I didn't think so until I tore a rotator cuff having one tossed down to me from a plane:p

I think the physical limits are 9" x 14" x 22" in the US, and 20" in Europe.

My LW bag was once confiscated by the Cuban government in Havana for 3 days... I eventually got it back... just one more thing that bag's been through... 5 years running now... and confiscated by commies...

I have had my PNT bag (predecessor to LW) for 16 years. The only thing I have done to it in the whole tenor was to have the corner of the main zipper sowed after it tore away a few years ago. When they fixed the zipper they also gave me a Velcro cover for the foam handle. I would buy another on in a heartbeat if mine went south. But at this rate it will be a while before I have to think about shelling out the $$$.

I'm surprised so many of you mentioned the foam handle getting torn on the LW bags. Most of the pilots I see have a wrap on it.

[Purdy Neat Handle Wrap] | Stop-Over Store

In fact, there are so many accessories available for the LW bags, you can practically customize it however you need. I've taken two of my other small bags and sewn on male accessory clips for the LW to make them compatible.

Male Clip for Accessory Bags | Stop-Over Store

I've had my LW Stealth for about two years now and have no problems with it. The metal frame has taken quite a few hits, so I've had to take a file to a few places on it to smooth out some of the damage. It was catching and putting little pulled out places on my uniform pants. Otherwise I love it. When I bought it I added an embroidered handle, detachable J hook, and a nylon handle wrap.

The plastic ones I've seen in the airport seem not to fair so well. I've seen some with the frames completely cracked, bent handles, and much more damage in general. Go with the metal stealth.

IF you can afford to part with $650 (and another $250 for a laptop case) I suggest ZERO HALLIBURTON aluminum cases, they're made to be thrown around the rugged wilderness in search of oil and they've been known to last decades if not lifetimes.

Strongbags vs PNT
 

I don't usually post anything, but I came across this thread, and I have to say that I bought the Vortex 2 from strongbags and this bag beats the 3 pnt bags that I've had.

The first 2 pnt bags that i paid for that were plastic, didn't last longer than 14 months. I called PNT (luggageworks) for warranty repair, and i got peaved to say the least when they wanted me to pay for shipping both ways for warranty work. They had the bag 3 weeks. Not good. Maybe things have changed, but Strongbags have my loyalty from the minute I opened up the box, and thoroughly checked out the Vortex 2.

I unzipped the inner lining of the V2, to inspect the construction, and they really have beefed up the bag from the previous model - which i think was their first product that they came up with. I hadn't started hearing about them until recently, so I checked them out and bought one.

I'm glad I did.

The zippers are top notch stainless steel with a groove on the slider part where the arm actually sets into that so the puller does not come off. Unlike my previous PNT bags where i lost a few zippers my first couple of months. No biggie, but just noticed that the zippers on the SB were significantly better.

The frame is as solid as it could be built, and is a few pounds lighter than the PNT bags.

The material, and everything else about the bag looks like it is high quality.

Yes it's made in China, but so is the skin from PNT!!!! Just look inside the bag for that made in china tag. It's there. The guys at PNT in Missouri, just assemble the bag in their factory with some metal pieces and screws. In my mind that is not a "made in the USA" product if they import the majority of their luggage from China. I have had a duffle bag that I still use from PNT that I like (expensive), that has a made in china tag in it.

I buy USA when I can, but when it just makes sense, I buy whatever works for me.

So to me, it was important to have a bag that was strong, with replaceable parts that I can change myself.

I talked to guys that had the first strongbag, and they liked them. The ones that i checked over did have a lot of zipper pulls missing, but he fixed that, and went even further by getting really smooth stainless steel zippers.

I haven't seen a V2 without a missing pull, and the guy I talked to had his V2 when SB first came out with the "improved" V2 version. He really liked it.

So take what you want out of 1 pilots opinion, and it is just that, but I am sold on Strongbags, and not by a slim margin. They beat PNT bags in price, weight, and quality. The guy knows what he's doing.

I did my homework, and all the issues mentioned above have been taken care of. Oh, I did read above that on the first one, there was part of the frame at the bottom where it was metal. There is no metal foot anymore - they molded their own solid plastic foot that is part of the frame. Won't leave any scratches on my hardwood, but then I won't drag it on the wood anyway.

I've had it with PNT. I gave them a shot, well 3 shots, and came up short on 2 of them. The other bag I just got tired of and was too small for me. 13"er.

Be good, be good at it.

BC

Zero Halliburton 21" silver carry on w/suiter $650.00

Zeroller Series 2 Suiter Suitcase only $1,399.00

21" carbon fiber carry on w/suiter $2,500.00 model #ZR21T-CF (out of stock)

Got to say, the Z-FLEX 19" looks pretty nice, and it's 'only' $295. Hard sided luggage is the only true way to protect what's in the bag from elements and the rigors of daily use in a 'high damage' environment.

As for me, I'm a Costco 'Kirkland Signature Executive' guy. Lightweight, tough exterior, all for less than $100. The best part, Costco will refund your $, no questions asked, just bring the bag in (I keep my receipt inside the lining so it's always with the bag). Then just walk 100', pick up your new bag off the shelf, and pay for it using the $ you just got for your old one, or put the $100 towards a PNT or Strongbag if you're not happy.

