I’ve done more than 50 bullet journal notebook reviews and have finally found one that has NO ghosting or pen bleed through (even for brush pens)!!!
If you follow my blog, you might remember I did a review of the Buke Stationery 160 GSM notebook. 160 GSM is really thick paper so I was surprised (and disappointed) when there was minor ghosting. That same brand has a 180 GSM thick paper version so I ordered that… and finally found a notebook with no ghosting at all.
Quick facts
- Size: 5.75″ wide x 8.25″ high
- Hardcover
- Sewn binding
- 180 GSM dot grid paper (5mm spacing)
- Pen loop
- 1 ribbon bookmark
- Pocket folder
Let’s take a closer look!
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The Cover
The cover is the same type of material – like a faux leather – that almost all sewn bound dot grid notebooks have.
Unfortunately it only comes in a black cover version 🙁
Almost 1 inch thick (about 2cm). It’s quite chunky but to be expected with 180 GSM thick paper
5mm dot spacing
The page lay flat on their own.
There are 2 ribbon bookmarks, a pen loop and a pocket folder at the back.
Pen Testing
I tried all the usual gel pens, fine tip pens, ballpoint, highlighters and stamps.
No ghosting or bleed through at all!
So I thought I’d really test the paper out with some brush pens…
Now that is good paper!!!
Let’s compare this to the 160 GSM Buke Stationery notebooks paper:
This notebook (180 GSM) is on the left, the 160 GSM is on the right. As you can see the paper color is completely different, and there’s a bit of ghosting for the 160 GSM notebook.
For there being only 20 GSM difference in paperweights, there’s a huge difference in the paper quality!
Pros of the notebook
- Pages lay flat on their own
- Best paper I’ve ever come across in a dot grid notebook – no ghosting or bleed through!!!
- 1 pocket folder
- Sturdy hardcover
- 2 ribbon bookmarks
Cons of the notebook
- No page numbers
- No index page
- Only available in black cover color
Would I use this notebook?
Yes! If you want a notebook where the pen doesn’t show through, then this would be my top pick. I really wish this notebook came in the same colors as their 160 GSM version (i.e. not just black), with the pen loop, and that the pages were numbered – then it would be perfect!
More dot grid notebook reviews
- Happy Planner Dot Journaling Notebook Review (Pros, Cons & Comparison with the Happy Notes)
- Plum Paper Bullet Journal Custom Notebook
- Modena Stationery Dot Grid Notebook
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