thinnest and worst! But – it deserves to be in the running for being on the dot grid notebook map. I guess you get what you pay for and these notebooks are cheap, but really, you really are getting some bleeding and ghosting pages for that. And heaps of them!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Moleskine |
Price | $11.03 |
Number of Pages | 240 pages |
Paper gsm | 70gsm |
Number of dots | |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | All the ghosting and all the bleeding |
Sizes available | Many sizes available in this brand |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard and soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple covers |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 1/5 It is my least favorite notebook of all time. |
Citrus Book Bindery Notebook review
Looking for more practical customisation? Well CBB has it in spades! But the price starts getting pretty steep pretty quickly. For a notebooks with 144 numbered pages A5 and a back pocket, with ribbons it starts heading towards the $65 mark. So the price of $32 is the base price with zero additionals, so it can be considered as a really pricy notebook.
What makes this notebook pretty cool, is it is hand made by the owner and her husband.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Citrus Book Bindery |
Price | $32.00 |
Number of Pages | 240 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 120-225gsm |
Number of dots | 28×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Customisable ribbon number Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | barely any |
Sizes available | Multiple sizes available |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Mainly hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | If you want them |
Additional extras | You can ask for additional extras like rounded corners or special binding |
Overall rating | 3/5 One of my favorite notebooks, because its hand made by the owner |
Happy Planner – Happy Notes
I am so sad that I discovered this notebook late! If I was starting out again, I would probably chose this to start with, because the pages are disk bound so total removable if you make a mistake.
The pages are really thick, far thicker than I expected and they hold up to watercolor incredibly well. You can combine a notebook and planner to make it a simple system for you!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
Price | $10.99 |
Number of Pages | 60 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.4mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Archer and Olive |
Price | $31.00 |
Number of Pages | 160 pages |
Paper gsm | 160gsm |
Number of dots | 27×37 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure Pen Loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | None |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 5/5 Yes the price point is a little high, but it is everything this notebook stand for that makes me love it. |
Archer and Olive – Watercolor Notebook review
I’ve already covered above why I adore the A&O brand. And this is one of those reasons. The community was eager for a journal that could be a dot grid and also used with heavy watercolor.
That being said, was the dawn of a game changer. Absolutely a little more pricey, but when you are dealing with 120 pages of gorgeous hot pressed cotton watercolor pages they surely you understand!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Archer and Olive |
Price | $50.00 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 200gsm |
Number of dots | 24×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure Pen Loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | None |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | Ring bound |
Overall rating | 5/5 If you want a heavy watercolor notebook that will withstand lashings of water when painting, then this notebook is for you! |
Karst Stone Paper Notebook review
Now this a weird one! If you are wanting something a little different then this notebook might be for you. The paper is made with stone paper – yes stones. But It does make the paper waterproof which is a total bummer on the watercolor or juicy pen front because nothing dries and it takes an age for things to stop smudging!
It is claimed as tear proof, which is moderately true, and if you do get something wet on the page, you can dry it with a dryer but the heat crumples the paper to ash! And makes the paper “ROCK” hard!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Karst Stone Paper |
Price | $25.95 |
Number of Pages | 144 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting, no bleeding |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
Colors available? | Limited muted tones |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | Made from stone paper |
Overall rating | 1/5 Kinda expensive for what you are getting. |
Moleskine Notebook review
The very first notebook I owned! And probably the thinnest and worst! But – it deserves to be in the running for being on the dot grid notebook map. I guess you get what you pay for and these notebooks are cheap, but really, you really are getting some bleeding and ghosting pages for that. And heaps of them!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Moleskine |
Price | $11.03 |
Number of Pages | 240 pages |
Paper gsm | 70gsm |
Number of dots | |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | All the ghosting and all the bleeding |
Sizes available | Many sizes available in this brand |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard and soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple covers |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 1/5 It is my least favorite notebook of all time. |
Citrus Book Bindery Notebook review
Looking for more practical customisation? Well CBB has it in spades! But the price starts getting pretty steep pretty quickly. For a notebooks with 144 numbered pages A5 and a back pocket, with ribbons it starts heading towards the $65 mark. So the price of $32 is the base price with zero additionals, so it can be considered as a really pricy notebook.
What makes this notebook pretty cool, is it is hand made by the owner and her husband.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Citrus Book Bindery |
Price | $32.00 |
Number of Pages | 240 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 120-225gsm |
Number of dots | 28×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Customisable ribbon number Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | barely any |
Sizes available | Multiple sizes available |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Mainly hard covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | If you want them |
Additional extras | You can ask for additional extras like rounded corners or special binding |
Overall rating | 3/5 One of my favorite notebooks, because its hand made by the owner |
Happy Planner – Happy Notes
I am so sad that I discovered this notebook late! If I was starting out again, I would probably chose this to start with, because the pages are disk bound so total removable if you make a mistake.
The pages are really thick, far thicker than I expected and they hold up to watercolor incredibly well. You can combine a notebook and planner to make it a simple system for you!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
Price | $10.99 |
Number of Pages | 60 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.4mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
Price | $22.89 |
Number of Pages | 120 pages |
Paper gsm | 90gsm |
Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Soft covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Dingbats notebook review
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Dingbats |
Price | $19.95 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
Sizes available | A4-B6 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Multiple colors |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
Price | $16.95 |
Number of Pages | 180 pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
Price | $19.99 |
Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Millegram |
Price | $16.25 |
Number of Pages | 196 pages |
Paper gsm | 80gsm |
Number of dots | 35×49 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot! |
Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Story of Millegram at the back |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 2/5 Paper is so thin, the bleeding and ghosting can feel a little much at times |
Ink by Jen G notebook review
Our last notebook, is this one by JenG, and she created these as an add onto her store, and what a fun notebook. I love the little embossed florals on the top of the cover. Over all its a simple notebook, and priced competitively with the rest. Its got ivory paper and while its 100 gsm holds up better to pen and watercolor than the graphic arts notebooks which are of similar gsm.
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Ink by Jen G |
Price | $19.00 |
Number of Pages | 192 pages |
Paper gsm | 100gsm |
Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Minimal but there |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
Colors available? | Minimal choices |
Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
Additional extras | None |
Overall rating | 3/5 Nothing hugely phenomenal to write home about here, but definitely a fair contender. |
Details | Information |
Notebook Name | Lemome |
Price | $15.99 |
Number of Pages | 180 numbered pages |
Paper gsm | 120gsm |
Number of dots | 28×40 dots |
Size of dots | 0.5mm |
Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure Pen Loop |
Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some ghosting, but very little and minimal bleeding |
Sizes available | A5 |
Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, Page Numbers, Perforated back pages |
Additional extras | Can be completely customised and personalised covers available |
Overall rating | 4/5 Perfect for newbies because it is not to expensive and pretty awesome overall. |