RINGS vs DISCS! 

I loved your video. I have used discbound for years, but keep debating trying A5 rings. My favorite punch is the Levenger heavy duty punch. Spendy, but it does go on sale periodically. The levenger punch has a wider mushroom head than the arc and tul punch and a longer "stem" than the arc and tul. I find the pages stay in my rings better with the levenger punch.

I purchased the Arc paper punch. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, the “mushroom stems” are slightly shorter than the stems you get using the Happy Planner punches. But the Arc is AMAZING! It is a beast. Right now it sits on my floor because my desk is too small to hold it. But it is so worth picking the thing up off the floor when ever I need to punch a bunch of papers. It is worth the money if you are truly invested in using the disc bound system. TFS!

I really felt it when you said you are changing planners almost daily. I'm right there with you girl! There are just too many fabulous options, and I can never seem to just stick with one planner. When some people say they choose one planner for the year, and only use that one no matter how much they hate it - just can't relate!

I have enjoyed my disc bound system for work because it is so customizable. I think it always is about what works best for you. I created my own covers and dashboards as needed as well as daily and weekly pages. The point of any planner is to be used.

#embracethediscs I agree! disc system needs more love. I have to be able to fold my planner on to itself and I enjoy not having to open up a ring system to customize. Not to mention I don't have much patience to cut slits into the ring bound inserts, LOL Thanks for the great info.

I've been using the Classic size Happy planner for almost 2 years, and just got the punch for it a couple months ago as I've been planning on making dividers to sell on etsy (just haven't gotten there yet) But I just love the versatility of the discs - taking out sheets, putting different ones in, changing the covers, etc. I've also been printing my own inserts to use, and making my own dividers and such. I've been eyeing a Plum Paper planner for a while, but at this point, I need to get back into a job or consistently sell from my shop (be busy enough to make a schedule) before I buy another planner. Its always fun to see others' opinions on different planners, and you've been doing so many, I love it.

Poi and hun and 8 lotus are my go to for disc inserts. Poi and hun has some awesome accessories too!

Discs are the clear winner for me! Excitedly in process of switching from rings to discs!!! Someone would make a million if they invented a small, light, portable, metal, yet still very strong disc puncher to throw in a purse or pen pouch. That can punch 8-12 "mushroom" holes. Maybe that folds closed too. Ideally strong enough for even laminated (I heard putting piece of paper or washi over it helps it punch easier) and thick cardstock. Also more colors of metal rings, though there's a company with good color range...I forget who, maybe Levenger.

So far you are the ONLY video really talking about the differences in the system, rather than anything else like inserts etc. Thank you a lot for that. (: I used rings, am currently in a TN system and am thinking about establishing discs. (:

My favorite discs so far have been from Inkwell Press. They are beautiful. I just moved back to A5, but now I'm missing my discs!

Great comparison! I agree that the lack of accessories and covers has kept me out of Half Letter but also wanted to add that the two sizes of inserts CAN be mix and matched for anyone in A5 rings that doesn’t care if their papers align perfectly on the sides. I’ve trimmed half letter to A5 height and made it work before. 😊

Currently using a half letter discs for work I like that you can fold it over and it doesn’t take up as much desk space

New disc lover. I first bought the disc system from Inkwell Press. But didn’t really use it. Thanks to you and Jen McIntosh , I’m now using Levenger cover with inserts from Cloth & Paper and 8Lotus

I have an A5 Plum Paper planner on discs and I love it.

I was using the HP for my everyday & in August I started using a Clever Fox planner...no rings or discs...a bound daily planner..I’m actually enjoying it!! I am using a Half sheet HP for misc things I’m keeping track, my grocery & long term lists...I have laminated some sheets for my daily to do lists & misc things...that Arc punch is awesome for that purpose, the regular HP punch will damage the punch...

I love inserts and stickers from Theplannerspot 😁😁😁

Wow!! So much has changed in just two years .

I love discs ever since I discovered them! You can either get plenty of good quality covers of your choice on etsy or make them yourself by punching laminated cardstock. As for the punch, I think the ARC punch that you've got is actually the most heavy and clumsy one xD But you're right, they're relatively heavy and expensive as compared to ring punches. That said, if you buy individual discs, 100+gsm paper, make your own covers and create your own inserts and dividers, you can always create exactly the planner that you need. You can fold it in on itself, pull out pages and stick them back intuitively. That's what I love about discs. There are other systems I keep being curious about as well, though (especially Travellers' Notebooks). A downside of discbound planners is that you can't use Tomoe River Paper with them because it's too thin to stabilise the discs properly. My "solution" is to have a discbound planner as my go-to, dabble in TNs occasionally, and use a Tomoe River Paper notebook as my journal. 😊

Thank You. Very informative I just purchased a planner A5 from Kikki k- the Thyme series- it’s beautiful. I did not consider anything you spoke about and am grateful for the I formation

Thanks for the comparison!! I'm using A5 rings for my work planner and I'm really happy with how it works for me. I haul a laptop around with me, so there is room for a bulky planner in my bag. I have a cute Levenger Cisco disc planner for lecture notes when we can go to conferences again. So for now, I'm just goofing around with it.

