Tumi vs. Briggs & Riley
Jan 9, 16, 7:30 pm
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In order of nights spent: MSP, ORD, OGG, FCO, LHR
Programs: DL 1MM Dia, AA Plat, UA 1MM Gold, HHonors LT Dia, Marriott/SPG LT Plat Prem
Posts: 473
Whoa whoa whoa, wait a minute my friend.
Tumi is in NO way superior to BR. The weight, the build quality, options, and warranty.
Let's compare the 21" wide-body (21" x 15" x 9") from BR Baseline and the Tumi Kirtland 22" (22" x 16" x 9").
The Tumi is smaller off the hop (38L), whilst having slightly better organization by utilizing a hard-shelled style of having a 50/50 split. Which is odd for a soft-sided peice of luggage.
BR is 44L with one packing area and the lid having a tri-fold garment bag (last fold is removable to turn the garment bag into a large lid pocket).
You mentioned expansion? The rigid frame expansion from BR is called the CX expansion, and it blows standard zippered expansions out of the water. The idea is to pack your bag with the expansion UP at first. then, once you've packed what you want to take, you zip the lid shut and push down on either end of the bag. The ratchet system in the bag then compresses your clothes and brings the bag back down to the necessary 9". (This is also available in the 19" international carry on (19" x 14" x 9")).
To expand the Tumi, you use a standard zip. To compress it, you basically have to sit on the bag and wrench the zipper shut. Which is EXTREMELY bad for a nylon coil zipper.
As for warranty, BR does NOT need to go right back to them!! It can go to any authorized luggage repair shop, and warranty is honored (No shipping charges). Airline damage, accidental, intentional, stupidity, they cover it all (I have see them literally run over, dragged three blocks and replaced). The rule is, if it can't be fixed then it's replaced at no charge to the customer. (Source: I work in luggage repair). They send the parts directly to repair centers for a quick turn around, and this warranty can be accessed globally and without a receipt. Every BR bag has a serial number and bar-code on a metal plate inside of it. If a bag is replaced, the metal plate has to be taken out, to insure no one pulls the broken bag out of the dump to get it replaced (this could easily happen if a plate was left in).
Tumi will NOT send parts to luggage repair centers, and luggage repair centers can NOT bill Tumi for repair, thus their warranty is not covered everywhere. (Example, Tumi bags in Canada need to go to Tumi in Calgary.) They also got rid of their lifetime warranty and only offer a 5 year LIMITED warranty, only the first year covers airline damage as well. Be wary of the word "LIMITED", Heys and Samsonite say the same thing.
Volume of sales does not actually show whats better. It may even show that Tumi is having customers need to purchase replacements because their bag ran out of warranty.
All in all, it doesn't matter how much you spend, or how tough it is. You can spend 100$ on a bag and have it last 8 years, or 800$ and lose a wheel the first trip. -Warranty - That's what you look at.
Quick tips:
# year limited warranty - Bag is covered for man. fac. defects for # years.
Lifetime Limited warranty - Bag is covered for man. fac. defects for the life of the BAG.
Simple as That, No Matter What warranty (BR and Eagle Creek) - All damage, no matter what causes the damage is covered.
Tumi is in NO way superior to BR. The weight, the build quality, options, and warranty.
Let's compare the 21" wide-body (21" x 15" x 9") from BR Baseline and the Tumi Kirtland 22" (22" x 16" x 9").
The Tumi is smaller off the hop (38L), whilst having slightly better organization by utilizing a hard-shelled style of having a 50/50 split. Which is odd for a soft-sided peice of luggage.
BR is 44L with one packing area and the lid having a tri-fold garment bag (last fold is removable to turn the garment bag into a large lid pocket).
You mentioned expansion? The rigid frame expansion from BR is called the CX expansion, and it blows standard zippered expansions out of the water. The idea is to pack your bag with the expansion UP at first. then, once you've packed what you want to take, you zip the lid shut and push down on either end of the bag. The ratchet system in the bag then compresses your clothes and brings the bag back down to the necessary 9". (This is also available in the 19" international carry on (19" x 14" x 9")).
