Thanks for the replies so far. I know this is a little difficult as I'm not certain exactly what type of product I'm after.
Originally Posted by
chx1975
> I fear even if I buy Pelican Pro the wheels will eventually be broken
Yeah, eventually the Sun will collapse into a white dwarf. I had a Pelican 1620... if you look closely the back plate holding the the handle and the wheel is just screwed on with a dozen "small" screws so exchanging the wheel is very easy: pop off the back unscrew the axle, put on a new one. Provided, of course, that someone managed to break a wheel. Good luck, bring a sledgehammer, you will need it.
It will last forever but it's insanely heavy: 25lbs, half of your luggage allowance.
My flying status and pattern gives me a luggage allowance of 32KG (70lb). I have used various Peli cases, small and big in civ and mil life, although never with wheels. The wheels did not look particularly well protected (by Peli standards) but if they can be replaced this is a major advantage. In terms of products, I see:
1620M is 12.7KG. It holds 54.5 x 41.7 x 31.8 cm = 72L.
BA30 is 7.1KG. It holds 65.6 x 43.1 x 27.8 cm = 79L.
Latter is new "consumer" entry for Peli. I would prefer it for 2 reasons:
1) Peli attracts too much attention. The scrutiny from security is fine, it's break-in attempts and outright theft of the whole case, usually because dishonest individuals believe it contains expensive equipment (mine will only hold clothes and toiletries) that is the worry. The consumer line stands out less from other bags.
2) It holds more, just. 60-80L is my normal travel volume but I do sometimes go up to 100L. Much easier to vary the volume with duffel. My current bag is very similar dimensions BUT I can get the height to go up to 38cm, an extra 10cm on the 27.8cm which can make a huge difference.
Originally Posted by
Doc Savage
Seeking a duffelganger....
I do not understand this. Is it a joke? I searched and found a product by sfbags, but all smaller products, nothing matching my needs.
Originally Posted by
nmh1204
I don't think there's any hard suitcases with retractable wheels
Originally Posted by
RTW1
Wheels will get broken when you travel often..... no way around that. Or you will end up with a hard case or duffel that ways a ton, defeating the purpose.
OK, so maybe I should expand the criteria to include products with wheels that are replacable by the user ie I can buy spares and change, apparently as is the case with the Peli mentioned above.