Five Star College Ruled Notebook: A Comprehensive Review

For students and professionals alike, the humble notebook remains an indispensable tool. Among the myriad of options available, the Five Star College Ruled Notebook by Acco Brands stands out as a popular choice. This article delves into a detailed review of this notebook, examining its features, performance with various writing instruments, and overall value.

First Impressions and Key Features

The Five Star College Ruled Notebook, specifically model number 11231, is proudly made in the U.S. This notebook features a two-subject divider and a colorful cover, adding a touch of personality to everyday note-taking. The manufacturer emphasizes several key features, including its ability to "Lasts all year. Guaranteed!", reinforced storage pockets, a water-resistant cover, and high-quality paper designed to resist ink bleed with common student writing instruments. The notebook also features tough pockets that help prevent tears and hold 6" x 9 1/2" loose sheets and notes. The notebook is recyclable.

Paper Quality and Fountain Pen Performance

The true test of any notebook lies in the quality of its paper, especially for fountain pen enthusiasts. While the paper is described as lightweight and student-quality, it possesses a smooth feel with a slight amount of toothiness. To assess its performance, a series of tests were conducted using a variety of fountain pens, nibs, and inks.

Test Setup

The following pens, nibs, and inks were used to evaluate feathering, bleedthrough, and showthrough:

Montblanc 144, fine 18K gold nib: Sailor Kobe Ooji Cherry
Namisu Nova, medium titanium nib: Montblanc Irish Green
Conklin Duragraph, 1.1 stub nib: Midnight Blue ink creation
Franklin Christoph Panther, Matsuyama medium italic 14K semi-flex nib: DeAtramentis Aubergine
Italix Captain's Commission, medium italic nib: Diamine Woodland Green
Lamy Studio, fine 18K gold nib: Akkermann #14 Purple
Lamy 2000, medium 18K gold nib: Sailor Nioi Sumire
Lamy LX, medium nib: Robert Oster Australian Mauve Opal
Delta Capri Marina, broad fusion nib: GvFC Deep Sea Green
Lamy Safari, broad nib: Diamine Bilberry
Lamy Safari, medium nib: Robert Oster River of Fire
Lamy Al-Star, fine nib: Robert Oster Tranquility
Lamy Safari, fine nib: Cross Violet
Custom made, fine 18k nib: Robert Oster Green Diamond
Delta Horsepower, 1.1 stub fusion nib: DeAtramentis Robert Louis Stevenson
Jinhao 450, Goulet 1.1 stub nib: DeAtramentis Edgar Allen Poe

Feathering

Overall, the Five Star notebook exhibited minimal feathering. Inks used with stub or broad nibs showed some feathering, while almost all fine or medium nibs demonstrated little to no feathering.

Bleedthrough

Bleedthrough was generally not an issue, except in one instance: the Italix Captain's Commission with Diamine Woodland Green, a very wet combination, resulted in a few tiny spots of bleedthrough.

Showthrough

Showthrough was more apparent, particularly with broad and stub nibs. However, the Conklin Duragraph, using a lighter-colored ink, and the Delta Capri Marina with a broad nib and GvFC Deep Sea Green, surprisingly showed minimal showthrough. Almost all of the fine and medium point nibs did not show through, with the exception of the Namisu Nova, which has an exceptionally wet medium titanium nib, and Lamy Safari medium nib with the very wet Robert Oster River of Fire ink.

Durability and Design

The Five Star notebook is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Its water-resistant cover helps protect notes from spills and damage, while the reinforced pockets provide secure storage for loose papers. The spiral binding allows the notebook to lay flat, making it easier to write on both sides of the page. The notebook is also made with SFI® certified paper.

Target Audience and Value

The Five Star College Ruled Notebook is an excellent option for students and professionals who seek an affordable and reliable notebook. Its fountain pen-friendly paper makes it particularly appealing to those who prefer using fountain pens for their writing needs. The notebook's durability and practical features, such as the water-resistant cover and reinforced pockets, further enhance its value.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer reviews of the Five Star College Ruled Notebook are generally positive. Many users praise its durability, ample writing space, and useful features like the built-in pocket folders. Some reviewers note that the notebook performs as well as more expensive options, making it a great value for the price.

However, some negative feedback exists. One reviewer expressed disappointment at receiving only one notebook when the listing suggested multiple notebooks for the price. Another reviewer mentioned that the wire binding caught on their sweater, pulling a string loose.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable price
Fountain pen-friendly paper (especially with fine and medium nibs)
Durable and water-resistant cover
Reinforced pockets for storage
Ample writing space
Spiral binding allows the notebook to lay flat
Recyclable

Cons:

Some showthrough with broad and stub nibs
Potential for bleedthrough with very wet inks and pens
Wire binding may snag on clothing
Paper is not archival quality

Alternatives

While the Five Star College Ruled Notebook offers a compelling combination of features and value, several alternatives are worth considering:

Mead Composition Notebook: A classic and affordable option with a sewn binding and durable cover.
Oxford Spiral Notebook: Similar to the Five Star notebook, but with a slightly different paper quality.
Rhodia Pad: Known for its exceptionally smooth, fountain pen-friendly paper, but at a higher price point.
Clairefontaine Notebook: Another premium option with high-quality paper that is ideal for fountain pens.

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