To expand the Tumi, you use a standard zip. To compress it, you basically have to sit on the bag and wrench the zipper shut. Which is EXTREMELY bad for a nylon coil zipper.
As for warranty, BR does NOT need to go right back to them!! It can go to any authorized luggage repair shop, and warranty is honored (No shipping charges). Airline damage, accidental, intentional, stupidity, they cover it all (I have see them literally run over, dragged three blocks and replaced). The rule is, if it can't be fixed then it's replaced at no charge to the customer. (Source: I work in luggage repair). They send the parts directly to repair centers for a quick turn around, and this warranty can be accessed globally and without a receipt. Every BR bag has a serial number and bar-code on a metal plate inside of it. If a bag is replaced, the metal plate has to be taken out, to insure no one pulls the broken bag out of the dump to get it replaced (this could easily happen if a plate was left in).
Tumi will NOT send parts to luggage repair centers, and luggage repair centers can NOT bill Tumi for repair, thus their warranty is not covered everywhere. (Example, Tumi bags in Canada need to go to Tumi in Calgary.) They also got rid of their lifetime warranty and only offer a 5 year LIMITED warranty, only the first year covers airline damage as well. Be wary of the word "LIMITED", Heys and Samsonite say the same thing.
Volume of sales does not actually show whats better. It may even show that Tumi is having customers need to purchase replacements because their bag ran out of warranty.
All in all, it doesn't matter how much you spend, or how tough it is. You can spend 100$ on a bag and have it last 8 years, or 800$ and lose a wheel the first trip. -Warranty - That's what you look at.
Quick tips:
# year limited warranty - Bag is covered for man. fac. defects for # years.
Lifetime Limited warranty - Bag is covered for man. fac. defects for the life of the BAG.
Simple as That, No Matter What warranty (BR and Eagle Creek) - All damage, no matter what causes the damage is covered.
Simple as that.
2nd Tumi sells 72 pieces for every one that B&R does. Yet B&R processed in 2014 almost 3 times as many warranty claims for bags that were less than a year old. Sorry but 34% of all the warranty claims against B&R needed to be sent in to B&R in 2014. If you work in luggage repair, you would know that local centers can't fix very much other than handles, wheels, zippers, bumpers, and a few other issues. Compressed shell, cracked frame, etc they have you send them the bag. If B&R can't fix it (not the maybe local repair center) then they replace it. Tumi stores give you loaners until your bag comes back B&R doesn't. So quality goes to Tumi in number of claims in 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year of ownership. OK B&R will take it back even if the airline runs over it with a truck, plane, or even a bulldozer, but that has nothing to do with the quality of the bag.
I work on the manufacturing side, we make and source sports bags. I know a lot of people at all of the major major brands.
Nothing like comparing a taking the Porsche (Tumi Alpha 2) and then comparing your top to a VW model because it's from the same company and similar in size.
Please make a realistic comparison.
Sorry I'd rather have a bag that doesn't need a repair in the first place than have a bag with a lifetime warranty that does need one. Let alone when they charge you $10 for a self repair kit to ship to you that has a total cost of less than $5.
I have 2 co-workers that spent more money shipping their Torq bags back to B&R (more than once) just to get them repaired because the local places couldn't do it, than what they spent on the bags.
Again nothing like landing in Italy with a brand new bag and having wheels come off before you get out of the airport! Then being told that you have to pay to ship it from their to get it fixed. Then you have to pay the shipping back home to the US. What a joke.
If you want a quality bag for the money where they stand by the warranty, and don't have very many warranty claims without getting into the major expensive lines then Victorinix and Tumi are the two best options, if money isn't and object Brics and Rimowa are the best. Those are the statistical facts.
Last edited by mspreh; Jan 9, 16 at 8:15 pm
Jan 10, 16, 7:40 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,004
My wife has lots of Tumi. The new B&R duffel is her favorite luggage of all, though she still buys Tumi for purses, briefcases, etc. Both good labels, as is Eagle Creek - I bought their Tarmac rollaboard because of its feature set.
