Samsonite is one of the oldest luggage brands. The company is also currently the largest international company of its kind. Originally founded in Denver, Colorado the headquarters are now in Hong Kong. The bulk of the hardsider luggage is made in a factory in India. There are additional factories including 2 assembly plants in Hungary. Samsonite makes everything from small bags meant for toiletries and other items to the largest sizes of luggage on the market. Other lines include backpacks and briefcases. Samsonite sells luggage under its own name as well as under other brand names and lines.
The following reviews will all feature Samsonite branded luggage divided in to two categories: hard and soft luggage. Most of the reviews will be for a single piece which will be noted according to size and if other pieces are available. There will also be reviews that are for entire, 3 piece sets. These will be clearly noted as well.
Note: because airline standards change frequently, it is important to get the updated size requirements and restrictions before leaving for your trip, preferably on the day of or day before travel. Airlines measure dimensions from the wheels to the handle so their measurements might be different than those given by the luggage makers.
For luggage with wheels, the type of wheels will be listed as double or single spinner wheels. Double spinner wheels means that there are 2 wheels at each corner for a total of 8 wheels per piece.
The Hard Side Luggage Reviews
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Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
This 20″ inch, carry-on bag is available in 2 other sizes. It is available in several colors including: Brushed Anthracite, Burgundy, Charcoal, Deep Blue, Navy, Orange, Purple and Teal. Its empty weight is just under seven pounds.
The Shell and Design
Made of 100% polycarbonate, the shell is given a unified brushed pattern that is meant to hide scratches, scuff marks and other signs of wear while also updating the general look of this suitcase.
Polycarbonate is a specially produced plastic which has increased impact resistance as well as resistance to dents and cracking. It is more stable than other types of plastic and does not react to sudden changes in temperature and pressure like others. It can withstand nearly a 1/2 ton of pressure.
Handles and Wheels
A push button, telescoping handle allows this suitcase to be rolled through airports, parking lots and more with ease. It slides back to sit flush against the bag when not in use. An additional handle on the top allows this bag to be picked up and stowed in trunks and more.
The wheels are single spinners and rotate 360 degrees for ease of mobility.
Other Features
Inside of the Winfield 2 are several zipped organizational pockets plus elastic tie downs to secure your items once you are fully packed. In addition, a side mounted TSA lock helps keep your possessions secure while not slowing down the scanning process.
A TSA lock is one that allows agents to open your luggage without damaging it for further scanning and inspection if this is needed. These integrated locks reduce the risk of being snagged or caught on conveyor belts and on other pieces of luggage. Airlines remove boxes full of broken and ripped off locks daily.
Warranty
The majority of the Samsonite line is backed by a 10 year, limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and/or workmanship but does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse and abuse including overloading the luggage. The warranty does not cover damage caused by airline mishandling
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
The unique pattern does a good job of hiding scuff marks and other signs of wear but may allow potentially problematic flaws to go unnoticed until it is too late. Overall, the polycarbonate shell does seem to do what it is designed to do: be strong but light keeping this suitcase at just under 7 pounds. It is decently priced and available in a wide range of colors from professional and sedate to brighter colors that are a bit more casual and fun.
- Nice color selection.
- 10 year warranty.
- Side mounted TSA lock.
- Good interior design with zippered pockets for organization.
- May not meet airline standards for use as a carry on bag.
- Frequent complaints about the zippers.
- The handle may not extend far enough for people who are taller than average making this a difficult bag to use as designed.
- Customer service may not be the best especially in regards to handling warranty claim.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels, 3 Piece Set
This three piece set includes the 20″ carry on bag as described above as well as a 24″ (medium) and 28″ (large) checked bag. The set is available in the following colors: Brushed Anthracite, Burgundy, Charcoal, Deep Blue, Navy, Orange, Purple and Teal.
The 24″ suitcase weighs just over 9 pounds while the 28″ bag is just a bit over 11 pounds. All have single spinner wheels and telescoping handles as well as all of the other features of the 20″ bag as described above. The set nests inside of one another for easy storage.
Is this a recommended luggage set?
Like the single piece reviewed above, each piece is made with the strong polycarbonate with the unified brushed pattern that hides scuffs and scratches. Each has the same features and weaknesses as the 20″ piece which is included as part of this set. The price for set is fair with the per piece price working out to be slightly less expensive than the single suitcase price. The set does have the same drawbacks however.
