I've been researching premium Bibles all week, trying to make a decision on the one I wanted. This video was really helpful. It was good to see Bibles compared that are in the same reasonable level of expectation (in this case, personal size). Really appreciate the work you put into these videos. Definitely will recommend them to anyone looking to purchase premium Bibles.
Stephanie de Oliveira I ended up choosing the Schuyler PSQ. Every review I read or saw, including this one, praised it’s quality, readability, and beauty. I actually like the single column layout of the Cambridge Clarion, but as I already own Bibles in that format, I decided to go with the Schuyler for a more traditional approach. Hope this helps!
An excellent review of four fine Bibles, Tim. Anyone of them would be a blessing to any Bible reader. I agree that the Schuyler PSQ's are beautifully constructed and are sized wonderfully. However, I have two PSQ's (NKJV & NIV) and as nice as they are, I find that I really miss the concordances which, (unlike the full size Quentels), are not included in the Schuyler PSQ's. I also have two Cambridge Pitt Minions (again NKJV & NIV), and I feel that the Pitt Minion is almost the perfect Bible. Small font, yes - but still a beautiful clear font on lovely paper. The construction is first class, and the goatskin binding, while a bit stiff at first, softens quite nicely in a very short time and feels marvelous in your hand. The Pitt Minion contains over 10,000 references, a reasonably good concordance (for a small Bible), and those wonderful Cambridge maps which don't go into the "gutter" as they do in the Schuyler Bibles. I vote for the Pitt Minion every time!
My green Goatskin psq CSB isn’t that floppy. It seems that the red calfskin liner makes it fairly stiff or solid. And I think my new Schuyler is the nicest Bible I’ve ever owned. It’s so nice and such a delight to read.
Thanks Tim, great comparison. It makes a big difference when they are put side by side and you layout the pro’s and con’s. I know I’d need a magnifying glass for the Pitt Minion! I’m going to head over to your blog and take a closer look and read your reviews. I appreciate you directing me to this video. It really helped! ✝️
Great video! To me the Clarion is leagues more readable than the PSQ, even though the font is about the same size. I think it is the difference in the leading.
Another great review, and one of those "can't go wrong" Bible choices I think. Personally I've never even owned a goat skin Bible, mostly had bonded leather back in the 80's when I got saved. I didn't have much money back then since I was a teen and listened to the bookstore person that sold me on the bonded leather. I've only had a few genuine leather Bibles since then as I didn't pay much attention to it to tell the truth. I've been watching a lot of Bible review videos the past 14 months and grown my knowledge of brands and quality.
Hey, looking to buy my first premium bible and was having a tough time trying to decide between three of these, stumbled onto your channel trying to find reviews and absolutely loved this. Helped me make my decision. Thanks so much man!
I love my Clarion. I originally got it years ago based on Bible Design Blog’s post on getting it rebound as a leather hardback. I’ll get that done eventually.
I love my Schuyler but wish they will in the future produce a red letter version. I've been used to it for so long it's hard to see the text without it. Thanks for the video.
The Pitt Minion cover is less flexible than the other books not because of the goatskin used but because the goatskin is glued to a sheet of card stock. It’s essentially a flexible hardcover wrapped in leather.
... and not every paste down liner uses a cardstock core at all. I'm thinking Leonard's, for example, which uses no additional core, just the leather and the liner. That can still be super flexible. But in this specific case of the Pitt Minion, yes, its construction makes a world of difference. It's why some people will have their Pitt Minions rebound with an edge-lined cover instead.
I came here to compare the Pitt Minion to the PSQ ... and left wanting the Cambridge Clarion, so ha ha on ME! I wish it had no references and just all that lovely margin space, but so far not ONE of the Bible companies has asked me to join their design team. Huh... weird, right? 😉 Thanks for exactly the video I was seeking! 😊
I think the Clarion is the clear winner in this batch. I love that references are aligned to the verses they're cross referencing, the single column format and font size is easy to read, it has a large concordance, and the form factor just screams, "pick up and read me!" :)
There's something to like about each typeface: the centre column references of the Pitt Minion, the single column with side references of the Clarion, the sharp and smart double column of the PSQ, the clean and minimal single column of the Heirloom. I'd say the largest text size in the smallest Bible is the PSQ. That and the calfskin liner make me think I made the right choice getting one.
