B&R ... Baseline vs ZDX
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott // WN, AA, BA, UA, AS // Avis
Posts: 1,314
B&R ... Baseline vs ZDX
After nearly 7 years and I dont know how many trips, I am ready to say goodbye to my TravelPro MaxLite4 stuff. I have 4-5 of them in various sizes and its all been great, they've dealt with more than I could have expected, and TravelPro service has been amazing taking care of things like zippers. But now, with all the wheels on their last legs, handles that are ready to break off, etc, its time to move on and upgrade.
I've looked at Tumi, Rimowa and others, but have settled on B&R because of the warranty and service and the fact there is an authorized service center only a few minutes from me for when one day it will inevitably be needed.
We're a family of 5 based out of LA, and as a family, we fly 3-4 times a year, both domestic and international, including ski trips, and take another 3-4 driving trips down to Mexico, up the coast in California, etc. I also travel for work once every 4-6 weeks to various locations, usually short-ish flights throughout the Western US.
I'm going to be purchasing 3 medium spinners, 1 large spinner, and 2 or 3 carry-ons, not sure of sizing exactly yet. I'm a big fan of soft-sided. And generally prefer 4 wheels vs 2 for check-in, and 2 wheels for carry-on, but thats not as critical for me. I do not care about bling or wow-factor at all. I care that the luggage works, is easy to pack, light enough that I can load up to near 50lbs with lots of stuff, and is reliable/durable.
My question is... ZDX or Baseline? I dont pack suits for work, and my wife organizes most but not all of the clothes in packing cubes. Are the extra costs of the Baseline really worth it? I've yet to find any credible in-depth review comparing the two (if one exists, I'm interested to read it), so wanting to get feedback from the experts around here before I make the splurge.
I've looked at Tumi, Rimowa and others, but have settled on B&R because of the warranty and service and the fact there is an authorized service center only a few minutes from me for when one day it will inevitably be needed.
We're a family of 5 based out of LA, and as a family, we fly 3-4 times a year, both domestic and international, including ski trips, and take another 3-4 driving trips down to Mexico, up the coast in California, etc. I also travel for work once every 4-6 weeks to various locations, usually short-ish flights throughout the Western US.
I'm going to be purchasing 3 medium spinners, 1 large spinner, and 2 or 3 carry-ons, not sure of sizing exactly yet. I'm a big fan of soft-sided. And generally prefer 4 wheels vs 2 for check-in, and 2 wheels for carry-on, but thats not as critical for me. I do not care about bling or wow-factor at all. I care that the luggage works, is easy to pack, light enough that I can load up to near 50lbs with lots of stuff, and is reliable/durable.
My question is... ZDX or Baseline? I dont pack suits for work, and my wife organizes most but not all of the clothes in packing cubes. Are the extra costs of the Baseline really worth it? I've yet to find any credible in-depth review comparing the two (if one exists, I'm interested to read it), so wanting to get feedback from the experts around here before I make the splurge.
Last edited by rajuabju; Sep 10, 2023 at 10:46 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,909
baseline is cleaner looking, retains shape even when tightly packed and likely to withstand wear and tear better - i'd suggest that one if you travel for work frequently.. zdx has more casual weekend travel look and similar styles tend to bulge when overpacked.. general advice - olive (and i assume other alternative colors) color will look beaten up after a few years of travel while black will barely change
keep an eye on "like new" amazon warehouse items as well as costco - you can save quite a bit vs regular retail price
keep an eye on "like new" amazon warehouse items as well as costco - you can save quite a bit vs regular retail price
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott // WN, AA, BA, UA, AS // Avis
Posts: 1,314
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.
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.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,849
I don't travel with suits, etc but I find to baseline suite similar to a large packing cube. If you wear any type of casual pants or long/short sleeve shirts that suite holds a lot of clothes and they will remain wrinkle free.
I first stack all my pants on top of each other and lay them in the suiter WITHOUT hangers. Then put all the shirts on top the pants and arrange the sleeves so they aren't sticking out. Then I put any other articles of clothing depending on the room left. Then I fold and zip the compartment up as a large package cube. When you get to your destination put everything on hangers. Try packing your regular clothes in that suiter and see how it works for you. I mainly pack hiking clothes in there. And I use the entire setup including the roller bar.
I first stack all my pants on top of each other and lay them in the suiter WITHOUT hangers. Then put all the shirts on top the pants and arrange the sleeves so they aren't sticking out. Then I put any other articles of clothing depending on the room left. Then I fold and zip the compartment up as a large package cube. When you get to your destination put everything on hangers. Try packing your regular clothes in that suiter and see how it works for you. I mainly pack hiking clothes in there. And I use the entire setup including the roller bar.
