Rhodia Notebooks: Hard Lessons from Choosing the Wrong Paper (Twice)

I Learned the Hard Way: Why My First Rhodia Notebook Wasn't the Right One

Back in 2019, I ordered my first Rhodia notebook—a classic orange, lined cover. I was excited. Everyone online raved about the fountain pen friendly paper. I figured: lined is standard, A5 is standard, let's go.

No, wait—that's not exactly right. I actually ordered a A4+ stapledbound lined. Not an A5. And that mistake? It cost me about $35 plus the frustration of lugging around a notebook that barely fit in my bag for three months. I'd made a classic beginner error: assuming all Rhodia notebooks are the same, just different sizes.

In my first year handling orders for our team (I'm not a buyer, but I manage the supplies for about 15 writers and designers), I made this assumption error more than once. I'd see "rhodia dot paper" and think: nice, dot grid is interesting. But I'd also see "rhodia hardcover notebook" and assume it was the same thing in a different cover. Turns out—they're fundamentally different.

What This Article Compares (and Why It Matters)

This isn't a review of Rhodia notebooks. It's a comparison of the key decisions you'll face when buying one—based on what I got wrong.

I'll walk through four dimensions where I made mistakes, comparing Rhodia dot paper vs. lined, softcover vs. hardcover, and even a few thoughts on sizing. Each dimension will have a clear winner—but the right choice depends on your specific needs.

A quick note: I use fountain pens in my work. So I care a lot about paper quality. If you're reading this because you searched "how to write with a fountain pen", you've come to the right place. I'll share what I learned the hard way.

Dimension 1: Dot Grid vs. Lined—The Plot Thickens

What I Thought

When I first saw Rhodia dot paper, I thought: "This is for artists and bullet journalists. I'm a writer. I need lines." So I ordered lined. Simple.

What I Discovered (the Contrast Insight)

When I compared my lined Rhodia notebook side by side with a colleague's dot grid one, I finally understood why people choose dots.

Dots give you a guide without being visually intrusive. With a fountain pen—especially a fine or medium nib—the lines of a lined notebook can sometimes distract you. The dots sit just below your writing, unobtrusive. You can write straight without looking at a rule that cuts across the page.

Most buyers focus on the obvious factor: the grid type. But they miss the overlooked factor: the visual noise on the page. Lines scream "I'm here!". Dots whisper "just a suggestion".

The Verdict

If you're a writer who uses a fountain pen and wants minimal visual distraction, dot paper wins. For mathematical notes or strict formatting? Lines are probably better. For artists, dot grid is excellent for sketching and proportions.

The question everyone asks is: "Which grid is best?" The question they should ask is: "What do I want the paper to do for me?"

Dimension 2: Softcover vs. Hardcover—A Question of Durability vs. Portability

My Mistake

I once ordered 10 Rhodia softcover notebooks for our team—the classic orange staplebound. Then one writer asked: "Where's the rhodia hardcover notebook version? I need something that can survive my bag." I hadn't even considered the difference.

The order was already placed. I couldn't return them. $120 wasted, plus the hassle of reordering. That's when I learned: always ask about use case before buying in bulk.

The Reality

Here's a contrast:

• Softcover (staplebound or side-stapled): Lighter, more flexible, lays flat easily. But corners bend, covers scratch, and they don't survive a backpack well.
• Hardcover (Rhodia's Webnotebook): Durable, protects the paper, looks professional. But heavier, bulkier, and slightly less flexible for writing on a crowded desk.

The Verdict

If you're a desk writer or use the notebook as a diary at home, softcover is fine—it's lighter and cheaper. If you're a commuter, field note-taker, or someone who tosses notebooks in a bag, hardcover is worth the extra $5-7. In my experience, the durability saves you from replacing a ruined notebook mid-project.

Dimension 3: Size Matters (More Than You'd Think)

The Assumption Error

I assumed A5 was the universal "standard" size. Then I ordered an A4+ for note-taking during meetings. That thing is massive. It didn't fit in my laptop bag. I had to carry it separately. Looked ridiculous.

Learned never to assume a size without checking dimensions against your daily carry. That mistake cost me roughly $15 in shipping fees plus a week of inconvenience.

Size Comparison

• Pocket (3.5x5.5 in): Perfect for jotting ideas on the go. Very portable.
• A5 (5.8x8.3 in): The sweet spot for most people. Fits in a standard bind, good for writing and sketching.
• A4+ (8.3x11.7 in): A desk notebook. Great for meeting notes or drafts, but not for mobility.

The Verdict

Stick with A5 or Pocket for everyday carry. Reserve A4+ for stationary use. This is probably true for most writers—unless you're doing large-scale diagrams or need tons of space.

If you search "dave ramsey investment calculator" and also need a notebook for financial tracking, pocket size might be your jam—it fits in a wallet or purse.

Dimension 4: Paper Quality—Where Rhodia Shines (and Where It Doesn't)

The Myth

There's a perception that all Rhodia paper is identical: 90 gsm, smooth, fountain-pen-friendly. That's mostly true for standard notebooks. But when you compare the classic orange paper (Clairefontaine-made) vs. the Webnotebook paper (also Clairefontaine, but slightly different coating?), I've noticed subtle differences.

The classic Rhodia staplebound paper is slightly more absorbent, which some fountain pen users prefer for quicker drying. The Webnotebook paper is slightly more coated, giving a bit more sheen but longer drying time.

The Contrast

When I compared the two side by side—same fountain pen, same ink, same nib—I realized: the classic paper handles wet inks better (less show-through). The Webnotebook paper handles shimmer inks better (more sparkle).

The Verdict

If you're writing with a wet fountain pen (like an extra-fine nib with Iroshizuku ink), classic paper wins. If you're using dry or shimmer inks, the Webnotebook might be better. For most standard inks, both are excellent.

I want to say the classic is the best choice 80% of the time—but don't quote me on that. It's based on personal testing, not a scientific study.

Final Advice: How to Choose Without Making My Mistakes

Based on the errors I've made and the 12-point checklist I created after my third mistake (saved us an estimated $200 in potential reordering), here's my step-by-step approach:

1. First, define your use case. Desk writing? On-the-go note-taking? Fountain pen sketching? Your answer will drive the size and binding.
2. Next, consider the grid. Dot grid for minimalist writers; lined for structured notes; graph for technical work; blank for artists.
3. Then decide on binding. Softcover for home or desk; hardcover for travel and durability.
4. Finally, test the paper. If possible, try a sample. Different Rhodia lines have slightly different properties.

If you're still unsure, start with an A5 dot grid hardcover—it's probably the most versatile configuration. I resisted this advice for a year. Now I own three of them.

Prices as of January 2025: A5 hardcover dot grid runs about $18-22 (check Rhodia's site for current pricing). A softcover staplebound is $8-12. The total cost of ownership includes the notebook plus any shipping or expedited fees—consider that before buying one-off vs. bulk.

If you've read this far and you're thinking: "I just wanted to find a remaining balance calculator, not a notebook guide"—well, hope you found the rest useful too. But if you searched for "remainder calculator" or "how to write with a fountain pen" and ended up here, at least you know what not to buy.

5 minutes of verification beats 5 days of correction. Choose wisely—and test before you buy in bulk.