Great comparison! I’ve owned all these Bibles at one time or another. I find cross-references to be distracting for me. I think if the Crossway had the quality paper of the Schuyler PSQ, it would be “the one.”
Thanks, Jarrod. You should check out the Heirloom Heritage that Crossway has scheduled for this fall. Same layout as this one, but produced in the Netherlands.
Dollar for dollar, the one Kyle gave you is by far and above the best of the bunch. It's my current go-to, super readable, easy to travel with. I bust out a reference or devotional bible if I need a little more insight or to mix it up.
Can’t decide between the Pitt minion and cross way. I would get the PSQ but that would be too nice for me to want to take anywhere for double the cost of these other ones.
I own the pitt minion in black and brown goatskin and I’ve noticed that, for some reason, the brown is much more stiff than the black goatskin. Not sure why
Loved the comparisons. Im trying to figure out difference between Canterbury and quentel. Looking at a page of each they seem the same but quentel seems a more modern font. This vid 3 yrs old but if someone happens by.... Would love your opinion.
Hi Tim! Very late to the party here, but I’m on my own hunt for the “right” small Bible and your reviews have been incredibly helpful. The one comparison I would love to see is how the PSQ compares to the updated version of the Heritage produced by Jongbloed. I love the single column layout of the Heritage, but the information I’ve come across seems to indicate it’s bigger than the China-produced version and I’m concerned that it isn’t quite a “small” Bible anymore. What are your thoughts? Which feels better in hand? (And my apologies if you’ve already answered this question somewhere else.) Thanks for your time, and all the work you put into these reviews!
It’s definitely a tad bigger, and noticeably so compared to the PSQ. That said… I really like it. Crossway has a new Heirloom Alpha coming soon that will be even smaller.
@@timwildsmith Thanks for the response, Tim! And for the heads up on the Alpha. I’ll keep an eye on that as more details become available. Though I will probably need to content myself with the size of the Heritage if I’m really keen on the readability of that text layout.
Is the Schuyler personal size significantly superior to the clarion? Or would you consider the clarion a high-quality substitute? Given the significant price difference I’m leaning towards the Clarion.
In your article on your blog for this you say PSQ is 6.75 font and PM is 8.5. Should this not be the other way around? ( Commenting here as tried to comment there but wouldn't let me without making an account which I couldn't be bothered to do)
Nice review Tim. But I don't think Crossway premium bibles are anymore at the same level as Cambridge and Schuyler bibles. Since they started to print their premium bibles in China their quality has notoriously dropped (and their prizes are the same). Just by watching your video you can tell that that Heirloom is not in the same. Last year I got a Crossway ESV Omega goatskin without knowing it was printed in China, and the quality was definitely not that of a premium bible. It was so disappointing. I just had to return it.
Thanks for the insight. I think you're right that Schuyler and Cambridge (and Allan) are in a class of their own, but I think the premium Bibles from Crossway, Zondervan, Nelson, and other larger publishers are still good Bibles. I certainly think Crossway has been hurt this year by the fact that their last few runs of Bibles from Royal Jongbloed were so nice that these first few runs from China have underwhelmed some folks.
Such a great video. I've been using a Pitt Minion calf split for the last three years and holds up really well to daily use. That Clarion is my next bible, I really like the look of the single column format.
Great job on this review. All your videos are wonderfully done. I wish one of these bibles was a V by V. Do you know if any ESV personal size premium bibles that are?
Thank you! Schuyler is coming out with an ESV Treveris next year. It's not personal size, but it's smaller than the Quentel. Other than that, I don't think there's a premium, small, verse-by-verse out there at the moment.
Greetings Tim, Is your ESV Pitt Minion a 2016 text edition or are they all 2011? I am curious if they ever made a 2016, as if they have, I will be returning my 2011 I just received. Thanks!
