Generic suitcase or Divebag?

[WeekendDiver]

So I'm leaving for Honduras next week and for the first time ever I am having issues choosing the type of bag I am going to bring - a divebag or a generic squarish suitcase.
In the past I have always taken my regular, beaten up, generic suitcase, but the divebag is a bit more spacious, and I can use the additional room. I always liked the (perceived) anonymity that a regular suitcase gave me, but is there a large gap between the perceived value and the actual value of anonimity? The idea was that it was less obvious that the bag was loaded with a couple of grand of divegear and therefore less of a target to be "lost" or "damaged".
Any input?
Gracias
WD:huh:

 

[The Chad]

Suitcase for sure

 

[Contrast]

Well, I have had bags ripped and destroyed, only the bag not the contents, so I will only use a cheaper bag/ soft suitcase. So get what works for you but don't spend a ton on it.

If you are worried about your gear getting stolen go with a no - name suitcase.

 

[Buoyant1]

I've only used a regular suitcase...it doesn't look like anything other than that. (and rings in at exactly 49 pounds)

I carry my regs, mask, computer, and camera.

 

[Falco]

I've always used a regular suit case, you can get them in all shape and sizes and they don't screem : "Steal me, I'm full of expensive dive gear!"

 

[spectrum]

We're going with common luggage. Nobody wants to see that big black rolling suitcase flopping open on the boat so bring a soft bag to operate from.

Luggage is designed to perform within airline limitations. 50 pounds of dive gear weighs the same as 50 pounds of clothes and souvenirs.

 

[SkullDeformity]

I hate big floppy dive bags. All my gear fits into a medium-sized rubber maid tub. You can easily drill a hole in either handle for a lock or ziptie to keep it shut during transport. I think you have to use a ziptie now because of security. You can buy nice pelican cases for your stuff too, but I'm with you on packing things discretely.

 

[Contrast]

I usually buy my luggage at Marshalls, very cheap.

 

[spectrum]

All my gear fits into a medium-sized rubber maid tub. You can easily drill a hole in either handle for a lock or ziptie to keep it shut during transport.

Have you actually done this? Part of me likes the idea!

Pete

 

[Charlie99]

I hate big floppy dive bags. All my gear fits into a medium-sized rubber maid tub.

Just do us all a favor though, and don't try to bring rubbermaid tubs or big non-collapsing rolling duffle bags onto boats that don't have the space to store them. One of my pet peeves is the diver brings aboard a monster sized bag that doesn't fit under the seat, and then proceeds to spread gear all over the place.

If you do use a monster bag like this to carry gear on the airplane, you should have inside of it a smaller bag that is suitable for hauling gear to and from the boat.

I use generic luggage for airplane travel. Not because I'm afraid of theft, but just because I see no reason to pay extra to have a bunch of dive equipment logos on the bag. My preferred suitcase is the relatively lightweight hardsided polypropylene F'Lite series by Samsonite.