Baseline or ZDX. ZDX or Baseline. I couldnt decide. So, taking a great recommendation, I ordered both a ZDX Medium Spinner and a Baseline Medium Spinner to compare for myself. Take this comparison with a grain of salt, because I have NOT been through an airport with either bag, but I did just do a small trip which gave me the opportunity to pack both the Baseline and ZDX bags, throw em in the trunk, see how things went and what the wifey, myself, and our kids preferred. Bottom line: While the individual differences are subtle, they do add up. Ultimately, we’re going with the Baseline, full speed ahead.

The following review/comparison is not meant to be in-depth whatsoever. After all, I’ve had these 2 pieces of luggage for less than a month (about a week, to be more accurate), used once for a 3-day trip in the car, never through airport, etc. But hopefully others will find it helpful, at least as a starting point.

Looks-wise (which I don’t personally care about), the ZDX wins. This is all about personal preferences, but myself, my wife, and all kids felt the ZDX looks more modern with its curved corners vs the boxy design of the Baseline. And the ZDX is a bit lighter. That’s probably the 2 key advantages of the ZDX.

Otherwise, while they share some common features (for instance, the telescoping handles seemed identical on both), it was pretty much unanimous that the Baseline is just a better piece of luggage. The way the top and side handles are attached on the Baseline feel far more secure, the zipper pulls on the Baseline are superior (solid & substantial vs cut-out on the ZDX), and the wheels on the Baseline, which are solid instead of having holes like on the ZDX seem like they will hold up better over time (and less opportunity to grab and get junk stuck in them). For sure the exterior material finish on the Baseline has not only a better feel (ZDX feels almost plastic-like even though it’s a tight weave nylon), the Baseline exterior seems like much thicker/heavier duty, and the corner reinforcements on the Baseline are also more substantial and provide greater protection than on the ZDX. Probably why its about a pound or so heavier than the ZDX overall.

On the inside, they are both roomy, intuitive to pack and easy to expand/collapse. The CX compression system on the Baseline is cool and easy to use, but the ZDX is just as good, IMO. The suiter on the Baseline is a nice feature, though less useful in today’s more casual world and I plan to remove the pieces that are removable as I rarely travel with suits or clothes that would benefit from using it.

All the above isn’t to say the ZDX is not good. Actually, its amazing, and would be a measurable upgrade to my TravelPro Maxlite4’s which are all being retired. In fact, I think compared to some of the other options I was previously considering (TravelPro Maxlite5 and Platinum lines, as well as a few other manufacturers) the ZDX would best them all. Its just that compared to the Baseline, the ZDX is outclassed.

As far as warranty, I believe both the Baseline and ZDX have equally great lifetime warranty and service, which, coupled with the fact that there’s a service center near me, is what drew me towards Briggs & Riley in the first place.

Considering the pricing for the ZDX, and the incremental cost increase to go with the Baseline, and that (at least in my mind) this is the last luggage(s) I will buy, it just made sense for us to pony up the cash and have no regrets.

Baseline FTW.