- The pieces all nest in one another for easy storage.
- TSA locks, telescoping handles and spinner wheels on all.
- All are strong but surprisingly light ranging from 6.7 pounds to 11.5 when empty.
- Plenty of organizational pouches inside of each bag. Since some can be removed they could be used in a single suitcase for even more options.
- All 3 have issues with the zippers and telescoping handles.
- The telescoping handle may not extend far enough for taller people.
- Zippers may fail on these bags.
Samsonite Centric Expandable Hard Side Luggage with Spinner Wheels
This 20″, carry on suitcase is available in 2 other sizes and comes in a number of colors that include: Black, Blue, Slate, Bronze, Burnt Orange, Caribbean Blue, Purple, Silver and Teal. It weighs in at 7.5 pounds when empty.
Interior Features
The Centric Expandable Hard Side carry on has a full zipped, interior divider which helps keep smaller items organized and in place. An additional, much smaller zipped pouch is found in the folding part of the lid. Adjustable cross straps keep your clothes from shifting and wrinkling during travel.
This bag has an additional 1.5 inches of expansion room if needed.
Exterior Features
The telescoping handle works via push button and then stores inside of the bag when it is not in use. Two other handles, on the top and on the side, allow for easy use of this luggage whether it is being used as a carry on or as a checked bag.
A side mounted TSA lock is integrated into the bag for security, ease of use and to prevent accidental damage. The spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees for effortless maneuvering over a variety of surfaces. This bag is made of 100% polycarbonate with a nylon material lining.
The Centric Hard Side Spinner bag is covered by the Samsonite 10 year warranty.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
Slightly higher priced than other styles in the same size, the Centric Hard Side with Spinners is available in plenty of colors and has the standard features that people look for in this style of luggage. The telescoping handle stores away when not in use which reduces the risk of it getting caught on something during baggage claim so that is a plus.
- Plenty of colors including some bright colors and some neutrals.
- Plenty of organizational pouches inside of this luggage.
- Decent wheels and other handy features.
- The zippers on this luggage tend to catch, snag and eventually fail.
- This may not work as a carry on. It is important to remember to measure the wheels when determining the actual dimensions of this or any other piece of luggage.
Samsonite Centric Expandable Hard Side Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 3 Piece Set
This is the full set of luggage in the Centric line. It includes the 20″ bag from the review above as well as a 24″ (medium/checked bag) and a 28″ (large/checked bag). The set features the same futuristic design on the 100% polycarbonate shell and is available in colors that include: Black, Blue Slate, Bronze, Burnt Orange, Caribbean Blue, Purple, Silver and Teal. The set is backed by the standard 10 year, limited warranty.
Size and Weight
The 20″ piece is listed as a carry on bag and weighs in at 7.5 pounds. The 24″ piece weighs 9 pounds and the 28″ piece is 10.8 when empty. The bags nest inside of one another for easier storage.
Wheels and Handles
Each piece of this set has single spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. The telescoping handles work with the push of a button and then store inside of the bag when not in use. Each piece has both top and side carry handles as well. All three have integrated TSA locks on the sides.
Interiors
All three are lined with polyester material and have adjustable tie down straps to keep clothes wrinkle free. Zipped pouches are located in each.
Is this a recommended luggage set?
Whether you are traveling with family or often have times where you have to pack more than usual, it is good to have flexible options. For business travelers, it is also important to have matching pieces to give a good first impression. These feature a unique, futuristic design on the outside and are available in a decent range of colors from traditional and professional to the more eye-catching brights. They are designed to be strong but remain light and the spinner wheels plus handle are designed to be wheeled with minimal effort.
- 3 piece set gives plenty of packing options no matter how long your trip is going to be.
- Smaller pieces nest inside of the larger for easy storage.
- Spinner wheels and telescoping handle make even the largest bag easier to move from place to place.
- The 20″ bag may not work as a carry on because of the wheels.
- Some people have reported that the 28″ bag may be considered “over size” as a checked bag and will require an additional fee.
- The zippers on the Centric set may be faulty.
Samsonite Free Form Expandable Hard Side Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels
This 21″ inch, carry on bag is also available in two other sizes, a medium and a large, checked bag. It is made of polypropylene with fabric lining and is available in several colors that include: White, Black, Navy, Sage, Green and Tangerine. It weights just 6.5 pounds when empty.
