So in my searches far and wide on the inter webs, I couldn't find much of a review on the Tumi 19 International, so here is my 2 cents. Ever since it was released I have been extremely intrigued. It looks awesome, but I wanted black and had to come to the conclusion that it is going to get scratched...but more on that in a bit. So after about a year of walking into the Tumi stores, picking one up. spinning it around, opening and closing it, along came the 20% off sale and I decided to pull the trigger. To be completely transparent, I did the same with the Rimowa products as well. The only store I was close to was in Manhattan a few months back, but I have spent a fair amount of time around them in various Neiman Marcus stores.

So I travel between 140 and 190 segments annually and have to fly in Satan's Butt Hole (CRJ200) a minimum of twice a week. This means my carry on is gate checked and is going to get beaten to hell and back BI-WEEKLY. My previous bag was a Alpha Bravo International Tumi that I liked, but was ready for a change. The bag looks as good as the day I bought it, but I simply grew tired of the styling. So on to 19...

This is by far the best carry-on I have owned. I have used a Briggs and Riley 2 wheeled Continental, 2 wheel Tumi Alpha Continental, and the Alph Bravo. This carryon allows me to somehow pack more than any of those other bags. I do not know how, and did not expect it, but I can pack for 6 days and close the bag with relative ease. The interior has latching covers that keep things in place, and even if you overpack a bit, compression is very easy. On the side without the handle, I pack clothes. On the side with the handle, I pack shoes, toiletries, etc. I just works better for some reason that the Alpha Bravo.

The reason I picked this over the Rimowa is for a few reasons...the latches and handles. These are simple satisfying. The sound the latch makes when you open it is luxurious. If you haven't heard it, you should (I can't believe I am going on about a sound of a latch). The handles...oh my the handles...leather wrapped with soft closures.It really makes a difference. These two items are what steered me to the 19 and away from Rimowa. In all fairness, the Rimowa is an excellent product, but even with its pedigree and higher price point, not having the feel of luxury in these two areas is why I went with the 19.

So there is one thing I had to prepare myself for and even though I did, I didn't do it enough. I wanted black, and knew it was going to scratch...but I swear, you can scratch this bag by breathing on it. Before I even took it on a plane the ribs on the contoured design pattern scratched on the hotel bag stand...yes the hotel bag stand. If you want black...be prepared that your bag will look like you've battled through a war zone. With that said...I have no regrets and would do it again. I am looking forward to seeing how the bag does after 100 segments.

One other thing I was worried about....the wheels. I do not know if they are any different...they look the same as my Alpha Bravo, but they roll beautifully. This may be new bag effect, but I do not recall the Alpha Bravo rolling so effortlessly.

Opportunities for improvement....

• The interior straps are too short on one side. So when your packing, you can't keep the strap out of the bag.
• The handle is the standard Tumi handle. It's ok...not great...but not bad.

All in all, I truly love this bag. I wasn't willing to pay the full price for it, but truly believe it is worth the discounted price. Hope this helps potential shoppers interested in this bag.