National Computation Pad, 5 x 5 Quad Ruling and Unruled, 8.5" x 11", 100 Sheets (42382)

I compared the Roaring Spring to the "New" National 100 sheet pads. (See addendum below about the word "New")Both pads are the same thickness and thus the paper is exactly the same thickness on both pads.The "New" National paper was slightly greener and the Roaring Spring slightly paler.The grid is higher on the page on the Roaring Spring, meaning the margin at the top is smaller and the margin at the bottom is larger when compared to the "New" National. The grid is the same 5x5 on both pads and is the same size, just located on the page differently between the manufacturers.On the "New" National, the three boxes at the top are equal in size. The "New" National boxes are larger because the top margin is larger. Note that the bold horizontal line at the top of the page does NOT extend all the way to the edge of the page on the "new" National sheet. On the Roaring Spring; the box at the top right is larger than the middle and leftmost box and the bold top line does extend to the edges of the page.On the back: the grid on the "New" National has finer and sharper lines. The grid on the Roaring Springs shows through to the front of the page slightly better: this could be a positive or negative depending on your preference.The "New" National pad is made in Brazil, and the Roaring Spring pad is made in the USAI like "New" National pad, mostly because that is the brand that I used in school many moons ago. But if you prefer the lines to show through to the front slightly better, you may prefer the Roaring Spring pad.Addendum:So why do I call it the "New" National pad? Because I just found an "Made in the USA" National sheet in an old file! The old sheet was from about 1984. What is very interesting is that the layout of the Roaring Springs sheet is almost identical to the 1984 National sheet. The sizes of the boxes at the top are the same and the margins are very close to the same. The color is slightly different between all three sheets, but the 1984 one could be faded, obviously. The lines on the back of the 1984 National are the sharpest of the three papers. If you want an engineering pad with margins and edge lines like the old "Made in the USA" National pads, the best choice is the Roaring Springs pad.

This is by far my favorite paper to write on/take notes/draw for fun with. I love the color and the graphing lines are perfect for all my lists and notes. The lines are much more visible when the paper is still attached to the pad, something I feel pretty neutral about but may effect your decision. I dislike how expensive it is but only because I go through this paper fast. I LOVVVVE IT.

Tops, National, and Ampad, and I did my own comparison. Tops has the sharpest lines, then National, and Ampad respectively. Thickness of sheets was very close with National being the thickest, 7 percent thicker than Tops and 9 percent thicker than Ampad. As you might suppose, it is more difficult to see the grid lines through the paper of the National than the other two, however all brands have grid lines visible through the paper. National is slightly darker green then the other two where the color between the other two is almost indistinguishable. The most important thing is the look and feel of the paper and smoothness of the writing and I tried to be as objective as possible but it really comes down to preference. National feels the smoothest with a sharp .03mm mechanical pencil, very close behind is Tops, and Ampad is noticeably worse in a side by side comparison. National again wins in the look and feel being more uniform and flat compared to the slight waviness of the other two, and less likely to buckle when erasing. Lastly, at the time of purchase Tops was $6.14 for 100 sheets, Ampad was $5.81 for 100 sheets, and National was 3.99 for 100 sheets all prices were as add on items where the total order must be $25 or more. Price aside, I think it's pretty clear that National comes out on top of the other two brands unless not having the grid lines show through as well is just a deal breaker. Tops is also very good and is worth paying a few cents more for than Ampad.

The sheets are so smooth and so durable!!! I am never going to buy the cheaper option ever! BEST ENGINEERING PAPER in the opinion of an engineering student that has to go through 25 pages weekly for homework assignments. You can see the attached images for a comparison between the two papers, you can see the difference, IMO it is really worth it to spend the extra $2 for this brand of paper, it will make your life easier

Used this paper for years (now a recovering engineer) and didn't realize how much I missed it. Today's pad seems a little different than what I grew up with - paper weight seems lighter and the pad separated from its cardboard backing almost immediately. But it still is easy to erase and ink (fountain pen) doesn't bleed through to the next sheet very often. I guess I'd try another brand next time. This is pretty pricey stuff, but it sure is good to have a pad around. Niche product so it's probably not for everyone. Would recommend to friends and family with caveats.

I really like this pad because I was searching for an option that has a lighter grid on the back, since I like to use both sides for taking notes. The back cardboard is not well secured - it fell off my first pad and I removed it from the second on I purchased, but the glue on top holds nicely. Does the job and meets my unconventional specs.

I started using this while I was getting my degree in the 1970s. I used it throughout my career as an engineer and find it is still the best notepad for my uses. This brand is the only consistent provider of good engineering notebook paper. Over the years my company tried several cheaper brands; I ended up buying my own. I use it today to take notes in my music classes. Its still the best.

Perfect paper for computations.The grid on the back is dark enough to be viewed from the front for calculation alignment, but not so dark that it interferes with the information.Paper weight is ideal.I have tried many other brands, but have been dissatisfied with all except National.