Jan 10, 16, 2:11 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Houston, IAH
Programs: United Global Services,Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 449
I was a long time customer of Tumi's back in the day. Back when something went wrong and they would ship you a loaner while they fixed your bag no questions asked, and the overall quality was excellent. My last couple however basically fell apart after a few years and I moved over to a Travel Pro Platinum. It was a reasonable bag, cheap, but tippy. It never broke, but the overall usefulness of the bag and feel after a couple years was just not up to par. It went to my daughter as a college suitcase.
On the suggestions here I moved to the 22" expandable B&R and boy I've never looked back. I use it almost every day and it still looks like it's brand new. Just solid as a rock, and the bag is incredibly well thought out as well. Example the add a bag strap is built in, has a place to be tucked away, and doesn't have some silly hook that buldges when you pack it up. The expandable pack and press system is darn near flawless. Overall it's the best bag I've ever had.
On the suggestions here I moved to the 22" expandable B&R and boy I've never looked back. I use it almost every day and it still looks like it's brand new. Just solid as a rock, and the bag is incredibly well thought out as well. Example the add a bag strap is built in, has a place to be tucked away, and doesn't have some silly hook that buldges when you pack it up. The expandable pack and press system is darn near flawless. Overall it's the best bag I've ever had.
Jan 10, 16, 5:09 pm
#19
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: DL DM, 2MM
Posts: 243
My comparison
I have that exact B&R bag and a similar Tumi bag, but wider. The advantages I see for the B&R:
1. The expansion system allows exactly how much expansion you want, e.g. 1 inch or 2 inch. All other expansion systems including Tumi are basically all or nothing (zipped or unzipped).
2. The Tumi suiter section has only one foldout panel. The B&R has two fold out panels, so clothes don't dangle beyond the length of the suiter.
3. Tumi requires special hangers; B&R does not.
4. Lifetime warranty for B&R.
So the B&R bag is the go-to bag for me.
1. The expansion system allows exactly how much expansion you want, e.g. 1 inch or 2 inch. All other expansion systems including Tumi are basically all or nothing (zipped or unzipped).
2. The Tumi suiter section has only one foldout panel. The B&R has two fold out panels, so clothes don't dangle beyond the length of the suiter.
3. Tumi requires special hangers; B&R does not.
4. Lifetime warranty for B&R.
So the B&R bag is the go-to bag for me.
Jan 11, 16, 1:17 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 431
I have that exact B&R bag and a similar Tumi bag, but wider. The advantages I see for the B&R:
1. The expansion system allows exactly how much expansion you want, e.g. 1 inch or 2 inch. All other expansion systems including Tumi are basically all or nothing (zipped or unzipped).
2. The Tumi suiter section has only one foldout panel. The B&R has two fold out panels, so clothes don't dangle beyond the length of the suiter.
3. Tumi requires special hangers; B&R does not.
4. Lifetime warranty for B&R.
So the B&R bag is the go-to bag for me.
1. The expansion system allows exactly how much expansion you want, e.g. 1 inch or 2 inch. All other expansion systems including Tumi are basically all or nothing (zipped or unzipped).
2. The Tumi suiter section has only one foldout panel. The B&R has two fold out panels, so clothes don't dangle beyond the length of the suiter.
3. Tumi requires special hangers; B&R does not.
4. Lifetime warranty for B&R.
So the B&R bag is the go-to bag for me.
The only other thing I will point out in comparison versus Tumi is that Tumi packs the handle within the body of the bag where as Briggs and Riley puts the handle outside the bag. This is a pretty big deal for two reasons; first, with the B&R you get a completely flat interior packing surface which is a difference-maker towards maximizing capacity and second, the overall size of the B&R bag looks smaller to gate agents and flight attendants, it looks sleeker whereas the Tumi looks puffy and oversized.
