Durability of Orlieb roller plus vs classic

[gregoryoftours]

Does anyone have any experience of the relative durability of these two types of Ortlieb panniers? I recently bought front classics and rear plus rollers second - hand.

The plus fabric is significantly thinner than the classic, and the waterproofing on the plus is a rubbery coating on the inside of the fabric. I would have thought that this could get worn away quite easily by hard objects packed in the panniers. On the plus side it folds over a lot more easily to close it.

[Mattie]

This is the most informative article that I have come across regarding the different Ortlieb fabrics. It really is worth reading it all, here is the link: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=6434&v=3W

I hope this is what you are looking for.

[gregoryoftours]

Thanks for that, it's a really interesting article from a guy who obviously knows his stuff. It's also put some of my concerns about the plus fabric to rest, although I'd still be interested in someone with direct experience of using both over a prolonged period. Mainly I'm wondering about the coating on the inside of the plus being subject to constant rubbing of hard objects placed inside the panniers on a sustained long - term trip. Think I'll get hold of some of that repair material he recommends!

[Redvee]

A friend had the waterproofing wear off on his Rollers so took them back to the shop he got them from who told him that it wasn't covered on the warranty. A quick email to Orlieb in Germany and a positive result for him and humble pie for the shop.

[Justin]

I don't have those particular panniers, I use the Ortileb Bike Packer Plus, but your question regarding the durability of the material reminds me of a slight problem I had which may be relevant to you and worth bearing in mind. The problem wasn't with the panniers outer material but with the built in internal pocket. I had just shelled out £145 for a brand new pair of Ortilebs, I thought I would try them out with a ride to the beach. I put a small, compact pump inside the pannier and after just an hours cycling it had made a couple of holes straight through the internal pocket's material. I wasn't amused and was quite shocked at just how fragile that particular part of the pannier was.
I've had no problems with the rest of the pannier or with the outer material but I'm certainly very cautious when it comes to putting anything that may cause wear on the material through vibration.

[geocycle]

I don't have those particular panniers, I use the Ortileb Bike Packer Plus, but your question regarding the durability of the material reminds me of a slight problem I had which may be relevant to you and worth bearing in mind. The problem wasn't with the panniers outer material but with the built in internal pocket. I had just shelled out £145 for a brand new pair of Ortilebs, I thought I would try them out with a ride to the beach. I put a small, compact pump inside the pannier and after just an hours cycling it had made a couple of holes straight through the internal pocket's material. I wasn't amused and was quite shocked at just how fragile that particular part of the pannier was.
I've had no problems with the rest of the pannier or with the outer material but I'm certainly very cautious when it comes to putting anything that may cause wear on the material through vibration.

I have these and had a similar experience. First I should say they are very good panniers, have been used pretty much every day for about 4 years (Commuting, touring and utility) and are still completely waterproof. There is some scuffing at the rear where they have rubbed against the rack but no hole as yet. I was suprised that the plastic reinforcemnet at the rear doesn't cover the point that the tubus rack meets the bag. The draw cords have had to be knotted several times as they have snapped in constant use. The one weak point is as recorded above by Justin where one of the inners has split completely across the bottom to the point at which it is now a sleeve. I think it was initiated by a light 750g d-lock that had fallen in there instead of the main bag on one trip. However, I would have no hesitation in buying the 'plus' material again.