Conceptum by Sigel
It is ironic that the first notebook I review for NotebookingNerds.com may be the last I ever buy!
First let’s talk, I find that most reviews tend to follow a pattern of listing tech specs then finishing with whether or not the reviewer likes it. I say, “Horse Apples! Let’s change it up!”
I love this notebook! Here’s why: It’s chock full of features. Like most notebooks in this style it has an elastic closure, ribbon bookmark and a pocket in back.
But wait! There’s more… It has not 1 but 2 ribbon bookmarks1! There’s also a pen/pencil loop if you’re into that sort of thing.
It has your standard fabric reinforced pocket in the back but this one has a little slot for cards. I haven’t used it for cards so I can’t speak as to its efficacy but just knowing it’s there makes me happy.
As if almost on a dare the Conceptum continues to add features! Like this small friction pocket in the front cover.
Add to all that a Table of Contents, numbered pages and perforated pages in the back and you’re looking a one great notebook.
But that’s not why I love it. I don’t love it for the good paper 2 nor the contrasting red elastic although those are nice.
I love this notebook because it lays flat easily and has slightly wider than average ruling. I tend to write pretty small but some notebooks have ruling so minuscule (I’m looking at you Leuchtturm 1917!) that even I have a hard time using it. The Conceptum’s ruling is very generous in their A6. On their A5 it’s downright wide ruled! This is a refreshing change of pace compared to other notebooks which tend towards 5mm width ruling, grid or dots.
Now on to the downsides. There’s only one, the covers. Well, 2 technically since a notebook has 2 covers. The covers on the models I have have this faux leather appearance and some cheesy faux stitching around the edge. I’ve seen some other cover styles that don’t have this cheese though. It doesn’t bother me too much.
Is it the perfect notebook? No, that was the Guildhall A6 but they’re not made anymore. Is it close enough and won’t let you down? You betcha!