I have been tempted to buy this exact suitcase several times. I think it looks a lovely case. It does make me think twice that Carl Friedrick push this through so many influencers on TH-cam though. I particularly like the laptop compartment and the locks instead of a zip. What made me pause was obviously the cost. But also this case is really designed as a carry on. I will only travel with a carry on nowadays and won't check bags in (damaged too often, risk of loss and theft, sometimes additional cost and simply the ease and speed of not collecting them the other side). However as a carry on this case is higher weight than most cases. With some airlines only allowing 7kg or 10kg that starts taking away from how many clothes you can take with you. Another factor is the four spinners. Everyone seems to have moved to them now but they aren't great on rough streets in Europe where a backpack or case with just two larger wheels may be better. Overall this does look an amazing case. I would love one and still may buy it. But I think I would have to own it alongside other cases or backpacks depending on the flight and destination. Thank you for the review.
When a company is pushed through so many TH-camrs it does cheapen the idea of a brand, it is as if the brand can't stand up on it's own without TH-cam. One does have to make a personal decision regarding the brands quality. I am looking at another leather brand from India that was pushed a few years back, they are still around and the leather does seem to of a decent thickness, so for me it is getting something I can afford but that may not be from a European country but rather a company that may make a good product despite what we typically see from said country.
I agree with your comment about products being pushed through on TH-cam. That was my hesitation as well. But it seems that there are a lot of great products now marketed direct to consumers, thus eliminating the middleman. The luggage company Away was one of them many years ago and now it is one of the best rated luggages. I think CF is legitimately good quality.
I was resisting myself from going to 4 wheels from 2. But as you said, more people are now moving to them and it seems like they move more easily around the airport. I will give it a try and purchase one.
As a point to anyone wanting to buy a Carl Friedrik product, but is unsure on the price, wait until one of their deals, such as Black Friday. It will lower the price significantly, and becomes a much better value proposition. I love this carry on. I am so happy with mine, that I am looking at the larger size for my 2 week holiday to Japan next year.
Thank you Ash for clearly speaking to your relationship (non-relationship) with the manufacturer. These days, this is critical as many play fast and loose with these sort of relationships. As such, I stopped being cynical and enjoyed the review and product introduction. Sadly, the world has changed and nice looking luggage that appears expensive (latches vs zippers, leather embellishments, etc.) draws the wrong sort of 'interested traveler' at the carousel therefore, I would consider this model carry-on only and a great design. I don't have familiarity for why most luggage is the 50/50 split variety however, I recently purchased luggage with a 70/30 split and it has been a game changer. The carry-on 30 split holds the jacket/light suit and the 70 portion holds packing cubes vertically. I have a cruise scheduled for April and my one checked trunk version will support 6 packing cubes and a full tuxedo (no crushing). Many of my friends use this shape because the ski or biking gear (helmets) will fit along with their clothes.
I have one of this company’s rectangular brown leather weekend totes, which I use as an overnight or weekend bag. It is the only bag I have ever been complimented on whenever I am out with it.
It's unfortunate that the laptop/tablet compartment cannot be locked. That's the section with all the expensive equipment in it. They could have just used those zipper pulls that allow a luggage lock to be put through. I guess style trumped functionality in this case.
It’s not even that they were thinking of style it’s that they weren’t thinking! Which is just ridiculous for a $500 carry on I’d expect more. My $70 OGIO bag has holes on all the zipper’s to allow every compartment to be locked.
Having the joy (!) of a forthcoming flight with Ry*n**r to the Dordogne, I have seen that they have shaved 5cm off the depth of cabin bags allowed. So I’m in the market for a new bag. The CF looks nice but but it wouldn’t fit either. Off to Argos I guess !,
Many thanks for the review. However, I have a few questions... What is the quality of the zippers and handle? Would you be able to fit a jacket in the trolly? How do you solve the issues of personal grooming (shaving with a safety-razor, etc.) regarding safety regulations when traveling and only bringing a carry-on?
I would describe the handles, etc. as being very high quality with plenty of room for well packed items within bag. The zips are of similar quality, although the case is pleasingly closed with 2 combination clasps that make access and entry swift and easy. As for razors - there is and never will be any way to take these in hand luggage, this is an industry requirement and will likely never change. I personally make do with disposable razors on short trips - or, an alternative would be to take your razor and buy blades when at your final destination.
