Think Tank Airport International v2 of Takeoff?

Guys the Think Tank Airport International and the Takeoff has the same dimension..with takeoff having an extra backpack strap... but why is it cheaper than the International? is the International better padded?

monk3y wrote in post #10835269
Guys the Think Tank Airport International and the Takeoff has the same dimension..with takeoff having an extra backpack strap... but why is it cheaper than the International? is the International better padded?

The International has the cable lock on the back, plus it has integrated TSA snap-in zipper locks attached to the case for the main zippers. There is also a zippered compartment with internal compartments on the upper front, all of which may add a bit of weight. The other 2 top roller bags (Airstream and Security) also have this locking system.

When I had both, it seemed that the padding of the Takeoff was thinner and lighter than that of the International. There is less internal depth in the Takeoff to accommodate the storage space for the straps while maintaining the same outer dimensions. The Takeoff has a cover-flap over the front laptop pouch (nice) and both have a cable lock for the laptop if your case has a loop to pass it through. The International also has the "theft recovery" label and Think Tank maintains a owner database service to recover the case IF it is turned in.

Otherwise, they are pretty similar. I have had no problems with the handle, but it is replaceable along with the wheels and I believe Think Tank will replace both if they break.

-howard

If I was doing my roller bag purchase again, hands down I would do the international.

Here's why -

the international will fit in the overhead of even a small RJ jet according to TT - while the Take-off CANNOT!

The Take-off backpack/wheeled bag WILL NOT fit in the overhead of a RJ jet.

So, even over your considerations of what gear will fit, you should also consider if you will be traveling in small, RJ jets (on short-hauls flights). If you want your gear with you at all times, according to TT, the international bag WILL FIT in overhead even in RJ's. If you have to compromise and leave some gear home with the international, and whether you can live with such a compromise, is something only you can consider.

At the time I was considering a roller bag, I never thought I was going to fly anywhere, so I got the full airport security - which was a big mistake. 8 months later, I'm told about a wedding, and ah ha....have to fly on a RJ, so I went with an airport antidote bag (backpack only). That bag can get me on an RJ in overhead, but my back is really sore after a flight (at 50 nothing to sneeze at either). It is very hard spending money on the international when I have the AS. At times I seriously consider selling the AS to get the international, but I'm pretty lazy and the AS is pretty big to ship.........

So don't make the same mistake, contact TT and explore this alot futher. I was told in no uncertain terms, the take-off WILL NOT fit in overhead of RJ jets.

If you are flying in full 747's or whatever they are now, that is totally different. I'm concered only about the overhead in small RJ's..........

Pat

hfgarris wrote in post #10838030
The International has the cable lock on the back, plus it has integrated TSA snap-in zipper locks attached to the case for the main zippers. There is also a zippered compartment with internal compartments on the upper front, all of which may add a bit of weight. The other 2 top roller bags (Airstream and Security) also have this locking system.

When I had both, it seemed that the padding of the Takeoff was thinner and lighter than that of the International. There is less internal depth in the Takeoff to accommodate the storage space for the straps while maintaining the same outer dimensions. The Takeoff has a cover-flap over the front laptop pouch (nice) and both have a cable lock for the laptop if your case has a loop to pass it through. The International also has the "theft recovery" label and Think Tank maintains a owner database service to recover the case IF it is turned in.

Otherwise, they are pretty similar. I have had no problems with the handle, but it is replaceable along with the wheels and I believe Think Tank will replace both if they break.

-howard

Thank you Howard... I think that's about what I need to hear. I like the Takeoff more than the International as I know I won't really fill the whole bag with my gear even in the near future.. as I will only be adding 1 or 2 more lenses and might upgrading some.

pigtailpat wrote in post #10839260
If I was doing my roller bag purchase again, hands down I would do the international.

Here's why -

the international will fit in the overhead of even a small RJ jet according to TT - while the Take-off CANNOT!

Pat

uhhhmmm both have the same outer dimension.. I think you are confusing it with the Security Mr. Pat.

absolutely not, I am NOT confusing the issue. This information came straight from TT, as I was considering the take-off (even though I had the antidote), because of the wheels and I really wanted to get stuff off my back. I spoke to TT about 2-3 weeks ago on this very issue, and I am telling you, they said the international WILL fit on an RJ, while the take-off WILL NOT. They specifically told me the ONLY WHEELED bag that makes it in overhead on an RJ is the international. This also excludes the take-off - as it too is considered a wheeled bag (with backpack features). I asked the question twice to make sure and got the same answer. My experience with the information TT gives me is always spot on, and they know their stuff when it comes to their bags and transportation in the airports.

Ultimately, I decided to grin and bear it, and used the antidote again for my recent flight, and went for the pinestone retro 30, as that purchase was alot more practical, as I sold my only day bag (the UD) in order to purchase the antidote and had no day-to-day bag. The AS is used only to store all the equipment in one place and to protect from dust.

If anyone doubts what I am telling you, contact TT directly to make absolutely, positively sure before making a purchase, but specifically ask about fitting into overhead on an RJ plane, and do not ask generally about domestic flights, because then they will think you are referring to long-distance 747 type planes.

