strong bags or luggage works?
 

My overnight bag is on its last leg and I'm tired of buying a new one every few years so I'm looking at buying one of the more pricey bags. I've pretty much narrowed it down the either to strongbags vortex or the luggage works plastic one since it is lighter than the metal framed one.

Strongbags looks like you can basically replace the whole thing at home via replacement parts and even has an instruction page and it looked simple to do. Downside is I don't think I know anyone with this bag so I haven't heard anything about it.

Luggage Works. Seems like you can replace some of the bag at home, but without instruction sheet online not sure how easy it really is. Good thing about it is I've seen lots of guys with it and most of them only complain about the weight. The plastic one is lighter, but from what I hear has a weaker pull handle which is prone to bending...is this a wide spread problem or just have a buddy that is unlucky?

two years of commuting my lw so far has been great only had to replace the foam handle.

I've had the LW plastic for over 4 years now and it's been great for me. Only fix you really ever need is a new collapse-able arm

I think we are talking about the same thing. The handle that pulls out of the top of the bag so you can roll it bends on the plastic one. I think I heard or read somewhere that the plastic frame bag has an aluminum handle compared to steel handle on the metal frame bag.

How easy has it been to repair stuff on the bag?

I've seen a few people with the strongbags and they seemed pretty solid. You can find them for alot cheaper than the LW bag too. www.flybystore.com has them for $179. LW is a good bag too, just expensive and heavy. You probably can't go wrong either way.

I've had the strongbag vortex since I came to Japan three years ago, I like it a lot it is a a pretty solid bag and it balances really well with the heavy flight case hooked to it. I haven't had the need to change any of the parts on it yet and the wheels look like they have a little while to go before I have to change them, the only thing is that since it a a metal frame the bag is quite heavy for you to carry by the strap but precisely because it is heavy it balances so well with the flight case hooked to it but uphill or downhill it can be a pretty good workout since the two bags combined are a good 70 pounds, but it rolls quite nicely regardless. I recommend it

I've had my Strongbags Vortex for over 2 years now too. It's a great bag, and I believe it's actually lighter than the LW ones. It's a solid aluminum frame instead of the steel used on the LW bag, so I think it's a tad lighter.

I had one problem with the bag, and customer service was simply awesome. They sent me a loaner bag, I sent mine back in the same box (shipping paid by them), they fixed it and then shipped it back. Not only did they fix the 'problem area', they also reinforced it to prevent it from breaking again. (Just a couple of the rivets on the frame had broken loose, allowing a slight flex in one side)

+1 for Strongbags.

It's a 5 minute quick-fix and costs no more than $19.95 for the Arm. I've only had to change it once and the size of the bag is just right for 4 days ( because that's all we seem to get around here at ASA :) )

My LW 737 Stealth bag was made in Missouri...I think Strong Bags are made in China.

I had the plastic LW with the alluminum handle for 3 years and the handle snapped off twice, think bending a hanger back and forth until it snaps. Once I had enough money in my uniform allowance I just bought the LW steath and am very happy with it. Don't know about the strong bags but if you go withthe LW get the steel one and you won't regret it. The couple extra pounds is worth the fact that it will last the better part of a decade.

Amen.

I've had my LW stealth for over 4 years and am very pleased with it. No problems whatsoever.

I've had a LW bag for 16 years. One "C" check, new zipper and frame piece, a crack had worked up to one of the wheels and I was worried it would break free. Had the zipper replaced another time, it's an old design with the zipper right at the edge of the "top" v. the "porthole" design they use now. Every time it was slung around face down, it was riding on the zipper and final wore out. The thing's bullet proof. It's gone down freighter ladders solo and been wedged in bulk pits. Yeah, it's heavy - so is gold.

That alone settled it for me right there. I have a LW bag that is older than dirt and was thnking baout switching... not gonna happen. I'll buy the product made here... thanks for the post BoilerUp.

I've had the strongbags one for a year and a half. I've had to replace 2 wheel wells. The CS guy said they had a batch of weak plastic which may account for that. Some rivets popped on the side panels, they replaced those. The zipper pullers come off too easily. CS said they had a fix for that, but after replacing them, 2 fell off on my first trip

One advantage of the LW is that if you've aircraft requires you've bag to go in the cargo compartment, the LW is generally recognized as a crew bag and won't get pulled off the plane at the outstations. I've seen many times where the FA's travel pro gets pulled despite having a crew tag while the two other LW crew bags stay on.

If you're lucky enough to fly an aircraft with space in the cabin or cockpit for crew bags then this isn't an issue.

