Air Wisconsin CRJ200 Luggage, headsets, etc
 

Looking for a representative slice of what folks carry with them: size, brands, pros and cons, for the -200.

Also, do people use their own headsets or take what is provided (if provided)?

Thanks in advance

They don't provide us headsets.

In that case, does my personal headset need to be TSO'd?

Not at Air Wisc. and getting to the end of my training. but from what I've been hearing a lot about headsets is it "needs" to be tso'd but no one enforces it. As for luggage, I went with the cheap option and got the Costco Kirkland 21.5" carryon and I absolutely love the bag so far plus its $99 (lifetime guarantee, so if it does wear out just swap it for a new one). Fits in the 200 closet. Someone told me it will fit in the 200 overhead bin as well (side first instead of wheels) but haven't been able to try it out myself.

I use my David Clark headsets that Ive had since I was a PPL, all you really need, I have a luggage works 22 inch, fits in the overhead and I dont plan on buying a new bag for decades, built tough. CRJ is a CRJ, theyre old, and they climb slow but it beats flying 135 overnight freight IMO in a 1900

The Costco bag fits in the overhead, but lacks external pockets which turned me off to it and also requires a Costco membership which adds to the cost.

DC's work well for a headset or you can do what I did, buy a cheap Telex 750 off eBay and use rubber Howard Leight earplugs. Quiet, light, and cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Telex-Airman...hWaiVO&vxp=mtr

Howard Leight | SmartFit Earplugs

you really don't need all the external pockets that are on the stealth 22. Sure if you have them you could probably fill them up with something. But even the costco has the standard 2 front pockets which are more than adequate. Also it expands a good 2-3 inches if you really need the extra space. Also even if you just bought the costco membership for a year its still less than half the cost of the stealth bag is. But obviously if you have your membership then you wouldn't factor it in the cost. Do yourself a favor and save your $300+ dollars on your first year FO pay.

I rolled a Luggage Works Executive 22inch for about 5 years. Loved it. $199.
That said, I would consider something else next time, perhaps a Briggs and Riley.
As for the headset, AvComms from PPL days got all the way to upgrade. No probs. Best advice is to not go overboard, try out others stuff, see what you like.
That said, the Costco Kirkland Signature bag does seem to hold up well.

Do not buy anything but a Luggage Works Stealth. Had mine for a year and it's taken a beating. Commute into work, 6 legs, 3 airplane changes day in, day out. Cheap luggage will show it's worth soon enough. I've seen just about everything under the sun, and everything except the Luggage Works stuff seems to fall apart.

That's a bit much. There are MANY good options. That's one of them.

Alright, just to show variety, my luggage works metal wheel flange snapped (green tag!) and the stitching is coming apart...I can stick my finger in the bag from the outside. There are many good options.

Mine has pockets on the side, someday I'll find something to put in them. Dirty roos?

I just bought a Luggage Works bag, I was hesitant it is expensive for a bag, but after thinking about it I've been through at least 4 "cheap" bags in the last decade. Usually I break the handle, which they've made very simple on the Luggage Works bag, so I hope it holds up. Plus it's what all the "cool kids" are using ;)

As for head sets I plan on using my Bose X's that I've been using for the last 10 years. Used them jump seating this past weekend and they were virtually silent in the CRJ. I don't find the CRJ loud at all, but I also flew twin pistons and turbo props for a long time before this.

Not sure which Costco bag you have, but mine doesn't even come close to fitting in a CRJ overhead. Maybe if you don't pack much and leave the front pockets completely empty. I tend to overpack a bit, which is compounded by the fact that I lose a third of the available space in my bag to the stupid CPAP machine I have to haul around with me (thanks, FAA!). I'm seriously considering getting one of those 26" "international" LW bags just to get that space back.


I tried this, couldn't get enough volume out of the radios or intercom. Even tried it with Surefire Sonic Defenders with the caps out (my go-to hearing protection when jumpseating), still no dice. I'm planning on using a chunk of my signing bonus on a new headset. Probably be either the DC Pro-X or the Bose QC15/UFlyMike combo.



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Most bags are 8" wide and that is fine. But do not get an 8" expandable. It will be too wide for the 200 but fit ok in the 700/900.

Even the luggage works bags fall apart. The key is to tell the AA gate agent to F off when they suggest you check it. Never check your bags. The metal screws on the luggage works bags are crappy sheet metal screws that should be replaced with either machine screws and lock nuts or rivets. The aluminum rails will cave in if the bag falls off the belt loader from 15 ft up. With this said, anything else will fail far worse. Consumer grade luggage is overpriced rolling dung with cheap plastic wheels.

I understand that some people want to save money and buy the Costco bags, and go with a junk bag that has a "lifetime" guarantee, but most people that have been in the industry for awhile will advise against it.

Picture this, you are on day 1 of a 4 day trip. You have a zipper pop so you either can't get into your bag, or can't close it anymore. You end up getting a roll of tape from maintenance and have to tape your bag up for the rest of the trip. Then, a wheel breaks, or the handle, or something else. You have to put up with this piece of garbage for 3 more days. To me, it is just not worth it.

You spent a ton of money and time becoming a pilot, do not skimp on a good bag that will last you 10 years.

The metal corner bracket on my LuggageWorks was destroyed this week on JetBlue after being gate checked; completely bent at a 45 degree angle and two bolts stripped out. I was on a full fare ticket and went to their baggage office to file it. They would not offer any replacement or repair, only a $50 voucher towards air fare which I negotiated up to $100.

Bottomed line, even the LW will get destroyed, but still don't go cheap, you'll regret it.

There's a Mesa CA that rebuilt his LW bag, bought new Aluminum Angle, rivets, etc. He even made a new foam padded hand grip. It's better than new in terms of durability. Point being, if you are handy, you can rebuild a LW Bag.

