steel vs ABS plastic luggageworks bags

[skyaddict]

I am a luggageworks rolling bag devotee, but the steel ones do weigh a ton. I've used my trusty 22" for 5 years and am about to order a 26" for winter, and am thinking of getting the plastic frame instead to save weight. Has anyone regretted the plastic compared to the pretty much indestructable (save the zippers) steel frame? Thanks.

 

[Big Wave]

I purchased the plastic-framed 26" PNT bag a year ago and have had no problems with it. Be advised, my experienced is based on the fact that I always carry on my luggage when airlining to/from a tour (avoiding "ramper rash"). I've had no questions from gate agents/FAs about the 26" bag (it does NOT fit wheels in/out into any overhead bin that I know of; obviously, I have to gate-check it on any RJ flight). I'm very happy with both the 26" bag and the duffel I bought to go with it. Most of the guys I fly with are amazed at how much lighter it is (vs. the steel-framed bag).

 

[skyaddict]

Thanks for the feedback-- yeah, I guess ramp abuse is my concern, because sometimes I check my bag- eg if it's a full or fullish flight and I am not one of the earlier zones to board. But since the 22" weighs a ton with the junk I throw in it, the 26" is going to weigh two tons, so the plastic sounds worth a try.

 

[xjcaptain]

I'm not sure how much abuse yours will get, buy I will NOT buy another ABS bag. Pretty much every piece of ABS has broken at least once, and the bag is now about shot. Next on will certainly be the metal frame. One good drop from cargo on a cold day and the pieces just snap.

 

[LostComm]

If you talk to the folks at Luggageworks.com they will tell you that they don't advise the plastic frame bags for pilots (those putting the bag through heavy use). That's what I was told. I went with the metal 26", consider it a better workout

 

[jeroom]

I got mine at "Ross" for $35, a 22' samsonite, ABS plastic, got a hook for the flight bag, works very well. I thought that it will break super soon...but it actually didn't... it's still roll and carry all my crap very well since last year. and for the price of 1 luggageworks I can buy about twelve of my Samsonite...

HOW ABOUT THAT??

ps: yeah I'm an RJ pilot...

 

[skyaddict]

Great opinions, everybody. In light of the fact that sometimes I'll check in my bag, I guess the steel may make sense. The alternative that xjpilot puts forward is also a good one- just keep buying cheap (Costco, Ross, etc) bags. But I am addicted to the rock solid stability of the luggageworks bags when walking a long ways. Of course, the plastic accessory clips and zippers get mauled by ramp rash after a while, and the frame starts to get an arch, but you can get them renovated for free or cheap, with a loaner thrown in. At least the ramp abuse is at most 2x a tour with fractionals as opposed to every leg with RJ flying.

 

[Twotter76]

I have a steel frame 26" PNS that I bought when I first came to NJA a year ago and it still looks brand new. Most times I carry it on but when I do on occasion check it I have no worries about how it will hold up. I am more concerned about hurting my back trying to load it in the plane.

 

[Headwind]

I bought the plastic PNS in 2000 and it's still like new. Don,t know the differance in weight, but my plastic is very heavy. It's built like a tank but too heavy. I miss my old TravelPro.

 

[CA1900]

I've had my steel one for about three and a half years, and it's held up well. Some of the top metal got bent, and I hammered it right back into place. The thing's great.

I did notice that the wheels were wearing out, so I ordered a new set of wheels and a new foam handle grip. When I went to put the wheels on, I found that the metal casting had cracked! Holy crap! I knew the rampies were abusing my bag, but that's just amazing. They always bitch that it's "so heavy," which I respond, "then could you please leave it in there [like I asked you to the last 100 times]?" They must be taking revenge on it!

Anyway, I'm sending it in to get the casting replaced; about $35 for the parts and labor. Not bad at all. The rest of the bag's in terrific shape; I figure I'll get it cleaned up for its new life at NetJets next month. I'm sure it'll get less abuse.

 

[LostComm]

Here's a thought for those of you with the PNS bags.

Checking the bag takes its toll on the zippers mostly. If you go to an Army/Navy type store, they sell standard size mil duffell bags in black canvas. The material is a bit lighter than the standard issue stuff and the PNS bag fits in just perfectly. Slip this over your bag when you have to check it and the exterior will be protected. When you retrieve your bag, the duffell folds and stores easily in the back pocket of the PNS roller.

I suggest avoiding a standard issue duffell bag since the color may get your bag unloaded in the mass of other mil bags if your on a flight with a bunch of troops.

 

[CA1900]

I'd be careful with that, though, as it might get your bag left behind due to weight restrictions. My airline's manual specifies that duffel bags and foot lockers have to be counted as two bags, regardless of size. Probably overkill, but that's what our book says. Just food for thought.

 

[FLYLOW22]

Steel.

 

[Mach92]

My Steel did not hold up well. Big time bent frame after 2 years. It was getting heavy so I switched to the ABS. I have had it for 4 months and check it 75% of the time. Still looks like new and it is WAY lighter then steel (Duh) Time will tell if I made a good choice.