My bag(s) been in RJ bins, snow and sleet, de-ice fluid, Alaska winters, and middle east sand and heat, all not a problem. Great bag, and a refund/new bag if you ever need it - why would you not choose this bag?

No more Costco bags...
 

I had a Costco bag for 2 1/2 years with no problems until recently when the wheels started sticking. Hard to drag a bag around literally for a week. Brought it back to Costco and they refunded my purchase price.

Went to the luggage aisle, and surprise! No more Costco Kirkland 22" bags! After several phone calls to several stores, the product has been discontinued and will no longer be sold. If you have some in your local store, buy 'em up and sell 'em on here!

Hope this helps.

PNT stealth, have it going on 7 years now, replaced the wheels last year with some standard rollerblade wheels(bought a set of 8 bearings included for 25 bucks at Dicks, so I have extras)the foam handle cover tore, so I got a velcro closure wrap for it(5 years ago, it's a bit dirty but still in great shape)No Dividers, but with all honesty I rip them out any way. I like the flexibility of an open bay. I had a Victoronox before this (PNT)bag, in the 8 months I had it, I replaced the wheels 4 times, the retractable handle twice, the side handles twice, the piggyback strap mount once(and the one that was sent was already cracked) I can't speak about the Strong Bags, but I do love my PNT, and would buy another(assuming that I would actually have to).

hmmm, 1st post with an extensive promotion of one product and extensive slamming of the competition's product:rolleyes:, very interesting.....

just sayin'

Bummer. That was a good value bag, but the return policy must have killed it. I don't think I've read a post about the bag without, "ya, bought the Costco bag, year later, returned it broken to get another bag free, then the next year the same."

I started building my own bag, with the intend to market it. Maybe I'll have to set up a poll to find out what folks think is most important. For me, I want it rock solid (that means it "can't" break). I hate being on a trip with a broken bag, no matter how good the return policy. Doesn't help me in Ghana.

I also want it built here in the US. And I'd want it built more like an airplane, and less like a plastic toy, or a heavy rock.

I agree with can't break it being important. Even with a good return policy if the bag breaks on day 1 of 4 then the trip is gonna suck. Over 7 years I'd say that to me the weak points seem to be the wheels and handles....the extension handle mostly. I have had pretty good luck with zippers for the most part.

Another idea I just though of. Make it so that you can replace most things in a pinch. Maybe have a space for an allen key/screw driver and small pliers or something. And have the important parts have a "spare" type of thing where you could replace it with items brought from a big box store such as Lowes or Walmart since some overnights are close to those. Or maybe even have a hidden compartment in the frame where you can keep spare wheels, zipper pulls, and handle so you can replace them on the road as soon as they break and then order new ones when you get home so you can replace the spares. Just even thought of this...to save weight maybe the spares could be made of lighter less durable material just to get you thru the trip until you could replace the part with a new part...kinda like the donut tire for a car...gets you thru the trip good enough till you can get it fixed.

Good points. Zippers break. My current design has no zippers. It is also water tight and lockable (really lockable... Cable locked to the bed in your room for when the "help" helps themselves to your iPod... Twice to me in the past year).

Numerous significant differences from the competition. But,it will be made out of metal, instead of a bag wrapped around an assortment of metal parts.

Wheels are industry standard. You can double up the wheels, just like any transport category plane, or carry a spare with a tool, as you suggest. Both approaches probably weigh the same, so duals sound best to me.

I've been thinking more about it again and I still think that a thing that would be a "must have" would be the ability to fix it good enough to get it home mid trip. I can't think of any bag that has this as an option. You say no zippers so you've eliminated that problem, but I say that the most important things (things that suck to most when the break) are 1. wheels. 2. Handles. 3. Piggyback strap/hook. Find ways to have spares of those incorporated into the bag...preferably with the ability to do it in the hotel with no tools (except for maybe ones included in the bag) and I'd say you'd have a bag that would be wanted by quite a few guys.

Do any of you guys have the LW Stealth NG 26"? If so, do you ever have any problems with commuting or deadhead with overhead space? I just ordered one and I am thinking of changing it to the 22". Thoughts?

Serious thread creep coming........

I don't know about you, but with the change in checked bag policies, there is less and less overhead space. So much that USelessAtoday did an article about it recently.

Anyway, the 26" won't fit into the overheads wheels in/wheels out, has to go sideways, requiring more overhead space. I'm sure, as you know, when commuting you're one of the last people on with the resulting lack of overhead space. Some airlines don't have the closet space, nothing sucks more than having to check your bag and not being able to get to the ramp to retrieve and it gets sent to baggage claim.

I've had the 22" for 9 years now, works great. The first 4 1/2 years it took a SERIOUS beating having to go in the back of the plane and the zippers got pretty beat up. Sent it in and got them fixed. I really don't see any other bag's zippers holding up better.

If you have two sets of wheels, and one of the four fails, you're still good to go. Sure, have a tool or method to get the failed wheel off, but let's say the ramper dropped it, and it broke both wheels on one side. You can still take one wheel off the good side, and put it on the bad side. Your spares are constantly there.