Hey Tim, I have been doing my research on the premium Bibles and even got in contact with Evangelical Bibles to have some questions answered. I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the Facebook groups that are good to join for premium Bibles? I plan on purchasing the Schuyler wide margin NASB and a Schuyler NASB credo. The other ones I'm interested in are a smaller NIV Alan or Schuyler Thinline. Those are some I plan on buying in the future. Anyway thanks for the videos... You have some good content!!! Peace and Blessings!!!
I thought I would be double column for life but that Clarion has got me thinking. I want a hand size bible for church but why sacrifice readability with a small font when single column allows for a larger font.
Hi there! New to bibles here, and I'm just wondering if you can suggest an ESV bible that has thick enough paper that you can't see the print through from the other side (ghosting)? It doesn't have to be premium, or leather bound. I would be just as happy with a hardcover/cloth cover. But if there is a premium version I'd consider that too. Just trying to find something easy to read! Thank you so much!
Great question... Bibles are so thick that the paper is usually very thin. You can go with something unique like the ESV Reader's Bible set, which is printed on really thick paper like that of a novel. Otherwise you might want to consider a wide margin Bible with slightly thicker paper that is designed to be written in (ie. the paper is usually thicker).
I never understood why any of these major Bible producers doesn’t simply put the references in the gutter. I hate having to read in the gutter, especially if the lighting isn’t that great
I had 3 out of 4 bibles. Crossway - my favorite text layout, but I strongly disliked “news paper” texture feel - cheap & not pleasant. PSQ - Best bible quality that I’ve ever owned. The 4-6 words per line bothered me. Sold it Pit Minion - Lovely layout, paper quality, but sooo small. Returned . I’m stuck to $30 minutes ESV Thinline - best layout, paper quality, & size :)
I've been researching premium Bibles all week, trying to make a decision on the one I wanted. This video was really helpful. It was good to see Bibles compared that are in the same reasonable level of expectation (in this case, personal size). Really appreciate the work you put into these videos. Definitely will recommend them to anyone looking to purchase premium Bibles.
Thanks, Nathaniel. I’m so glad this was helpful!
Which one did you decide on and why? :) I’m trying to choose one as well!
Stephanie de Oliveira I ended up choosing the Schuyler PSQ. Every review I read or saw, including this one, praised it’s quality, readability, and beauty. I actually like the single column layout of the Cambridge Clarion, but as I already own Bibles in that format, I decided to go with the Schuyler for a more traditional approach. Hope this helps!
Love it!
Really appreciated seeing them in this compare and contrast. Excellent camera angle. Thank you.
You're welcome, Matthew!
An excellent review of four fine Bibles, Tim. Anyone of them would be a blessing to any Bible reader. I agree that the Schuyler PSQ's are beautifully constructed and are sized wonderfully. However, I have two PSQ's (NKJV & NIV) and as nice as they are, I find that I really miss the concordances which, (unlike the full size Quentels), are not included in the Schuyler PSQ's. I also have two Cambridge Pitt Minions (again NKJV & NIV), and I feel that the Pitt Minion is almost the perfect Bible. Small font, yes - but still a beautiful clear font on lovely paper. The construction is first class, and the goatskin binding, while a bit stiff at first, softens quite nicely in a very short time and feels marvelous in your hand. The Pitt Minion contains over 10,000 references, a reasonably good concordance (for a small Bible), and those wonderful Cambridge maps which don't go into the "gutter" as they do in the Schuyler Bibles. I vote for the Pitt Minion every time!
Love it! Thanks, Guy!
This is so helpful, Tim. Thank you very much for showing them all together. Size matters, in so many ways. Had no idea the Clarion was a small bible.
You’re so welcome!!
My green Goatskin psq CSB isn’t that floppy. It seems that the red calfskin liner makes it fairly stiff or solid. And I think my new Schuyler is the nicest Bible I’ve ever owned. It’s so nice and such a delight to read.
