Recommendations for Suitcases?

[sleddriver77]

I kinda like the ROME collection 22" rollaboard from WalMart. They are $24.72 a piece, and I've been replacing it every 3-4 months religiously. It's probably also a good bet if you want to do a TravelPro or LuggageWorks/PNT in the future, but aren't sure which model yet. One thing you MUST DO to the Rome rollaboard; where the actual handle part of the telescoping handle attaches to the telescoping tubes, there is a screw on each side. Tighten the screws as tight as you dare with out stripping them, and apply a dab of 5 minute epoxy over each of them. If you don't, they *WILL* back out and dissapear. Also, the rubber on the wheels is pretty mediocre quality, and won't last much longer than six months. Make sure you buy one with a good solid "foot" on the bottom, (they seem to vary a bit) or it will tip over onto its front when loaded. Also, one of the J-Hooks that the stop-over store sells (I do not recall which model suitcase it's ACTUALLY for) has a clip that fits the buckle on the WalMart bag just about PERFECTLY. Failing that, you could just buy ANY model J-Hook, and use the buckle and fabric (add-a-bag strap) that comes attached to the bag and sew up your own.

 

[inthegoo]

The COSTCO deal is the best ever, its 89 bucks and it fits like it was made for the CRJ overhead, and the best part is if anything ever goes wrong, or if it just looks like s--t after 10 years, COSTCO will give you a new one no questions asked, no reciept, I even got a new one and I was not a member anymore, buy it once and you have a bag for life, and its no piece of crap either, its the sturdiest bag out there, best handle, and longest handle ive seen, I am 6 foot 3 and need a long handle, hands down best, dont mess with that steath purdy neat P.O.S. for $350 with the metal frame, its a waste of money.

-Goo

 

[BSeals71]

Hey Guys...thanks for the info.

 

[FlyChicaga]

Is there anyway to get this thing? it didn't come with my PNT bag and wondering if I can buy it anywhere (just the strap)?

I'm not sure. The Stop-Over-Store might be able to retrofit your bag. I know they are repair centers for the PNT luggage. All you'd really need is two plastic clips sewed into the sides and the strap.

SledDriver,

I can't tell if you are serious or not, but if you are replacing your bag and doing all that retrofitting to it every three months, you might really consider buying a TravelPro or something that will be a bit more durable for less cost. That's like living in a $200 a week apartment since it's cheaper than an $600 a month apartment.

 

[Av8rPHX]

I have a Travelpro 22" rollerboard.. it worked great the first month I had it... then after that I have started having issues with the handle jamming.... I love being the guy who is slamming his handle down multiple times at the security checkpoint... argh...

 

[NYCPilot]

If you've got the loot, a Tumi would be nice.

 

[sleddriver77]

SledDriver,

I can't tell if you are serious or not, but if you are replacing your bag and doing all that retrofitting to it every three months, you might really consider buying a TravelPro or something that will be a bit more durable for less cost. That's like living in a $200 a week apartment since it's cheaper than an $600 a month apartment.

Yeah, I'm serious. And I know what you mean about the 200/wk vs 600/mo apartment, but try thinking of it this way: That 200/wk apartment is all up in the hood, and you're trying to make damm sure the 600/mo one that you rent is not. When you find a decent 600/mo apartment, you can bail on the the 200/wk one at any time with no penalty. (Not stuck in a long term Lease.)

I myself am presently weighing the pro's and cons between a PNT/TravelPro right now, and this system has served as the perfect "bag of indecision." You don't HAVE to replace it every four months, I've just been doing it as a possible problem preventing measure. Once you make or buy the J-hook for it, you have it, it'll just snap into the next bag's buckle; and other than the dabs of glue on the screws, there's no further "retrofitting" involved. I can't see dropping $380 for a "big empty box" type bag (especially as an FO) so I think I'm gonna try a TravelPro. (I like all the pockets and dividers, etc.) If it turns out to be the POS it's reputation sometimes makes it out to be... Well, lets just say I can be very vocal and opinionated, and will not hesitate to pass that info along to EVERYBODY I can.

 

[rjdreamer]

You can buy the replacement strap at luggageworks.com for about $12.00. Or you could go to wally world and buy a 1" utility strap for $1.78, 2 screws and your in bussiness. Either way, you have to drill new holes in the side frame. As for the suitcase, I have a PNT but ut ways 16lbs empty. I much prefer the TravelPro 3, at half the weight! Don't know anything about the Costco bag.
Good Luck!!