Flyboyxc91

Hey I’m just wondering if anyone has had good experience using the Luggage Works (Purdy Neat Things luggage) Executive Aviator or specifically more the PLASTIC frame bag line. I can get the metal version (Stealth), however I have been told the difference in weight is a game changer and they are still very durable over years with plastic. Just trying to throw the money the right direction whichever that may be depends on how well the plastic holds up for weight savings. I will be based in CLT at some point after holding a line; current NEW HIRE.

Thanks!

Flyboyxc91

These two bags are my options:

LW Executive Aviator
LuggageWorks 22" Executive Aviator Pilot Bag

LW 22 Stealth Aviator
Stop-Over store original home of luggageworks stealth bag

JayBee

I bought this one a year ago, no issues so far other than breaking a couple of the zipper pulls off. Replaced them with a key ring, no big deal. On a scale of 0 to Capn on the cheapness scale though I be a Cap'n matey, aaaaarrrghh.

Aurora 22" Expandable - Aurora Series - Browse Products

blackhawk88

I purchased LW Stealth Air in early 2016, but after several months of commuting, the metal frames became bent. They'll repair it, but it's your responsibility for shipping.

I think Strongbags is a great choice. Much better than LW Stealth Air. It looks neater, you can take the fabric off entirely (I haven't tried it, but that's what they advertised; haven't had a reason to), and there's lifetime warranty on the metal frame.

WhiteMorpheus

I have the Strongbags and it fits nicely in the 700/900 overhead, as well as 737/321. If you stuff the outer pocket(s) it takes some Force to get it in the 200 overhead, but it will go. I love the structure of the aluminum box, but I wish the interior was also square/flat. The "back" has the channels for the retractable handle which makes it lumpy. Of course I could add in a flat plate of some sort if I cared that much. The handle is articulated and feels like it would be the first thing to break, but all pieces of the page are replaceable, so you just order a $30 handle assembly and swap it out with a phillip's head.

JayBee

socks and underoos in the channels

blackhawk88

If you want something "square/flat," Briggs and Riley has nice carry-ons too. They dont have metal frames, but they come with lifetime warranty which even covers airline damage. I bought one for $329.99 at the CVG Crew Outfitters Store for my wife. MSRP is much higher. I used it while the Steath Air was damaged. Fits in the 200 overhead if you dont put the laptop in the front pocket. I don't like the wheels on it. It'd be much better having the skate wheels like LW or StrongBags, but the bag is very light. Not sure how durable it is with commuting since I didn't use it for that many trips.

foumanchu

Briggs and Riley are a bit more expensive than some, but I think they are definitely worth the price. The warranty more than makes up the difference. I own a LW Stealth, but got tired of lugging that heavy POS around. It tears up your house when you hit a wall or it falls on the floor; it tears up your hands when you grab the metal sides, and it just doesn't seem like a nice bag overall. Once it starts showing wear, it looks like something you picked up at a junkyard. Plus, you are never going to be incognito traveling around with one.

I have only had a B&R for about a year, but much prefer it. I can grab the top handle and throw it in the car/truck no problem because it is a third of the weight. As stated above, though, the wheels are not the best. They are more square and are made of a harder rubber. It doesn't roll as smooth or as quiet(this really bothers me rolling on the moving sidewalks), but if you really want to change them, it's cheap and easy.

My advice would be to get something other than the typical, every-pilot-has-one, Stealth models, and get a newer lighter version(if they do hold up fairly well), or go with B&R. Maybe get something cheap for a year and then use your Uniform Allowance to get a better one after that.

Almost forgot to add: If you email B&R and tell them you work for an airline, they will set you up for I believe it is a 20% discount.

Irishblackbird

Ditto on the strong bags. Everything is replaceable on it, even the skin and you can do it yourself with a wrench and screwdriver. I have only had to replace the wheels after about 6 years. Its seen every kind of flying environment, (corporate, fractional, and regional) and has held up flawlessly. I still have yet to bust a zipper pull, and yes, I have abused the crap out of this baby. Like the other poster said about the LW stealth, the metal edges will scratch you, your furniture, and walls, plus they look like sh!t when the paint gets scratched off the metal. It's a little on the heavy side, but we'll worth the weight for something indestructible.

Irishblackbird

I actually use the channels to my advantage and pack socks in one row, underwear in another, and tee shirt's in the next. Then I have a flat surface to layer everything on top. Great bag.