BJ
Jan 18, 16, 12:18 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 13
For those of you with the B&R, couple of questions regarding the telescoping handle:
1) Durability: I saw a review on nordstroms.com where the guy said his the metal handle bars got easily scratched up going up stairs or a high curb because its on the outside of the bag and not protected like most other bags. Is this your experience as well?
2) I currently have the Tumi Alpha (original) and a heavy Tumi wheeled laptop bag that I sit on top of the carry-on. How sturdy is the B&R handle in comparison to the Tumi? When I'm pulling the carry on around, the laptop bag rests on the metal handle bars so I want to make sure the B&R can hold the weight. Although this might be a moot point since I'm switching to a spinner?
Thanks!
1) Durability: I saw a review on nordstroms.com where the guy said his the metal handle bars got easily scratched up going up stairs or a high curb because its on the outside of the bag and not protected like most other bags. Is this your experience as well?
2) I currently have the Tumi Alpha (original) and a heavy Tumi wheeled laptop bag that I sit on top of the carry-on. How sturdy is the B&R handle in comparison to the Tumi? When I'm pulling the carry on around, the laptop bag rests on the metal handle bars so I want to make sure the B&R can hold the weight. Although this might be a moot point since I'm switching to a spinner?
Thanks!
Jan 18, 16, 8:52 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Houston, IAH
Programs: United Global Services,Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 449
I just looked at my B&R, it's been about a year and a half of very constant use and it has no scratches and looks like it's brand new. The B&R handle feels very solid to me compared to my old Tumi bags, but I confess my Tumi bags are kind of tired at this point, the handles have gotten very jiggly with wear.
Jan 19, 16, 1:03 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: WAS
Posts: 287
For those of you with the B&R, couple of questions regarding the telescoping handle:
1) Durability: I saw a review on nordstroms.com where the guy said his the metal handle bars got easily scratched up going up stairs or a high curb because its on the outside of the bag and not protected like most other bags. Is this your experience as well?
1) Durability: I saw a review on nordstroms.com where the guy said his the metal handle bars got easily scratched up going up stairs or a high curb because its on the outside of the bag and not protected like most other bags. Is this your experience as well?
Apr 16, 16, 12:16 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: United
Posts: 1
Professional Carry on review
I found this very nicely carry on review here:
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/bes...gage/#fn3-body
which drove me to purchase the B&R which they recommend for frequent travelers. I recenly had to replace my TravelPro Platinum II after 10 years and 1,000,000 miles. I was looking at another TravelPro, but they don't seem to be as well made anymore ( is anything?) and I like the fact that B&R has the handle mechanism outside the bag itself which provides more packing space.
Per the review on the B&R International, they felt that you are less likely to get caught with a shorter/wider carryon than one that looks to tall. And I agree with that. Gate attendants are much more likley to flag a bag that looks too tall than too wide.
Anyway, my B&R order is in and shoudl arrive monday. Hopefully it will last another 10 years like my old TravelPro.
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/bes...gage/#fn3-body
which drove me to purchase the B&R which they recommend for frequent travelers. I recenly had to replace my TravelPro Platinum II after 10 years and 1,000,000 miles. I was looking at another TravelPro, but they don't seem to be as well made anymore ( is anything?) and I like the fact that B&R has the handle mechanism outside the bag itself which provides more packing space.
Per the review on the B&R International, they felt that you are less likely to get caught with a shorter/wider carryon than one that looks to tall. And I agree with that. Gate attendants are much more likley to flag a bag that looks too tall than too wide.
Anyway, my B&R order is in and shoudl arrive monday. Hopefully it will last another 10 years like my old TravelPro.