Good to know. So, in other words, buy a $300 bag and then buy $50 in materials and completely rebuild it. If, that is, you are capable.

Not until you have to rebuild it. If you never check it, may last 5 years before the screws become loose.

True. I'm on my second LW.
Screws come lose within a year or two... My #1 recommendation is to Locktite all the screws immediately. #2 is to clean the wheels at least once every 3-4 months.

Again, decent product, but there are others.

What are some other bags geared towards air crew besides Strong Bags and Luggage Works?

Travel Pro.

Many airlines have an agreement with travel pro. If your airline supplies your uniforms, they may give you a free bag or allow you to expense stuff so long as you buy from their preferred vendor.

Friends don't let friends buy Travel Pro luggage.

I have had the Travel pro pilot version now for over a year. Previously had the LW stealth. I like the TP more, with no chart case now it will last a decent time for the $150 I paid for it. Lots of guys really abuse those LW bags hauling their luggage up the rj stairs by the handle, etc.

Travel Pro makes a good lightweight bag you just can't abuse it like the LW.

I love my luggage works but there's already some stitching coming undone after only 3-4 months. But the warranty should take care of it.. Whatever bag you buy make sure it has rubber wheels with good bearings. Makes dragging it around airports so much easier and quieter.

TravelPro makes some great bags, and some really awful ones. Do your homework on the bags they offer and you can be very happy.
Briggs and Riley are loved by everyone I talk to that has one (will likely be my next bag).
If you have cash to burn, Rimowa bags are amazing and have lifetime warranties. A buddy of mine just bought a flight case from them (like $700).

eBags used to sell crew oriented bags. Not sure if they still do.

Tumi also makes some bombproof bags. I fly with a several guys who use their products.

Don't just look for bags geared towards flight crew, but to serious business travelers. Those guys travel 15-20 days a month. They know good bags.

Headset and luggage for the RJ 200 in 2017
 

It looks as if the threads on this subject are dated. And new headsets and luggage have been introduced since the last reply.

What are crews using today?
What suggestions do you have?

Strong Bags looks like a nice roll aboard. Im using a luggage works metal frame and although its lasted almost 4 years I am constantly repairing it with varying degrees of success. I don't recommend LW.
Need a new cooler and I.think either the Aero Coast one that you can attach the EFB bag too or the Strong Bags look the nicest. I have an EBAgs and its OK, don't recommend.
As far as flight bag, anything will.work. Don't need to get fancy unless you want to. As long as it can carry ipad, headset, battery, flashlight sunglasses, it'll work. I use a samsonite computer bag that cost about 30 bucks

I'll use strongbags until the day I quit flying. Not only is it the best bag I've ever had, the repair process and customer service is great too.

Thanks for the reply guys on the luggage any input on the Headsets that are being used? I flew a Falcon 2000 and a Falcon 50 EX with the Telex 850 those two flight deck are pretty quiet compared to other Jets I have flown. How is the noise level in the RJ 200?

Not AWAC, but I see plenty of folks using the 850 on the CRJ2 at 9E.

Its a pretty quiet cockpit until 300+ knots, telex works fine.

Headsets: Guys use all kinds of headsets. Poorer/cheaper guys use the old style DC or similar. Richer Captains or single guys/gals use Bose, Telex 850, Clarity Aloft etc. Not too many people using the Telex 750. I did for awhile with ear plugs but you pretty much need the volume all the way up. A good option is the Bose QC with Ufly mike. Works really well and you have headset for commuting. Ufly used to be ~$250 and I bought a QC on ebay for $100.00. Currently I use the Quiet Tech Halo which retails for $350sh I think now. Similar to the CA but lighter and more compact, and much cheaper. (If you don't mind the in ear). I would bring my old beater to start and see how it goes for awhile and make your decision (wait til you get the signing bonus check).

Suitcases: A high percentage and most pilots who have been here any length of time use the LW metal version and a few carry the plastic frame. Some have the Costco one and it seems to hold up fairly well. Any of the lesser ones will hold up okay (for awhile) if you take care of them. If you commute you are probably going to want the LW.

My personal experience. Bought used TravelPro and it lasted 6 months. (Commuting). Bought new TP and it lasted 9 months. (Commuting). Wheel bearing went out in the middle of trip and melted the plastic wheel, not fun. Bought LW stealth and it has lasted 13 years with one brief refurb from LW under warranty. (I sent it in to change it to the computer top and they replaced the grip/zippers/back plate for free, 10 years ago). Most of that has been noncommuting however.
The LW will fit anywhere on the a/c if you don't overpack, which applies to most all bags. The expandable ones make it more difficult.

Strongbags makes the best coolers IMO. Keeps stuff cold all day. Expensive but worth it.

Links to best luggage for CRJ200
 

Can anyone provide links to the best luggage options for the CRJ 200?
I also have to lug around a CPAP machine so need all the room I can get!

Thanks in advance

~T

I have a 22" travelpro and it fits if I'm extemely careful not to pack so that the top protrudes at all. It's worked OK so far, and was relatively cheap. Probably going to replace it with the plastic framed luggageworks after it dies. I use a luggageworks EFB tote, fits my EFB, 17" laptop, noise cancelling headset, various toiletries/meds, and my documents no problem and fits in the holder in the cockpit just fine.

Would a Bose A20 or Lightspeed Zulu work?

Ok, I’m digging up an old thread because I’m sick of paying for repairs on my LW bag. Which bags actually fit in the CRJ 200 overhead? You can tell me what you like or don’t like about a bag if you feel like it but I’m mostly just looking for which decent quality bags actually fit in the CRJ 200 overhead. Thanks.

It’s snug but the LW Stealth fits. I was overpacking mine, once I pared down it fits a lot nicer.