LEAGIM Journal Notebook, A5, 192 Pages 100 GSM Thick Paper,

The Verdict

The LEAGIM A5 Journal: 100 GSM paper that actually delivers (with a few honest caveats)

Most journals in this price range give you 70–80 GSM paper that ghosts with anything wetter than a ballpoint. The LEAGIM A5 skips that compromise with 100 GSM stock, and after 240 Amazon ratings averaging 4.8 stars, it’s clear buyers notice the difference. I’ve tested this against Moleskine Classic and Leuchtturm1917 — here’s the honest breakdown.

What you actually get

A hardcover A5 notebook (roughly 5.8 x 8.3 inches) with 192 numbered-free pages. The cover has a subtle textured finish that resists fingerprints — a small detail, but one that keeps it looking clean on a desk. Inside, the paper is bright white, not ivory. That matters if you’re picky about warmth. The binding is sewn, which is what gives it that lay-flat behavior. There’s also a ribbon bookmark, an elastic closure, and a back pocket for loose receipts or scrap paper.

Performance and real-world use

The 100 GSM paper is the headline feature, and it earns the attention. I tested with a Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen (medium nib), a Uni-ball Signo 0.5 gel, and a Sharpie pen. No bleed-through on any of them. There’s slight ghosting — faint shadowing on the reverse side — but it’s minor and doesn’t interfere with writing on the back. Drying time is reasonable; you won’t smudge with a quick page turn.

The lay-flat binding is the second standout. Open it to any page and it stays put without pressure. That’s a genuine advantage for left-handed writers or anyone who journaling with the book flat on a desk. The A5 size is a sweet spot — large enough for substantial entries, small enough to drop in a bag without dominating it.

What buyers consistently praise

Scrolling through the 240+ ratings, three themes come up repeatedly: the paper thickness, the binding, and the overall value. One verified buyer wrote, “I’ve bought journals twice this price that ghost worse than this. The 100 GSM is a real difference.” Another noted, “The lay-flat binding sold me — it’s like writing on a desk even when you’re on the couch.” A third mentioned the cover quality: “Feels more expensive than it is. The texture is nice, not rubbery.”

Where it falls short

The bright white paper is the biggest subjective miss. If you’re used to cream or ivory pages (like Leuchtturm’s), the stark white can feel clinical after extended reading sessions. It’s a preference, not a flaw, but it’s worth knowing.

The elastic closure is functional but not built for heavy travel abuse. It works fine for desk use, but if you’re shoving this in a packed backpack daily, it stretches slightly over a few weeks. Not a dealbreaker — just don’t expect a lifetime warranty on the band.

There are no page numbers or a pre-printed index. For bullet journaling, that means you’ll spend time setting up your own navigation system. It’s a minor annoyance, but for a notebook at this level, pre-numbered pages would be a welcome addition.

Who should buy this

• Journal writers who want substantial daily entries without buying a new notebook every six weeks
• Fountain pen users on a budget who refuse to deal with bleed-through
• Students or professionals who need a durable A5 for notes that will hold up to heavy use
• Bullet journalists who don’t mind creating their own index system

Skip it if you require cream-colored paper, need pre-printed page numbers, or expect a heavy-duty elastic closure for extreme travel conditions.

FAQ

Q: Does the 100 GSM paper work with fountain pens? A: Yes. Medium and fine nibs perform well with no bleed-through. Wet, broad nibs may show ghosting, but it won’t ruin the reverse side.

Q: How long will 192 pages last? A: For one page per day, roughly 6 months. For two pages daily, about 3 months. It’s a solid middle ground between pocket notebooks and full-size journals.

Q: Is this good for bullet journaling? A: It works, but there are no page numbers or key pages pre-printed. You’ll set those up yourself. The thick paper handles washi tape and mild highlighting without issue.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want thick, fountain-pen-friendly paper without paying premium prices, and you value a binding that stays flat.

Skip it if you’re set on cream paper or need pre-printed structure for your journaling system.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The LEAGIM A5 delivers on its core promise: thick paper, durable construction, and lay-flat usability at a price that undercuts the competition. The white paper and missing page numbers keep it from a perfect score, but for most writers, this is the best value in the A5 category right now.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.