Currently have an outdated eBags rollaboard, nice and expanable, but after 200,000+ miles, its showing its age. I'm looking for a rugged, expandable rollaboard with an extra long handle for a taller man, I am 6'4''. I am not willing to spend more than $150. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

I've recently been shopping for the same thing (my main concern was that it be lightweight). Samsonite has some styles that will rolls sideways (very convenient when sitting in Coach), although I didn't notice the length of the handle.

If you can stand to shop in discount stores, I saw some good bargains at TJMaxx and Marshalls, among others.

I ended up with the TravelPro Lite Walkabout 22" Expandable Suiter which weighs just under 10 lbs., including a removable toiletries holder and suit holder. The handle expands to 19".

I found it on sale at a department store for considerably less than $150.

Another vote for checking TJ Maxx or similar stores: I found a nice Samsonite rollaboard for only $69. It looks like it should hold together well - they also had 5-6 other brands of rollaboards of varying prices, though I didn't see anything higher than $100.

go Illini.

^ Great Rollaboard! I can only recommend the TravelPro stuff...


Hammer

I love my new Victorinox 22" expandable suitcase. It has a garment bag-type insert inside, it's super lightweight, it's very manoevrable (SP?) - because of its in-line skate wheels, and it has a very comfortable ergonomic handle (the handle twists 90" so that your hand is parallel to your leg, as if you were swinging your arms). My 20" and 24" in the same line have stood up well so far. You might be able to get a good deal if you choose a colour other than black.

Hi Tennisbum, which department stores sell TravelPro?

I shopped till I dropped recently for a 22" rollaboard. The final selection came down to the Travelpro 5, a Victorinox bag about the same cost as the Travelpro, and the Timberland R73 expandable. I went with the Timberland, because I liked the stoutness of the wheel assembly, but mainly because the retractable handle (with rotating handgrip so you don't twist your wrist all the time) felt way stiffer and more durable than the others. After numerous thousands of miles, I'm really pleased with the Timberland. Mine is dark green (also comes in red and black) which makes it much easier to spot when I need to check it.

Meant to add - all were seen at Macy's. Look for sales, like right now...

I know that the OP said that he did not want to spend more than $150.00 and this piece is considerably more; however, I believe that they can be found online for less than it's list price. I swear by Briggs and Riley. Most versatile luggage I have ever owned. This is the 22" rollaboard.
http://www.briggs-riley.com/product.asp?pid=210

I'm also looking for new carry-on bag. One of mine is falling to bits after some 500,000 miles.

Needs to be something I can get in NZ or Australia though.

is also $319 at ebags.... I always thought ebags was cheaper?

http://www.ebags.com/briggs_riley/tr...?modelid=42651

I've also been casually shopping for a new 22" for the past few months. My usual bag (a TJ Maxx cheapo) did a fantastic job holding up for the past 250,000 miles. Here's what I've narrowed my own selection down to:

(1) Travelpro does indeed make some good bags. I'm eyeing their Crew and Platinum lines most carefully. Unlike others, I'm sure, I hate gimics (i.e. wierd handles, expandable storage, etc. etc.) so I just want a simple, sturdy good-looking bag! I'm actually looking for one of the older Travelpro bags before expandable zippers were popular.

(2) If you want to travel like a pilot, take a look at LuggageWorks Online. They make those really great-looking bags that pilots use. Simple, but usable features. My only concern is whether or not these bags fit into bins "wheels-first".

I found this TravelPro at a Burdine's. Our local Dillard's used to carry TravelPro, but seems to have stopped. We're pretty limited down here in the wilds.

I think the TravelPro website has info on retailers by area.

You'd be doing yourself a favor to go into your local Costco and take a look at their brand (Kirkland) 22" rollaboard... All the amenities for $89.95 that aren't even found on bags that cost 3 times as much... Even has extra replacement YKK Heavy Duty zipper slide tabs included as well as a padlock & keys. 100% lifetime replacement. Hanging suit bag inside, as well as a nylon laundry bag. Expandable... Heavy duty wheels. I have a couple of these and a 26" as well. I'm on the road half the year and they have served me well. I replaced a 3 year old one with a broken zipper tab (before they started making them with easy-to-replace tabs) at my local Costco with no difficulty whatsoever.

I agree with the Costco bag recommendation. I love mine and it really is excellent quality. The same exact bag is also sold with a name brand on it (I forget which but I saw it at a shop once) for four times the price. With the generic Kirkland version you get Costco's return policy with it, too (if it ever breaks Costco will just give you another one). Definitely worth it.

I have been very pleased with the Costco bag. It holds up extremely well, even after having been dragged over wet eurocobblestones countless times.