I have used the BMW system, the Touratech and now the Metal Mule and for what it's worth
BMW -
Bad points:
locks very exposed and easily damaged.
Rounded shape annoying when trying to stack or place things on them
on Adventure the lashing points dig into pillion's leg
You have to unpack them to release the flywheel to remove them
No carrying handles
Good points:
100% rain and dust proof
one key fits all
Touratech -
www.touratech.co.uk
Bad points:
Need to unpack to get to flywheel to remove them.
"Integral locks" (optional extra) are not "integral" as you have to drill out the existing mechanism and enlarge the hole.
Lids come off completely and need to be put somewhere while packing / unpacking.
It's very easy to put the lids on slightly misaligned and the clamping force can cause damage.
the panniers need two locks to be secure and you have to lock/unlock two locks every time you access your pannier
no carrying handles
Good Points:
100% water and dust proof
much better built than BMW
Flat surface makes them easy to stack and use as table when camping
Metal Mule -
www.metalmule.com
Bad points:
Helmets don't always fit in panniers (but do in top box)
er..
that's it
Good points:
Very high quality build
100% water & dust proof
sprung loaded (so they don't rattle when riding) carrying handles top and sides (so can still use them if you have a tent lashed to the top)
Rubber feet so you don't knacker your pannier when you rest it on gravel and you can use them as camping chairs
Riveted design makes them easy to repair in the event of crash damage (although they are supposed to stand up well to abuse - never tried with mine!)
A choice of finishes including anodised and hard anodised.
And the best bit - you don't have to unpack them to get them off! The mechanism is really clever and the panniers are on or off in less that 5 seconds but are still secure when the panniers are on.
I also really like the indicator shortening adaptor they do - really neat!
So maybe a little biased, but all the things that annoyed me with the other systems have been addressed with the Metal Mule.
Hope that helps!
