Through posts in this forum I have read about the Circa/Rollabind system and I am going to order some soon. Shipping to Canada is quite pricey so I want to make the order worth while! Haha. I was wondering if anyone here has much experience with the different covers that they offer. The two I am looking at is the bomber leather and the bookcloth (both in the junior/classic size). The bomber leather one looks great from the photos, but is pretty expensive. My main concern is with the thickness of the cover itself and folding it over. The bookcloth seems to be a lot thinner. They also have put a moleskin style strap on the bookcloth one to keep it closed which seems like a great idea. Anyone have any any comments?

I was going to order extra Levenger paper, but most of what I have read here and on the diyplanner site suggests using a reasonably heavy paper from staples and simply cutting and punching myself which is how I am leaning. Any comments on that would be appreciated as well. I picked up some 28lb paper from staples which my current fountain pen seems to like. I will test it out with my new Carene when it arrives!

I can only comment on the regular leather (tan) letter size zip folio and that gets high
marks from me, except for the pen sleeve/holder.

The elastic on that wore out pretty quickly (okay, so maybe
a skinnier pen would have been in order but I don't use skinny pens)
but other than that I am very happy with everything about it.

I did order the Levenger paper when I ordered my folio and it
has been worth the expense = I like the weight of it and
compared to thinner papers it does hold up better when it gets
move frequently, which some of my papers do.


I'd recommend getting a Circa starter kit when they come back in stock,
just to try the paper and not have to spend an arm and a leg to do it.

I am currently using 20# paper for the "keep for a week and recycle"
type things and that is about how long it lasts; a week.

For what all of that is worth.

Thanks for the information. The biggest problem with trying Levenger is really the shipping. To order anything will cost at least $30 to ship which is why I don't like the idea of small orders! It would be great to try out the starter kit and then later order some more, but at that sort of shipping cost I am more likely to just bite the bullet and order the notebook, punch, extra rings all up front

How long have you had your leather notebook? I take it from your post that other than the pen holder it has held up well?

I use a 60lb Hammermill color copy paper to print my own custom forms on. Then I punch them, round the corners and Bob's your Uncle. I also use the 1 inch rings. the 3/4 inch do not hold enough and the 1.5 inch does not manage the page turning as well.

I would recommend getting the heavyweight puncher. It will save you money and you will be able to use the exact paper you want. And, if you want to print your own forms and stuff it is essential. I would also recommend getting the tabs if you are going to use the 1 inch rings or better. Rollabind sells a lot of this stuff and their prices are much less than Levenger. Levenger has a prettier website though.

Btw... we also make regular and modular covers for those Circa and Rollabind disc bound systems and will be coming out with a lot more later this year.

I recently purchased 3 Rollabind notebooks, 2 juniors and a senior size, then threw away the paper and replaced it with HP 32# paper and Arches Text Wove. The Rollabind system is identical to the Circa except for the price. Mine have a cloth cover. The junior notebooks were around $8.00 each and the senior (8-1/2" X 11") was about $11.00. I used the special desk punch and made 1 writing journal using HP paper, and 2 sketch journals using Arches Text Wove paper. I love this system! I can sketch and write and then rearrange the sheets to please my sense of order.

Aldo

I've had it about a year and a half and it's perfect aside from the
elastic part of the pen holder. (the leather portion of it is still in
very, very good shape)

I (sigh) am a confirmed Circa junkie - I have almost everything they make in the Circa line of accessories
and now (since my latest order) almost all of the different sizes of notebooks too.

The desk punch is invaluable, I use it all of the time even though I have the Levenger paper too.

If you want, I'd be happy to send you some of the paper just so you can scope it out.
PM me with the details if you'd like some.

I can't speak for the quality of the rollabind products myself but it comes highly recommended by others,
as you can see. Artbeast is right about the rings, dead on, as a matter of fact. (the one inch ones do
work in a zip folio, by the way, even if Levenger says they work only with the 3/4")

Looking forward to those new products, Artbeast - I was checking out your merchandise last night.