$425 seems quite reasonable for the person who travels for business. Cost per trip comes down quite a bit if you think that a business man might take 4 or more trips a year not including vacation, and that the case will last for years of said trips. I do love how it matches not only the obvious other hard case, but that the leather accents very much pulls in your all leather bag as well.
@@situated4 $545 USD if you get the compression pad. + shipping. Definitely not on the economical end of the spectrum, but the quality appears to be good.
I don't think it works as a carry on. The weight of the bag is 4.3 kg. Carry on limits in Australia and most SE Asia flight is 7 kg. That leaves 2.3 kg for everything I wish to bring. The math doesn't work for travel in this region. I suppose checking it in would work.
If you fly with Qantas or Virgin, they never weigh your carry on, but for JetStar they seem to weigh your carry on around 2/3 of the time. That said, I've gone the soft shell route for work trips, and a Filson duffle bag for personal (short) trips.
I’ve been tempted by this bag but there’s a few things keeping me away. The price is substantial and if you want the packaging cubes also they’re another $100 add on. Then there’s the lack of interior pockets, the Monos Carry on for example just provides better storage options. The front laptop pocket can’t be locked which could’ve been easily remedied by designing holes in the zipper. Lastly a bit of a nit pick but the plastic handle feels lacking for this bags price point I’d expect only the best materials. I can’t deny that all it really has going for it in comparison to cheaper options is it’s looks which to me doesn’t justify the price
Update: Ended up buying the Briggs and Riley ZDX 22” Carry-On. It’s a soft shell that won’t scuff as easy, has way more pockets/storage areas, overall better design and materials (zippers can all be locked, no flimsy plastic handle), under a lifetime guarantee, and they even personalize the bag with your initials for no added cost. Then there’s the price, the bag and non included packing cubes is $50 cheaper than the Carl Fredrick Carry on X without any packing cubes. A no brainer for me personally with my needs and budget although I can’t lie Carl Fredrick makes some beautiful luggage
What an interesting comment. It never occurred to me that they deliberately toss the expensive ones around as a challenge. Surely most wouldn't do that but maybe there are such baggage handlers around. I'm waiting for Casio to come out with a GShock suitcase with some claim about impact resistance written all over it.. I can just imagine some crazy baggage handler taking it as the ultimate challenge and hurling it across across the room like an Olympic hammer thrower out of pure spite, frustration and destructive malevolence.
They make good cases, but for a similar price range, not anywhere near in the league of Briggs & Riley. Briggs & Riley products have a lifelong guarantee. For me, they are the crème de La crème of travel luggage.
Uso un trolley Piquadro che assomiglia a quello presentato da molti anni . E' molto simile a questo , e' molto comodo. Ricordo che era molto costoso , ma la qualita' ha giustamente costi elevati . Video molto buono e di grande interesse . Un caro saluto dall' Italia .
Disappointed to see this review as I have seen many reviews of Carl Friedrick products on TH-cam. Not disputing that it could be a fine product but after seeing so many reviews I really have to question it. Is Tiege Hanley face lotion next?
Sorry for the strong tone. Love the channel and your perspective Ash. Want to see you protect your independence and objectivity. That is valuable to me, but maybe I am being too harsh. I had no intention of being rude.
I do recall those days very well, but back then I did'nt care too much about folding things and making sure they arrived in good order, I just forced everything into the bag and was glad if I could manage to close the zip. At least these days I do get an easier life (most of the time).
Good morning Ash It certainly looks like a fine piece of luggage. Were I in the market for a wheelie bag, I would certainly consider one. My usual "go to" bag is a canvas holdall that I made several years ago. 🫡
I have been tempted to buy this exact suitcase several times. I think it looks a lovely case. It does make me think twice that Carl Friedrick push this through so many influencers on TH-cam though. I particularly like the laptop compartment and the locks instead of a zip. What made me pause was obviously the cost. But also this case is really designed as a carry on. I will only travel with a carry on nowadays and won't check bags in (damaged too often, risk of loss and theft, sometimes additional cost and simply the ease and speed of not collecting them the other side). However as a carry on this case is higher weight than most cases. With some airlines only allowing 7kg or 10kg that starts taking away from how many clothes you can take with you. Another factor is the four spinners. Everyone seems to have moved to them now but they aren't great on rough streets in Europe where a backpack or case with just two larger wheels may be better. Overall this does look an amazing case. I would love one and still may buy it. But I think I would have to own it alongside other cases or backpacks depending on the flight and destination. Thank you for the review.
