Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner Review

Briggs & Riley tout the longevity of their luggage via a Simple As That Guarantee. However, even after years of use, we have yet to put this guarantee to the test; the Baseline Expandable Spinner is very well made, and we expect it to last. The softcase model and innovative CX compression system also let you pack way more than an average bag this size. The only thing you'll have to worry about is staying under the weight limit for checked bags.

Capacity

We were able to fit nearly an entire wardrobe in this bag. It has a smaller overall volume than some of the other bags we tested, but its unique expansion/compression feature allows it to hold more than seems possible within the limited space.

The Briggs & Riley CX system uses two ratcheting plastic slide handles in the main compartment, each released with the simple press of a button, to expand the bag's depth by 2.5 inches (adding about 30% more space by stretching out a fold of the bag's structured ballistic nylon exterior). From there, simply pack in all your clothes, zip up the case, and press down on the outer edges of the bag. This pressure engages the expansion handles and locks them into their original position. Viola, the suitcase is back to its original size.

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This is way easier than trying to compress your bag while fighting with an expansion zipper at the same time. It also allows the bag to keep more structure, even when fully expanded, and puts less strain on the zippers. When compressed, the CX system tucks the extra fabric back into place, protecting the bag and its contents by using the hard shell to hold the entire package together.

The main compartment is spacious even without the expander in play, and most of the organizational features are found in the lid. In softshell style, the zipper opens up a flip-top to a single deep compartment. There is a tri-fold hanging compartment that hangs from the underside of the lid (now with a soft, more flexible fabric strap "hook"), and if you're traveling with a dress or suit, laying it out here using the thick bolsters to lock it in will help keep wrinkles at bay. You'll find two zip-mesh pockets on the inside of that main entrance flap for toiletries or accessories (a change from the single mesh pocket included in earlier iterations of the case).

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Beyond this, you can organize the large, open compartment as you like. You can use the two smart garment panels to affix loose items toward the back. This works great for storing clothing you are less likely to use upfront — the just-in-case jacket, for example -— and any pieces that have less immediacy for your travels. Just cinch them down over those belongings, and there's still plenty more space to add the things you'll need first or most often. The downside to having a single large compartment (lid opening) over two shallower ones (clamshell opening) is that it can make it more difficult to access clothing at the bottom of the case if you don't have room to fully unpack at your destination.

The external organizational system features a small, external zippered pouch for day-of-travel necessities, such as a ticket and ID, situated near the top of the case. This is a slight repositioning from its location in previous versions, where it was embedded into the larger external pocket, and we appreciated having more immediate access to our essentials. A second, upside-down U-shaped pocket runs across nearly the entire surface of the suitcase, providing an easy access option for storing thin layers, books, or entertainment options on the go. This pocket is quite slim and does not offer much by way of protection, so it is not a good option for electronics or other items you don't want creased or bent.

The only downside to these organizational features is that they increase the weight; the Briggs and Riley is one of the heaviest checked bags we tested, at 13.6 lbs. This, along with the impressive compression system, means that your main concern will be keeping the whole package under 50 lbs.

Ease of Transport

The Baseline Spinner suitcase has larger wheels with a proprietary shock-absorbing design, making for smoother rolling. Four settings on the telescoping handle (up from three in the last version) make it easier to find a comfortable height for your body. Double-swivel wheels pivot and twirl with minimal input on the handle. The internal restraint and compression systems we like so much also help keep everything centered over the wheels. This eliminates the front-heavy bulge that happens with some expandable suitcases and ensures the bag never topples over due to an imbalance.

On busy sidewalks, it tracks right alongside, staying out of our way and everyone else's. The wheels handle well on cobbled streets, and the external handle housing doubles as bumper protection when dragged over curbs or up stairs. Again, weight will be your biggest obstacle with this large bag. The fully weighted case proved challenging to roll uphill when relying on one hand alone.

Overall, the large Baseline Spinner was exceptionally easy to control on smooth terrain. In our at-home rolling tests, it tracked as well or better than other bags.