USA, USA, USA. Don't be a penny pincher, buy American made, and it's been kicking butt for me for two years now with only one stop at the mechanic for a new foam grip.

LW is awesome. I've nearly converted everyone I know. Those that haven't yet will probably do so when their POS luggage breaks (in other words, any day now)

That works both ways. I've had times jumpseating or I gate checked the bag and they don't bring it up.

The guy that runs Strong Bags is an FO at Southwest, named Ethan. I had all the above issues, within months. The aluminum rivets that hold it together sheared, and the whole "box" collapsed. The wheel wells (plastic moldings that physically hold the wheels on) literally fell apart, leaving a gaping hole where the wheels had been.

Several of the zippers have failed. The slide handle's little, tiny plastic pins that keep it from collapsing until you push the button on top... one side failed. The edges of the stamped aluminum panels were sharp enough to cut my hand. The forward "feet" are just bent over sheet aluminum, that bends easy and scratches my tile floor. (LW uses aluminum cast feet).

Ethan took the bag back, and fixed the wheel wells and riveted it back together. The zippers are still failed, and so is the handle issue. He advertised recently that he now has metal zippers, so that might be better.

I have both bags, as I also own the the Luggage Works bag (the heavy cast aluminum / cold rolled steel handle one). I tend to use either bag, and like the relative lightness of the SB, and the relative robustness of the LW.

If I were to need a new bag, I'd build it myself. Really. I went and bought a sheet of .090" 6061-T6 aluminum sheet to build the box (like SB), but use metal wheel attachment like LW. I would use a more robust handle than SB, but not the grotesquely heavy LW style. It would have rubber bumpers for feet. And it would use steel zippers and flaps with velcro to cover them.

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/s...ams/img035.jpg

Wheels broken out of Strong Bag

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/s...ams/img036.jpg

Cracks forming on Strong Bag wheel wells prior to complete failure

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/s...ams/img037.jpg

Strong Bag "feet"

Wow the damage to the strong bag looks worse than anything I've replaced bags for. (how long did you have your bag when this happened?) I've had wheels fall off, but not whole wheel wells before. Seems like handles and wheels are the first to go. I've been using Sampsonite for the past 7 years and have gone thru either 3 or 4 bags I cant remember. Tired of having to buy a new bag just because a wheel or handle breaks and depending on my luck it costs between 50 and 150 bucks a pop. Plus now they seem to make their bags with less pockets and out of cheaper stuff (more plastic compared to metal than older bags I've had).

I was really hoping to go with a lighter bag since I go up and down stairs a lot plus I went heavy duty on the flight kit so its heavy empty and super heavy with all of the stuff I have to carry, but it has lasted me 7 years and is still ticking. Looks like the main way to get the same 7 years out of an overnight bag is to go the heavy metal LW route. Keep the comments coming. I'm still not comitted to a bag yet, but the vote here seems to be leaning towards LW.

I bought the first generation strongbag and had the wheel well problems and the popped rivets from the side of the bag. Identical to pictures you posted, Ethan gave me a steal on the Vortex 2 since I was an original customer and 2 months later, it's holding up like new (fingers crossed). If this one fails in less than 2 years I will convert to LW.

But, the new Vortex 2- so far, so good.

I think Ethan learned a lot with his first generation bag (that I have). I bought mine in Oct 2007, and within 6 months, it was trashed, as I previously posted.

Ethan called me on the phone, and discussed the changes to the bag. Supposedly, the plastic wheel wells are "better", the aluminum rivets are "better". And now the zippers are metal instead of plastic.

No mention on some of the other issues that I have with the bag. I suspect you'll be alright with the newer bag, and if it does go Tango Uniform, he'll make it right. It's significantly lighter and cheaper than his competition.

As I said, neither bag is my ideal.

The only thing I don't like about my LW is the weight, but after almost 6 years it's still holding up. I did pop a zipper track but it's cause i overstuffed the side pocket. It could use a tune up, but I'm a commuter on top of flying as a line holder and this thing takes a beating. I don't need a company that stands behind a substandard product that I'm inconvenienced by sending back repeatedly to be repaired.

Man.. I've had a normal travelpro for 3 years, cram it into a CRJ 2-3 times a day and commute 1500 miles. And I've only replaced the wheels. What the hell are you guys doing to your bags?!

Im not too impressed with my LW bag, the aluminum handle guides are held in with sheet metal screws when they should be machine screws, The black machine screws seem to rust up top (no biggie) and the foam handle has a tear damnit, No internal pockets in the main compartment, its a nice bag but expensive, maybe when i get home ill throw some old china bones skateboard bearings in the wheels so it will roll faster than i walk.

