As a longtime and well-seasoned business traveler, I’ve learned there is one truth that is absolute and fundamental.
Good luggage ain’t cheap and cheap luggage ain’t good.
If you travel a lot, you know that’s true. You also know that good luggage can last years. Cheap luggage, well, doesn’t.
That’s not to say you can’t find serviceable luggage cheap or find good luggage on sale. The reality is, however, that luggage is one of those areas where you do generally get what you pay for.
That’s what makes this new Sun Mountain Matchplay Ballistic Luggage collection so interesting. It ain’t cheap. And considering the material it’s made of is actually called “ballistic nylon,” we’re guessing it’s built to withstand, well, ballistics.
Sun Mountain Matchplay Ballistic Luggage Collection
Sun Mountain has certainly been busy this fall. In the past month alone, we’ve seen a new line of E-Series golf bags, an extremely cool limited-edition golf bag collab with Marucci baseball, a new fall apparel drop and a new line of retro-modern waxed canvas stand bags.
And now a four-piece luggage collection.
“We’ve spent more than 40 years building golf gear that golfers trust,” says Sun Mountain Marketing and Brand Strategy Director Grant Lordan. “We’ve brought that same commitment to quality and durability to our premium travel luggage.”
“Premium”, in this case, might be an understatement. The collection features a four-wheel rolling carry-on suitcase, a backpack, a duffel and a shoe bag, all made from crazy-durable 1680D ballistic nylon. Each piece features reinforced corners, heavy-duty zippers and multiple pockets for plenty of storage.
The Matchplay Ballistic backpack ($300) features 14 pockets including a lined valuables compartment. It also has a luggage pass-through so it can stack securely on the roller bag. The carry-on ($465) also has a lined valuables compartment among its 11 pockets along with a TSA-approved locking system.
The Duffel ($250) is large enough for a quick weekend getaway or a short golf trip. It features a decent-sized opening (always a bonus with duffels) as well as a shoe compartment and a padded shoulder strap.
The shoe bag ($100) is a weird outlier in the collection. For what it’s worth, however, it sure looks durable. It features a water-resistant backing, integrated air vents and three small internal pockets to store smaller accessories.
What’s this “ballistic” business?
Sun Mountain says the “ballistic” part of the new Matchplay Ballistic Luggage Collection comes the material it’s made from: 1680D ballistic nylon.
“1680D” stands for 1680-denier nylon yarn. Denier is how nylon fibers are measured in terms of thickness and weight. The higher the denier, the thicker, heavier and more durable the material is.
Sun Mountain’s new E-Series golf bags, for example, are made from 300D polyester while the company’s signature Clubglider3 travel bag is made from 900D polyester. Heavy-duty tactical gear is around 1000D. 1680D ballistic nylon, however, is cut from a completely different bolt of cloth. It dates back to World War II when it was developed to protect airmen from flying debris. While it’s not quite bulletproof, it should withstand damn near anything you or the airlines could throw at it on a golf trip.
Do you need ballistic luggage?
A fair question. Probably not but since when does need enter into it? As we said up top, if you’re a frequent traveler, you know the score. Good luggage ain’t cheap and cheap luggage ain’t good.
When it comes to the Sun Mountain Matchplay Ballistic Luggage Collection, we know one thing for sure. It ain’t cheap. Based on Sun Mountain’s track record, we’re willing to bet that the quality is up there, as well.
The Sun Mountain Matchplay Ballistic Luggage collection is available now in three colorways: Grove (green), Navy and Black. Check them out at www.sunmountain.com.
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