Thread: Who Makes the Best Suitcase???

Anyone who has ever done alot of traveling knows the importance of getting good luggage that will stand up to the abuse it will get.

I spent alot of time traveling during my 31 years I worked for the government, and Nancy & I have done alot of traveling because of moving all over the country and having relatives everywhere. Over the last 10 years we've traveled alot for pleasure including many all-inclusive resorts and 35 cruises around the world.

Needless to say, we've always bought the best luggage we could find - or at least we tried.

A few years ago, Samsonite was having a great deal whereby if we bought one piece we got another one for half off. So we bought their top-of-the-line. On our last trip to Europe, we broke a wheel - again! They do have a very good lifetime guarantee, so I didn't want to dispose of an expensive suitcase and since we still had three weeks to go, I bought a dolley so I could tote my suitcase everywhere. When we got home, they replaced the wheel for free - again - and we're ready to go.

These particular suitcases have the large wheel and I do NOT recommend them. We broke a wheel on 3 occasions over the last 3 years and it's very inconvenient. After looking around and talking to others, the best wheels are the same as they have on inline skates. They're built to last and easy to replace. I have to admit that while I love Samsonite's suitcases, I hate the wheels they use on all the ones we've looked at lately.

So now we're in the market for two new suitcases and are seeking advice from others who travel alot. The one thing we've learned over the last few weeks is that good luggage is not cheap. For a 26" - 29" wheeled suitcase, prices range from $150 - $550 for good ones. Some that were recommended are TravelPro, Briggs & Riley, Skyway, Tumi, Rimowa, Eagle Creek, and Zero Halliburton, just to mention a few.

What suitcase do you have? Is it any good? How much did it cost? Where did you get it? Would you buy the same thing again? Good points/bad points? What kind of warranty does it carry?

I figured this would not only be useful for us but to others who are also looking for good luggage.

Thanks for you input!

Pete

I can tell you that Tumi are built to last. My daughter and her hubby both travel for their jobs and swear by their Tumi. I know my daughter had one large carry on that she took everywhere when she traveled and it lasted for about 10 years of hard knocks. Not cheap by any means, but they give you good value by being so durable.

I have some Ricardo pieces that have been very good. You can find the top of the line on sale and they are a good buy.

I will be intrested to see what oyther brands are recommended. I can't really recommend any myself, and that's why I'll be followiing this thread! Interesting topic, Pete... and one I never would have thought of starting up, but it's a good one. Evryone who travels needs good luggage!

I am having to replace 2 Samsonite pieces due to zipper problems. They have lasted 10 years. I also threw out a piece because of wheel problems after 5 years. I will be following this thread for help and will let you know what I end up buying here in Sweden. Great topic. Lee

I am using and have always used Samsonite. I am very happy with the quality and design.
With design I mean how many extra pockets or compartments the luggage has both inside and outside. ¨
Now a days with all the restrictions on flights the most important thing for me is to have a lightweight but large luggage.

I really cant remember the cost of the luggage we have but light weight, quality and Samsonite are not a cheap combination, but worth it.

You can check out this online company for some really good sales as well as info if you are just wanting to make comparisons --> Luggage eBags

eBags is good, but I found a few others that were better.

As for Tumi, I've heard some great reviews from other travel agents, but they are VERY expensive. Don't think I want to spend $850 each for two suitcases! I could do a one-week cruise in a balcony cabin for that!! lol

We haven't gotten alot of responses on this subject - would have thought many people were willing to speak highly about their luggage or be ready to let us know not to buy the junk they bought.

Pete

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

eBags is good, but I found a few others that were better.

As for Tumi, I've heard some great reviews from other travel agents, but they are VERY expensive. Don't think I want to spend $850 each for two suitcases! I could do a one-week cruise in a balcony cabin for that!! lol

We haven't gotten alot of responses on this subject - would have thought many people were willing to speak highly about their luggage or be ready to let us know not to buy the junk they bought.

Pete

As with anything, you have to shop around and catch the bargain!

I like eBags (never bought anything from them) for getting info on the various pieces of luggage. You can find out the empty weight, the dimensions and the strength of the fabric to help in comparing pieces that are on sale elsewhere that only give you the manufacturer and model name.

I imagine folks will stop in here to give their 2 cents worth....sometimes it's just a slow day.

I recently went through the same thing. Most of my luggage I have to admit has been "won" in sales contests, so not the best quality, in fact they broke one of the wheels coming home on Saturday.

But I bought a new garment bag from an online luggage clearance center, don't remember which one. It is a TravelPro WalkAbout Lite Rolling Garment bag. It had two different sections, a garment bag on one side and a suitcase on the other. It looks really square, and everyone always weighs it, but it has not been over 50 lbs yet! I find it very convenient for the last two cruises. I paid about $160, retail about $400, shipping was free.

I've heard that Heys are good pieces of luggage. I got cheap junkie luggage for my last cruise that broke. So I'm looking also for the DW and myself.