Thanks Tim, great comparison. It makes a big difference when they are put side by side and you layout the pro’s and con’s. I know I’d need a magnifying glass for the Pitt Minion! I’m going to head over to your blog and take a closer look and read your reviews. I appreciate you directing me to this video. It really helped! ✝️
Glad it was helpful, Laura!!
ESV Schuyler PSQ is the best! Ordered one and am loving it.
Great review! My main Bible is a Pitt Minion (NASB) and I LOVE it! It was one of the best purchases I have ever made.
Great video! To me the Clarion is leagues more readable than the PSQ, even though the font is about the same size. I think it is the difference in the leading.
Good insight, Gary. I have always loved the look and feel of the Clarion on the page.
Another great review, and one of those "can't go wrong" Bible choices I think. Personally I've never even owned a goat skin Bible, mostly had bonded leather back in the 80's when I got saved. I didn't have much money back then since I was a teen and listened to the bookstore person that sold me on the bonded leather. I've only had a few genuine leather Bibles since then as I didn't pay much attention to it to tell the truth. I've been watching a lot of Bible review videos the past 14 months and grown my knowledge of brands and quality.
Yes… “can’t go wrong” is a good thought on these.
Hey, looking to buy my first premium bible and was having a tough time trying to decide between three of these, stumbled onto your channel trying to find reviews and absolutely loved this. Helped me make my decision. Thanks so much man!
Glad to help!
I love my Clarion. I originally got it years ago based on Bible Design Blog’s post on getting it rebound as a leather hardback. I’ll get that done eventually.
Nice!!!
Have to say the layout of Clarion really stood out to me.
It's VERY nice.
I love my Schuyler but wish they will in the future produce a red letter version. I've been used to it for so long it's hard to see the text without it. Thanks for the video.
I know a lot of folks who really love red letter. Not sure if Schuyler will go that way with ESV or not.
I know when I don’t have red letters I never know when Jesus is speaking 😂😂😂
The quality of the Schuyler with the single-column layout of the Clarion would make the perfect Bible.
I play that game all the time... "the one."
Agree!!
I agree! I love the inside of the single-column Clarion. Reminds me of the NASB heirloom I just bought
I second that motion!
God bless you, Tim
The Pitt Minion cover is less flexible than the other books not because of the goatskin used but because the goatskin is glued to a sheet of card stock. It’s essentially a flexible hardcover wrapped in leather.
Right... paste down liner versus edge-lined. Makes a pretty big difference in how firm the cover feels.
... and not every paste down liner uses a cardstock core at all. I'm thinking Leonard's, for example, which uses no additional core, just the leather and the liner. That can still be super flexible. But in this specific case of the Pitt Minion, yes, its construction makes a world of difference. It's why some people will have their Pitt Minions rebound with an edge-lined cover instead.
Thanks for the comparison!!! I think I'm leaning toward the ESV Heirloom
Good choice!
Loved this comparison review. Loving that Schuyler, for sure! 💕 Thanks, Tim.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching, Sheryl!
Thanks for this video! Great to see them side-by-side. I just got the Clarion in goatskin for my wife, and in calf split for myself.
That's awesome, Geoff!
We need a remake of this with the alpha when the new psq drops
I came here to compare the Pitt Minion to the PSQ ... and left wanting the Cambridge Clarion, so ha ha on ME! I wish it had no references and just all that lovely margin space, but so far not ONE of the Bible companies has asked me to join their design team. Huh... weird, right? 😉
Thanks for exactly the video I was seeking! 😊
I think the Clarion is the clear winner in this batch. I love that references are aligned to the verses they're cross referencing, the single column format and font size is easy to read, it has a large concordance, and the form factor just screams, "pick up and read me!" :)
There's something to like about each typeface: the centre column references of the Pitt Minion, the single column with side references of the Clarion, the sharp and smart double column of the PSQ, the clean and minimal single column of the Heirloom.
I'd say the largest text size in the smallest Bible is the PSQ. That and the calfskin liner make me think I made the right choice getting one.
Good overview, Grant!
