Crew luggage ??

[UALX727]

Any others out there using the Purdy Neat international bag? The website mentioned that it doesn't qualify as a "carry-on" bag? What's that all about? Also, how does it fit in the overhead of a 737NG? Looking to get something bigger than the one I have now.

 

[Going2Baja]

Heyas,

Had my PNT since 98. Still going strong. Sent it back for refurb once (new wheels/handle/zippers) at the six year point, which was $90.

After 10 years, I finally wore through the striker plate, which they replaced while I waited at the Stopover Store in MSP for about $20.

I clean the wheels once a year, and that's about it.

Well worth the $$.

Nu

Exact same for me - minus the cleaning of the wheels. 98' buy - once to pair and a new handle. Use mine to sit on and it's solid as can be. PNS is the way to go!

Baja.

 

[weasel_lips]

Stongbags are awesome! Great product.

If you like Chinese crap.

 

[cactusboy53]

I'm curious about the Purdy Neat Stuff Stealth line. It's pricey but I wonder if anybody has any good, bad, or ugly experience with these bags. Are they worth the extra $$$? (about $320) I can get another Travel pro for less than half ($140) but I need something that can hold up. Suggestions are welcome...
Thanks

PNS has a bag for $99 (The Regal). My old tank (PNS Stealth) saw its last leg. The cheap $99 has the same roller blade wheels, and is much lighter than the PNS Stealth. I've had it for 6 months, and it's doing well. Here's a link:

http://www.luggageworksonline.com/browser.asp?ItemCodeId=57506099&showcase=yes&Start=0

 

[Captain X]

I got the 27" PNTCO bag and have been runnin' it for 11 years now eek

Paid $250 for it back in the day.

The ONLY drawback to these bags is their weight.

They are built like an M1 tank. The only issues I've dealt with are the standard zipper-pull things and the FLUF-related damage (the bag ain't sized for the light-twin).

 

[Tristar]

Any others out there using the Purdy Neat international bag? The website mentioned that it doesn't qualify as a "carry-on" bag? What's that all about? Also, how does it fit in the overhead of a 737NG? Looking to get something bigger than the one I have now.

I've been using the Purdy international bag for around ten years now. Good bag, but it is heavy (even empty). If you position internationally, you'll be hit with fees for the weight of the bag (when packed) on many non-US carriers. Doesn't bother me, the company picks up that charge!

That said it is a very durable bag. The roller-blade wheels are darn near indestructible. The rest of it takes a beating over time when I'm forced to check it (I keep contemplating getting a throwaway bag like a travel pro for those trips). If I only carried it on, it would last a very long time. As it is, mine has been back to Purdy twice for overhaul - it comes back in like new condition (as it should for the cost).

Regarding not being a carry on - the guidance I've been able to find is that for most airlines the Length + Width + Depth needs to total 45 inches or less for a carry on. I don't have a tape measure to take to mine right now, but I'm guessing it exceeds that. I do know it is too long to fit in the luggage sizing boxes. That said, when positioning in uniform I've never had an issue (again, with US carriers; non-US all bets are off).

As far as fitting in a NG overhead - the international is too longl to fit into any overhead I've seen laterally (with respect to the fuselage). It will go into about any of them longitudinally.

 

[landlover]

I say if it ain't broke don't fix it, just get another travelpro. I've had a travelpro crew 6 for 3.5 years and I check it, thats right I check it twice a week, it's been sliding around on a diamond plate floor of a cargo bird just as long. replaced the wheels once and that was about a month ago, smooth sailing otherwise.

 

[gutshotdraw]

I've been using the Purdy international bag for around ten years now. Good bag, but it is heavy (even empty). If you position internationally, you'll be hit with fees for the weight of the bag (when packed) on many non-US carriers. Doesn't bother me, the company picks up that charge!

That said it is a very durable bag. The roller-blade wheels are darn near indestructible. The rest of it takes a beating over time when I'm forced to check it (I keep contemplating getting a throwaway bag like a travel pro for those trips). If I only carried it on, it would last a very long time. As it is, mine has been back to Purdy twice for overhaul - it comes back in like new condition (as it should for the cost).

