What's the difference...

[coffeejo]

...between Ortleib's rear roller classic panniers and the roller plus? Other than twenty pounds?

 

[amaferanga]

Roller plus are made from a lighter material. This means that they tear much easier. Not worth it IMHO (and I own some front Ortlieb plus with several holes in them).

 

[lejogger]

I think when I was researching, they have much improved the mechanism (QL-2) for clasping onto the rack and are far easier to adjust as you don't need tools like on the classics. I have the plus and they really are excellent.
They come in a nice matte finish rather than the glossy classic ones too.

You probably won't go wrong with either. Mark Beaumont cycled round the world with the classics and recommended them to me when I asked him, but I still opted for the plus.

 

[lejogger]

Roller plus are made from a lighter material. This means that they tear much easier. Not worth it IMHO (and I own some front Ortlieb plus with several holes in them).

I've had no tearing problems and found this info...

"All Plus panniers are made of the Plus "Cordura" fabric that has a more cloth-like appearance. It is a laminated fabric with a highly waterproof inner layer that adds strength to the Cordura. The Plus fabric is a bit lighter in weight than the Classic fabric, but easily as waterproof, and equal in durability"

Although if you have experience with both then I can't really argue as I've only used the plus.

 

[amaferanga]

I've had no tearing problems and found this info...

"All Plus panniers are made of the Plus "Cordura" fabric that has a more cloth-like appearance. It is a laminated fabric with a highly waterproof inner layer that adds strength to the Cordura. The Plus fabric is a bit lighter in weight than the Classic fabric, but easily as waterproof, and equal in durability"

Although if you have experience with both then I can't really argue as I've only used the plus.

Well my 'Plus' are several years old (bought them back in 2002), but they tore easily and delaminated on the inside within months. I contacted Ortleib about the delamination issue, but they didn't bother replying. My experience with Ortlieb and their panniers has therefore been pretty crap and I don't see Mark Beaumont as some kind of authority on touring either....

 

[lejogger]

...I don't see Mark Beaumont as some kind of authority on touring either....

Haha... fair enough, you're entitled to your opinion. He's done more touring miles than me - and most others to be frank!

From your post it seemed like you were knocking the plus in favour of the classic - and that was what he said, so not sure what the attack was for!

 

[coffeejo]

Well my LBS stocks the classics so I'll get them. Thanks for the responses!

 

[Danny]

A consideration for some people is that the Classics are made of PVC which is less environmentally friendly than Cordura.