Great comparison! I’ve owned all these Bibles at one time or another. I find cross-references to be distracting for me. I think if the Crossway had the quality paper of the Schuyler PSQ, it would be “the one.”
Thanks, Jarrod. You should check out the Heirloom Heritage that Crossway has scheduled for this fall. Same layout as this one, but produced in the Netherlands.
Dollar for dollar, the one Kyle gave you is by far and above the best of the bunch. It's my current go-to, super readable, easy to travel with. I bust out a reference or devotional bible if I need a little more insight or to mix it up.
Nice! It’s a great one.
What a great video. This is going to help a lot of people decide. Which one would you choose if you had to pick one?
Just one... it would be a tough choice between the PSQ and the Clarion.
Can’t decide between the Pitt minion and cross way. I would get the PSQ but that would be too nice for me to want to take anywhere for double the cost of these other ones.
The new Crossway Heritage is very close to this... and made in the Netherlands.
Great review and comparison Tim 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!!
I own the pitt minion in black and brown goatskin and I’ve noticed that, for some reason, the brown is much more stiff than the black goatskin. Not sure why
Interesting! I really love the unique differences between individual Bibles.
Loved the comparisons. Im trying to figure out difference between Canterbury and quentel. Looking at a page of each they seem the same but quentel seems a more modern font.
This vid 3 yrs old but if someone happens by.... Would love your opinion.
Excellent filming, very well done. Clean video.
Thank you very much!
Hi Tim! Very late to the party here, but I’m on my own hunt for the “right” small Bible and your reviews have been incredibly helpful. The one comparison I would love to see is how the PSQ compares to the updated version of the Heritage produced by Jongbloed. I love the single column layout of the Heritage, but the information I’ve come across seems to indicate it’s bigger than the China-produced version and I’m concerned that it isn’t quite a “small” Bible anymore. What are your thoughts? Which feels better in hand? (And my apologies if you’ve already answered this question somewhere else.) Thanks for your time, and all the work you put into these reviews!
It’s definitely a tad bigger, and noticeably so compared to the PSQ. That said… I really like it. Crossway has a new Heirloom Alpha coming soon that will be even smaller.
@@timwildsmith Thanks for the response, Tim! And for the heads up on the Alpha. I’ll keep an eye on that as more details become available. Though I will probably need to content myself with the size of the Heritage if I’m really keen on the readability of that text layout.
Very interesting. I wish I could use a small Bible ...no refs..Just a reader...but I have glaucoma, and need larger print.
Yes, my eyes like a bigger font these days, too.
Oh that PSQ 😍
Such a great Bible.
Is the Schuyler personal size significantly superior to the clarion? Or would you consider the clarion a high-quality substitute? Given the significant price difference I’m leaning towards the Clarion.
I think they are fairly similar in overall quality.
does NRSV has thinline edition?
Ha, I see your Amazon review for the Clarion. Was the one you got from Amazon the 2016 text?
Nope. I got a slightly used one with the 2011 text.
In your article on your blog for this you say PSQ is 6.75 font and PM is 8.5. Should this not be the other way around? ( Commenting here as tried to comment there but wouldn't let me without making an account which I couldn't be bothered to do)
Nice catch! It was actually the entire list of features had been reversed. Thank you!
Nice review Tim. But I don't think Crossway premium bibles are anymore at the same level as Cambridge and Schuyler bibles. Since they started to print their premium bibles in China their quality has notoriously dropped (and their prizes are the same). Just by watching your video you can tell that that Heirloom is not in the same. Last year I got a Crossway ESV Omega goatskin without knowing it was printed in China, and the quality was definitely not that of a premium bible. It was so disappointing. I just had to return it.
Thanks for the insight. I think you're right that Schuyler and Cambridge (and Allan) are in a class of their own, but I think the premium Bibles from Crossway, Zondervan, Nelson, and other larger publishers are still good Bibles. I certainly think Crossway has been hurt this year by the fact that their last few runs of Bibles from Royal Jongbloed were so nice that these first few runs from China have underwhelmed some folks.
If you had to choose between the Clarion & PSQ for an everyday and take to the podium with you what would you choose?