Regarding not being a carry on - the guidance I've been able to find is that for most airlines the Length + Width + Depth needs to total 45 inches or less for a carry on. I don't have a tape measure to take to mine right now, but I'm guessing it exceeds that. I do know it is too long to fit in the luggage sizing boxes. That said, when positioning in uniform I've never had an issue (again, with US carriers; non-US all bets are off).

As far as fitting in a NG overhead - the international is too longl to fit into any overhead I've seen laterally (with respect to the fuselage). It will go into about any of them longitudinally.

Pretty much what he said.

 

[B727FA]

Love my PNS/LW bag.

 

[SkiMoguls]

Strongbags are awesome!

If you like Chinese crap.

Dude, where is the t-shirt you're wearing from?

In case you haven't noticed, PNT's skin is made in China as well. So are all their other bags.

Look in the bag for that "Made In China" tag and you'll find it.

Strongbags has fixed the zipper problem, and came out with the best zippers I've experienced with luggage so far.

I've had 3 PNT bags, 2 plastic frame bags which broke within 14 months. The metal frame is good, but it's heavier than the Strongbag V2.

Put the new Strongbag V2 next to a PNT stealth and they are very comparible.

Strongbags beats the PNT in price, weight, with replaceable parts.

Save some money and go with a Strongbag. Plus the guy who owns the company is a pilot.

PNT bags are good, and whatever you decide, It would be between these 2 products, but save some money and go with a Strongbag. You'll really like it.

I talked to quite a few pilots with the new Strongbags V2 version, and they say they will never buy a PNT bag again.

Ski

 

[SteelerMan]

Unless Strongbag fixed the ridiculous size that doesn't fit in an overhead bin, the bag is worthless.

 

[BoilerUP]

The metal frame is good, but it's heavier than the Strongbag V2.

Of course the Stealth is heavier - it has a steel frame!

Personally, I prefer a bag manufactured in Missouri (even if its nylon is sourced from China) over a bag completely made over there.

I've had a 737 Stealth bag for coming up on 4 years now, two of which while at a regional and nearly one year spent commuting on RJs. While my bag is way overbuilt for Part 91 flying I won't own another type of bag again...its durability is well worth the price and weight premium.

 

[SkiMoguls]

Steeler,

A bag's merit is based solely on whether it fits in an overhead bin?

Whatever...

 

[scoreboardII]

Go PNT. 5 years and counting, three sets of wheels, looks like it has been through heck but keeps working and fitting overheads and under seats.

My Stongbag (which i bought to help a new businessman) blows zippers, huge size, unsteady with a pubs bag, it's my backup and I haven't needed it because the prime is a PNT. He does have good service, but so does PNT and I haven't needed anything from them...

 

[SkiMoguls]

Score,

Blown zippers? Not on the V2. Old news buddy.
Huge size? 3/4" taller....wow that's waaaaayyyyy bigger
Not unsteady at all unless you're taking a corner to quickly.

I'm done listening to whiners. Unless you have one of the new bags, stop crying. It's a great product, and you gotta give the guy some kudo's for stepping up to the plate. He put a lot on the line and has only my admiration - and my business.

Thread started for a guy who wanted some advice, but as always this thread is ending up as a bashing from one opinion to another.

So just my opinion, check out the new stuff from Strongbags, and don't listen to whiners.

"All things being equal - FAT people use more SOAP!"

ski

 

[scoreboardII]

Ok Ski, I wasn't bashing nor whining, simple facts, now I'll bash: I was one of the "bro's" who helped the dude out by buying his version one POS bag, I'm now stuck with that POS bag and with what thanks? A few % knocked off the V2? No thanks, if V1 sucked ass, he should have recalled them. I'm glad you like yours, mine sucks.