That's tough. You've got 40 pounds of crap swinging off the end of a cheap handle on the Strong bag, and a grossly heavy LW handle (that can still be broken). But, nonetheless, there are alternatives.



There are other ways to handle that. Not sure a strap is my first choice.

I got one of the LW 26" bags when I got the overseas job. You just check it. EVERY time I checked it on Air Lingus going to work it got lost. Nothing beats spending the first 3 or 4 days of a trip wearing the clothes you came over in.

if you call luggage works, and ask to speak to the girl who handles returns, ask her if she has any returned/slightly damaged (scratched) items. i saved $140 total on a flight kit and roller board by doing that.

There are two l's in Bernoulli.

2 L's was taken...but thanks for the help :)

I'm surprised this thing is still going...I ended up going with the Metal LW 22. Just got it in the mail the other day on the 1st trip with it now. Pretty happy with it so far. Anyways for you guys that have had the bag for a while, what kind of stuff are you guys putting in the side pockets? Seems like any thing in the side pockets would get beat up pretty bad. Looks like it would be a good size for shaving cream, but don't want it to get beat up and explode in my bag.

On my bag the side pockets aren't used for anything except to hold extra 1 quart zip loc bags to give to passengers that are ahead of me in the security line. Speeds them up and they appreciate the sympathy ...

--- LW 22" Stealth ... 12 yrs and going, um, back to the shop for a refurb some day.

Top small pouch on left: power cords, and a place to throw spare change. It's also handy to slip your cellphone and keys into before hitting the security line.... makes for a really fast screening (cut the line - dump the LW, kit and cooler bags on the belt and keep walking).

Lower left: Compact Umbrella in case I have to go see what the other guy isn't sure about... & pair of swim trunks for at the hotel.

The long one on the right becomes the dirty sock, t-shirt and boxers holder... just unzip it enough and stuff em in.

The back pocket will get a folded towel, (in case I get stuck using the shower in base - they never have towels)... a pair of sweats for hitting the gym, and sometimes an extra pair of shorts for in the summer season.

The full length side pocket works good for a pair of jeans or khakis with a shirt folded on top of them. It will also hold a trench coat if you don't have the liner in it. The other side, the small top pocket holds change, the one below it I put my workout clothes in.

You are correct about what to put in them with the beating the bags take, anything that can be broken probably will. I've known guys that have put things like cell phone/computer cords in there and they've gotten cracked/broken.

I can get the 26" bag to fit in the overheads on the 717 and the 737 by putting it in backwards; wheels out (showing, on the bottom). Some FAs do not believe it so I show them by closing the door. Another plus, pax don't want to touch it that way.

Reviving an old thread.

I'm thinking about getting a Strongbag Vortex Ocean Crosser. Since it's been two years since the last post here, I'm wondering if anyone has used the Strongbag since and has any new opinions on them.

I had a strongbags and was pretty disappointed. I got sick of replacing the plastic wheel wells, which would break every 9 months or so. The zipper pulls wouldn't last a week before they started falling off. A couple months ago I got the LW 22" and no problems yet. It seems to be a much more durable bag for as much traveling as we do.

My steel-framed LW is going strong after 8 years. Just replaced the wheel bearings myself at year 7.

I have a LW soft sided cooler that didn't fair as well; seams coming apart after 2 years.

Just out of curiosity, what do you regional guys actually carry with you when your flying (i'm entering the 121 world in a few weeks...) I guess it depends on how long of a trip it is, but I'd assume a LW style rolling bag, with a chart case hanging from that, and a cooler bag on top of that if needed? Store your headset in chart case or separate bag? Just trying to look into what I should be getting, don't want to waste money on stuff I dont need...

My wife carries a roll-aboard ( I think it is an older Ebag ), cooler bag, and small padded headset case. If it's a short trip, the headset goes in the cooler. No chart case needed for Skywest CRJ.

That's what I'm carrying, but I'm new to the 121 world. Works so far.

Strongbags are junk. Had numerous zipper issues, and was told to fix it myself... Overpriced crap.

FWIW I've had a strong bag for 13 months. Only the accessory clip broke so far....my fault...replaced free. I don't commute so maybe it doesn't get abused as much as others.

I've had a Strong Bag for a year now. I had handle issues, but that was replaced free of charge. My only serious complaint is that the 22" bag is actually 22 3/4" high, so it doesn't fit in some overhead bins with the wheels facing out or in--and as a commuter sometimes space is at a premium when you're last on the plane. Otherwise, the bag has held up well. I chose it in part because it weighs two pounds less than the comparable LW model. Every little bit counts.

I'm thinking about going with the Pelican 1510. Lifetime warrantee. Looks like it would be strong as hell, and I cannot find a bad thing that anyone has said about it.

Briggs & Riley. Lifetime guarantee. No questions asked. $10.00 for shipping & return when sent in. Free parts for life if you want to fix it yourself. Great customer service.

You can run the damn thing over with your truck, send it in, and get it back in mint condition with a little card inside that says "Fixed. Just like that. No questions asked."

I've had mine for five years.