Probably the PSQ... it's just a great size and very readable.
I like the first compact Bible esv I love this bible
Nice!
Glad I found this great video.
Me too! 😉
Can you get the crossway personal size made in the Netherlands or has to be the new China manufacturing? Thanks :)
This one is a new edition and has only been printed in China.
I think they now print them all in China.
Such a great video. I've been using a Pitt Minion calf split for the last three years and holds up really well to daily use. That Clarion is my next bible, I really like the look of the single column format.
Great to hear!
Great job on this review. All your videos are wonderfully done. I wish one of these bibles was a V by V. Do you know if any ESV personal size premium bibles that are?
Thank you! Schuyler is coming out with an ESV Treveris next year. It's not personal size, but it's smaller than the Quentel. Other than that, I don't think there's a premium, small, verse-by-verse out there at the moment.
Great video brother and thank you. Can I ask what camera you are using for your recording? The quality is excellent.
Thank you! This one was filmed on an iPhone XS in 4K.
@@timwildsmith what kind of stand or holder do you use ?
It's just a generic tripod with an iPhone attachment.
PSQ for me would've been PERFECT if it was a bit thinner. It's too bulky to fit in my thinner backpack with my laptop :(
Greetings Tim,
Is your ESV Pitt Minion a 2016 text edition or are they all 2011? I am curious if they ever made a 2016, as if they have, I will be returning my 2011 I just received.
Thanks!
Great question. I’m pretty sure all of the current ESV Pitt Minions were printed prior to the update. Not 100% sure though.
Hey Tim, I have been doing my research on the premium Bibles and even got in contact with Evangelical Bibles to have some questions answered. I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the Facebook groups that are good to join for premium Bibles? I plan on purchasing the Schuyler wide margin NASB and a Schuyler NASB credo. The other ones I'm interested in are a smaller NIV Alan or Schuyler Thinline. Those are some I plan on buying in the future. Anyway thanks for the videos... You have some good content!!! Peace and Blessings!!!
Thanks, London. I really enjoy the “Everything Bibles” group. For Schuyler, I’d suggest “Schuyler Bibles Appreciation Group.”
I thought I would be double column for life but that Clarion has got me thinking. I want a hand size bible for church but why sacrifice readability with a small font when single column allows for a larger font.
I've become a big fan of single columns... and the Clarion is a great Bible.
Hi there! New to bibles here, and I'm just wondering if you can suggest an ESV bible that has thick enough paper that you can't see the print through from the other side (ghosting)?
It doesn't have to be premium, or leather bound. I would be just as happy with a hardcover/cloth cover. But if there is a premium version I'd consider that too. Just trying to find something easy to read!
Thank you so much!
Great question... Bibles are so thick that the paper is usually very thin. You can go with something unique like the ESV Reader's Bible set, which is printed on really thick paper like that of a novel. Otherwise you might want to consider a wide margin Bible with slightly thicker paper that is designed to be written in (ie. the paper is usually thicker).
@@timwildsmith Thanks for the advice! I'll look into those options!
I really want to get a Clarion one day
Great Bible!
Chucky Monkeys I loooovvvvee them 🥰great video thank you for sharing
You're welcome!!!
I never understood why any of these major Bible producers doesn’t simply put the references in the gutter. I hate having to read in the gutter, especially if the lighting isn’t that great
I hear ya... one of the reasons why I like the ESV PR layout.
@@timwildsmith couldn’t agree with you more. That’s one of the best layouts I’ve seen for the ESV
I had 3 out of 4 bibles.
Crossway - my favorite text layout, but I strongly disliked “news paper” texture feel - cheap & not pleasant.
PSQ - Best bible quality that I’ve ever owned. The 4-6 words per line bothered me. Sold it
Pit Minion - Lovely layout, paper quality, but sooo small. Returned
.
I’m stuck to $30 minutes ESV Thinline - best layout, paper quality, & size :)
Man… I know that feeling. Looking for the one that is JUST right.
Want to send me one lol?
🤣😂😉