Stapes Arc Vs Levenger Circa

[threeamigos]

I picked up a couple Arc notebooks from Staples. The paper is nice, but I just noticed that Levenger has Clairfontaine paper for the Circa notebook. Will the Circa refills fit the Arc system? Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

[dapv]

I'm a long-time Levenger fan and it's my understanding that Circa and Arc are interchangeable. That said, I have had the opportunity to look at the Arc and could not find a way to justify the price with Circa. I should also mention that I have not purchased the Arc. Levenger's reputation, guarantee, variety, etc clearly plays into the higher priced Levenger's Circa, but Circa is a substantial price hike from Arc.

[SheilaM]

I have some of both, and, yes, they are completely interchangeable as far as I can tell. I am running both junior- and letter-sized notebooks currently that are both blends of the two systems.

 

The Levenger Rhodia paper has the classic hard Rhodia finish and the purple ruling. I wish they had just a plain rule, but all they're offering is their odd note-taking ruling where half the paper (vertically) is blank. Yuck.

 

The Arc paper isn't of the same quality, but I find it acceptable for FPs of pretty much every description.

 

The Arc system stuff isn't quite as nice as the Levenger but it's perfectly acceptable and markedly less expensive. Some if it (the plastic notebook covers and inserts, for example) is close to the same quality.

 

If I was looking for more things to go with this system, I'd start with the Arc stuff before I went to Levenger, mostly for cost issues.

 

Hope this helps a bit!

[JefferyS]

I have only Circa. I like the Rhodia Circa paper better than the Levenger paper. In the letter-size Circa, I use HP Premium laser paper and punch Circa holes in it (or Hammermill color copy paper if I need heavier paper), and go with the Rhodia for the smaller size Circa. I cannot complain about the quality of the Circa hardware at all. I wish the Leverger paper was a bit less feathery. But I love the Circa notecard and smaller sized systems. The translucent binder stuff is excellent. I have all of my lecture notes on Circa paper, and it is nice to be able to stick just about any size insert between my lecture pages (graphs, tables, etc.) that I can refer to during lectures.

[threeamigos]

Thanks for the replies. Nice to know that the systems are interchangeable since Levenger offers many accessories and refill options.

[JefferyS]

The system is definitely fussy, but FP users love fussy. After being a caffeine manic overacheiver for decades, it's nice to use things slowly and deliberately. Levenger has a $40 Circa sampler that comes with a $40 gift card. Get it while you can.

[dapv]

"After being a caffeine manic over-acheiver for decades, it's nice to use things slowly and deliberately."

U R ME

The coffee I have already consumed will keep me awake for decades to come.

Edited June 9, 2011 by dapv

[Avetikus]

Any Rollabind products you get are also interchangeable with both Circa and Arc.

 

I find the Arc paper to be a little better than the Circa stuff, and the Rhodia head and shoulders above that.

 

So.. Staples Arc it is. Class notes aren't important enough to me to be worth the price increase for Rhodia paper. Now just to find a punch for a decent price.

 

 

 

M

-Av

[CatBookMom]

Any Rollabind products you get are also interchangeable with both Circa and Arc.

 

I find the Arc paper to be a little better than the Circa stuff, and the Rhodia head and shoulders above that.

 

So.. Staples Arc it is. Class notes aren't important enough to me to be worth the price increase for Rhodia paper. Now just to find a punch for a decent price.

 

 

 

M

-Av

 

 

It's been posted here at FPN (different discussions of the ARC notebooks) that Staples have said they'd have a punch out this summer. Haven't seen any update on that in a month or so. I popped for the $40 punch from Levenger. It's a much more complicated piece of equipment than the ordinary sort of hole punch, so maybe Staples are having trouble with the design.

[Avetikus]

It's been posted here at FPN (different discussions of the ARC notebooks) that Staples have said they'd have a punch out this summer. Haven't seen any update on that in a month or so. I popped for the $40 punch from Levenger. It's a much more complicated piece of equipment than the ordinary sort of hole punch, so maybe Staples are having trouble with the design.

 

I'm also hoping to see a Staples Arc punch become available but unfortunately I'm only seeing the Levenger one and that for 69.00 when I do a search.

 

fleaBay has a punch or two up; I'll only bid so high, so maybe Staples will release theirs before I finally win one.

 

 

 

-Av

[JefferyS]

I guess I'm impressed with what a big, heavy piece of equipment the Levenger punch is. I can't believe that it is inexpensive to make. I hope it outlives me. But I'm thinking of getting a second one for work. I really love the Circa system.

[CatBookMom]

It's been posted here at FPN (different discussions of the ARC notebooks) that Staples have said they'd have a punch out this summer. Haven't seen any update on that in a month or so. I popped for the $40 punch from Levenger. It's a much more complicated piece of equipment than the ordinary sort of hole punch, so maybe Staples are having trouble with the design.

 

I'm also hoping to see a Staples Arc punch become available but unfortunately I'm only seeing the Levenger one and that for 69.00 when I do a search.

 

fleaBay has a punch or two up; I'll only bid so high, so maybe Staples will release theirs before I finally win one.

 

 

 

-Av

 

This is the punch I bought.

[JefferyS]

That's the "portable" one. The more expensive one is big enough to use as a lethal weapon. Way better than a fireplace poker.

Edited June 10, 2011 by Jeffery Smith

[CatBookMom]

That's the "portable" one. The more expensive one is big enough to use as a lethal weapon. Way better than a fireplace poker.

 

 

I thought that was probably the case. The Franklin Covey hole punches are built like that, useful as paperweights.

[JefferyS]

That's the "portable" one. The more expensive one is big enough to use as a lethal weapon. Way better than a fireplace poker.

 

 

I thought that was probably the case. The Franklin Covey hole punches are built like that, useful as paperweights.

 

I have that too. They are lame compared to the killing power of the Levenger.

Edited June 10, 2011 by Jeffery Smith

[NateB]

Here is a picture comparing the Levenger punch to a $10 3-hole punch.

 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1040535/punch%20%28Medium%29.jpg

 

 

 

The Arc notebook covers, tabbed dividers, and storage pockets are about 3/8" wider than their Levenger counterparts.

Edited June 10, 2011 by NateB

[JefferyS]

We have four things in common:

fountain pens

three hole punches

Circa punchers

Tivoli radio with stereo speakers

[Sh.Andrews]

+1 on recommending the Circa system (and the heavy desk punch) but I would advise all to stay away from Levenger branded paper. The feathering is unbearable. I was not aware of the Rhodia alternative from Levenger or the Arc from Staples - must check them out. Thanks.

[ninly]

I've been using an junior-size Arc as a desktop list repository & informal jotter at work for a couple months now. I love it, and can't imagine the "Levenger tax" is worth the upgrade to me, considering what I use the book for.

 

That said, I have strongly considered springing for a Circa punch ever since learning that they're compatible. I'm glad to hear Staples may come out with a competitive product (it was definitely not in the store this weekend, or I'd have one!). I am kinda nutsy about building custom page fillers, and would probably broaden my use of the notebook (and maybe buy another cover) if I could pick and print the paper. I have no complaints about the quality of the Arc-branded paper, though.

[Treecat]

I'm getting concerned about Staples support of the ARC system. They had planned to have a punch out this Spring, but it hasn't appeared yet. It's still hard to find some of the paper refills in my local store. I've held off on buying a Levenger punch but but may get one if a Staples punch isn't available by late Summer or the Fall.