hard-shell luggage
May 6th, 2010, 11:53 AM
#1
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hard-shell luggage
We're considering buying new luggage and wondering about the durability of hard-shell luggage. Does it crack or break easily (for instance if dropped when being loaded into airplane, or if heavy bags are dumped on top)? What are people's recommendations about it vs. soft luggage?
May 6th, 2010, 12:45 PM
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We have a couple of hardshell cases. They have lasted ten years so far and are still good. We also have soft sided cases we bought last year - one is wrecked after just two flights. We always check our luggage.
Softsides are more flexible - you can always squeeze one more thing in, but hard cases are my choice for our next cases. The only reason to get new ones is the towing comfort - the old ones have two wheels close together, and so have a tendency to tip over, whereas modern ones have them on the short side which is better for towing.
Softsides are more flexible - you can always squeeze one more thing in, but hard cases are my choice for our next cases. The only reason to get new ones is the towing comfort - the old ones have two wheels close together, and so have a tendency to tip over, whereas modern ones have them on the short side which is better for towing.
May 6th, 2010, 06:04 PM
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Just used my first hard shell 25" with spinner wheels. What a difference with spinner wheels. I can push easily with one hand without all that pulling especially when it's heavy. I bought Hey's from Costco's,for 99.00 I got a 25" and 21".Great deal. I agree you can squeeze an extra item in but the hard shell protects better. They are also ultra light weight(6 1/2 lbs) to fit in with the weight restrictions of most airlines. My sister has had Samsonite hard shells for 5 yrs,travels a lot, loves them and has had no problems with breakage.
May 7th, 2010, 03:20 AM
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Both have their pros and cons. While hard shell luggage is extremely durable, it’s also quite heavy. Hard shell luggage can also be unwieldy at times. However, the luggage is very sturdy and keeps your stuff safe from damage. Since soft-shell suitcases are easily maneuverable, you can squeeze them into an aircraft’s overhead bin or the boot of your car. Also, soft-shell luggage can have the expandability feature and loads of interior and exterior compartments, which may not be possible with hard shell luggage. Keeping all of this in mind, I would definitely recommend a soft-shell suitcase made from a strong material like ballistic nylon. Some of the known brands that make good quality soft-sided luggage include Tumi (http://intl.tumi.com/ ), Victorinox Swiss Army (http://www.victorinox.com/ ), and Briggs & Riley (http://www.briggs-riley.com/ )
