Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are a popular choice for writers, planners, and journal enthusiasts alike, known for their quality and thoughtful design. When choosing a Leuchtturm1917 notebook, one of the key differentiators is the paper weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter). This article provides a detailed Gsm Compare between three popular Leuchtturm1917 A5 dot grid notebooks: the Standard (80gsm), the 120gsm, and the Bullet Journal edition. We’ll delve into the nuances of each, helping you determine which notebook best suits your needs based on paper quality, features, and value.
The Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal was my initial foray into this brand. Intrigued by its structured approach, I quickly adapted it into a more general weekly and quarterly planner. As I approached the halfway point, seeking a replacement, I opted for a 120gsm dot grid Leuchtturm A5 notebook, assuming it would be a similar, cost-effective alternative since I wasn’t fully utilizing the Bullet Journal-specific features. Subsequently, I discovered a standard 80gsm dot grid A5 Leuchtturm notebook at a local store, presenting an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive gsm compare across the range. This comparison will explore the distinct characteristics of each notebook, focusing on paper performance and feature sets.
The Bullet Journal, positioned as the premium option, naturally comes with the most comprehensive package. It includes an instructional booklet, specialized Bullet Journal stickers, unique front endpaper formatting, a Bullet Journal key, three ribbon bookmarks, and dedicated titled pages for intentions, index, and future logs. However, it offers the fewest color choices and prominently displays Bullet Journal branding.
The Leuchtturm1917 120gsm notebook presents itself as a streamlined version of the Bullet Journal, available in a broader spectrum of colors. While maintaining the same substantial thickness as the Bullet Journal (approximately double that of a Moleskine), it omits several of the Bullet Journal’s extras. You’ll find two ribbon bookmarks, standard Leuchtturm stickers, and no pre-titled pages, key, or booklet. Crucially, it shares the same superior 120gsm paper as the Bullet Journal but at a more accessible price point, making it a compelling option in this gsm compare.
The standard Leuchtturm dot grid notebook, featuring 80gsm paper, is noticeably thinner, being about 20% less thick than the 120gsm and Bullet Journal versions. Like the 120gsm, it includes two ribbon bookmarks, label stickers, and a back pocket. It’s also the lightest of the three.
In terms of page count, the standard notebook stands out. It boasts 251 pages, outnumbering the 120gsm with 203 pages and the Bullet Journal with 205 pages (though the Bullet Journal includes some pre-formatted pages). This difference in page count is a significant factor when considering the overall value in this gsm compare, especially if page quantity is a priority.
All three notebooks share essential Leuchtturm1917 qualities: they lay flat for comfortable writing, feature off-white paper, and include perforated last pages for easy removal. The standard and 120gsm notebooks also incorporate two lined table of contents pages, a feature absent in the Bullet Journal, reflecting the different intended uses and approaches to organization. The Bullet Journal uniquely includes subtle page divisions, indicated on its front endpaper, designed to aid in Bullet Journal method formatting.
The front endpapers of the standard and 120gsm notebooks are similar, with the 120gsm version featuring slightly more branding.
The sticker sets provided with the standard and 120gsm notebooks are identical, designed for labeling the cover and spine.
The back pockets in all three notebooks are functionally and aesthetically consistent.
The table of contents pages in the standard and 120gsm notebooks are particularly useful for project management or meeting notes, facilitating quick page referencing. This feature is omitted in the Bullet Journal, as its system relies on a different indexing method.
The most significant difference in this gsm compare lies in the paper quality. While the dot grid pattern is consistent across all three, the 80gsm paper in the standard notebook is demonstrably less robust. It exhibits considerable transparency, and ink show-through and bleed-through are prevalent, even with gel pens.
This paper’s performance necessitates careful pen selection or single-sided writing, negating some of its advantages in price and page count.
Despite being fountain pen friendly in terms of feathering and spreading resistance, the bleed-through and show-through issues limit the standard notebook to finer nibs and less saturated inks.
Conversely, the 120gsm paper in both the 120gsm notebook and the Bullet Journal performs exceptionally well.
Both sides of the page are fully usable with minimal to no show-through or bleed-through, accommodating a wide range of pen types and ink saturations.
Even broad and flexible nibs with wet inks perform admirably on the 120gsm paper, experiencing slow drying times but no bleed-through.
The off-white paper color is consistent across all three notebooks. For those who prefer pure white, the subtle difference is illustrated below.
The Bullet Journal features subtle markings along the bottom and left margins, designed to assist with specific Bullet Journal layouts, but they are unobtrusive and easily ignored if not needed.
In summary of this gsm compare:
Standard (80gsm): The most budget-friendly and lightest option with the highest page count. Best suited for fine gel pens or extra-fine nib fountain pens with lighter inks. Limitations in paper quality may require single-sided use for some, but its wider availability and color range are advantages.
120gsm: The optimal choice for most users, offering superior paper quality at a mid-range price. A versatile notebook suitable for a wide range of pens and inks. Sacrifices some page count compared to the standard but gains significantly in writing experience. Consider this the sweet spot in the gsm compare for balanced performance and value.
Bullet Journal (120gsm): The premium option, ideal for those committed to the Bullet Journal methodology or seeking a notebook with extra features. While offering excellent 120gsm paper, similar to the standalone 120gsm notebook, the added cost primarily covers the Bullet Journal-specific features and branding. If you value these extras, the Bullet Journal is a worthwhile investment; otherwise, the 120gsm notebook provides comparable paper quality at a lower price in this gsm compare.
Ultimately, the best Leuchtturm1917 notebook depends on individual needs and priorities. This gsm compare aims to provide a clear understanding of the differences, particularly in paper quality related to GSM, to aid in making an informed decision.
