Chois top-bound 80g/m² notepads

[A Smug Dill]

I came across this brand and its paper products while browsing Taobao:

which left no doubt in my mind it is pitching itself as a cheaper (and, in the Chinese market, more local) alternative to Rhodia staple-bound dotPads and the brand's other Bloc notepad products with 80g/m² paper. Curiosity got the better of me, so I ordered a few (note: you can't order single units of them from the Chois ‘official’ storefronts on Taobao) that were discounted and sold as-is, on account of their being ‘defective’ in the binding and/or having warehouse-soiled covers, just to test the paper quality. I was hopeful that it'd at least make a decent showing.

 

 

 

 

 

Having tested it for myself, my recommendation is: don't bother, the paper is not at all ‘fountain-pen friendly’, and even though Rhodia is not exactly at the top these days, I'll take/use that — or even Exacompta FAF 70g/m² paper — over the Chois product any day.

[A Smug Dill]

I contacted the seller (the Chois brand's official storefront on Taobao) just now to give them some feedback, and had an… interesting conversation, along the lines of:

  Quote

Maybe the problem is with your ink

Did you see how many different inks and different pens I tried?

So you just buy Rhodia

If Rhodia is better

I intend to, and that's what I'll recommend, too. (I have a large stash of Rhodia here, but I just like to also try and test other brands, and give them a chance.)

We no need any chance, thanks

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Very well.

[Lithium466]

Thank you for your review and (non) recommendation. Hard pass!

(I did like the yellow covers)

[AmandaW]

  On 3/29/2025 at 7:29 AM, A Smug Dill said:

interesting conversation

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Their attitude and customer service is on par with their product... rubbish.