Ballistic Nylon in Luggage--worth the premium?

J

JohnG

Joined
Oct 6, 1998
Messages
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I was in a Samsonite outlet store recently, looking at new wheeled garment bags, among other things. Lots of nice stuff, but the ballistic nylon ones had quite a premium on them--a good 25-50% above their more pedestrian products.

Is it worth it? I know it's supposed to be more durable and puncture resistant, but.....any experiences with the stuff?


TIA,
 
JohnG,

I guess the value of the premium depends on how you travel. If you always go in your own car and treat your luggage carefully then it proberbly is not.

If you get to travel alot where other nice careful people such as airline baggae people get to handle your bags and they are mixed in with unknown items - then yes it is worth having.

This information is based on having used a Tumi bag for the past 10 years - going on flights an average of two times per week and not having any luggage problems.

Regards,

Ed
 
If the bag isn't made from taslan nylon or light cotton the stitching is more important than the material. Look for heavy multi-row stitching, cordura nylon fabric, a lifetime guarantee, and zipper pulls large enough to put a plastic zip tie through. If you're getting rolling luggage make sure that the handle are long enough to comfortably pull or push you bag and that they are well enough installed that you could pick the thing up and swing it by the cart handle.
 
Yes if you buy a good brand. Like Tumi or Boyt or another higher end product. I've had both brands mentioned and used to fly over 100K a year and never had a problem.

If you go with a lesser brand look at the quality of construction especially at the seams and hardware.

Good luggage is pricy but if you buy right you won't have to replace it for many years/miles. The last thing you want is for your bags to fail when you are out of town and on the move.

Good luck,

S.
 
I own a Blackhawk 1000 denier "Nytaneon" travel bag that I use to store my gym gear and martial arts gear in and I can't see where I would ever need another one. It is extremely durable with reinforced seams throughout. I don't see how it could be much tougher.

JK
 
Guys,

thanks for the advice--it's right on target. I fly maybe twice a month, but I've had bags destroyed by luggage monkeys more than once:)

One of the benefits of this site is that it does give one reason to spend the extra $$$ to get a really superior product that'll do the job and last for years. I hadn't looked into the Tumis of the luggage world, since I was scared off by price, but I'll give them a relook.

I saw a display with some ballistic nylon--the "dare you to rip this" sort of thing--and it was pretty impressive, so it's now an option I'll look for in a bag when possible.

Blackhawk is another option--their stuff does seem really well made--but I really wanted a "rolling" garment bag. They make the "CIA" bag,molto cool stuff, but with all the airport messes I have to deal with, juggling another shoulder bag, plus my laptop case, etc., makes a rolling bag *very* attractive.

Man, some of you guys fly a *lot*!
 
With ballistic nylon being so tough it really becomes a question of economics.

"Do I invest in superior luggage once in my life or do I buy several sets of
luggage over my lifetime?"

The key word here is .......Invest. If you travel a lot then you will be repaid
very quickly. If not you will not likley have to buy another set of luggage in
you lifetime if you give them minimum care. Either way you will save money.
 
If you're not looking for "tactical" bags, Consumer Reports had a luggage review this month.

FWIW, I use an Atlantic carry-on that usualy gets checked to carry the "weapon-shaped" objects like my SAK. I don't fly too often, but it's holding up well. My only regret is that I chose black. My bag looks like everyone else's except for the colored luggage tag.
 
Thanks, Gadgetman----didn't think to look at CR. I don't always agree with their methodology, but they are always worth a look--great idea!And a good point about the black/colored bags, too.

Thanks, everybody, the input's much appreciated.
 
Click Here to see Black Hawk's rolling luggage bag.

I'd recomend Go Get 'Em Gear www.gogetemgear.com for a supplier. Carol is the dealer, and her hubby posts here (Javahead). Java is a special forces dude who spent so much on gear, his wife got into selling Black Hawk! I have 3 items from them, and they are VERY nice folks and the gear I have is great.
 
Crayola - thanks for the kind words :D

Here is a picture of the rolling bag Crayola was talking about.
divebag.jpg

This is my favorite piece of luggage, I have another larger rolling bag from Blackhawk I use in conjunction with this one - but I really like the padding, 5 external pockets and smart use of space on this one. (the other is an 8000+ cubic inch monster I use mostly for military gear)

Have fun!

Dan
 
I've been using some luggage from Shooting Systems,USA, for a good few years now. Ballistic nylon is great as my stuff just goes on and on and looks fresh. I think it only comes in black. Would buy again without hesitation.
 
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