The punch is the key. It's pricey, but it'll save you big money in the long run.

I've been using Circa for years and echo what Con has posted. It's a very versatile system, especially - as noted - with the punch. I have some notebooks that have a range of papers and cards in them - all punched and easily (and securely) inserted. That's something I can't do with a three-ring binder.

One thing I do disagree with is that the Levenger system is the same as the Rollabind. The design is the same, yes, but the quality of Levenger's products has been, in my experience, at least, exceptional and far out of Rollabind's league. Even the plastic covers on the starter notebooks is of high quality, imo. (And, yes, I do have both.) The one thing that Rollabind does have that Levenger's doesn't (or did, I haven't checked since Rollabind got bought out by another company) is a wide range of colorful covers and rings.

That said, I will mention that some folks on here have said that they've had trouble with the quality of the newer Circa paper. Since I have a lots of paper from a "gotta stock up" frenzy from several years ago, I can't speak to the most recent stock.

The best combo of useful and lovely is the leather foldover cover. I have both plum and green and reach for them often. (I also have several other styles as well and like them, but the foldovers are the most useful in the grab-and-go sense. (All imo, of course.)

I just started using Circa letter-size translucents for work notes a few months ago. They're a lot less bulky and heavy than traditional three-rings, and I like being able to "lighten ship" for commuting and leave in only what I'll use at a given time. I really need the rearrangeability when I'm accumulating source material for a review article.

The starter 3/4 inch disks recently got too full for page turning, so I bought new covers/disks and split the pages out by subject.

I take notes with 2-4 colors of ink at once (on a telecommute day I'll have an array of pens at the ready) on Levenger annotation ruled paper. I use the annotation column for my opinions and questions and the main ruled area for summary notes on the article I'm reading.

The Bookcloth Circas look very distinguished, and if I currently needed a journal I'd buy one...alas I have too little time for journaling now and have several pristine journals waiting their turn. Family members give me journals frequently because I'm always seen using them when visiting.

I've been reluctant to buy either Circa Punch--my initial Levenger paper supply is not yet half depleted.

I hesitated before purchasing mine; it was a substantial initial investment,
at least for me.

I print out information I use only for a week (and then into the recycle bin with it)
on 20# paper and punch that - into the appropriate section of my work Circa
it goes.

We update our software frequently; until I have the new information
memorized I print it out (again, on the 20 # paper) put it in that section,
and when I have it all memorized out it goes to be filed into the permanent
Circa I have for that.

I have a section for master copies of frequently used forms that I have
punched - much easier for me to just copy one of those when
I need it than to hunt through the filing cabinet at work. (seems I
am the only one that knows there should be a system to "filing.")

I really like being able to lighten mine as necessary too- sometimes
it gets pretty heavy!

If one really doesn't have a use for a punch I wouldn't recommend
buying one but I've found myself reaching for it more times than
not; the Levenger paper I have will last me a long time as I
tend to use it sparingly, at least for work related things.

I just purchased more Circa notebooks, as I indicated previously,
for personal use and I plan on using more of my Levenger
paper for those than the cheaper 20# economy grade stock
I use for work.

I have the bookcloth covers in junior, compact, and letter size; i think they're great. Quite lightweight, and the strap (though a bit flimsier than I'd like) does keep it closed nicely in my bag. Folds open beautifully, as you'd expect, and gives a harder surface for writing on than the translucent covers do. I also bought the punch and had Kinko's copy the annotation-ruled pages that come with the covers (yes, each bookcloth cover comes with 75 pages of the Levenger stuff included, so you'll be able to try it out) and cut and pad them onto HP 28 lb laser paper. THAT cost about $75 but it'll last me just about forever and it's heavier, smoother, less bleed-y and line-enlarge-y than the Levenger stuff (which I like just fine.) Definitely get the punch, too!

