Briggs & RileyTorq Hardside Luggage

Form and function are pretty much perfect. Add a lifetime guarantee and absolute perfection is reached!

I have had a set of Briggs and Riley luggage for over a decade. Every time it tears or breaks I drive a half hour to a local store and they fix it. The last time they offered to replace it for a discount on a new suitcase. My husband didn't want that suitcase replaced and got the free fix instead. I looked online and found this carryon bag. I was tired of my old one with only 2 wheels and too small to fit my laptop or printer, which I take with me when I'm on writing sabbaticals. This had ALL that! It was rather pricey and you won't find them discounted anywhere. Briggs & Riley has sales but not on this. I actually ordered this first direct from the manufacturer but received one that had a defective lock. They accepted the return and refunded it. I was running out of time before my next writing trip so I ordered through Amazon with my prime shipping. The package got lost! I ordered it again and got a new fully-working luggage before my trip. The lost bag was still lost weeks later but I couldn't do a quick return on my own. I already dread having to contact Amazon returns because it's so hard to get a human being, but I did (rather quickly) and she was able to verify it was lost and issued a refund. It took a couple weeks for all the refunds from both places to show up but I was on the beach editing my book, which I'd typed and printed using what I brought in the carryon. Oh, and this is the international size, which is smaller than domestic and my 15" laptop and portable printer both fit! I LOVE BRIGGS & RILEY! Just wish they were less expensive...but hey, if you only have to buy one and it last a lifetime it's worth it. Before B&R I went through luggage every other trip!

So well built, 5 domestic flights in small commuter aircraft and two long haul flights completed so far, not a scratch. Strong, and sturdy, glides easily and locks are well made with TSA combo. A major plus is the front laptop compartment, with hard cover for protection and opens independently of the main case. Do not overpack the case, that will result in the laptop being compressed from within! I have had a lot of Tumi luggage from the past that is being replaced gradually, I feel the overall quality of Briggs and Riley surpasses Tumi, the only real competitor is Rimowa, but the price of Rimowa is not competitive!!!

I am super happy with the quality of the bag, my girlfriend bought the same bag a few days later. Just note that when the bag is full, it becomes a bit more difficult to close the laptop compartment but this is normal thing considering that there are restrictions in cabin baggage size. Going through airport security is now a breeze.

I'd say there's really nothing extraordinary or noteworthy about this suitcase. The plastic feels pretty thin and cheap, and overall it is much smaller than I expected- I don't think it matches the measurements accurately. The fact that it comes with it's own warranty through the manufacturer is a huge plus, but I don't think this suitcase is worth the price tag. You're basically paying for the brand name, because there are plenty of other cheaper suitcases that have the same features.

For the price, this should be an incredible carry-on spinner. It's good, but not fantastic. The latch for the laptop opening is just ok. I've had it come open on more than once, so I had to start locking the three-digit lock. Kind of a pain when you're not checking it in. I did have this dropped from tailgate height when a valet mispacked our luggage. No damage to my laptop, so I guess that's a testament to its good construction and padding. I like the color, although it is a bit darker than shown. The ID tag holder isn't the best. I have lost one ID card already. I do like the contrasting orange zipper stitching which helps it stand out on the luggage carousel. I've taken this on a number of flights and, other than the computer compartment opening, have had no issues. I do like this line of luggage. Overall construction quality is excellent. The interiors are very nice and very functional and it has stood up to American, Hawaiian, and Delta luggage handlers without breaking.