C. Over Pad and Notebook provided for review by Alex at The Journal Shop
Small Moleskine shown in between for scale.
First is the C.Over Pad. The color red is really more orange than red.
The C.Over comes with three blank pads, and you can refill the book with additional blank, lined, or graph pads.
The book is held shut by a removable elastic band. Sailor 1911 included in shot for contrast. :o)
The elastic band is similar to those charity wrist bands I always see people wearing. Maybe that's what you are supposed to do with it when you are using the book - store it on your wrist. I would be concerned with losing it.
Each of the three sections is held in place by an elastic strap that connects on either side of the book.
I open the book for the first time and hmmmmm. One of the pads pops out.
I open the pad and the elastic is sitting all lonely, wanting me to strap it back in. So I do. Stretch from one side to the other and you are good to go.
I've already been made aware that this paper isn't exactly fountain pen ink friendly, and it doesn't claim to be, but I still wanted to see for myself.
Yes, it feathers with the Sailor ink.
And bleeds.
Not in the mood to do a full ink test on the first book right now, I move on and start looking at the second book - The Flexible Notes.
Again, plain, lined & graph paper refill pads are available. 3 plain pads are initially included.
Wrapper off, there is another one of those stretchie elastic band holding the book closed.
This one is larger than a bracelet, and happens to be quite loose around the book. This again concerns me in case it would get lost.
Inside the front and back covers, there is a pocket for storage. Since the cover is vinyl, I wouldn't want to put too much in there for fear of tearing the cover.
Close up of the way the elastic bands secure the sections in.
I open the journal for the first time, and one of the pads pops out.
I re-secure it, and another pops out - and sometimes, the elastic band would go flying...
And again, and again and again. I've never actually cursed a product before. I'd secure one and another would pop out. If you happen to be between two of the pads and you let the cover bend back even slightly, a section pops out. I feel frustrated & slightly stupid - is there something I'm missing with how to secure the pads with the straps? It almost seems like there should be something that crosses over the three bands and holds them secure.
I've decided to end the review here as I find this to be a very flawed design. It's a good idea in theory, but the elastic bands just don't stay secure...
4 comments:
Another one I don't have to consider. Many thanks, Mistress Reviewer for doing these for yourself and for us.
it does seem like it's an inheritantly flawed design. I appreciate the concept, but I think that myndology has done it better (insertion and removal of sections)
Not having had either, i'm no judge of books. I just like them to stay in one piece!
Too bad-- I love the concept but it seems very poorly executed. Great review, though!
Mine worked great for about 4 months--then the plastic binding that holds the little elastic bands just broke. Can't replace the pads if the binding is broken.
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