The Double Spinner Wheel Advantage
Double spinner wheels give the Free Form luggage 8 total wheels instead of just 4. The extra wheels increase stability and helps maintain a smoother ride even over rough terrain like an uneven parking lot. The wheels pivot 360 degrees so that you don’t have to stop to switch directions.
Additional Features
Inside of the bag are multiple zipped pockets for easy organization. Adjustable tie down straps keep clothes from shifting during travel. On the outside is a push button, telescoping handle that stores inside of the bag when not in use. Additional carry handles are located on the top and the sides. An integrated, side mount TSA lock helps prevent slow downs and keeps your items secure.
The Free Form will expand by just over an inch to give you more packing room without having to move up to the next size of luggage.
A Special Bonus Feature
The Free Form has an integrated, built in tag on the front side. It is hidden by a name plate making it difficult for potential identity thieves to find.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
Slightly larger than other carry on bags in the Samsonite family of luggage, the Free Form is lighter than most with the same hard shell for durability. The standard features of telescoping handle and zipped pouches are good and the double spinner wheels are greatly appreciated, when they work. The built in tag is a great feature if you are aware of it because it would be easy to completely overlook it if you did not know it was there. This is a good piece of luggage with some known drawbacks including arriving locked with zero instructions on how to open. There are several online resources to fix this issue which Samsonite has been made aware of and has not resolved as of yet.
- Plenty of colors to choose from.
- Double spinner wheels.
- Very light weight at only 6.5 pounds.
- The 10 year, limited warranty does not cover claims for issues with the wheels for the Free Form.
- Zippers are often defective upon arrival or shortly after.
- Many of the Free Form bags are arriving locked and there are not instructions included in the packaging to open it. Resetting the lock requires being inside of the luggage making this even more frustrating to people.
- Customer service is not responsive especially for warranty claims.
Samsonite S’Cure Hard Side Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels
The S’Cure Hard Side 20″ carry on bag is available in two other sizes including a 30″ checked bag that is one of the largest in the industry. Designed with a diamond pattern on the shell, the S’Cure is available in the following colors: Black, Aqua Blue and Crimson Red.
The Shell
The S’Cure is made of Flowlite polypropylene which is described as a semi-processed polypropylene mixture that is meant to be much lighter than similar types of plastic but retain the strength.It weights just 6.4 pounds when empty. The patterned front side is meant to hide scuffs and scratches from traveling.
Inside of the S’Cure
On the left side of the S’Cure, 20″ carry on is a uniquely patterned set of tie down straps. Instead of the traditional X design, this one uses a zig-zag pattern for more coverage and more security. On the right side of the bag is a full zipper that reverses to a ventilated flap.
Wheels and Handles
The wheels on the S’Cure are double spinners. The retractable, telescoping handle works with a push button. An integrated TSA lock is mounted on the side. Two carry handles, on the top and on the side increase the carrying options for this suitcase.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
The S’cure has several features that make it desirable as a carry on bag including being strong but light, having good features and the unique diamond pattern on the front. It also has a few drawbacks that should be considered as well especially it’s rather hefty price tag for such a small bag.
- Unique design and good but limited color choices.
- Decent features.
- Very light weight.
- Very expensive for a single, carry on bag.
- Wheels are very easily damaged and the warranty will not cover the cost of repair or replacement.
- The outside shell of the S’Cure is very easy to damage. The warranty will not cover damage caused by the airlines.
- Customer service has been described as rude and largely unhelpful.
Samsonite Etude Hard Side Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels
The Etude 20″ carry on is also available in 2 other sizes, the medium and large sized checked bags. It comes in three colors: Dark Navy, Black/Bronze and Cedarwood. This suitcase is designed to be among the more upscale pieces in the Samsonite family of luggage.
The Shell
The Etude Hard Side luggage is made of 100% Makrolon polycarbonate which is meant to both increase the impact strength and to increase the scratch resistance of the outer shell. The bag weighs 7 pounds when empty.
The Interior
The Etude Hard Side has a unique, hanging pouch that is meant to help keep travelers organized. The pouch is divided into three sections including one that is completely sealed and is meant for use with “wet” items like soaps and shampoos that could leak. The traditional and adjustable tie down straps are located on the opposite side of the suitcase.
Handles and Wheels
The wheels on the Etude Hard Side are double spinners and rotate a full 360 degrees. They are high impact plastic. The telescoping handle has a wide grip for easier use even for those with larger hands. An additional side handle is included.
