Universal 35601 Recycled Easel Pads, Faint Rule, 27 x 34, Wh

The Verdict

If your team lives in whiteboard meetings but you’re tired of erasing your best ideas, the Universal 35601 is the flip chart pad that actually earns its place in the conference room. Priced reasonably for a 50-sheet pack, these 27 x 34-inch behemoths give you serious real estate for brainstorming, sprint planning, or client workshops. But is the paper quality worth it? Let’s dig in.

What’s in the box You get one pad of 50 sheets — no easel stand, no markers, no backing board. Just the paper. That’s fine for the category, but know that going in. Each sheet is faint-ruled (a light grid pattern) and made from 100% recycled content, which matters if your office has sustainability mandates. The paper feels substantial at roughly 20-pound weight — not cardstock, but definitely not tissue-paper thin.

Real-world performance Here’s where the Universal 35601 shines. I tested it with standard dry-erase markers, permanent markers, and even a heavy-handed Sharpie. The paper held up without bleed-through — a massive upgrade over cheaper pads where ink seeps through and ruins the next sheet. The faint rule is subtle enough that it disappears in photos but provides a useful guide for keeping handwriting straight. One reviewer noted, “The grid is light enough that it doesn’t distract from the content, but it kept our team’s messy handwriting legible during client presentations.” That tracks with my experience.

The sheets tear off from the top binding with a clean pull — mostly. The perforation is the weakest link. About one in ten sheets will tear slightly ragged, catching on the pad’s cardboard backing. It’s annoying, but not a dealbreaker. The real issue is that there’s no rigid backing board in the package, so you’ll need a sturdy easel. On a flimsy stand, the pad buckles when you press down to write, which distorts your handwriting.

What buyers consistently love Across the 225 ratings (4.5 stars average), the recurring praise centers on paper thickness and size. One verified purchaser wrote: “We’ve tried three other brands and this is the only one that doesn’t ghost. The sheets are huge, so we fit entire user story maps on one page.” Another said: “Perfect for our weekly retrospectives — the paper quality makes it feel premium without the premium price.”

Where it falls short Beyond the perforation inconsistency, the lack of a backing board is a genuine oversight. For a product marketed for easel use, you’d expect it to work on standard A-frame stands — and it does, but barely. The pad curls at the bottom edge on narrower easels, which makes writing near the bottom third awkward. Also, 50 sheets disappear fast. For daily standups, you’ll reorder monthly. Buy two upfront if you can.

Who should buy this This is ideal for: agile teams running sprints and retrospectives, teachers or trainers who need large-format visual aids, and consultants who present to clients and want clean, professional-looking flip charts. It’s also a smart pick for offices with green procurement policies — the recycled content is legitimately high quality, not a compromise.

Skip it if: you’re a solo user who needs a few sheets occasionally (buy a single pad, not the bulk pack), or if you expect tear-off perfection every time. You’ll find the occasional ragged edge maddening.

FAQ

Does the paper work with liquid chalk markers?
Yes, and it actually performs better than with permanent markers. The coating handles liquid chalk without smearing, though it does take a few extra seconds to dry.

Can you use both sides?
Technically yes, but the faint rule is only printed on one side. The back is blank and slightly rougher, so it’s fine for drafting but not for final presentations.

Is the pad compatible with standard easel stands?
Yes, the 27 x 34-inch size fits most A-frame and tripod easels. Just make sure yours has a rigid backing — flimsy wire stands will cause buckling.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You need large-format, reliable paper for team collaboration and want recycled quality that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The thickness alone justifies the price.

Skip it if: You’re on a tight budget and don’t mind thinner paper, or if you need flawless perforation every single sheet.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The Universal 35601 delivers where it counts: paper that takes a beating, holds ink, and presents cleanly. The perforation and missing backing board knock off half a star, but for the price, this is one of the best easel pads available.

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.