Originally Posted by zippinbye

Anybody in our pilot ranks using this? Sologaard is doing heavy TV advertising now, which is usually a cause for wariness. i.e. is it over-hyped or is it as cool as they make it seem?

The no J-hook thing is a detractor for a long-time LW guy. Some folks will say "backpack looped over the main handle," but that's not an optimum alternative for those that have a tote bag of conventional specs that they like. Solutions?

Another concern for somebody looking to exit the LW concept is a lack of numerous external pockets, which I make really practical use of. If all my stuff is buried inside one main compartment, it's going to be a $hi* show if I have to play hide-and-seek anywhere aside from my hotel luggage rack. From car keys to chapstick, glasses, toiletries and medical items to stinky gym pieces, I use those pockets to segregate and organize in a manner I could not otherwise, and to have handy reach of said items when not on a layover. If you've never had 6 to 8 external pockets of various capacity, one big-a$$ trunk is probably fine, but I rely heavily on the pockets. Any former LW folks that have successfully weened off pocket reliance out there?

Originally Posted by Vsop

I switched from LW to Strongbags about 10 years ago. It’s a great bag. Much lighter than the LW metal frame and much better built. I used to go get my LW repaired for rivets and bolts every few months. Strongbags uses nylon lock nuts. I’ve never needed to replace a single one.

Originally Posted by Cruz Clearance

My last LW had to be returned new due to zipper defect, would not stay closed. It has held up pretty well but looking for something new and B＆R is not my cup of tea. Need the J hook and StrongBags looks nice just wondering if the Vortex23 fits in tight overheads *or sideways in the E-175. The vortex21 should be fine. Marv Golden has them in stock.

Originally Posted by Cruz Clearance

My last LW had to be returned new due to zipper defect, would not stay closed. It has held up pretty well but looking for something new and B＆R is not my cup of tea. Need the J hook and StrongBags looks nice just wondering if the Vortex23 fits in tight overheads *or sideways in the E-175. The vortex21 should be fine. Marv Golden has them in stock.

Originally Posted by aviator1308

I'm also wondering about the Vortex 23. Looks pretty good.

Originally Posted by Synixman

FYI, local Briggs and Riley dealers can give up to 35% off for crew and will ship from Briggs directly if they don't have it in stock. I just found one on their website nearby and they were very friendly. I'm not a J-Hook guy, just rock the baseline 2 wheel B&R with a backpack for a flight bag that slides over the handle when I'm rolling.

Originally Posted by hockeypilot44

Luggage works bags are slowly disappearing. They’re still the majority as most pilots are too cheap to replace a bag that works, but the luggage works bags are extremely heavy. They are poorly built these days. Most common problem is the screws start coming out and zippers break. They are also metal which means they destroy everything they touch. Examples include car paint, torn seats, etc. The luggage works were originally designed to support a full flight bag which used to be heavy when we carried paper manuals and charts. Any 2 wheel black bag will do these days.

Originally Posted by Valar Morghulis

They went through a bad period, but I had to break down and buy a new one a few months ago, and seems pretty well built.

My old one is still going, but it’s so old they won’t fix it any longer. No one around me has the gear to replace the main zipper, which is a big deal apparently. It still zips, but its to the point it could have a blow out at any time.