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.