#5
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ORD, DEL
Programs: AA (Plt Pro; 1.5 MM)
Posts: 6,185
If you are still evaluating your options, I would add one more for consideration: Travelpro's line aimed at airline pilots. It is better built than Platinum (and thus much better than Maxlite), probably looks less glamorous, is not advertised to public (but you can buy), comes only in black, and costs less than one third of B&R.
https://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilot...pro_FlightCrew
https://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilot...pro_FlightCrew
#6
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 2
I am deciding between baseline and zdx carry on.
i bought one of each on Amazon to test before keeping.
I’ve packed both to the max three different times to test different content levels and items and rolled them around the house.
they can fit the same amount of clothes - didn’t use cubes for the test.
the baseline top suit mesh pouch is nice feature
I didn’t fit anything in the top zdx pockets think they’d be for flatter things like wires or small pouches.
baseline felt bigger even though they held the same
I liked the way the walls of the baseline stayed up with the compression system while packing before pressing down
I also like the complete open square for access to clothes when open , vs the slight lip on the bottom of the zdx opening
while I want to keep the baseline bc overall it feels better
but - this is a i big drawback in my opinion -
the baseline compression pops open at full capacity. When I push down it goes flat with a slight gap 1/4” maybe. Then one side will pop up by a click if I push it back down the other end clicks up. If I get them both down as I jolt or rock the bag or turn it the top clip pops open and will continue to pop and open click by click until the top of the bag is not compressed but the bottom is.
this seems like a key issue if I haven’t even taken on a real world trip this is just test packing and general feel of handles test around the room.
Suprisingly the zdx zipper managed to close all the way around the middle with the same amount of clothes
That To me seems more reliable
anyone ever experience that clip popping open with the baseline? How much do you use that feature? How full do you fill your bags?
thanks for any insight
i bought one of each on Amazon to test before keeping.
I’ve packed both to the max three different times to test different content levels and items and rolled them around the house.
they can fit the same amount of clothes - didn’t use cubes for the test.
the baseline top suit mesh pouch is nice feature
I didn’t fit anything in the top zdx pockets think they’d be for flatter things like wires or small pouches.
baseline felt bigger even though they held the same
I liked the way the walls of the baseline stayed up with the compression system while packing before pressing down
I also like the complete open square for access to clothes when open , vs the slight lip on the bottom of the zdx opening
while I want to keep the baseline bc overall it feels better
but - this is a i big drawback in my opinion -
the baseline compression pops open at full capacity. When I push down it goes flat with a slight gap 1/4” maybe. Then one side will pop up by a click if I push it back down the other end clicks up. If I get them both down as I jolt or rock the bag or turn it the top clip pops open and will continue to pop and open click by click until the top of the bag is not compressed but the bottom is.
this seems like a key issue if I haven’t even taken on a real world trip this is just test packing and general feel of handles test around the room.
Suprisingly the zdx zipper managed to close all the way around the middle with the same amount of clothes
That To me seems more reliable
anyone ever experience that clip popping open with the baseline? How much do you use that feature? How full do you fill your bags?
thanks for any insight
#7
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,849
I experienced my baseline opening on it's own when I first got it. I figured out it has to loaded equally so more pressure isn't on one side. I stuff mine and close both sides together and then push on each side to make sure they're secured. Pay attention that when you close the case that there's nothing in the way of the compression gadgets.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott // WN, AA, BA, UA, AS // Avis
Posts: 1,314
Quick update: After having the Baseline now for several months, and going on several short and longer trips with it... its simply the best bag I've ever had and its not even close. I used to be a Tumi guy a long time ago, and most recently, we've had all TravelPro MaxLite 4's and 5's. Not to say that the ZDX wouldnt have been great, but my kids are able to actually help push the Baseline luggage through the airport when these things are full of ski clothes and what not, and the balance on them is unreal (vs our TravelPro's which can tip over relatively easily). I'm in the process of retiring a 2nd TravelPro MaxLite4 bag and will be getting all Baselines moving forward as each of these guys meets end of life.
#9
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 2
Quick update: After having the Baseline now for several months, and going on several short and longer trips with it... its simply the best bag I've ever had and its not even close. I used to be a Tumi guy a long time ago, and most recently, we've had all TravelPro MaxLite 4's and 5's. Not to say that the ZDX wouldnt have been great, but my kids are able to actually help push the Baseline luggage through the airport when these things are full of ski clothes and what not, and the balance on them is unreal (vs our TravelPro's which can tip over relatively easily). I'm in the process of retiring a 2nd TravelPro MaxLite4 bag and will be getting all Baselines moving forward as each of these guys meets end of life.