The Lowepro Pro Roller X200 on location
After years of using a backpack to carry my core equipment I finally relented recently and bought myself a rolling camera bag, at which point my back gave a little sigh of relief. Even with what I consider to be a very lightweight kit I’m travelling with at least four bags these days, plus my backpack was starting to look a little overpacked and so with a week-long foreign assignment ahead of me involving trains, planes, and automobiles as well as a different hotel every night I figured it was high time I did myself a favour and ordered one up. I’ve always used Lowepro bags and although not generally a brand loyalist I will stick with what I know works and as I’ve had no complaints with the Vertex 200 AW I’ve had for the past three years or so Lowepro were the first company I looked at when shopping around, and I eventually went with the Pro Roller X200 as it’s the largest roller bag that Lowepro produce that still meets the airline carry-on luggage size allowance. I always carry-on my main bag as it’s the most valuable (practically and financially) and thus ensures that regardless of what the baggage throwers do with the rest of my luggage I’ll always have the most important items when I arrive at the destination, and true to Lowepro’s claims I’ve had no problems at check-in and the bag fits perfectly in the overhead compartment.
Lowepro Pro Roller X200 fully loaded
One of the first things I noticed was only three memory card pouches; not a big problem as there’s plenty of space in the larger pouches but with four in the Vertex 200 I was surprised to see less rather than more in the Pro Roller. Otherwise the extra space and sturdy casing are all good and I was pleased to see that the Nikon SB-800 speedlights fit in perfectly with the head in the vertical position so less space is wasted (update: I have since replaced my aging SB-800 strobes with SB-900 models and I’m sad to say that they’re far too big to fit in the bag in this way). There are also two pockets on the front of the bag; one large one for a laptop which happily swallows my 13in MacBook Pro and a smaller pocket which comes in useful for holding paperwork/tickets etc, and each pocket is separated into two compartments.
Pro Roller X200 Handle Tripod Mount
I appreciate the little details and the Pro Roller has a few nice touches such as the tripod mount built into the handle (pictured above); not something I’ve had the need to use but it’s good to know that in a pinch I’ll have something to hand that would serve as a tripod, or as a lightstand for that matter. Another feature I haven’t used but appreciate having is that the interior of the bag actually unzips from the main case to become a simple backpack so if you’re flying on a smaller plane with tighter carry-on limits (such as some domestic flights) the case can be checked in and the smaller and lighter interior carried on as normal.
Pro Roller X200 TSA Lock
The three-digit TSA combination lock (above) works well and is yet another handy integrated feature; once the combination has been set the self-retracting cable can be pulled out and through the hoops built into the zips and then locked back into the unit. It’s ocurred to me that this could be used to also secure the bag to an immovable object although I’m still to think of a situation where this could be used that would not result in the bomb-squad getting called out. The wheels have a wide spacing which makes for a pretty stable roller bag and the large rubber-tread wheels roll and grip well even when taken off road. They’re also fastened with a standard 4mm Allen key which should make for simple replacement when the time comes.
Lowepro Pro Roller X200 Wheel
So I’ve had the Lowepro Pro Roller X200 for long enough to have given it a bit of a beating and so far it’s done very well. I really like the fact that my lighting bag – a Lowepro Magnum AW – sits perfectly atop the X200 and clips on to the handle so it doesn’t fall off. Probably not something the manufacturer recommends but it does mean a total of two bags that I don’t need to carry through airports on my shoulders anymore.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Simon, I remember seeing a good review for this bag a while ago so I’m pleased I’ve remembered where it was.
I wondered how you’re getting on with it? The reason I ask is because I had a look at one and the handle concerns me because it twists quite easily.
Have you had any problems having used it now for a while or are you still happy?
Cheers,
Andy.
Hi Andy,
I’ve been meaning to update this post for some time so thanks for the prompt. I’m now on my second X200 having had my original bag replaced at the beginning of this year, although only after waiting for about six weeks after making my initial complaint/warranty claim as Lowepro UK didn’t have any in stock to replace it with (I carried on using the old bag in the meantime and the dealer did a straight swap when the replacement finally arrived). My main complaint with the original was that the case twisted over time; the front (lid side) dropped on the right hand side and the lid was harder to zip/unzip than it should have been. The whole bag then also seemed a little unstable when stood up. Finally, both wheels seized solid when left overnight, then broke free with use but with some resistance and a little squeaking. The handle is quite loose – you’re right about that – due to its two piece design, although in use it’s never been a problem and the handle on the second bag I have is the same. Despite the issues I would still recommend it over anything else of a similar size and price; I had another look at other bags when waiting for a replacement but nothing matched the X200 in terms of basic design and features. I recently bought a Lightware case for my lighting kit and I very highly recommend those if you do not need a rolling case; better quality than Lowepro although the price reflects this (like anything, you get what you pay for…), but for my primary kit bag I need a roller that I can carry on to an airplane (the airlines are really cracking down on carry-on luggage and I’ve had to prove the bag fits into the ‘size-box’ at check-in every time I’ve flown recently; the X200 takes a little negotiating to get it in but it just fits).
Hi Simon
Interesting review. Thanks for posting it. I’ve a question for you, with the extra layer of protection, is this a bag you would ever feel comfortable checking in? It’s just I have a lot of kit and I am looking for something to check the stills kit in with, does the rolling part of the bag offer good protection?
regards
Jon
Hi Jon,
In theory, yes; depending on what was in the case and assuming it was well packed. The back and sides of the case are very hard; the lid is softer however so this would be weak point (although you could slip some kind of hard panel into the laptop sleeve on the front for extra protection).
Hi Simon,
Thank you for the great review. I was wondering how you choose to place your sb900s in this bag now. Not being able to store them vertically seems to be a lot of wasted space. For this reason alone, I have also been considering the thinktank airport international.
My next question, have you ever found yourself in a position where you found the backpack function useful? Or do you think it just boosts a photographers confidence at the airport checkin counter; aving that ace in the hole?
regards
Hi Jason,
My two SB900s are in the normal firing position (so the head is at a right-angle to the flash body) and upside down in the case. This is the downside of the 900 model; they are huge compared to the 800 and take up a lot of room. I have never once used the backpack option but as you say it is nice to know that you have that option if needs be.
Hi,
Thanks for posting this review. It’s hard to find a legit decent review on this bag.
I’ve ordered mine and am waiting for delivery. I have previously tried a Lowepro Flipside 500AW and while it carried all my kit, my back was not going to resist for long.
In the meanwhile my local shop loaned a ThinkTank Airport Internation v2.0 and I had at least an hour trying to fit all in, given the unsual exquisite design of the main dividers and the space taken by the collapsible carrying handle.
While I would be happy with the International v2.0 I think the extra cm’s of the X200 will prove useful: from my measurements you can place a Manfrotto Nanostand inside, which is something I use quite often and would like to be able to checkin, so carrying it on the outside is not an option.
I’ll try to review mine when I get it.
Hi Simon,
Not long ago I bought a camera case Pro Roller X200 and I have been using it for about one year. Today one of the wheels got blocked and it seems that need a replacement. My question is, is there any chance to get a couple of replacement wheels? If so, how can I get them? I´ve been checking Lowpro´s website but it doesnt say anything about. Any idea. Thanks
Replacement wheels are available from Lowepro; the best thing you can do is give them a call. The number for the UK Lowepro distributor is 0845 2500790, or if you’re outside the UK you can find your country’s distributor by following this link: http://www.lowepro.com/about-us/where-to-buy
Rollerblade wheels also fit perfectly on this bag and hold up to much more abuse. It is a cheaper and more durable alternative wheel replacement.