🟢Van Der Spek review - long version.

[@waggermama]

I recently treated myself to a VDSTouch Me, and aside from the feel of the leather, I was impressed. The one stand out was how light it is compared to other leather binders. It is lighter than both my veg tan Moterm, and a rather dodgy Gillio I picked up.

[@Flatability]

That’s really interesting! I hadn’t considered the weight. Thanks for your feedback.

[@waggermama]

@@Flatabilitygiven how robust they are supposed to be, with the lightness, they’d make a good travel organiser, I think.

[@Flatability]

I agree.

[@lovefromjuliaxo]

Why didn’t you like the feel of the leather? I thought gillios were meant to be best of the best

[@SigogglinJack]

What a beautiful notebook. I think my Travelers notebook journey will run its course in a few months and I’m thinking a Filofax may be my next step. Much more organized. I hope when we both reach the pearly gates we’ll have plenty of journal options.

[@Flatability]

I will look forward to seeing some Filofax based videos.

[@navarreau5]

Thanks for another absolutely fabulous video Neil. I think these 2 were a great match up to compare together for VDS v current Filofax. Your video kind of summed up that the VDS is constructed with top quality at every stage. I would find it interesting to compare the VDS Touch Me with a Moterm also. I am just disappointed that the Filofax quality has changed so much over the years 😢 And at a point where there are other binders now available to buy easily online that are only a bit more in price but substantially bettee in quality?? I am waiting with bated breath for more of your reviews ❤

[@Flatability]

It was a difficult video to make, but I hope I got the balance right.

[@navarreau5]

​@@Flatability you certainly did. It just makes me now go to your other 'review' videos to re-watch those 😂

[@navarreau5]

And I have been watching your Reviews videos on shuffle 😂

[@SuzWhat]

I really enjoyed this comparison. I’ve contemplated VDS and Gillio binders in the past but, alack and alas, I already had Filolax and other binders so I couldn’t justify the purchase. I’m not sure which I’d choose in your hypothetical. I might be shallow enough to go with the Filofax brand name. I think you showed they are both fantastic. The only solution is to search for a deal on the secondary market and get both. I also agree that a bright lining helps you see things better in a bag or a pocket. 😁 Thanks for sharing! Peace and love..Suz What ☮️💛

[@Flatability]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@waggermama]

From memory, VDS keep the TM price below the import minimum, but it means you can’t tack on extras like a fly leaf or accessories without paying customs fees

[@Flatability]

That's a very good point.

[@olliee.0815]

Thanks for the video! You should try to get a custom VdS in "Janet Leather" in your hands! This is another level of leather quality and haptical experience. Believe me! I do also have a Malden, but for me the leather is much too coated with a sort of plastic feeling compared to VdS.

[@Flatability]

I was aware that the Malden's leather was noticeably "plastic", but it still came as a shock. I paid just £52 for mine, which represents good value as a working tool, but I suspect that anyone paying full price might be a little disappointed. Thanks for the tip about the Janet leather; I might just do that some time.

[@bestlaidplans2024]

Now I'm imagining you only using planners in anger 😆

[@wendyhopkins2902]

I love my filofax norfolk personal 30mm rings are perfect, having previously been in a Malden, it's great for more pages, having bought 2 x Maldens and a Norfolk I've never had problems with rings or zips

[@Dreblueskies]

I love my VDS! I have the same color 🧡 enjoy 😊 I would really enjoy a vintage Filofax but have a hard time finding them. Have you tried an A6 size binder?

[@Flatability]

Thank you. I'm sure I will. Incidentally, I sometimes use A6 paper in personal sized filofaxes.

[@lovefromjuliaxo]

@@Flatabilitysurely a6 paper would be far too wide for a personal Filofax

[@Flatability]

Not for me, as I don't tend to use dividers.

[@hnangell]

bo-o-o-o-r-r-r-ing

[@Flatability]

These extended reviews aren’t for everyone, but there’s a much shorter version available for those who are in a hurry. Have a look at the short version and let me know what you think.