If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper notebooks, wipebooks and rocketbooks are two popular reusable options on the market.
But what exactly are they, and which one is better suited for your needs? Let’s take a look at the key differences.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Wipebook | Rocketbook |
| Cost | Cheaper, typically $10-$15 | More expensive, usually $25-$35 |
| Writing Method | Dry erase markers | FriXion erasable pens |
| Writing Feel | Requires more pressure, not as smooth | Smoother, pen-like writing |
| Erasability | Use tissue/cloth, some ghosting | Erase with water, less ghosting |
| Customizable Pages | Can remove and rearrange pages | Pages are fixed |
| Saving Notes | Cannot save or scan pages | Can scan/save via app |
| Page Durability | Less durable paper | Pages built for repeated use |
| Extra Features | None | Integrates with cloud apps for organization |
What Is A Wipebook?
A wipebook is a notebook that uses a glossy, waxed paper surface that allows you to write on it with a dry erase marker. When you’re done, you simply wipe away your notes with a cloth or tissue to clear and reuse the pages.
Some of the pros of using a wipebook include:
- Reusable – Each page can be used over and over again, reducing paper waste compared to traditional notebooks.
- Portable – Wipebooks are lightweight and compact. They can easily be carried in a backpack, purse or bag.
- Customizable – Many wipebooks allow you to remove and rearrange pages to suit your organizational style.
- Affordable – Wipebooks are fairly inexpensive, with many costing $15 or less.
However, there are some downsides to consider:
- Ghosting – Heavy marker use can sometimes leave “ghost marks” on the pages even after wiping clean.
- Smudging – Notes can smudge if you brush your hand over the page before the ink is completely dry.
- Limitations – Unlike traditional notebooks, most wipebooks do not allow you to permanently save your notes or remove pages.
Overall, wipebooks are a budget-friendly reusable notebook option well-suited for short-term note taking that doesn’t need to be permanently saved. They provide a “lightweight” feel compared to other notebooks.
What Is A Rocketbook?
Rocketbooks are another type of reusable notebook that let you erase your notes using water. Each rocketbook contains special dot grid paper designed to work with Pilot FriXion erasable pens. When you’re done with your notes, you simply wipe the pages with a damp cloth or run the notebook under a faucet to erase the ink.
Some benefits of using a rocketbook include:
- Reusable – Like wipebooks, each page can be cleared and reused over and over.
- Saveable – Before erasing your notes, you can scan and save pages using the Rocketbook app. This allows you to digitally archive important information.
- Organized – Rocketbooks have a unique dot grid system that allows you to tag and categorize your notes for quick reference.
- High-tech – The Rocketbook app integrates with various cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneNote and more.
- Durable – Rocketbook pages are designed for heavy, long-term use. They hold up better than wipebooks over time.
Potential downsides to consider:
- Higher cost – Rocketbooks generally cost $25-$35, making them pricier than most wipebooks.
- Requires app – You need a smartphone with the Rocketbook app to use many key features like scanning and saving pages.
- Not completely erasable – Heavily used pages may retain some faint markings even after wiping clean.
Rocketbooks are best for those who want to digitally save important notes and get organized with their reusable notebook. The pages are more durable for frequent use.
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Which Is Better For Writing?
Both wipebooks and rocketbooks let you hand write notes, then erase them for reuse. But which writing method provides the best experience – dry erase markers or erasable FriXion pens?
Here’s how they compare:
FriXion Pens
- Very smooth, pen-like writing feel
- Erases cleanly with just water
- Ink dries quickly
- Variety of pen styles and colors
- Can write on both rocketbook pages and wipebook surfaces
- More expensive replacement cost
Dry Erase Markers
- Requires more pressure to write
- Erasure requires tissue/cloth and some ghosting
- Quick dry time
- Limited color options
- Only writes on wipebook surfaces
- Cheap, easy to replace
For most people, the FriXion pens used with rocketbooks will provide better writing comfort and erasability. But dry erase fans may prefer the cheaper, more widely available markers that work great with wipebooks. It comes down to personal preference.
Also watch this about Rocketbooks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are a few other “smart” reusable notebooks besides Rocketbook. For example, the Moleskine Smart Writing Set integrates with your smartphone and uses similar erasable ink technology. Ultimately Rocketbook is the most full-featured smart notebook, but alternatives provide comparable core functionality. Simple wipebooks can also be a good option if you don’t need digitization.
It depends on your needs. For basic reuse, wipebooks provide an affordable option. But rocketbooks add more versatility with their ability to scan and save pages digitally. Rocketbooks also have more organized page layouts. Keep in mind they do cost more than basic wipebooks.
For frequent note takers who want to save their written work, Rocketbooks are often worth the extra cost over basic wipebooks. The combo of reusable pages and digital archiving gives you the best of both worlds. However, the app integration makes them less worthwhile for pure pen-and-paper fans.
Rocketbook is specifically designed for use with Pilot FriXion pens. The pens erase cleanly using only water on Rocketbook’s dot grid paper pages. Other notebooks like the Moleskine Smart Set also work well with FriXion pens, but Rocketbook is optimized for this type of erasable ink.
Also Read: Comparison Between Grainger And Uline.
The Bottom Line
Wipebooks and Rocketbooks both offer reusable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paper notebooks. Here are some final tips on choosing between them:
- Wipebooks – Best for short-term note taking that doesn’t need to be saved. Very affordable and lightweight.
- Rocketbooks – Better for frequent, heavy use and note taking you want to digitally archive. More expensive but with more features.
- Prefer basic pen and paper? Go with a wipebook. Want more organization and tech integration? Choose Rocketbook.
Either option is great for reducing paper waste while giving you endlessly reusable pages. Think about your specific notetaking needs and budget to decide if a wipebook or Rocketbook is right for you.
With either, you can say goodbye to buying notebooks and enjoy the freedom of erasable writing.