Selecting a new set of motorcycle panniers is a decision that should be given a great deal of thought and committing to a choice is far from straightforward.

With a wide range of brands, sizes, styles and functions, anyone would be forgiven for thinking the world of motorbike panniers is a minefield. With that said, SW Motech and SHAD are two brands that spring to mind.

Both brands have a lot to offer and though it is worth noting that they each boast quite the range and for the most part, their panniers are waterproof, but what actually sets them apart?

That is where this guide comes in, nailing down three choices from the two brands to narrow down the options and make the selection process that bit simpler.

SW Motech Trax vs SHAD Terra Aluminium

First to face the spotlight are the respective brands’ aluminium panniers, the SW Motech trax and the SHAD terra, and the first point goes the way of SHAD.

Now, while the trax panniers’ 37 litre storage capacity may offer exactly what you are looking for, the beauty of the SHAD terra cases is they offer a choice of having 35 litres or 47 litres. This choice offers the best of both worlds, providing the opportunity to mount the smaller-sized pannier to the exhaust side and the larger one on the other side for a well-rounded, symmetrical look.

SHAD further assert their dominance over their SW Motech counterparts when it comes to additional features. As standard, SHAD terra panniers are fully lockable and come with an ergonomic carry handle and a foldable tray and inner mesh for organisation. Whereas, with the trax side cases, the locking system, carry handles, inner tray and net are optional extras that come at additional cost.

SW Motech Aero vs SHAD SH38x

SH38x: The only expandable aftermarket motorcycle panniers.

Turning attention towards the second matchup, SW Motech’s aero faces SHAD’s SH38x and with SW Motech playing catch-up, unfortunately for them, the verdict is not looking positive.

With a telescopic extension that allows them to expand in size by 40%, SHAD’s revolutionary SH38s are the only expandable panniers on the market, increasing in size to provide extra storage space and decreasing in size for extra mobility and the ability to filter through traffic. The fixed size and 25 litre capacity of the aero panniers are no competition for this function and the difference really shows in the fact that the SH38x panniers can carry a full-face helmet. On the other hand, the aeros are much more lightweight, weighing in at just 1.8kg.

Aesthetically, there really is not much to separate the two and it boils down to a matter of preference, however, the SHAD SH38x arguably edges in front simply due to being available in black and aluminium colours while the aero panniers are only available in black.

SW Motech Pro Blaze vs SHAD E48SR

So, with SW Motech significantly lagging behind SHAD so far, they will be looking to redeem themselves as their pro blaze motorcycle saddlebags take on SHAD’s E48SRs and luckily for them, this time it is a much more even contest.

The points for security levels without a doubt go to SHAD with their double locking system, the incorporation of both a standard lock and key barrel and combination lock. They also receive the nod when assessing additional features thanks to their inclusion of padded handles, glove-friendly zippers and waterproof inner bag. For comparison, with the pro blaze saddlebags, a padlock, carry handles and rain covers are sold separately.

Despite all of that, the scales tip in favour of SW Motech when it comes to storage capacity. Their saddlebags are expandable and in comparison to the fixed capacity of the 15 litre E48SRs, offer an internal volume that ranges between 15 and 20 litres and provides more leeway in terms of what they can be used to carry.

Fitting Kits

It goes without saying how useful it is to be well-informed on the different kinds of motorcycle panniers and what they each have to offer, but it is also worth paying attention to how they are mounted to the motorbike and what their fitting kits have to offer.

SHAD’s terra aluminium panniers are mounted to the motorcycle using their ‘4P’ pannier fitting kit while their SH38x panniers can be fitted to either of their ‘3P’ or ‘4P’ kits, both of which allow them to be locked directly to the bike for a second level of security. The 4P incorporates an additional mounting point to provide extra stability and is ideal for heavier cases while the 3P kit should be noted for its lightweight ‘L-shaped’ bracket.

As for SW Motech, each of their panniers can be mounted to the motorbike using either of their ‘Pro’ or ‘Evo’ fitting kits. These two revolutionary racks receive praise as they are ‘removable’ and can be effortlessly installed and removed without having to be fixed in place.

Now that the similarities, differences and additional benefits of each of the SW Motech and SHAD have been assessed, it may have become clear who the winner is, but what is the final verdict?

Overall, while the SW Motech motorcycle pannier range certainly has its benefits and claims small victories over SHAD in certain areas, the SHAD side cases are simply more appealing with the SH38x panniers being the pick of the bunch.