Rollabind Binding System Review

I first learned about the Circa/Rollabind system while learning everything I could about David Allen's "Getting Things Done" methodology. I love innovative new office supplies, so I couldn't wait to check out this new notebook system that was supposedly making life easier.

My first encounter with the product was via the Levenger web site, which offered a "starter kit" for a fairly reasonable cost. I also stopped by a Levenger store (luckily we have one in the city) and discovered they were offering a free Circa notebook if you asked for a demo. I was hooked immediately - it is just not possible to put into words how cool the notebooks are. If you try to explain it to someone, they look at you like you are crazy - because, how can a glorified 3-ring-binder be life changing? As dumb as that sounds, it's true.

After ordering the starter kit, I learned these products are licensed and can be found much cheaper elsewhere - Staples offers them in their stores for $5.99 for the junior size, and the refills are between $3-4. You can also buy direct from Rollabind, but I haven't yet done this.

If you decide the system is for you, I strongly recommend buying the hole punch, because it opens up a whole new world. You can punch anything - and even create your own planner pages or other systems, like recipie books or photo albums. Just keep in mind you need to use thicker paper (I've found 28 lb. weight is the best) because standard paper is not thick enough to hold up once you start moving the pages around in your binder.