Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner Review

Briggs & Riley tout the longevity of their luggage via a Simple As That Guarantee. While we haven't put this guarantee to the test, the Baseline Expandable Spinner is very well made, and we expect it to last. The innovative CX compression system, which we'll describe in more detail below, also lets you pack way more than an average bag this size.

Performance Comparison

Capacity

In our pack test, we were able to fit one tester's entire wardrobe in this bag. It has a unique expansion/compression feature that lets you pack more than seems possible within the same limited space.

The Briggs & Riley trademarked 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, you just 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 sets them back to their original position. Viola, the suitcase is back to its original size. When compared side by side with the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29", our testing showed the lower-priced Platinum Elite is lighter weight and offers more packing volume with a comparable packing system.

The compression system works pretty seamlessly. We loved this unique expansion/compression system much more than the approach used by the other expandable bags we tested. Most just use a zipper to unleash an extra band of flexible fabric, which works well enough to increase space but provides little structure to protect items inside while simultaneously exposing the zippers to extra strain. 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.

Aside from the ample storage you get with this suitcase, you'll also enjoy a smart and intuitive organizational system. There is one small, external zippered pouch for day-of-travel necessities, like your ticket and ID, sitting up top at the front side of the case. This is a slight repositioning from its location in previous versions, where it was embedded into the larger external pocket. We love having the option to keep such important items close at hand. A large, shallow U-shaped pocket runs across nearly the entire front side of the suitcase just below, providing an easy access option for storing thin layers, books, or entertainment options on the go.

The main compartment is spacious even without the expander in play. But it doesn't unzip right down the center in clamshell form. Instead, the large top zip-panel opening reveals a tri-fold hanging compartment on the flip side (now with a soft, more flexible fabric strap "hook"). 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. Once you've zipped those items away, you'll also 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).

From here, 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 in the things you'll need first or most often.

If you decide to throw in even more, simply expand the main compartment, stuff it in, and compress the whole bag down again. Then add your contact information to the luggage tag tucked away on the backside of the case and attach your purse or laptop using the SmartLink strap at the front, and you're quickly ready to roll.

Ease of Transport

The Baseline Spinner suitcase is one of our favorite four-wheeled rollers. Larger wheels with a new proprietary shock-absorbing design (an update on this new model) make for smoother rolling. And four settings on the telescoping handle (up from three in the last version) mean it's even easier to find a comfortable height for your body no matter what situation you're forging through. Double-swivel wheels keep up with instant directional changes, and the internal restraint and compression systems ensure the bag never topples unbalanced.

On busy streets, it tracts right alongside you, staying out of your way and everyone else's. We even like this spinner bag's rolling action on cobbled streets and appreciate how its external handle-housing doubles as bumper protection when dragged over curbs. While gravel and rough roads were less maneuverable — more like a hard drag on two wheels versus a roll — and the fully-weighted case proved challenging to roll uphill when relying on one hand alone.

Overall, the large Baseline Spinner performed no worse under these circumstances than other spinners in our test group, and it was exceptionally easy to control on smooth terrain. The Baseline Spinner also proved itself well in our more controlled studies. During our rolling tests, it tracked as well or better than most of the bags we examined.

The telescoping handle has subtle V-indentations that Briggs & Riley claims make it stronger and less prone to jamming. Given the sturdy feel, we buy the stronger bit, and we never ran into jams. The handle extends and contracts easily with a press of the center button on the handle. We also like that the handle's housing is built outside the suitcase, maintaining perfectly flat packing space inside to ensure maximum flexibility and capacity when storing your items. 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 is a very simple design tweak that is a relatively unnoticed, silent warrior that provides an impressive amount of added value to the Baseline Spinner.

When you need to pick the bag up to tackle a shuttle bus or load it in a car, you have three handles to grip, increasing the chances that one will be within reach. There's a large, plush hand-hold up top, a fabric grab handle at the bottom (an upgrade from the slip-pocket found in the last version), and a streamlined grip to one side. We like these low-profile options as they help you manipulate the bag without protruding enough to catch or get in the way while in motion.

We also really appreciate this bag's SmartLink system. It's 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, letting you stow your personal items as you make your way through hotels or airports.

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 we're pleased to report its ease of use has been confirmed directly to us by travelers who've taken advantage of the resource successfully in the past.

This bag does seem very well made, with thick ballistic nylon outer fabric, full-length bumpers, and low-profile (now even larger) 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 seem thoughtfully constructed, with a divot for your fingertip to make them more ergonomically comfortable in your hand. The bag doesn't come with an integrated lock, but they do send a TSA-compliant loop lock with the bag. It runs between the main zippers to secure your belongings. A hide-away leather ID tag lives discreetly on the other side as a convenient tracking feature.

During our water tests, the protective ballistic nylon shell performed well overall, repelling water from all surfaces during consistent showers, with top-side beading as the only exterior sign of impact.

After dousing our Baseline Spinner from all angles for several minutes, we turned off the hose and inspected it more closely for signs of water seepage. The exterior pockets were mildly damp on the inside, while the main compartment was relatively dry. Prior to our self-made rainstorm, we placed a strip of blue paper towel inside the bag to show signs of any moisture. It was dry. However, upon closure inspection, we did find signs of mild moisture along the interior perimeter walls. Although only slightly damp, this seepage was quite prominent and widespread. We feel this was in part due to the lighter-colored interior fabric's natural ability to show moisture. So, while not perfectly water-resistant, the Baseline Spinner does an excellent job at keeping rain or spills from making their way to your valuables.

Despite its impeccable construction quality, we do question the practical lifespan of the plastic in the CX expansion/compression system. Although it seems well-made, and we recognize it won't be exposed to much sunlight or wear and tear, we also know plastic can fail. We'll just have to trust the company's warranty policy on this one. But for a case of this price, we think it's important to consider where and how that feature will be used so you can weigh the pros and potential cons accordingly.

Design and Functionality

The Expandable Spinner doesn't jump out as the most fashionable bag available today. We're going to call it 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 fade out of fashion completely. We really appreciate this since buying less means a smaller impact on your wallet in the long term. It's also better for the planet.

Should You Buy the Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinner?

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.

To us, this warranty and how well-built and sturdy this suitcase proved itself during testing is key. It's expensive for sure, but if it lasts a decade or two, 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.

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