Pat

pigtailpat wrote in post #10839734
absolutely not, I am NOT confusing the issue. This information came straight from TT, as I was considering the take-off (even though I had the antidote), because of the wheels and I really wanted to get stuff off my back. I spoke to TT about 2-3 weeks ago on this very issue, and I am telling you, they said the international WILL fit on an RJ, while the take-off WILL NOT. They specifically told me the ONLY WHEELED bag that makes it in overhead on an RJ is the international. This also excludes the take-off - as it too is considered a wheeled bag (with backpack features). I asked the question twice to make sure and got the same answer. My experience with the information TT gives me is always spot on, and they know their stuff when it comes to their bags and transportation in the airports.

Ultimately, I decided to grin and bear it, and used the antidote again for my recent flight, and went for the pinestone retro 30, as that purchase was alot more practical, as I sold my only day bag (the UD) in order to purchase the antidote and had no day-to-day bag. The AS is used only to store all the equipment in one place and to protect from dust.

If anyone doubts what I am telling you, contact TT directly to make absolutely, positively sure before making a purchase, but specifically ask about fitting into overhead on an RJ plane, and do not ask generally about domestic flights, because then they will think you are referring to long-distance 747 type planes.

Pat

ok Thank you Mr. Pat. just making sure

pigtailpat wrote in post #10839260
The Take-off backpack/wheeled bag WILL NOT fit in the overhead of a RJ jet.

Well, it depends on which RJ! I was able to fit my fully loaded Airport TakeOff on the Embraer 190's overhead bins. I don't remember whether I had to take out the laptop from the front pocket or not, but I was able to fit both.

pigtailpat wrote in post #10839734
absolutely not, I am NOT confusing the issue. This information came straight from TT, as I was considering the take-off (even though I had the antidote), because of the wheels and I really wanted to get stuff off my back. I spoke to TT about 2-3 weeks ago on this very issue, and I am telling you, they said the international WILL fit on an RJ, while the take-off WILL NOT. They specifically told me the ONLY WHEELED bag that makes it in overhead on an RJ is the international. This also excludes the take-off - as it too is considered a wheeled bag (with backpack features). I asked the question twice to make sure and got the same answer. My experience with the information TT gives me is always spot on, and they know their stuff when it comes to their bags and transportation in the airports.

Ultimately, I decided to grin and bear it, and used the antidote again for my recent flight, and went for the pinestone retro 30, as that purchase was alot more practical, as I sold my only day bag (the UD) in order to purchase the antidote and had no day-to-day bag. The AS is used only to store all the equipment in one place and to protect from dust.

If anyone doubts what I am telling you, contact TT directly to make absolutely, positively sure before making a purchase, but specifically ask about fitting into overhead on an RJ plane, and do not ask generally about domestic flights, because then they will think you are referring to long-distance 747 type planes.

Pat

Something's not right here...

The Airport Takeoff and the Airport International are exactly the same size ... if one will fit, the other will too. Plus, the Airport Airstream will also fit as it is the same size, just not as tall making it possible to go under the seat as well. The airlines (usually smaller ones) I frequently fly on limit carry-on bags to 22 x 14 x 9" which easily accommodates all 4 TT rollers: Security, International, Takeoff, and Airstream. If the flight is full, they have been known to ask me to "valet gate check" my International at the plane door. I just got a TT Airstream which hopefully they will allow on any flight since it fits under the seat.

I have a note that indicates that the CRJ-200 jets (really small??) allow 18 x 14 x 7" overhead and 19 x 15 x 11" under-seat which would preclude all except the little Airstream (which may even be too thick for the overhead if fully loaded).

I wonder if the TT person was confusing the new Airport Takeoff with the older and larger Airport Security, both of which have backpack straps?

-howard

hfgarris wrote in post #10840494
Something's not right here...

The Airport Takeoff and the Airport International are exactly the same size ... if one will fit, the other will too. Plus, the Airport Airstream will also fit as it is the same size, just not as tall making it possible to go under the seat as well. The airlines (usually smaller ones) I frequently fly on limit carry-on bags to 22 x 14 x 9" which easily accommodates all 4 TT rollers: Security, International, Takeoff, and Airstream. If the flight is full, they have been known to ask me to "valet gate check" my International at the plane door. I just got a TT Airstream which hopefully they will allow on any flight since it fits under the seat.

I have a note that indicates that the CRJ-200 jets (really small??) allow 18 x 14 x 7" overhead and 19 x 15 x 11" under-seat which would preclude all except the little Airstream (which may even be too thick for the overhead if fully loaded).

I wonder if the TT person was confusing the new Airport Takeoff with the older and larger Airport Security, both of which have backpack straps?

-howard

yeah I think so too...

That is really interesting, because this is not what TT told me. However, I fly generally in Continental, and to my destination, they use the embraer-145 plane, not the 190.

Pat

NicolasRubio wrote in post #10840393
Well, it depends on which RJ! I was able to fit my fully loaded Airport TakeOff on the Embraer 190's overhead bins. I don't remember whether I had to take out the laptop from the front pocket or not, but I was able to fit both.

I should be able to check this out later this week. Fully loaded TakeOff and scheduled to be on a E145...(crossing my fingers...)

Ken -

I would be REALLY INTERESTED, in hearing from you about whether or not you manage to get a take-off in overhead on a E145, because 9 out 10 that is what I have to fly on.

If you have any internet access on your trip, when you get a chance, please post after you land and catch your breath, and let us know.

Thanks a bunch.

Pat