I looked at both baseline and alpha 2 extensively at local luggage shop yesterday. Baseline was by far better bag. Loved the flat packing surface at base, expandable/compression feature, and better suiter compartment. Also equally important the olive color scheme was much classier and unique than the default and boring black on black of the alpha2. Add in the lifetime warranty and no comparison for me. Only thing I liked better on the Alpha 2 was the handle which was more sturdy than the b&r bag.

So will the wide body of the 121CXW prevent it from fitting in overhead spots the 122CX would fit in?

If not sounds like the packing space is not much different, and if it fits on more international flights it's the clear choice for carry on bag. I don't mind carrying it down the aisle if needed.