Sportstech, certainly a good decision. I do believe the 21" is a suiter model. I know the 19" isn't, too small. I think they made the 21" because they new the 22" size could get iffy in the sizer with strict personnel whereas the 21" should pass muster.
19" inch Plat5 is on sale for around $120.
I thought about getting one as a back-up but decided against it. 19" is so small I might as well use one of my shoulder bags.
Besides that, I have another carry-on roller in 22x14x9 size which is the Valoroso VTH22 horizontal garment bag. While still heavy, this was the lightest of the full size carry-on in the Valoroso range.
The handle is the cat's meow in my eyes. Only the Valoroso handle is better in design and execution. Very unfortunately both handle types are not produced anymore.
Programs: UA 1K MM (1.7) RCC, Turkish, Emirates,HH Silver,SPG
Posts: 96
Best Luggage
My experience for the packing case that I owned that was most durable for about 8 years was a Briggs and Riley 24 inch roller. That suitcase was nearly indestructible. When I tried to replace it after about 5 years the luggage shop I bought the bag requested that I leave the bag with them so that Briggs and Riley could recondition that suitcase so I continued to use that bag for another 3 years. They reconditioned it for free. Amazing durability that I never had matched again for a well spent $250 at the time. I now have a Victorinox 22 or 24 inch roller for about 4 years and am also very satisfied with the quality/workmanship. I would highly recommend either brand although I understand Briggs and Riley was sold a few years ago, but the new owner is making high quality bags. I have traveled min 150,000 miles/yr for over 15 years so my suitcases normally take a beating.
My experience for the packing case that I owned that was most durable for about 8 years was a Briggs and Riley 24 inch roller. That suitcase was nearly indestructible. When I tried to replace it after about 5 years the luggage shop I bought the bag requested that I leave the bag with them so that Briggs and Riley could recondition that suitcase so I continued to use that bag for another 3 years. They reconditioned it for free. Amazing durability that I never had matched again for a well spent $250 at the time. I now have a Victorinox 22 or 24 inch roller for about 4 years and am also very satisfied with the quality/workmanship. I would highly recommend either brand although I understand Briggs and Riley was sold a few years ago, but the new owner is making high quality bags. I have traveled min 150,000 miles/yr for over 15 years so my suitcases normally take a beating.
Now that's what I call a qualified opinion. Thanks! My luggage doesn't nearly see this kind of use but I also think BR is one of the best deals out there.
A friend of mine recently has a top-of-the-line 26" Victorinox brand new on its first flight. When it arrived it had one of the wheel axes completely bent, about a 30 degree bend. I took it apart and saw that the axis was about 3.5-4mm thick, so definitely robust quality. I have no idea what kind of force they must have applied to the wheel.
One thing I noticed is that the wheel was mounted all the way to the side of the suitcase and was directly exposed; no wheel cover. So I figured this is one of the things to look for: Wheels that have some side protection so that lever forces only have limited attack angles.
I was wondering if you could PM me where you got it...
Thanks!
Sorry, no PM and no Platinum 5, either. I ordered from LuggageBase.com, got an order confirmation back via email, but 2 days later got another email saying "So Sorry, no inventory, too bad."
And a couple days after that I got another email saying "Hope you had a great ordering experience..."
So I won't be wasting any more time at LuggageBase.com; they don't know what they don't have in stock, and they don't know what they didn't sell either.
Back in Mar-Apr I bought a Delsey Breeze 2.0 26" bag. Flew with it in April & August, no issues. On a flight last month, the bottom 'helper handle' had pulled pulled away from where it was screwed into the main body of the suitcase. On a subsequent flight, it was completely off.
For some (probably stupid reason now), I didn't report it to the baggage department. Instead I guess I thought since the bag was practically new, that maybe it would be covered under the Delsey warranty. Now, looking through their terms, I wonder if they'll consider it to be 'mishandled baggage', and deny my warranty claim.
If that happens, I'm sort of at a crossroads. I really like the bag: it's light, it's expandable, and for a big bag, it's easy to handle. It's also inexpensive, if I'd need to replace it (vs paying for a repair). However, my wife it going to think it's foolish of me to replace the same bag that died after ~6 months.
...my wife it going to think it's foolish of me to replace the same bag that died after ~6 months.
Suggestions?
Pay attention to your wife. I used to buy cheap luggage thinking I could afford to replace them whenever needed. Well, money wise I could, but inconveniences add up. I would seriously consider something better made and warranted. These threads are full of great suggestions but Briggs Riley and Travelpro Platinum 5 are two names that come to mind.
Programs: Star Alliance, Delta, Virgin, Icelandair, Iberia, Amex MR
Posts: 4
Worth the money....
My front closet is a luggage wasteland, filled with suitcases and weekend bags that just didn't make the cut after one or two trips. I keep buying mediocre bags and suitcases thinking that this one looks nice and might withstand the trip...sadly none ever did. Until I bought two Rimowa Topas alluminum cases, 22in carry-on and a 26in check case. Let me tell you, they really take a beating and without a scratch. On my way back from Cali I loaded one side with tons of gifts and junk food and nothing was out of place because of the straps inside and the divider that clips in place. All external parts are extremely sturdy and well made. Looks stunning.
I got a great deal and got both from a retailer in NY. $1425 for both. Its a bit steep but when you think of not having to replace luggage for a long while...it does make sense. I was at Macy's and saw a poly Samsonite that retailed for $500!
But that's just my experience with them and I do highly recommend getting the alluminum instead of the poly.
Best Luggage
I used to buy cheap luggage thinking I could afford to replace them whenever needed. Well, money wise I could, but inconveniences add up. I would seriously consider something better made and warranted. These threads are full of great suggestions but Briggs Riley and Travelpro Platinum 5 are two names that come to mind.