I also have the snap on little duffel, nice addition.

Also that damn handle comes down at warp 9 so watch your fingers.

I have the luggage works. As soon as I bought it I went to a sports store and bought a roll of black athletic tape($3) and wrapped the foam handle up. So far so good.

I have the LW bag and after 2 years, it's awful. The thing has fallen apart, literally. I hate the lack of internal dividers, the weight, basically everything about it. What I did was get a costo bag and just replace it once a year. It's free and the thing is pretty light. The only problem is it's all plastic and tends to bind if you put too much pressure on it. Plus I like the internal dividers, and it's handy with all the pockets.

I've had my LW for about 3 years. Greatest buy ever. I commuted overseas to and transported all kinds of building supplies in it for a year while renovating a small cottage. Amazing bag. I had a zipper problem on the outside pocket, and sent the bag in to get it fixed. They replaced everything except metal frame. Brand new material everywhere, new handle, new foam etc...

If you get one, spend the extra 12 bucks to get the "belly strap" and the extra 12 bucks to get your name on the handle. It looks good and helps ensure it isnt mistakenly mis-taken!.

LW is too heavy. Get a Costco bag.

That's why they have wheels.

There's a reason you see so many LW bags in the airport that look like they have been to hell and back...they have and they keep on truckin'. I've had mine for 5 years with no problems, and I anticipate at least another 5 out of it.

Every time my rollerboard goes in regional airline cargo it gains 6 months worth of wear and tear. Mainline seems to put much less wear and tear on it.

LW all the way. I have had mine for over 6 years, and commuted most of that time. I have not even had to change the weels. It is starting to get a little beat up, but that is part of the character of it.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm gonna go with the Plastic LW. Seems like it is still strong enough to hold up and the lighter weight seems worth throwin some extra money on a new handle every 4 or 5 years. Especially since my flight kit is super heavy, I don't think I want to lug around the super heavy metal one as well....I have to go up and down stairs quite a bit so the few extra pounds would suck.

I talked to two pilots this week about the PLASTIC roller boards. They showed me the bags. They both were trashed. The handles were broken along with the frames. I would strongly tell you to steer away from the plastic one.

I thought you marines were tough:p

Get an LW. They are the best. They are heavy but were not sissies, are we?

Any idea how long these guys had their bags? I talked to 2 guys that had to plastic ones this week. I flew with the first guy and was surprised how light it was when I pulled it out of the closet on the 145. He has had his for about 1 year and the other guy was in the crew room he said he had it 3 or 4 years. Both were happy with the plastic and liked the lighter weight. And said they thought it was probably just about as strong as the metal one.

However I've been doing some "scouting" around the airports the past week or so and it seems like the metal one is more common.

One guy was/is a Midwest pilot (who kept his bag up in the cabin). His was aprox 1.5 years old. The other guy is all "regional" guy (whose bag goes in/out of the belly four times per day) whose bag was barely one year ole. His grip handle "pulled" out on one end. The frame was broken down by the wheels. The "lip" (which keeps the bag upright stable while standing) was bent over and no longer did the job it was intended.

Both rollerboard handles were severely bent. I don't know why. I'm not sure if they use a different kind of metal on those particular handles or not.

Overall, the people I talk to that have the plastic ones are not happy due to the abuse our bags take on a daily basis in this regional nightmare. They just don't hold up as well as the metal ones in their opinion.

If you're gonna get a PNT/LW bag, get a heavy metal one. If you don't, you might as well spend less money and get a Samsonite/Costco/etc. bag.

You'll ***** about the weight of the Stealth, but you'll love its toughness and its longevity...especially the first time its dropped out of a hotel van, off a jetbridge or out of a RJ cargo hold.

I was asking the same questions a couple of years ago and I decided to go with the Strong Bag. Wish I hadn't. I've had the same issues as the other guys with the zippers and wheels. Good customer service but what a pain...

I have a strongbag. I've had some issues but nothing I can blame on the bag. I've commuted since day one and show no mercy. I did manage to break a wheel but once again I blame myself for it. However they still sent me free replacements in the mail.

I might try lugging around a LW for a week. I like how their sides aren't hard so you can cram a little more in them. The wheel design on the LW is better. There were some issues with the SB due to faulty fiberglass but they've corrected that by going with composite and frankly you aren't breakin em. As much as I like the soft sides on the LW for room reasons I really dig the solid frame on the SB. I've seen a lot of LW bags rolling around bent and since I'm always swinging mine over and into the back of my truck I know i'd bend it in no time. Considering the price Strongbags are great I just wish their model was about an inch or so wider.