Axiom Seymour Transit Series Panniers
Price Paid: $80/pair (iirc)
Grade: A-
Link: Axiom Seymour’s at Amazon

I’ve had my Axiom bags for at least the last two tours and they seem to be holding up fine. It appears Axiom is no longer making these and that’s a shame. Good bang for the buck. as I said, I’ve used them for at least the past two seasons for long touring, daily commuting and grocery getting. They have held up just fine. I like the top loading single compartment. There is a drawstring at the top which really helps to contain and stabilize oversized loads. The top cover is elastisized and really creates a nice neat fit when closed. They are not water proof, but as an old backpacker, I’m used to keeping all my gear in ziplock and trash bags anyway.
The attachment system is the simple hook on top, bungee cord on the bottom. This setup allows the bags to flop around at the bottom over bumps and stuff. I wish I could remedy that, but it’s just part of the system and why they are so affordable. The top hooks are rubberized… Nice touch there. Helps to keep the bag gripping the rack better and leave no scratches.
There Is a small outside rear pocket. It’s convenient for small stuff, I guess, but for me it’s really more difficult to use than anything. It opens in a weird envelope fashion (see the pic below) where the top cover gets in the way of getting things in and out. It’s where I usually carry a travel size fifth of Jim Beam, and even then, the top doesn’t close completely. A slightly larger pocket or more of a plain flap cover or even just a slightly larger main compartment without an outside pocket would have been better.
These bags make great rear bags and would be pretty dang big, but do-able, on the front.
A minus. Good bang for the buck, outside pocket is lacking, decent enough attachment system.

Notice in the picture above how I had to tie the bungee to the pannier strap to get it to fit right on my rack. It’s a PITA, but in the end, not really a big deal.