I am curious just how hard the bookcloth cover is. You mention that it is harder than the translucent cover, but I have never seen one of those either. I want to be able to balance the book on one leg and be able to write if I have to without the notebook conforming to my leg The leather ones seem like they would be thicker, but I am not sure I like the idea of the added bulk of the bomber cover (though I do very much like the look) and the strap to keep the notebook closed is a handy feature.

It's quite firm - the translucent covers would not be good for lap-writing, but these are about equivalent in stiffness to the traditional three-ring binder.

I will chime in to agree with the other positive comments of Circa. It is so adaptable and easy to use. Not to mention, that there is quite a bit of Circa on sale now at Levenger.com. I have a 20% discount code if you would like it

I have several agendas, a leather cover, notepads, rings, etc. I would say that, in general, Levenger Circa is very good quality. The big, metal, expensive punch is worth the cost. Get it and you will be able to print custom forms like those at DIY planner and put virtually anything you print out into your notebook! You might also want to try some different size rings. I punch 3x5 cards and keep them in my planner and use them as notes for the day/week.

I do have the bomber leather briefcase. The leather is very supple and simply stunning to see in person. It is costly but does look and feel costly. You can also buy a Junior or Letter size agenda and use smaller sheets within the cover for a layered system. You can also find some circa items available on ebay if you are inclined.

The shipping is absurd, but once you use the products you will be glad you placed the order. Levenger's customer service in my experience is also top notch.

I have the letter size Tyler folio w/pad in bomber jacket leather, and the leather is divine. Sturdier than their other leathers, in my opinion, not to forget- the leather aroma of the bomber!

that's what i have now, the circa!!!!

back in june 11th i ordered rollabind punch and after a month and a half of waiting i call my bank, got my money back and bought from levenger. if anyone's buying from rollabind be careful with Jack Feldman, he is a liar!!! he kept telling me every week , for a whole month and a half, he was gonna send the puch and never did a week ago i got their package from rollabind, after i had called and told them i wanted a refund... idiots... i had to send back with a "refused" notice.

i'm sure... i hope... there're other rollabind reps that are good!

I have the Circa Junior in the Bomber Jacket. I LOVE IT! I fold it over with no problem with the standard 1/2" discs. I am wanting to upgrade to the 3/4" discs that hold about 100 pages.

I agree about the Levenger Circa Punch being the key. I have been watching eBay for them. The Levenger Outlet has an eBay store and sells quite a bit of stuff. Their last punch started at $44 and ended at $60. So it was pretty close to the retail price ($58 USD). My friend has a punch and says that it is SOOOOOOO NICE to choose what paper you want to use inside your Circa.

If I cannot grab one off of eBay by the end of August, I will just bite the bullet and get it from Levenger.

Michael

I have received my Circa order last week, and I can say that Levenger was very efficient.

I have made some tests of the paper, letter size, both in lined and annotation style. I do not have a large number of pens, and here are my observations. All my fountain pens are with medium nibs. I do not have any noticeable feathering.

- Waterman Edson and Waterman blue ink, slight bleed through
- Pelikan M800 and Waterman blue, no bleed through
- Faber-Castell and Waterman blue, very noticeable bleed through
- Visconti Desert Spring and Waterman blue, ink line too thick and slight bleed through
- Omas Ogiva and Visconti blue, very noticeable bleed through
- Waterman Phileas and Waterman red, no bleed through

Conclusion: the paper will be OK if you choose your pen/ink combination with care. The right combination will give you much pleasure with the Circa system. And if you get the specialized paper punch, you chose your own paper if you deem it necessary.

I recently made a trip to Staples, and was delighted to find a few Rollabind notebooks there. The covers are very similar to Levenger's Bookcloth, minus the elastic band, and they include fairly fp-friendly paper, a ruler/page marker, a tabbed divider, and a plastic pocket. The "junior" size was just $5.99, and the "letter" size $9.99.
The drawback was the limited color selection - this store had three of each size, in red, green, and tan. I'd prefer black, but for the price, I had to try one. I looked around for a punch, but had no luck, though I believe each store will vary depending on the manager. The red comes with chrome rings, as well - I believe the others are black.

