Metal Mule v StahlKoffer which is best?
- Thread starter LHutchin
- Start date
No doubt MM are the better, but also look at Redcaps ARDcases. Roger will also fit them for you, not too far from you
Hmm, because the the MM's are twice the price doesn't mean they are any better
MM's are completely over priced IMHO and you are paying for a name.Stahlkoffer are a decent price, offer a few options and are very robust. ARD cases are top notch too and as mentioned, Roger is a top geezer
mermoto
Registered user
If you haven't looked at Holan Nomada's then you should.
I have Metal Mules on my R100GS, but to be honest, I really miss the Ard Cases that were on my 1150.
The MM's are quite complex in their construction, the Ard's are really really simple, very tough, and there's nothing to go wrong.
I've never had Stahlkoffers.
If it was me I'd be giving Roger a call
The MM's are quite complex in their construction, the Ard's are really really simple, very tough, and there's nothing to go wrong.
I've never had Stahlkoffers.
If it was me I'd be giving Roger a call
For just over half the price of a set of Metal Mules, you could have Vern's on your bike 
Out of the two you listed though, no idea, I wouldn't have either
Out of the two you listed though, no idea, I wouldn't have either
For just over half the price of a set of Metal Mules, you could have Vern's on your bike
Out of the two you listed though, no idea, I wouldn't have either
+1 for verns, best designed, most customisable, very stable and have no effect on handling, what is there not to like.
Metal mules look crap and stalthingys are just a TT copy imho.
Verns repair facility is worth bearing in mind also should you decide to go skidding down the road.
motobiker
Registered user
DutchBryn
Registered user
Vern's?
Does he have a website?
Thanks
http://www.projectvnd.com/
Yes he does have one. Even has a ad. on UKGSer(!)
I'm very happy with my stahlkoffers which were the best second hand deal which came up when I was looking. I've dropped the bike a few times and they remain pretty well unscathed. As said above, solid build and Bernie is very helpful. That said others are probably just as good.
STUBBS
undead
Stahlkoffer would get my vote not just because of the price
MetalMule panniers are good ( I have two pairs)
However - they are expensive.
Also - their frames can only be described as "adequate". I'm not impressed with the design/construction for the money.
Stahlkoffer always seemed to be a kind of "Clumsy" design.
Had a look at Holan frames and panneirs last month (Nomada) - Very nice.
I also have a pair of ArdCases, which although not as plush as some of the others - are extremely good paniers, that you can custom-spec for dimensions and colours.
Verns? People rave over them, but it's not clear to me - what design feature or build method - makes them better than Holans/ArdCases.
Al
However - they are expensive.
Also - their frames can only be described as "adequate". I'm not impressed with the design/construction for the money.
Stahlkoffer always seemed to be a kind of "Clumsy" design.
Had a look at Holan frames and panneirs last month (Nomada) - Very nice.
I also have a pair of ArdCases, which although not as plush as some of the others - are extremely good paniers, that you can custom-spec for dimensions and colours.
Verns? People rave over them, but it's not clear to me - what design feature or build method - makes them better than Holans/ArdCases.
Al
.
Verns? People rave over them, but it's not clear to me - what design feature or build method - makes them better than Holans/ArdCases.
Al
Verns are shaped in such a way that you will fall off before they touch down. They also mount very securely. Not the quickest to get off, but they do not and will not come adrfit. The frames are stainless and sit tight to the bike when the panniers aren't fitted.
Have a look at the hinges and catches, all stainless chunky monkeys.
Then feel the weight, they are light, but because of the use of the correct thickness of ali, they are amazingly strong.
Then there is the way the lids open, the teathering system for the lids, and of course the choice of lid styles to increase load capacity. The tie down points are a work of art, not just something bolted on.
I've had TT panniers in the past and looked at many others, nothing comes close to the worldbeater pannier by vern imho.
Verns? People rave over them, but it's not clear to me - what design feature or build method - makes them better than Holans/ArdCases.
Al
Verns won't hit you in the back of your calf should you have an off.
Verns won't hit you in the back of your calf should you have a dab to keep you upright.
Unlike a lot of other square/rectangular boxes with a nice pointed edge in just the right place to cause you great pain.
Sir James
Rear Stab Vest Only ....
Soft luggage on a metal frame ......
It's the future .....
It's the future .....
Verns? People rave over them, but it's not clear to me - what design feature or build method - makes them better than Holans/ArdCases.
Al
Flipfly and Steptoe make great points and I've extensive knowledge of falling off with a set of Verns and they don't come anywhere near your legs when the bike has a wee "lie down".
The 2 best best things about Verns Worldbeaters for me is there toughness and weight. They are extremely light and because they are so well built, they will take immense punishment if the worst happens. My old 1100 was crashed on the dock at Baltimore a few years ago by an idiot docker at around 40mph. The only thing that stopped the being damaged beyond repair was the panniers and the stainless frames and the local BMW dealer was amazed at their strength when he checked the bike over. All that happend to the panniers was a small hole was ground into a pannier which was easily fixed.
I've had a set of 9" Verns on my 1200 for about 4 years and around 70,000 miles on some pretty tough roads and they just do the job, don't leak and look great
Flipfly and Steptoe make great points and I've extensive knowledge of falling off with a set of Verns and they don't come anywhere near your legs when the bike has a wee "lie down".
The 2 best best things about Verns Worldbeaters for me is there toughness and weight. They are extremely light and because they are so well built, they will take immense punishment if the worst happens. My old 1100 was crashed on the dock at Baltimore a few years ago by an idiot docker at around 40mph. The only thing that stopped the being damaged beyond repair was the panniers and the stainless frames and the local BMW dealer was amazed at their strength when he checked the bike over. All that happend to the panniers was a small hole was ground into a pannier which was easily fixed.
I've had a set of 9" Verns on my 1200 for about 4 years and around 70,000 miles on some pretty tough roads and they just do the job, don't leak and look great
Sounds about right
I dropped my 1150 being over ambitious regarding a stone step on a lane in Derbyshire. The bike went down hard onto rock. It took me several minutes to find the tiny mark on the Vern Worldbeater.
No question, Verns worldbeaters best I have ever owned, however if you want to take your panniers on and off QD then Stalkoffer, the fitting system is all on the outside, so completly smooth on the inside of the panniers nothing to catch on bags etc, frames are rock solid, completley water proof, they are much better made than the MM and less than half the price, and I dont care what any manufacturer states but NO folded and rivited box will be as strong as a properly made and welded set.
I have verns, my wife Stalkoffer
I have verns, my wife Stalkoffer
bladerunner
Registered user
MMs are good - bought mine 2nd hand - but the lip inside for the removal action is a pain and catches the inner bags when you remove them.
It is worth remembering that there needs to be a weak point somewhere in the mechanism else when you come off and try to remove the pannier with your left leg, either you or the frame will be damaged.
It is worth remembering that there needs to be a weak point somewhere in the mechanism else when you come off and try to remove the pannier with your left leg, either you or the frame will be damaged.
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