When a company is pushed through so many TH-camrs it does cheapen the idea of a brand, it is as if the brand can't stand up on it's own without TH-cam. One does have to make a personal decision regarding the brands quality. I am looking at another leather brand from India that was pushed a few years back, they are still around and the leather does seem to of a decent thickness, so for me it is getting something I can afford but that may not be from a European country but rather a company that may make a good product despite what we typically see from said country.
I agree with your comment about products being pushed through on TH-cam. That was my hesitation as well. But it seems that there are a lot of great products now marketed direct to consumers, thus eliminating the middleman. The luggage company Away was one of them many years ago and now it is one of the best rated luggages. I think CF is legitimately good quality.
I was resisting myself from going to 4 wheels from 2. But as you said, more people are now moving to them and it seems like they move more easily around the airport. I will give it a try and purchase one.
About to place an order on a carryon and check set. Is it high quality or is it not worth the cost?
As a point to anyone wanting to buy a Carl Friedrik product, but is unsure on the price, wait until one of their deals, such as Black Friday. It will lower the price significantly, and becomes a much better value proposition.
I love this carry on. I am so happy with mine, that I am looking at the larger size for my 2 week holiday to Japan next year.
That’s a good idea 👍🏾
Thank you Ash for clearly speaking to your relationship (non-relationship) with the manufacturer. These days, this is critical as many play fast and loose with these sort of relationships. As such, I stopped being cynical and enjoyed the review and product introduction. Sadly, the world has changed and nice looking luggage that appears expensive (latches vs zippers, leather embellishments, etc.) draws the wrong sort of 'interested traveler' at the carousel therefore, I would consider this model carry-on only and a great design.
I don't have familiarity for why most luggage is the 50/50 split variety however, I recently purchased luggage with a 70/30 split and it has been a game changer. The carry-on 30 split holds the jacket/light suit and the 70 portion holds packing cubes vertically. I have a cruise scheduled for April and my one checked trunk version will support 6 packing cubes and a full tuxedo (no crushing). Many of my friends use this shape because the ski or biking gear (helmets) will fit along with their clothes.
I love this carry-on. But it’s heavy and doesn’t offer international edition: 22x 14 x 9 cubic inches.
I have one of this company’s rectangular brown leather weekend totes, which I use as an overnight or weekend bag. It is the only bag I have ever been complimented on whenever I am out with it.
It's unfortunate that the laptop/tablet compartment cannot be locked. That's the section with all the expensive equipment in it. They could have just used those zipper pulls that allow a luggage lock to be put through. I guess style trumped functionality in this case.
It’s not even that they were thinking of style it’s that they weren’t thinking! Which is just ridiculous for a $500 carry on I’d expect more. My $70 OGIO bag has holes on all the zipper’s to allow every compartment to be locked.
Having the joy (!) of a forthcoming flight with Ry*n**r to the Dordogne, I have seen that they have shaved 5cm off the depth of cabin bags allowed. So I’m in the market for a new bag. The CF looks nice but but it wouldn’t fit either. Off to Argos I guess !,
Nice looking bag Ash. Always like your product reviews. Cheers Ron
Many thanks for the review. However, I have a few questions... What is the quality of the zippers and handle? Would you be able to fit a jacket in the trolly? How do you solve the issues of personal grooming (shaving with a safety-razor, etc.) regarding safety regulations when traveling and only bringing a carry-on?
I would describe the handles, etc. as being very high quality with plenty of room for well packed items within bag. The zips are of similar quality, although the case is pleasingly closed with 2 combination clasps that make access and entry swift and easy.
As for razors - there is and never will be any way to take these in hand luggage, this is an industry requirement and will likely never change. I personally make do with disposable razors on short trips - or, an alternative would be to take your razor and buy blades when at your final destination.
No coupon code? All the other sponsored reviews seem to have one for a short time
Good review!
$425 seems quite reasonable for the person who travels for business. Cost per trip comes down quite a bit if you think that a business man might take 4 or more trips a year not including vacation, and that the case will last for years of said trips. I do love how it matches not only the obvious other hard case, but that the leather accents very much pulls in your all leather bag as well.
$507 U.S.
@@situated4 $545 USD if you get the compression pad. + shipping. Definitely not on the economical end of the spectrum, but the quality appears to be good.
