I've been looking up archive after archive after archive for the best bag out there, but none of them put the new RELoad split strap system versus the strap of the Bailey, because this was before the SS was released by RELoad. (i.e. "I love the RELoad, but the Bailey's strap is SO much better.")

I'm leaning towards a Deluxe Courier (with plenty of add-ons). Any opinions that should sway me towards a Bailey?

I don't think the R.E.Load split strap looks very sturdy. I love my regular strap R.E.Load, but the plastic buckles on the flap and stabilizer strap break all the time, particularly under heavy load (stabilizer strap buckle). I wouldn't want a main strap buckle that could break.

Great points. I wish they would do it with a metal buckle. Would it be difficult to change yourself?
Also, what year is your bag? Perhaps the buckle has changed a little since then.

I've never had my plastic Bailey buckle give me any problems, and I've carried some crazy loads as a messenger. It's also extremely stable when loaded, to the point where the stabiliser strap is not even needed half the time.
I've never really liked RELoad for some reason, and I don't know many messengers that use their stuff.

Freight and Bailey Works will always get my money.

the best bag out there is a backpack.

I love my Reload bag with the split strap. It's much more comfy and easier to adjust than my girlfriend's Reload bag with the regular strap, and has held up fine for me. I've carried a few loads that were heavy enough to make me barely be able to breathe and one that pinched a nerve in my back. (Hauling firewood and beer to the beach for a bonfire on your back is not so much fun.)

Troll. (Pft.)

Is the cushion on it as comfortable as the one with the standard strap? Even if not, that's not enough to make me get the standard, but I'm curious.

Also, how would you compare the tightening/loosening mechanism of the Bailey and the RELoad? Are they practically identical (since they're both SS systems)?

I have a Baileyworks Super Pro and I love it. My only regret is that I didn't get the divider. If I try to ride iwth my laptop it slides to the bottom and pulls on the strap. After my 4 mile commute my back is wrecked. The strap is pretty great though.