Axiom Pannier Bag Rackbook Pro

Thank you for taking the time to write about our bags Dan. Unfortunately I think you may be misunderstanding the whole concept behind our bags. Please allow me to elaborate below.

1) Hook system - We use R&K Vario hooks, because of their superior strength, and ability to adjust from 7mm to 20mm, ensuring years of use, even if rack designs change in the future.

2) Bolted (replaceable) hardware - All fittings are attached with bolts, unlike our competitors who use rivets. We know that people use our bags in remote areas, and the ability to repair easily at the side of the road should an accident happen is a hallmark of our entire bag line.

3) Knotted elastic cords - It is unfortunate that you have decided against this system before even trying it. As with your review of the Kingston Commuter, your "prejudice #2" unfortunately draws you to an unfounded and untested conclusion. As you say "Prejudice two: hook-and-elastic pannier attachment systems are obsolete and potentially dangerous".
With all due respect, you statement is a broad on, based off your experiences with other brands, and is not in fact based on actual testing of our bag. It is based on an assumption.

Our knotted elastic system has been extremely successful for us over the years, so much so that when we went through a ground-up redesign of our bags retentions system 3 years ago, it was identified by feedback groups as being a key feature that needed to stay. In fact, it would cost us less to use a slide bracket such as found on other bag brands, however we consciously use this elastic system due to it's superior function.

The elastic system, allows the user to fine-tune their tension by changing where the knot is on the cord, and also allows the system to be used on multiple heights and designs of racks.

We purposely leave the knots slightly loose upon shipment to allow the user to more easily undo and re-tie the knot to the spot that is mot appropriate for their rack.
Unfortunately you seem to be judging the system on what you "think" will happen, and not on what you have actually "tested" will happen. When properly tied (with only a a single knot) the elastic will support more than 75kg of tension.

This elastic system is also far more intuitive for users, and does not require complicated setup or explanation.

4) Waterproof vs. Water-resistant w/ rain cover. - We intentionally designed the Rackbook Pro to use a rain cover instead of a waterproof main bag. We feel our system is superior for the following reason;

a) Riding in the rain, on messy urban streets leads to significant grime from the road. As this is an office bag, we designed it with an office in mind. To us, the last thing you want to do after getting changed into your work clothes, is to throw a messy, wet, and grimy shoulder bag against your clean office clothing.
Our entire point of this system is that the rain cover offers the same level of protection found on dedicated waterproof designs, but allows the user to strip away the wet, messy and grimy rain cover, to reveal a clean and dry shoulder bag that can be worn into the office.

With all due respect, prejudices do not make for an educational and unbiased review process, which is what people seek out when determining what product to chose.

Your "reviews" for the RackBook Pro and the Kingston commuter are more what I would classify as a blog or an editorial opinion. I encourage you to actually "test" products in the future, and report on what actually happens, and not on what you 'think' will happen.

Best regards,
Andrew Belson
Product Manager
Axiom Performance Gear