Simply Genius A5 Notebooks for Work, Travel, Business, School & More - College Ruled Notebook - Hardcover Journals for Women & Men - Lined Books with 192 pages, 5.7" x 8.4"(Gray, 20 Pack)

I actually don't really want to call it a "budget" journal because that would imply it has severe quality compromises. Maybe "an excellent notebook especially if you're on a budget but even if you're rich."The paper actually does pretty well with fountain pen ink, as you can see in my pics (Ajisai didn't feather, it smudged when I touched it immediately after writing, which was my b). Obviously it depends on the ink but I was surprised it did so well with the three inks I tested. The color of the notebook was pretty accurate to what I saw on my phone screen, maybe leans a little more green than I expected but not different enough that I would complain. Nobody else has an inexpensive baby blue notebook like this. Its so cute.The paper feels pretty nice to write on. Cream color. Not too smooth, not scratchy, and a bit thin. Theres a bit of ghosting, and it could bleed if you're not careful but I used Tomoe River paper religiously, a little ghosting is nothing to me personally. Paper thickness doesn't have a direct relationship with bleeding/feathering, and it doesn't mean worse quality. Thick paper means heavier, bigger notebooks for the same amount of writing area, as a notebook with the same amount and size of pages with a lower poundage paper.Simply Genius has a pretty good and inexpensive product here. It reminds me a lot of the Rhodiarama, from the feel of the cover to having the exact same features and similar feeling paper, except a quarter the cost. The other difference is the lines extend all the way to the end of the sheets though, so you can see them when the book is closed, which I find kind of unattractive (they say it looks "professional" but I bet my bottom dollar its cheaper to print it this way) but its also more space efficient. Top/bottom margins are very small too. I love the lack of branding, only a tiny printed logo on the inside back cover. There are no construction issues that I can see. I should have bought a 20-pack, they'd look great lined up on the shelf.

Great quality and great product

I use these for a daily notepad at work. They hold up well around the office and traveling. Pages are thick enough to write on both sides with no bleed through. Each ones lasts me 4-6 months before it's full and they hold up better then others I have tried and look more professional then a notepad or spiral notebook

I ordered this journals for my boyfriend who has been writing a ton lately. They were a perfect gift! The outer cover quality is great, and feels very lush. I highly recommend!

Let me start by saying that I find that the sturdiness of this product deserves the 4 stars I gave it, pretty solid all around, my only complaint would be on the ribbon that is used as book mark, it could’ve been a little more tough, but it fulfills its function.The quality of the paper is good, not white, is that yellowish kind, I like it, no sheerness to it, you can’t see through, unless you’re a savage and have a heavy hand, I use a gel pen on it and I liked how it works.I was hesitant about the faux leather, but it’s not bad looking, looks like plastic fabric, not shiny and solid. The pocket in the back is cool, but I find it useless, but maybe someone could have a better use for it. I wish it had a pen holder of sorts, in my book that will add another star. Great value for sure!

I got one of these journals last year and I filled the whole thing so I got some more and gave them to everyone in my family. They are the best journals to use. the pages are strong, it lays flat, the cover is nice, and it’s the perfect size!!

These are very good journals for the price. Seem so far to be holding up well.

The overall quality seems better than any others I have purchased at this price point.

Elegant books, though long time in shipment. Love them… worth the wait.

These look like a good note book only negative thing is that they took too long to arrive

Gréât colour make it easy to spot and pretty solid...

Nice quality notebooks, however shipping was problematic. The first attempted order was a long wait time, and then after about 4 weeks i was notified that the order was undeliverable due to damage (understandable, these things happen) but that resulted in a cancelled order rather than sending out a new one expedited (or even just resending with regular shipping). I reordered and paid for the fastest express shipping which still took 3 weeks. Not what I expected for a wait time (7 weeks overall). At least they are nice notebooks.