I am new to all this, so.....
from reading the very few threads on this, the choices (and their weaknesses) seem to be:
Luggage works Stealth, Stealth Air, or Stealth Aviator (zipper issues, kickplate issues)
Strong Bags Vortex (telescoping handle issues?)
Travel Pro (seems a lot lighter and lacks a full metal frame)

Please weigh in!

 

Luggage works 22inch stealth

/thread

 

My Travelpro Crew series is on year 5 and I've only had to replace the wheels once. I replaced them with the inline wheels, as they are much more durable. I've had the zipper pulls replaced here and there as well. I still have not spent what one of those metal frame things cost.

Don't believe the hype of the $300 bag, $1000 headset, and $300 sunglasses...better things to spend your hard-earned money on, like shirts!

-Proud wearer of company-provided headset and $20 sunglasses.

 

Travelpro aerowind from Costco. 99 dollars and I can return it whenever I want.

 

If you commute in an RJ, then get one with a metal frame. Mine has taken a beating and a plastic frame would have broke a long time ago. If you don't I've heard good things about the Costco bag.

 

Can't speak to the others, but agree with this. The thing's a tank.

 

I have a stealth aviator. Wish I had an executive aviator. The plastic ones my friends have hold up just fine and are a lot lighter. I see a lot of bent metal (mine included) that plastic would take just fine. I've had mine for 2.5 years in this industry and I have two broken zipper pulls, scratches and dents in the exterior metal, squeaky wheels, and that's about it. The stealth series has no protection on the metal around where the kick plate is, which routinely gets hit on curbs. After a year or so the aluminum shows through from all the paint getting scratched/chipped off and looks bad, whereas the plastic executive one has ribs on it meant to absorb the curb rash going up and down. Scratched plastic is hardly noticeable against textured plastic. After this one I am not getting another stealth again. Oh and not to mention the metal feet/corners hurt like a mofo when you kick them and scratch many surfaces.

 

IMO the plastic frame LW is far more durable and resistant to RJ/rampie stuff. The metal frame isn't any "stronger" but it will dent and bend, permanently, very easily whereas the plastic will bounce back. Anything strong enough to physically break the plastic will devastate the metal as well so what's the difference. Might as well get a lighter and cheaper bag.

 

EFB or paper charts?
If your hanging 40 lbs on the hook then metal frame.
If not then plastic frame is fine.
TP ok, but not in same league but you can afford a new one
every other year.
The more $ you spend the longer it generally will last with Luggage works.

 

Whatever matches best with your purse