Briggs & Riley Large Expandable Spinner Review

1. Introduction

Most of us digital nomads are looking for a balance between organization, durability, and style from a good suitcase, but each of us probably leans more towards one of these attributes more than the others.

Founded in 1993, Briggs & Riley is a stalwart for people who want understated luggage that’s optimized for business travel. Its products are designed with lots of different compartments and pockets, making organizing your personal and private effects an enjoyable experience.

While the company does a line in hardshell suitcases, it is the brand’s softshell options made from ballistic nylon that have established Briggs & Riley as a reliable, popular maker of travel-ware

In this post, we’re going to look at one of the business’ most popular products, the Baseline Large Expandable Spinner.

2. Size, Capacity & First Impressions

The Baseline Large Expandable Spinner starts out with dimensions of 29” H x 20” W x 12” D (74cm x 51cm x 30cm) and a capacity of 100l. Engage the CX (compression expansion) system, and the depth increases to 14.5” (37cm) and 122l – that’s a lot of space!

Technically, the expanded suitcase is slightly too large for some airlines that have a 62” (158cm) limit on the sum of the dimensions. However, given we’re talking less than 2” (4cm) over, we can’t imagine a scenario where United, Air Canada, or Turkish Airlines would actually call you out on it.

In fact, the thing that concerned us more than the size was the weight of 13.6lbs (6kg). Most airlines will limit you to about 50lbs (23kg), so the Large Expandable Spinner’s empty shell absorbs just under a quarter of your allowance. It’s not outrageously heavier than the other checked luggage we’ve had, but it is heavier.

As you’d kind of expect from a business-oriented brand, Briggs & Riley go demure with their color options, which include black and steel grey, plus slightly more exotic olive green and plum.

We went with good ol’ standby navy, which always looks smart and avoids the appearance of scuffs.

3. Features & Functionality

The patented CX system is a highlight of the Baseline Large Expandable Spinner, allowing you to easily deepen the suitcase during packing, then compress the whole thing once you’re done – all with the click of a couple of buttons. However, it’s not the only feature that caught our eye.

Storage & Interior Design:

There are lots of nooks and crannies in the Large Expander Spinner, making it very convenient to segment your stuff.

On the exterior, there’s a large front pocket that we used for dirty laundry but could also feasibly fit items like gloves and beanies that you might want quick access to in a colder climate. There’s also a smaller pocket above this for sundries such as cables, coins, and that sort of thing.

Inside, there’s a unique trifold area designed for storing a smart dress or a suit. We gave it a whirl, and it was perfect for storing our sports blazer. This compartment is fronted by a pair of mesh pockets, which is where we placed a couple of books and a tablet.

Most of the interior is taken up with one big open area for the main bulk of your clothing. It comes with unusual compression panels that, to be honest, we don’t love because it’s a bit of a weird design that feels more stylized than practical – but maybe that’s just us.

One final thing to note is that the suitcase comes with a SmartLink strap, which can be used to attach a handbag or possibly a small backpack to the top of the suitcase. We didn’t use it, but it seems like a nice idea.

Wheels & Handling:

One of the most unique features of the Large Expandable Spinner is its aluminum telescopic handle, which is mounted on the back of the bag, rather than sliding away into the inside. This means it doesn’t impact on your interior packing area – which we love.

The wheels are the kind we prefer on rollie suitcases: four, 360-degree dual spinners. Smooth and silent, these are up there with the best we’ve tried.

Security:

There’s no built-in lock, but the suitcase does come with a TSA-approved combination lock, which fits the YKK zippers perfectly.

Tech & Smart Add-ons:

You could argue that the Large Expandable Spinner is a very smart piece of luggage, in that it has a great design, but it doesn’t come with any smart tech features.

It does, however, have space for a personalized monogram, which you can add for no extra charge.

Mobility & Ease of Use:

Unusually for a four-wheeled suitcase, this one has a leather grab handle on the bottom, as well as the usual one on the top and one on the side. We always find this bottom handle is a simple but incredibly effective addition, as it makes it easier for us to lift the luggage in a variety of situations, particularly when it’s full and heavy.

4. Durability & Travel Performance

There were a couple of things that struck us when travelling with the Large Expandable Spinner. The first is kind of a universal thing with softshell luggage, which is that the suitcase did tend to bulge and become unbalanced when all the different compartments were utilized.

The second was that the telescoping handle quickly got scratched, much more so than ones that retract into the body of the suitcase. We weren’t overly bothered by this, since it seemed like a reasonable trade-off for having the handle on the outside, and it didn’t get damaged in any way that impaired the usability. Still, something to bear in mind if you like your luggage to look pristine.

Even if the trolley handle had been damaged, repairs would have been covered by the Simple as That B&R warranty. We would have had to fork out for shipping costs though, which is always a bummer.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Massive capacity
• Excellent organization
• Unique garment protector

Cons

• Heavier than most
• Pricey investment

6. Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner vs. TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case vs. RIMOWA Essential Check-In Large

The Briggs & Riley Baseline has a very similar vibe to the TUMI Extended Trip, but with a few key differences. Both offer an advanced expansion system, an area to store formalwear, and are well suited (if you’ll excuse the pun) to business travelers.

Where they differ is that the TUMI is significantly heavier at 19lbs (8.5kg) vs 13.6lbs (6kg). It’s also a lot more expensive at $1,395 vs $929. Admittedly, we found the design of the TUMI a little crisper, but the Briggs & Riley is definitely better value for money.

Occupying a similarly high-end space, the RIMOWA Essential Check-in Large splits the cost difference at $1,200. It’s a hardshell rather than a softshell, so it doesn’t have exterior pockets but does weigh less at 10.6lbs (4.8kg).

While the high-quality polycarbonate of the RIMOWA looks nicer and is better for protecting your items, it has a much simpler storage design, with just two interior compartments, one with a zippered mesh pocket and the other with a compression pad. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it just depends on your style of packing.

7. Who It’s For (And Who It’s Not)

Perfect for: business travelers, remote families

Not ideal for: weekenders, lightweight packers

Interestingly, Briggs & Riley advertise the Baseline Large Expandable Spinner as good for a week’s worth of travel. Maybe that’s based on whether you’re packing lots of cocktail dresses and suit jackets. We easily fit enough shirts, trousers, and underwear to last us three weeks. In fact, you could probably fit enough clothes for a couple in the expanded suitcase, with enough to spare for a small child.

8. Final Verdict & Rating

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner is an expensive investment, but given the quality of the workmanship and the unique features, it’s actually rather a good deal.

While you can get much cheaper suitcases that have a bit more pizzazz, you’d be hard pressed to find something with the same level of organizational design and durability as the Large Expandable Spinner at a lower price point.

With its high-quality wheels and fab telescopic handle, it’s a no-brainer for city-based nomads who don’t mind slashing out for something that massively aids packing compartmentalization.

Rating: 4.5/5.

9. FAQ Section

What’s the warranty policy?

Briggs & Riley has a lifetime warranty that covers functional damage to your suitcase, such as broken wheels, handles, or zippers. It does not cover cosmetic issues. Plus, you’ll have to cover the cost of shipping it to them for repairs – which, given the size and weight of the bag, isn’t going to be the cheapest experience.

Is the luggage waterproof?

The Large Expandable Spinner is not advertised as being waterproof, but it does repel rain to a limited degree. The zipper lining will begin to leak water though if exposed to extended showers.