I also bought a ream of 28-lb HP Color Laser, and am very happy with it for use with the Circa/Rollabind system. It holds up much better than the 20-lb paper I was using previously, and while drying time is a bit longer, lines don't feather even with juicy nibs. I was hoping to buy some 28 or 32 lb. Hammermill, but couldn't find either, and the 32-lb HP Color Laser was a dollar more than Office Depot. Still, with 500 sheets of 28-lb, and 350 of various others they had on clearance, I should be set for a few months

Best,
Jon

I just did---still waiting for delivery. Maybe I'll review it when it arrives. ^^

KYAA! I can't edit my post! Why not?

Anyway it's a good thing I called Levenger's today. They had cancelled my order without telling me, but apparently they have the Circa trial pack in stock, so I re-ordered.

That was odd.

I am really enjoying having my latest round
of Circa purchases. (all heavily discounted
at the time of purchase, thankfully)

I reach for the Web Notebook many times a day.

I use the same sized compact for ink/pen tests and as
an alternative to a check register (more room for
notes on purchases) so I use that daily.

I bought the Agenda and love that- use it daily.

Really, really like the Junior size leather fold over note book-
that has quickly become my favorite (and really only)
personal use notebook. (thanks again, super bleu)

The letter size zip folio as I have indicated before,
is just indispensable for work.

I also have the smaller PDA that I use for
quick notes and smaller grocery lists.

I wish I could extend the Circa system to all
areas of my life ... maybe my socks wouldn't
get lost!

Glad you like the leather fold over, sounds like you are making good use of it.

See Con, you really should be the Circa poster gal.

The only thing about Levenger's I do not like - beyond some really big prices - is the shipping. Their shipping costs alone are a deterent for me in many instances. I'll only shop them for really, really good sales prices.

Well, let's see. I got my Levenger Circa order in. I chose 3 things - the Simply Irresistable Sampler with the $40 gift card (in case I decided I wanted that desk punch), the 3-sizes starter pack, and a set of 22, 1" rings. Pretty hefty first order, but the only way I could see doing it for a better cost and be able to get a good idea of what to expect if I really use this system.

I had seen the web book, but it came up just short for what information I wanted on the pages, so ordering it or the refills would have been a waste. I thought I'd see what I could do about making my own template and punching holes, etc, etc. I thought the compact Circa would work well. Well, it would work well, but the paper is an odd size to be cutting (a lot of waste from an 8-1/2 x 11" page). So, the compact size is going to be dedicated to my desk just for notes while on the phone or info I have to write down before "turning the page" on the computer programs we use. Basically, expensive scratch paper. It's too odd a size for me to work with otherwise. When I've used up the current paper, I'll keep the rings and recycle them later as I need for other notebooks I may create.

The Junior or "classic" size is a much better fit, and I'll have to agree that this would be my favorite of the Circa sizes. This size is going to become the web book for me, with my own formatted pages off the printer. Pages the size of 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 (half a sheet of standard US letter paper) will work just fine. I'd also ordered a Junior size bookcloth notebook off of Levenger's ebay outlet for half their regular price. Still very expensive, but it arrived today as well, and it's nice and sturdy. I'm only bummed because to get one now that is on sale for the sample notebook in lieu of the less-than-stellar regular covers, I'm going to have to settle for an odd color. Meh, better than full price, so I should not be complaining. Having two of these sized books on hand will work great - one for my personal web and other important data, and one for my note taking in meetings at work. I like the size. Ok, I'm starting to justify getting that desk punch.

The letter size is good, too. I can create any number of templates to suit my needs, plus I can get 60# bond from just about any good print shop for less than what it costs from Levenger, and in more colors, if I desire. I'm actually looking to get an ecru color, which will be easier on my eyes under all that fluorescent lighting in the office. I used the 1" rings, combined the Cornell-style note paper from both sample packs into one book, and I'm going to use it for working on my CPP course.

The punch is justified, I guess. I will also use it to punch holes in 3x5 cards, and use up some of these extra rings, too. At least I can use that gift card and bring down the price to a decent amount.

