Battle of the B5 Notebooks: Archer and Olive vs. Dingbats - Which Reigns Supreme?
B5 Notebooks: The Ultimate Writing and Planning Companion? Here is What I Found Out!
If you are journaling and not playing around with notebook sizes, I highly recommend trying different sizes out to see what fits your style! I recently have been working the most in B5 sizes (Roughly 7.48 × 9.84 inches). It is the largest notebook I have ever worked in because the typical notebook I grab for is an A5 (5.70 × 8.26 in), B6 (4.9 × 6.9 in), or traveler’s notebook size (4.33 x 8.25 inches). All three of these notebooks are smaller and can easily fit into a bag with the rest of your materials. I always thought B5 was too big, but what I am finding out is that I stick around longer in a B5 notebook and it fits just fine in a bag or tote. This post explores two of my favorites: The B5 Archer and Olive Notebook and the B5 Dingbats Notebook. I will give you insights into their similarities and differences including paper quality, size, feel, and durability. You can’t go wrong with either notebook-it all depends on personal preference!
The Notebook Details
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B5 Dingbats Notebook (Black Cactus-Black Notebook, Left)
$29.95/0.23 cents a page
Textile/fabric cover
Natural off-white paper/ 160gsm
2 bookmarks
128 pages
Pen holder
Elastic closure
Expandable pocket
Beautiful inside cover design
Supports WWF cause
B5 Archer and Olive Notebook (Sun Frame-Yellow Notebook, Right)
$39.00/0.24 cents a page
Vegan leather cover
White paper/ 160 gsm
2 bookmarks
160 pages
Pen holder
Elastic closure
Expandable pocket
Beautiful inside cover design
Supports a mental health mission
Size and Design: Both the B5 Archer and Olive Notebook and the B5 Dingbats Notebook share the same B5 size, which is approximately 7 x 10 inches. This size offers a generous amount of space for writing and creativity. In terms of design, both notebooks feature a minimalist, elegant design with a small design featured on the front cover. My Dingbats notebook has been tossed around a bit, so the front gold embossed design has started to wear down. The Archer and Olive notebook does have 32 more pages. This may not seem like a lot, but those 32 pages would allow someone to use a notebook for a longer period of time. I do find that the Dingbats fit into my Vegan Leather Zipper Journal Bag from Archer and Olive just a tad better than the actual Archer and Olive notebook itself. This is probably due to the extra pages in the A & O notebook, but it may change someone’s mind about the easy of carrying the notebook around.
Paper Quality: One of the key factors in a bullet journaling notebook is paper quality. Both notebooks have thick 160 GSM, acid-free, and bleed-resistant pages. The high-quality paper allows for the use of various writing instruments, including fountain pens and markers, without worrying about ink bleeding through the pages. The Dingbats notebook seems to be slightly off-white, while the Archer and Olive notebook is a true white page. The Dingbats paper seems “grittier” and feels more like writing paper, while the Archer and Olive notebook is very smooth. Both seem to erase pencil lines well.
Paper Quality: One of the key factors in a bullet journaling notebook is paper quality. The B5 Archer and Olive Notebook is renowned for its thick 160 GSM, acid-free, and bleed-resistant pages. The high-quality paper allows for the use of various writing instruments, including fountain pens and markers, without worrying about ink bleeding through the pages. On the other hand, the B5 Dingbats Notebook also boasts 100 GSM acid-free, fountain pen-friendly paper that minimizes ghosting and bleeding, though it may not be as thick as the Archer and Olive Notebook.
Page Features: Both notebooks offer features commonly sought after in bullet journaling. The Archer and Olive Notebook includes a dot grid pattern that provides flexibility for organizing layouts, creating charts, and designing spreads. It also contains two ribbon bookmarks for easy page navigation. The Dingbats Notebook also features a dot grid pattern option and two ribbon bookmarks. Both have an envelope in the back of the notebook for storing items. This is a matter of personal preference, but the Dingbats Notebook continues the inside design on both the inside front cover and the inside back cover with the envelope. The Archer and Olive notebook features a plain white envelope on the inside back cover.
Environmental Considerations: If eco-friendliness is important to you, the Dingbats Notebook may catch your attention. It is known for its commitment to sustainability, as it uses 100% vegan, cruelty-free materials, and is certified by both FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) for responsible paper sourcing. Archer and Olive Notebooks do not explicitly advertise similar certifications, but they do prioritize using sustainable materials in their production process.
Price Point: When it comes to pricing, the Archer and Olive Notebook tends to be positioned at a higher price range compared to the Dingbats Notebook. This higher price reflects the premium quality of its paper and its reputation in the bullet journaling community. The Dingbats Notebook offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on paper quality or design. The price essentially only varies by 0.01 cents when looking at the price per page, yet with an A & O notebook you do get more pages in a single notebook.
In summary, both the B5 Archer and Olive Notebook and the B5 Dingbats Notebook are popular choices for bullet journaling. The Archer and Olive Notebook stands out with its exceptionally thick, bleed-resistant pages and elegant design. On the other hand, the Dingbats Notebook offers a more affordable option with its nature-inspired design and commitment to sustainability. Consider your personal preferences, desired paper quality, design aesthetics, and budget when deciding between these two notebooks for your bullet journaling journey.