I don't think it works as a carry on. The weight of the bag is 4.3 kg. Carry on limits in Australia and most SE Asia flight is 7 kg. That leaves 2.3 kg for everything I wish to bring. The math doesn't work for travel in this region. I suppose checking it in would work.
If you fly with Qantas or Virgin, they never weigh your carry on, but for JetStar they seem to weigh your carry on around 2/3 of the time.
That said, I've gone the soft shell route for work trips, and a Filson duffle bag for personal (short) trips.
What is your opinion on Globe-Trotter?
I have not yet tried that brand.
I also live out of my bag. Welcome to the strong and noble tradition of the travel slob!😁
Great post. I may even buy one - £425 is not bad at all.
Could you comment where one finds the Reset button on Pro please.
I am afraid I have not had to use that function as yet.
Good Quality luggage. You look very smart, sir.
I’ve been tempted by this bag but there’s a few things keeping me away. The price is substantial and if you want the packaging cubes also they’re another $100 add on. Then there’s the lack of interior pockets, the Monos Carry on for example just provides better storage options. The front laptop pocket can’t be locked which could’ve been easily remedied by designing holes in the zipper. Lastly a bit of a nit pick but the plastic handle feels lacking for this bags price point I’d expect only the best materials. I can’t deny that all it really has going for it in comparison to cheaper options is it’s looks which to me doesn’t justify the price
Update: Ended up buying the Briggs and Riley ZDX 22” Carry-On. It’s a soft shell that won’t scuff as easy, has way more pockets/storage areas, overall better design and materials (zippers can all be locked, no flimsy plastic handle), under a lifetime guarantee, and they even personalize the bag with your initials for no added cost. Then there’s the price, the bag and non included packing cubes is $50 cheaper than the Carl Fredrick Carry on X without any packing cubes. A no brainer for me personally with my needs and budget although I can’t lie Carl Fredrick makes some beautiful luggage
Has anyone forgot their lock combination? I recently forgot mine and don’t know how to reset it, can anyone help me?
Great review. No scratches on the case at all after your trip?
Scratch free so far.
Scratch free so far.
Nice looking bag. I’d be nervous about checking it a $500 suitcase. It costs more than what I could pack in it.
Any feedback on the handle, Ash? I’m so inclined to get this but not sure if it is sturdy enough.
The handles have proved to be verty robust and sturdy so far and look fit to last many decades of use!
Nice discreet design, which doesn't scream expensive and baggage handlers won't see it as a challenge to destroy.
What an interesting comment. It never occurred to me that they deliberately toss the expensive ones around as a challenge. Surely most wouldn't do that but maybe there are such baggage handlers around.
I'm waiting for Casio to come out with a GShock suitcase with some claim about impact resistance written all over it.. I can just imagine some crazy baggage handler taking it as the ultimate challenge and hurling it across across the room like an Olympic hammer thrower out of pure spite, frustration and destructive malevolence.
How did you get it in blue?
It is black.
Can l just ask you why you are filming on the woods? 😅
It’s all green screen.
They make good cases, but for a similar price range, not anywhere near in the league of Briggs & Riley. Briggs & Riley products have a lifelong guarantee.
For me, they are the crème de La crème of travel luggage.
is there any discount codes?
Sadly not.
Uso un trolley Piquadro che assomiglia a quello presentato da molti anni .
E' molto simile a questo , e' molto comodo.
Ricordo che era molto costoso , ma la qualita' ha giustamente costi elevati .
Video molto buono e di grande interesse .
Un caro saluto dall' Italia .
Legend
Disappointed to see this review as I have seen many reviews of Carl Friedrick products on TH-cam. Not disputing that it could be a fine product but after seeing so many reviews I really have to question it. Is Tiege Hanley face lotion next?
Sorry for the strong tone. Love the channel and your perspective Ash. Want to see you protect your independence and objectivity. That is valuable to me, but maybe I am being too harsh. I had no intention of being rude.
How lucky you are just hark back to the days when you had to get everything in to an RAF holdall 😖 👍
I do recall those days very well, but back then I did'nt care too much about folding things and making sure they arrived in good order, I just forced everything into the bag and was glad if I could manage to close the zip. At least these days I do get an easier life (most of the time).
snap
Must be nice to be rich.🤔
Good morning Ash
It certainly looks like a fine piece of luggage. Were I in the market for a wheelie bag, I would certainly consider one.
My usual "go to" bag is a canvas holdall that I made several years ago.
🫡