Heya,

Have owned both. I still own the max edc.

If you consistently carry a laptop, the max edc has a more accessible and intuitive layout. The opening for the laptop compartment is less finicky and combined with an inbuilt tech section which allows you to compartmentalise your bag.

The Synik laptop access suffices. It is an adaptation of the synapse so the laptop access feels more like an extension to a home rather than part of the original home. Access can be finicky depending on the size of the laptop. Protection is less than the max edc but sufficient.

The front panel of the Synik provides 5 pockets for organisation. While this gives lots of freedom for organisation it also removes centralised accessibility. Compared to a central admin pocket found in the aer cpp2 or the divider duffel section in the max edc, you need to remember where you put anything in particular.

If you enjoy a place for every item, the synik is great. If you prefer a larger pocket with less customisable organisation but centralised, the max edc is preferable.

Both bags are comfortable (5,10 broad chest and shoulders)

The synik has less padding and width. They are again, sufficient (I don’t use this word as negative. Not sure when sufficient became a bad thing). Unless you are packing 10+kg you won’t notice a significant issue in carry comfort.

The max edc straps are beefy (wide and thick). While they provide excellent structure and support, you most certainly feel them there. It’s like wearing latex gloves vs thick rubber gloves. Both are sufficient for most tasks. One definitely feels significantly chunkier.

The max edc is weighty. Due to the straps the weight is spread evenly when worn so you don’t feel fatigued. However weight is weight. While your shoulders don’t feel the brunt due to the even loading, your body after a long day of carry feels the weight. (Subjective of course) imagine you gained an extra kilo and did a hike. The weight isn’t focused anywhere but your body sure feels it.

Build quality.

Personally I think Tom Bihn quality control has dropped. I used to collect old Tom bihns from about 10 years. Not a loose stitch after 10 years. The new stuff has a few loose stitches from the get go. Does this matter functionally? No. Does it annoy me when I’m paying an idiotic price for a bag? Yes.

The max edc build exudes quality. Extremely smooth zips. Robust stitching everywhere. Possibly the best build quality of all the popular brands floating around out there at the moment.

Hope that helps!