The telescoping handle has subtle V-indentations that run the length of the aluminum frame. This makes it stronger and less prone to jamming, and in practice, we found it to be true; the handle extends and contracts easily with a press of the center button on the handle.

The handle's housing is built outside the suitcase, maintaining perfectly flat packing space on the inside; a feature that we love. The externally mounted design also pulls double duty as a well-fortified, full-length bumper rail that effectively protects the back side of the suitcase from slamming into stairs and curbs. This simple design tweak is a true silent warrior, providing an impressive amount of added value to the Baseline Spinner.

When picking up the bag to load it into a shuttle bus or car, you have a choice of three grab-handles, and we found there was almost always one easily within reach. Many bags only have two, or even just one. There's a large, plush handhold up top, a fabric grab handle at the bottom (an upgrade from the slip pocket found in the last version), and a streamlined grip on the third side. These low-profile options don't get in the way, but can help you handle the bag. The bottom handle can be especially useful when loading the case into the truck of a car, or if you need to do a two-person carry to get up the stairs.

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The Baseline also has a nifty SmartLink system, which is essentially an extra strap that quickly hooks on the top of the bag in a loop to hold another small duffel or purse. It snaps and unsnaps quickly, and keeps your personal items secure even if they don't have a luggage pass-through sleeve.

Construction Quality

Briggs & Riley isn't shy about advertising their guarantee — they'll repair any functional piece of the bag for its lifetime. That guarantee goes a long way to justifying this bag's price tag, and while we haven't had to use it yet, we're pleased to report its legitimacy has been confirmed directly to us by travelers who've taken advantage of the resource successfully in the past.

This bag is very well made. We don't go easy on our suitcases, and we haven't had to use the guarantee yet. It is made with thick ballistic nylon outer fabric, full-length bumpers, and edge guards to protect it from excessive wear and tear.

The wheels are wobble-free, the handles sturdy, and the zippers not only thick but supposedly self-repairing. Even the zipper pulls are thoughtfully constructed, with a divot for your fingertip that makes them easier to grip. The bag doesn't have an integrated lock, but there is a TSA-compliant loop lock included with the bag. It runs between the main zippers to secure your belongings. A hideaway leather ID tag lives discreetly on the other side as a convenient tracking feature.

We took a hose to this case, and the protective ballistic nylon shell of the Baseline performed well overall, repelling water from all surfaces during consistent showers, with top-side beading as the only exterior sign of impact.

The exterior pockets were mildly damp on the inside, while the paper towel in the main compartment was completely dry. However, upon closure inspection, there were signs of moisture seeping in along the walls. Although only slightly damp, this seepage was quite prominent and widespread. We also subjected the case to an amount of water comparable to walking for 10 minutes in a torrential downpour. So, while not perfectly water-resistant, the Baseline Spinner does an excellent job of keeping rain or spills from reaching your valuables.

We only question the practical lifespan of the plastic in the CX expansion/compression system. It seems well-made, but plastic can fail, especially with repeated impact from being tossed in and out of a plane's cargo hold.

Design and Functionality

Hard-sided luggage has taken over as the decided preference for most travelers. The soft-sided Expandable Spinner isn't necessarily the most trendy travel bag, but it's a classic. It looks nice because it's well-made, uses durable fabric that doesn't easily show wear and tear, and nothing about it is edgy or offensive.

This also means the style is unlikely to become offensively dated. The combined durability and classic styling of this bag mean you can use it for many years. Buying less often makes a smaller impact on your wallet and the planet.

Should You Buy the Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinner?

Price will be a significant consideration for many people, but the warranty and construction quality are also key factors in making it worthwhile. It's expensive for sure, but if it lasts a decade or two of frequent travel, its cost per use drops sharply. If it is as durable as our testing indicates, and you're someone who values packing flexibility with the option to keep fancy clothes relatively wrinkle-free, we see this bag as a solid investment piece for your travel entourage.

Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime guarantee on their products. But remember, those always refer to the reasonable lifetime of the product, not your lifetime. And rarely do companies define what they think is reasonable. But Briggs & Riley promises to repair all functional components of your bag for free without any proof of purchase — this just doesn't apply to simple cosmetic damage.

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