Let me start by saying that air travel is a large part of my job. I typically go for longer…read moreperiods of at least 2-weeks, sometimes months. For the last 15 years, I have travelled with 2 large checked bags; one with suits, "work" shoes/clothes, and other personal items you would need on a long trip, the other with everyday clothes, work equipment, and any miscellaneous overflow. As such, these bags always exceed the 50lb. limit. I regularly refer to them as "The Evil Twins" or "Thing 1 and Thing 2"... always troublesome. In the past, I had looked for hard-side polycarb composite bags for durability and content protection (particularly the equipment which a soft-sided bag just could not protect). Never wanting to spend much on bags that were going to be abused no matter what, I eventually settled on a Traveler's Choice Tasmania set with two 29" bags serving as "The Twins". I replaced each one with the same bag once over the years as they were eventually beaten up by baggage handlers unable to properly deal with the weight, slamming them down on their wheels. The wheels were never great to begin with; always difficult to roll together on airport terrazzo and a downright burden to pull down carpeted hotel hallways. This was always made worse when they were slammed down, breaking the bond that solidly held the wheel to the case. To their credit, they never broke off, but they were never right after that. To their discredit, they were never particularly light or maneuverable even when new.
Towards the end of last year, I got a great new job with an amazing company. As my travels would continue and the twins were tired and ready to re-tire, I decided to invest in new bags. I did not want to spend a fortune (I just can't see pulling the trigger on two $1000 bags, no matter how awesome), but wanted something more durable, as large as or larger, hopefully lighter, and, most importantly, good wheels. Please, sweet gods of travel, good wheels. I decided I needed the advice of a professional. I had passed by Bronx Luggage many times over the years thinking "Why are luggage stores still around? Why don't people just order luggage from Amazon?" You may be reading this because you have thought the same things. I'm about to answer those questions (which now seem stupid), but I digress.... So I thought; "I'll go in, give them the story (that I just told you all), and listen to what they have to say."
I went in skeptical. I told the man my reasons and requirements, and he began to go over my options and selections. I was already starting to be swayed when Marty joined in with additional suggestions. Wow. He explained that for a little bit more, I could have Bric's B/Y Ulisse bags. Made of polypropylene, they're LIGHTER, bigger, more durable, and, the kicker... great wheels. Italian-made quality. Winner. Yeah, you can find these bags on Amazon. You can also find them in places like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. No matter, because of their brand, these bags are the same price WHEREVER you buy them. But trust me when I tell you they made it worth my while to purchase them from Bronx Luggage Store.
I left with new twins and a new outlook on Bronx Luggage Store. Places like these exist BECAUSE of people like Marty. Personable, helpful, but most of all, knowledgeable. I can talk to dozens of colleagues and countless people that travel. How many have personal experience with the sheer number of brands and options that Marty has? Want know which bags get returned for what reasons and which fit your travel needs the best? Ask them. After 30+ years in the business, they've probably handled it before (and then some). But more than all of that, in this day and age of superstores, websites that sell EVERYTHING, AI suggestions, return policies, phone-routed customer service, on hold, enter a callback number, leave a voicemail.... It's a blessing to be able to deal with real people. Try them, you won't be sorry.
Posting a pic of the new twins after their latest excursion.