Levenger Circa is expensive. Way expensive. And it's easy to lose sight of the bottom line. I spent well over $100 for this starting try. And the shipping... whoa. I'll admit the bookcloth cover is nice, but I wouldn't buy it at full price. My next expensive purchase involving this system will be from Arthur at Renaissance Art for a letter size modular bag and cover. I want the bag, regardless, heh. I just don't know when I'll be able to get it. I've spent way too much money lately, and I have some commitments coming up that I must let go of the green for, without choice.

At home, though, beyond the web book, my journals will all still be from RenArt. Circa can't beat Arthur's leather journals for the pure pleasure of writing in them.

Now, I have to ask just one question: Why is it that everything I want and everything I have to pay for right now costs right about the same three-figure $ amount? It's like someone looked down on me and said, yep, that's a nice round number, and decided to make it standard for everything I do.

I finally got my Circa sample pack! Can't wait to try it out.

I have a number of the Circa products, including three leather foldovers (letter, junior, and pda), a jacket, and numerous other shapes and sizes. The leather covers did not seem terribly expensive when I first started buying them 3 or 4 years ago (at least I don't remember being quite as shocked at the prices as I am today), but I agree that they are definitely pricey now.

That being said, you get what you pay for. My Circa covers have lasted through years of daily use and look better now than they did when I first bought them. I've never used rolalbind products, but I can't imagine that they hold up as well. Also, while Levenger prices and shipping seem to be climbing with every new catalogue, their customer service remains top notch. Last week, I decided that the plastic spine on my 4-year-old letter size leather foldover (where you attach it to the rings) had gotten too bent out of shape for my comfort. I called Levenger, told them what the problem was and they sent me a brand new one that same day, no questions asked. All I had to do was return the old one within 30 days of receiving the new one (using the prepaid fedex label Levenger sent me). In my mind, that is the reason to pay Levenger $100+ for what amounts to a glorified spiral notebook. Five years from now, when something goes wrong, Levenger will stand behind their product. Very few "luxury" retailers I have dealt with on repairs/returns (including Tumi, Mulholland Brothers and others) offer the level of service that Levenger provides.

The punch is a definite must have. You'll use it way more often than you think. After I discovered HP 32# paper and all the great templates on this and a few other sites, I lurked around ebay for months trying to nab one, but they all ended up within $5 or so of Levenger's price. I'd rather not bother with ebay unless I'm getting a significant discount, so I went ahead and bought the punch directly from Levenger. I use it every day and think it was worth every penny.

So, I say go ahead and pull the trigger. You won't regret it!

The discs seem big to me, especially with the teeny size. Or will I just get used to that?

I grabbed one for $46 ($12 under regular price), and the total was $54 ($4 under regular price no shipping). It is scratched up on the top, but who the heck cares! It still punches holes for my Bomber Jacket Junior just fine.

Definitely a must have if you own any Circa products.

Michael

They seemed big to me too, especially the 1 1/2" rings I have in my letter size binder. However, at least to my eye, the rings end up looking proportional, no matter the size, so long as you use close to the maximum amount of paper a given ring size will hold. The thickness of the binder ends up balancing nicely with the size of the rings.

They sent you a new one... for free? Well, now, that is customer service. I didn't know these things came with a lifetime guarantee. I might have to rethink a few things, then.

I didn't know they had a lifetime guarantee either, until I decided to call about the spine. But indeed they did send me a new one. For free. I called up customer service, told them about the spine. I originally asked about possibly repairing the spine, thinking they would charge me something for it, but thinking that it would probably be better than paying close to $100 for a new one. They looked through my order history (I assume to confirm that I purchased it from Levenger originally), and they sent out a new leather foldover that same day. All I had to do was return the old foldover cover within 30 days using a fedex label they emailed to me and the same box the new cover came in. There was, literally, no cost to me other than the time I spent on the phone with the rep, and I received a brand new leather foldover.

Truly above and beyond the call of duty, as far as I'm concerned.