Apr 16, 16, 10:50 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Florida & Colorado
Programs: Frontier, American, United, Alaska
Posts: 18
wow, I can contribute. Have had the B&R backpack and carry on for five years or more and is the best. Has held up well. BU122X model
edit: never a scratch but itm is carry on, despite the backpack under the seat in front of me
edit: never a scratch but itm is carry on, despite the backpack under the seat in front of me
Apr 22, 16, 10:22 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 329
I am on the market for a new carry-on. I get deathly terrified when airlines are staring down bags as we are boarding through the jet bridge. What are travelers' thoughts when it comes to these two products: Tumi Alpha 2 INTERNATIONAL EXPANDABLE 4 WHEELED CARRY-ON vs. Briggs & Riley DOMESTIC CARRY-ON EXPANDABLE SPINNER baseline, U122CXSP. I have been loyal to Tumi for quite some time but am thinking that Briggs & Riley has Tumi on this one.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
It's scratched up, all manner of stickers applied and ripped off but it's still in good shape and still my "go to" luggage.
The only trouble I've had is the zipper pull breaks off, but B&R replaces it at no cost every time.
I'm not sure they make them like they used to, but I'm a B&R fan.
Apr 23, 16, 11:38 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 14,741
For those of you with the B&R, couple of questions regarding the telescoping handle:
1) Durability: I saw a review on nordstroms.com where the guy said his the metal handle bars got easily scratched up going up stairs or a high curb because its on the outside of the bag and not protected like most other bags. Is this your experience as well?
2) I currently have the Tumi Alpha (original) and a heavy Tumi wheeled laptop bag that I sit on top of the carry-on. How sturdy is the B&R handle in comparison to the Tumi? When I'm pulling the carry on around, the laptop bag rests on the metal handle bars so I want to make sure the B&R can hold the weight. Although this might be a moot point since I'm switching to a spinner?
Thanks!
1) Durability: I saw a review on nordstroms.com where the guy said his the metal handle bars got easily scratched up going up stairs or a high curb because its on the outside of the bag and not protected like most other bags. Is this your experience as well?
2) I currently have the Tumi Alpha (original) and a heavy Tumi wheeled laptop bag that I sit on top of the carry-on. How sturdy is the B&R handle in comparison to the Tumi? When I'm pulling the carry on around, the laptop bag rests on the metal handle bars so I want to make sure the B&R can hold the weight. Although this might be a moot point since I'm switching to a spinner?
Thanks!
Jul 14, 16, 5:35 pm
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Exp, Hilton Gold
Posts: 15,177
This seems as good a place as any to report that B&R received a high rating from consumer reports (for what that's worth):
http://www.consumerreports.org/lugga...eports-survey/
I have two B&R bags. The 21" carryon has performed well under fire (though is rarely checked) however it appears that the telescoping handle is a bit loose after miles of walking. My newer 26" fabric bag has also done fine but has seen less use. It also has a nice scratch across the front thanks to a careless baggage handler. I do find it annoying that both B&R bags hold a smaller volume than my equivalent TravelPro bags - I think this is poor product design not to maximize space but nobody is perfect.
Mrs. B has a tumi bag. From what I can see it is better built, more durable fabric and more resistant to abuse but only time will tell.
http://www.consumerreports.org/lugga...eports-survey/
I have two B&R bags. The 21" carryon has performed well under fire (though is rarely checked) however it appears that the telescoping handle is a bit loose after miles of walking. My newer 26" fabric bag has also done fine but has seen less use. It also has a nice scratch across the front thanks to a careless baggage handler. I do find it annoying that both B&R bags hold a smaller volume than my equivalent TravelPro bags - I think this is poor product design not to maximize space but nobody is perfect.
Mrs. B has a tumi bag. From what I can see it is better built, more durable fabric and more resistant to abuse but only time will tell.
Aug 18, 16, 1:31 pm
#30
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: US Air, SPG
Posts: 34
I love my B&R but also looked at Tumi when I got mine. Rather than take my word for it, if you can get to a "real" luggage store (if you connect through CLT take a $8 cab to Sharon Luggage right near the airport) play with both and make up your own mind. If you timed it right you could even repack your stuff if you visit a luggage store on a connection and see how each bag works for you with your normal travel load.
I've dragged my B&R all over the world and it still looks great.
I've dragged my B&R all over the world and it still looks great.
