In May 2012, I wrote about the eBags EXO Hardside 24″ Spinner, concluding:
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Between the extremely durable polycarbonate shell, the lifetime warranty and a price-point at just under $180 USD, the EXO Spinner 24? is a steal. Frankly, it’d be worth it at twice the price.
Back then, I called it “near bulletproof”. Two and a half years later, when I pack a checked bag, it’s still the only bag I travel with. And that was just Version 1.0.
This year, eBags has returned with updated 2.0 versions of their entire EXO line. They were cool enough to send us the new EXO Hardside 24″ Spinner and its companion – the EXO 2.0 Hardside Spinner Carry-On so we could take them for a spin (literally).
The Skinny
In eBags’ own words, their goal with the EXO line is simple:
Use the best materials available, find the smoothest/most durable wheel system on the market, keep the design simple, but make it look fabulous – at a competitive price.
The Traveler’s Take
Rather than reinvent the wheel, eBags made the wise decision to keep all the good stuff from Version 1.0 and simply add a few more bells and whistles based on direct feedback from their customers. What remains in Version 2.0 is all the stuff we loved in the first place, including:
- Pure Polycarbonate shell that’s super abrasion-resistant (this is the best choice of material when you take into account the amount of surface impact hardside luggage is exposed to)
- Really smooth double-wheeled wheel sets that distribute the weight evenly. I’ve dragged the 24″ over rough gravel, dirt runways and everything short of snow and it’s always performed well. (If you’re on anything deeper than thick carpet, I recommended that you tilt the suitcase and pull it behind you like a traditional 2-wheeled upright)
- Adjustable trolley handles
- Oversized feet
- A special, extra durable zipper made for extreme-use luggage. As a result, it’s definitely not the smoothest zipper to open & close, but it’s a fair trade-off if the alternative means seeing my Batman Underoos splayed all over the luggage carousel.
- A dead simple interior (a zippered mesh section on one side and open tie-tape compartment on the other)
- A unique movable shelf on the interior (haven’t seen this feature on any other luggage to date)
… but now eBags has added a whole lot more for Version 2.0:
- The top handle is now recessed, increasing the packing space yet still complying with the 22″ height regulation for carry-ons
- The 24″ Spinner is wider and deeper with more cubic volume while still keeping an eye on the 50-pound weight limit when fully packed
- New flush-mounted Travel Sentry TSA-approved 3-dial combination lock
- Side handles that retract flat against the side
- Pretty new colors, including Purple and Brushed Graphite
They’ve also added a new Mobile Office / International Carry-on bag to the EXO collection. The front section easily tips out for quick access to a laptop or tablet plus any miscellaneous business essentials. It’s also a great place to store your standard 3-1-1 bag for easier access at the TSA checkpoints.
Pricing + Availability
The EXO 2.0 Hardside 24″ Spinner ($179.99 USD) and EXO 2.0 Hardside Spinner Carry-on ($149.99 USD) are available in a variety of distinct colors directly from eBags.com. The set of both pieces is also available for $309.99 USD.
The Bottom Line
At a fraction of the cost of similar high-end luggage, the EXO 2.0 series is still damn near bulletproof. Our favorite luggage collection just got a whole lot awesomer.