Started planning a short time ago. I like A5 rings for goals, to do lists and journals. I use a disc planner for appointments.

There is a portable punch from Staples. TUL and Martha Stewart brands carried at Staples also has inserts. Levenger does also.

The Levenger punch is expensive too, but I like it better than the Arc one. You can get a lot of covers for discbound, at retailers such as OfficeDepot has Tul brand. Staples carries Arc brand and Martha Stewart. And I’ve found a lot of inserts on Etsy. Thanks for sharing the comparison!!

Thanks for this video. Playing with the idea of trying disc's. And I love your laugh.

Next year, we will be going to a cash envelope system, so I’m researching all the rings setups that I can find lol. I figure it would be easiest to have my planner / cash envelope system all in one. Thanks for this video! 💕

Have that punch and it can punch multiple pages with ease. Your right it is a beast but a very useful beast! Serious work horse if you love the disc system❣️

I love your videos especially your planner videos. I really like your Cloth and Paper setup. I have both rings and disks. I’ve been trying to decide whether to order ring or disk inserts. Thanks for the great video.

You can change rings in the Franklin covey, and they replace the rings with no fuss if you get a gap.

Loved the video as I do all your videos.

Sew Much Crafting has printable and printed rings and they are so nice!

One thing I don’t like about the rings is when you change order of your paper you gotta open and close, open close… omg thanks for the tip!!!!!

Thank for sharing! I’m leaning towards a disc system but rings just say “pick me” 😊🤷🏼‍♀️

The Levenger punches are so much better. I have the heavy duty one and it looks so much easier to use than the arc one. Plus the punches a tad bit bigger which helps a lot, especially with plastic discs. And I love their compact punch.

Oooohhh didn't know that (tabs sticking out) if you change out rings. An issue I've had with rings is a weird bump with my inserts. I've never had that problem with discs. I was debating on taking the rings out of the personal quilted cover I got from Cloth and Paper and turn into a disc system. Ashley showed this in IG stories a while ago.

The TuL system is branching out to include more options for both leather and faux leather covers as well as inserts.

Woah that punch is huge!! I have a diskbound punch and it's so much smaller than yours!!

Gillio also sells coves that fit discs! Not exactly sure which size/model though.

I was lucky enough to find the arc punch on a sell app (forget which one eBay or offerup) for a fraction of the price, maybe $20. So definitely for those looking, look on the social apps for sellers trying to rid of their goodies.

I'm a new subbie. Loved this video! It was very helpful! If you don't mind me asking, where did you get your leaf ring? It's beautiful!

Happy planner recently got a disc punch out that has all three sizes I paid $30 with taxes. It is a bit cheaper in price.

I just heard that CuteCutCraft.ca is making planners with disc/coil options with cover options. To be released Sept 1. A Canadian option and reasonably priced.

This was so helpful! Where did you get your discs?

I recently tried metal discs and I just couldn’t get used to them. I find that the paper doesn’t turn easily and sometimes gets stuck. It drove me nuts!

Disc ring binders were actually invented in 1948 and have been in use continually since then although they've apparently only been "discovered" by the planner community in the last few years.

Hi I live in australia and the size of paper we have here is A4.I need to buy paper for happy planner big and classic size.where could I get it

As a lefty, I had to stop using the rings because it just became way too uncomfortable.

Thanks for this!

Hi! I’m a newbie this year 2020 but I have chosen the disc bond . I was wondering what size is an A5 is I have the happy planner classic . I’m looking for a cover .

What size are these discs? Now that it's 2022, there are more option for discs right? I'm torn between discs and rings.

Hi Julie! I hope all is well. Where did you get your A5 hole punch?

Both these systems have been around for so many years. Decades and decades for rings and at least a decade for discs. And have been very popular but as with everything it goes thru cycles where it becomes the “it” thing. I’ve used both many times over the years but rings are never my thing. I wouldn’t try to make them fit for me again Bc it just doesn’t work for me. Too many negatives and dislikes. There are a crazy number of options for covers for rings. The C&P type ones are even on Ali express and Amazon. And michaels etc carry them too. There’s a ton of disc cover choices too. Janes Agenda, Talia, TUL, Arc, Levenger, discagenda and many more. And it’s super easy to make your own. And even more brands for inserts and printables. I use discbound for several planners include my social media planning, faith planner and my sons school planner (just did an initial flip thru video on his). I love the discbound for those uses. But I don’t like it for work or my personal EDC. I use a bound book for those and prefer it. I have a Big HP punch which covers letter to micro sizes and you can use a coupon at Joann or Michaels and get it for around $30 and it works for any disc planner size. And it’s not as cumbersome but it is strong. I can punch 10ml laminated covers.

This was helpful as I am trying to figure out if I want to go to rings or discs for '21. I have 2 questions though. Does the Happy Planner punch not work with inserts that would go into a cover? I have that punch from my Happy Planner days already. Also which cover size is comparable to a 7 x 9?

I got the same Rapesco punch but haven't figured out how to use it to punch A5.

I need C&P to restock their agendas and planners! I’ve been saving up for one!

You totally overpaid for that punch LOL I think I got mine for maybe $20 at office depot, and you can use a coupon. I do like the Tul brand system much more than any other.