I love the long wand... but you are right... it makes me nervous traveling with it, and I always roll it in bubble wrap!
I got the shorty, and love it.
It is a little bit hotter of a hit than the long transfer wand.
I like the size because of confidence.. I feel safe with it in the side pockets.
The long transfer wand, makes me slightly nervous with new vaporists, because like a sword, it is top heavy, and the glass can pull out if one does not move well.
The shorty GonG seems to adhere well, and I dont get nervous that someone may drop it.
If alone the long wand is wonderful.
If with others I feel more comfortable sharing with the short one.