10Best.Guide

Legal Pads

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Quality hard back for writing without a clipboard
  • Neat perforation for straight edges
  • Right size for leaving notes and making lists
  • Paper tears off without ripping
  • Narrow line spaces
Cons
  • Bad smell
  • Potentially toxic chemical used in paper processing
Bottom Line
These legal pads are of good quality, with neat perforation and narrow line spaces. However, some customers have reported issues with bad smell, potentially toxic chemicals, and lower quality compared to previous purchases. The price is also higher compared to other similar products on Amazon.
Pros
  • Thick and heavy paper
  • Sheets tear off cleanly
  • No bleed with ballpoint or gel pen
  • Smooth writing surface
  • Sturdy and versatile
Cons
  • Ink bleeds with certain pens
  • Packaging is excessive and not protective
Bottom Line
These legal pads are a great choice for those who want thick, sturdy paper and a stiff cardboard back. However, they may not be the best choice for those who use fountain pens, and the excessive packaging is not protective.
Pros
  • High-quality paper that handles fountain pen ink well.
  • Narrow ruled lines are perfect for note-taking.
  • Premium version has heavier paper.
  • Smooth paper and good perforations.
  • Good weight and narrow rule for taking hand notes.
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other options.
  • Some quality control issues with perforation and paper weight.
Bottom Line
The Mintra Office Legal Pads are a good option for those who need high-quality paper that handles fountain pen ink well. However, they are on the expensive side and have some quality control issues with perforation and paper weight. The paper is also slippery and some pens won't write on it.
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Good paper quality
  • Convenient size
  • Pages do not detach easily
  • Comes in a big pack
Cons
  • Lines are too pronounced
  • Not suitable for fountain pens or markers
Bottom Line
These legal pads are a good value for everyday use, but may not be suitable for professional settings or use with certain writing instruments.
Pros
  • Good for taking notes in class or at work.
  • Affordable price.
  • No holes or rough edges.
  • Easy to tear.
  • Great for everyday use.
Cons
  • Thick blue lines.
  • Flimsy cardboard backing.
Bottom Line
The TOPS The Legal Pad Writing Pads are an affordable option for everyday use, but may have some issues with thickness of lines, flimsy backing, and ink rule darkness.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Legal Pads: Types, Features, Prices, Tips, and FAQs

Overview

Legal pads are a staple for professionals, students, and anyone who needs to take notes or jot down ideas. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect legal pad for your needs. In this buying guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about legal pads, including types, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

There are several types of legal pads available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Spiral-bound legal pads: These legal pads have a spiral binding that allows you to flip through pages easily. They're great for left-handed writers and offer a sturdy writing surface.

2. Top-bound legal pads: These legal pads are bound at the top and have a cardboard backing. They're ideal for right-handed writers and provide a smooth writing surface.

3. Perforated legal pads: These legal pads have perforated pages that tear out easily. They're perfect for taking notes on the go or sharing pages with others.

4. Yellow legal pads: These legal pads are the most traditional and recognizable. They feature yellow paper and blue lines and are perfect for legal work or general notetaking.

5. White legal pads: These legal pads are similar to yellow legal pads but feature white paper. They're ideal for professionals who need to make photocopies of their notes.

Key Considerations

When choosing a legal pad, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

1. Size: Legal pads come in various sizes, including letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) and legal size (8.5 x 14 inches). Choose a size that fits your needs.

2. Ruling: Legal pads come in various ruling styles, including college ruled, wide ruled, and legal ruled. Choose a ruling style that works best for your writing style.

3. Binding: Consider the binding style of the legal pad. Spiral-bound legal pads are great for left-handed writers, while top-bound legal pads are ideal for right-handed writers.

Features

Legal pads come with various features that can enhance your notetaking experience. Here are some features to look for:

1. Margin lines: Margin lines help you keep your notes organized and neat.

2. Pre-punched holes: Pre-punched holes make it easy to store your legal pad in a binder.

3. Micro-perforated pages: Micro-perforated pages tear out easily and cleanly.

Prices

Legal pads are available at various price points, depending on the size, type, and features. Here are some price ranges to keep in mind:

1. Budget: $5-$10 for a pack of 3-6 legal pads.

2. Mid-range: $10-$20 for a pack of 6-12 legal pads.

3. High-end: $20-$30 for a pack of 12-24 legal pads.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect legal pad:

1. Consider your writing style when choosing a ruling style.

2. Choose a size that fits your notetaking needs.

3. Look for features that enhance your notetaking experience.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between letter size and legal size legal pads?

A: Letter size legal pads are 8.5 x 11 inches, while legal size legal pads are 8.5 x 14 inches.

Q: What is the best ruling style for notetaking?

A: The best ruling style depends on your writing style. College ruled is great for small handwriting, while wide ruled is ideal for larger handwriting.

Q: Can I use legal pads for drawing?

A: Yes, legal pads are great for drawing and sketching.

Q: Can I recycle legal pads?

A: Yes, legal pads are recyclable. Check with your local recycling center for specific guidelines.

Conclusion:

Legal pads are an essential tool for anyone who needs to take notes or jot down ideas. By considering the types, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs, you can find the perfect legal pad for your needs. Whether you're a professional or a student, a high-quality legal pad can help you stay organized, productive, and efficient.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • No bleed through with gel pens
  • Holds up well to coffee rings and scribbling abuse
  • Fast shipping and well-packed
  • No need for batteries or assembly
  • Handy size for jotting notes and writing lists
Cons
  • Flimsy cardboard back
  • Pages tear off too easily
Bottom Line
These recycled legal pads are a good option for those who want to support the environment and need a handy size for jotting notes and writing lists. However, the flimsy cardboard back and poor perforation for tearing off a sheet may be frustrating for some users.
Pros
  • Sturdy backing
  • Good quality paper
  • Thick sheets that don't bleed through
  • Easy to tear from binder
  • No need for a surface to write on
Cons
  • Poorly perforated
  • Expensive
Bottom Line
The Tops Docket Gold notepads are a good quality product with a sturdy backing and thick sheets that don't bleed through. However, they are expensive and have issues with perforation and line thickness.
Pros
  • Quality paper for smooth writing
  • Legal size cover available
  • Does not bleed with fountain pen
  • Affordable price
  • Perforations are crisp and clean
Cons
  • Paper is not perforated properly
  • Cardboard backing is flimsy
Bottom Line
Mead Legal Pads are a good choice for those who need an affordable, durable, and convenient option for note-taking and writing. However, they may not be suitable for professional use and the cardboard backing is flimsy.
Pros
  • Good size for note-taking and reminders.
  • Perforated top for easy removal of pages.
  • Smooth writing surface.
  • Convenient for jotting down information.
  • Good quality paper.
Cons
  • Sheets do not tear off cleanly.
  • Dark rules compete with writing.
Bottom Line
These jr size legal pads are a great option for those who need a convenient and organized way to take notes and make reminders. The paper is of good quality and the perforated top makes it easy to remove pages. However, some customers have noted issues with tearing off pages cleanly and the dark rules competing with writing. Additionally, the price is higher compared to other options on the market.
Pros
  • Nice colors in notepads
  • Comes in 2 sizes
  • Sturdy cardboard backing
  • Colorful tablets
  • Handy size
Cons
  • Price too high for amount of paper
  • Not standard size of notepad paper
Bottom Line
These notepads come in nice colors, 2 sizes, and have a sturdy cardboard backing. However, they may be overpriced for the amount of paper received and some customers received incomplete packages. The paper is also thinner than expected.
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