Take a corner to quickly? YGBFSM. I walk at a normal speed, this thing flips at anything other than a geriatric crawl, and don't let one wheel hit a bump, your done right there, start your departure recovery procedures.

The owner has acknowledged he outsoruces overseas because "that is the only way he can make money". Hope his kids find a job with that attitude. I would buy one for twice the price if he would find a way to do it in the USA. His choice and loss.

Maybe "HE" is "YOU"?

 

[BoilerUP]

Maybe "HE" is "YOU"?

DING DING DING, WE HAVE A WINNER!

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showpost.php?p=1246741&postcount=15

Calling paying customers who have bought your products and are dissatisfied with them "whiners" doesn't do much for your business reputation...

 

[Fubijaakr]

Go to Costco and buy one of there roller bags and when it breaks down bring it back and get a new one free(keep the receipt). My wife has being this for the past four years. The wheels usually give out first, but she has had handle and clip on failures too.

Costco quit this program. Too many crews rotating their luggage.

 

[scoreboardII]

Seems Skimoguls may also be known as bodycheck over on this website:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/44586-strong-bags-luggage-works-7.html

he was outed by another member for his one post glowing and highly detailed claims of great product. Nice one Gear Down/stongbags...

Originally Posted by bodycheck
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

And he apparently lies about it, here he claims to NOT be the owner...

http://forums.flightinfo.com/member.php?u=3013

SkiMoguls
Registered User



Posts: 69
Civ/Mil: Civilian
A/C Flown: B737 CL65 E120
Ratings: B737 CL65
Curr Position: SWA FO
Total Time: 9000?


No I don't work for that "Strongbag" outfit, but I am supporting what my "brother" at SWA is doing.

I too try to buy American made products, and was only trying to say that PNT is not all what they seem.

I have and still use my PNT bag, but my side pockets did tear up.

I'm supporting my boys' company because he has guts and a vision. I did meet him in the MDW crew lounge...nice guy.

Later...

Here he claims he is the owner:

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showpost.php?p=1246741&postcount=15

who do you want to trust with your buck, the one who self promotes and appears to lie? Your choice.

 

[Tristar]

Well....

This has certainly turned interesting!

Ski - I don't know if you are the owner of Strongbags or not. I do know I've flown with a few crewmembers lately who were very happy with a new bag they had, unfortunately I don't remember the name - it might well have been a Strongbag, I honestly just don't recall.

That said if they are your bags, bashing others isn't really the way to go with marketing in an online forum. I'm not completely satisfied with my PNT bags - they are heavy, expensive, and expensive to repair. That said, they've served well for a number of years and are a known quantity (to me). I've never owned a TravelPro, but I've seen a number of them in various states of falling apart over the years - plenty to know that's not what I want.

I've flown for ACMI carriers for over a decade now - I pack heavy (way over that the suitcase should hold) for long trips and I've yet to have a zipper fail (knock on wood). Seams do eventually wear/tear out, I've had the side rail caved in (I still don't know how the bag apes did that one), zipper pulls torn off (every single one in one flight - it had to be deliberate vandalism), and my damn handle won't stay locked on one side when I lean on it. Like I said - it's not a perfect product, but it's seen a LOT of abuse over the years and still serves well (with two overhauls, one warranty one on my nickle - actually about $200). The Strongbag may do the same - I just don't know.

As far as the merit of the bag being based only on it's fitting in an overhead - as I said previously, I own the International bag. I don't know which dimension is in question on the Strongbag, but I wouldn't have bought a bag which wouldn't fit at all. I presently using a Swiss Army (whatever the real brand name is) computer bag as a flight case. It's days are numbered because it won't always fit in the overhead on one of those $h!tbox ERJ's, and I don't care to leave my laptop in the hands of the bag apes (no offense to bag apes everywhere - except the dirtballs at Heathrow who can die a slow, painful death - but I digress).

Scoreboard - I'm impressed! In all the abuse I've put my bag though, the wheels are one thing I've never managed to destroy. How in the #ell did you manage to go through three sets in five years!?!? Inquiring minds want to know!