The Etude has an integrated, side mount TSA lock.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
If you need a more refined, professional style piece of luggage, this might be the answer for you. No flashy colors are found here, but rather three, more upscale choices. The hanging organizational pouch is a great addition for frequent travelers. This bag does have some drawbacks including a fairly steep price for a single piece of luggage.
- Elegant color choices.
- Scratch resistant outer shell.
- Hanging organizer bag with divided sections including a wet pouch for items that can leak.
- Very light weight.
- Very expensive for a single bag of this size.
- The outer shell is prone to cracking that could potentially lead to total failure.
- Zippers are often defective.
Samsonite Framelock Hard Side Suitcase with Double Spinner Wheels
The Framelock Hard Side Luggage comes in the 20″ carry on plus 2 other sizes (medium and large, checked bags). It comes in three colors which are: Dark Grey, Cordovan and Ice Blue. It is made of plastic with an imported polyester lining and weighs just over 8 pounds when empty.
The Shell
Despite being made of plastic, the exterior of the Framelock is given a carbon fiber “texture” which is meant to help resist scratching and to hide those that do occur.
The Interior
The Framelock’s interior features 2 zipped pouches including 1 that is mesh and 1 that is solid. Tie down straps in the traditional X pattern are fully adjustable so that they are secure no matter how much or how little is packed.
The Wheels and the Handles
The double spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees. The push button, telescoping handle is designed to be easy to use. A top and a side carry handle are also easy to grab and use.
The Framelock does have the integrated TSA lock which is mounted on the side of the suitcase.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
The Framelock has limited color choices and absolutely no special features of any kind and is still at a higher price than others with better features and more colors. It is described as having a “carbon fiber texture” but is only made of basic plastic which is prone to cracking and breaking. The warranty will not cover damages related to the cracked shell which could eventually breach the interior of the suitcase and leave packed items exposed or missing. This suitcase is also slightly heavier than others of comparable size. There are plenty of other Samsonite bags that are more reasonably priced with better features, more colors and a more durable shell.
- Privacy Id tag.
- TSA lock.
- Expensive, one of the highest priced, single bags in the Samsonite line.
- Plastic latches break frequently.
- Plastic shell is prone to cracking.
- More than a few complaints of used items being shipped to customers.
- Warranty will cover next to nothing for this luggage.
Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hard Side Luggage with Single Spinner Wheels (20″ Carry on)
Available in 2 additional sizes as well as a three piece set, this 20″ carry on bag is 100% polycarbonate plastic with almost two inches of available expansion space. It comes in colors that include: Black, Blue/Navy, Burgundy, Navy and Silver) It weighs in at just under 7 pounds when empty.
New and Improved Organization Pockets
The Winfield 3 DLX comes with an updated, 4 pocket, reversible organizer. The pockets are 2 to a side and are meant to help organize toiletries and other necessities.
Wheels, Handles and More
The wheels on the Winfield 3 DLX are single spinners and rotate 360 degrees. The telescoping handle works via push button and is self retracting. Additional carry handles are located on the top and the sides. There is a side mounted, integrated TSA lock for safety and security.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
The Winfield 3 DLX has decent features and a more reasonable price point than some of the other single pieces of luggage in the Samsonite line however, the chief complaints about it are that the bag looks and feels cheap right from the start. It has issues with the lining but the most frequent complaints are in regards to the wheels.Described by quite a few consumers as “flimsy”, these wheels are difficult to roll over any surface at all and will break on even small bumps or rough spots. For a small bag, the wheels may not be such an issue if they break during travel but if the risk is that high, who really wants to bother? Keep in mind that Samsonite frequently refuses to allow warranty claims for the wheels when making your decision.
- New and updated organizational pouch for small items.
- Lightweight at just under 7 pounds.
- Decent color choices.
- Looks and feels “cheap” according to many consumers.
- Fabric lining is thin and very easy to rip or to pull away from the exterior.
- Wheels are flimsy and break often. Before breaking they are difficult to use as they barely roll over smooth surfaces let alone anything rough.
- Warranty service is often denied especially for claims regarding the wheels.
Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hard Side Luggage With Single Spinner Wheels, 3 Piece Set
The Winfield 3 DLX set includes the 20″ carry on bag from the previous review as well as a 25″ (medium/checked luggage) and a 28″ (large/checked luggage). All three nest together for easy storage. The set is available in five colors: Black, Blue/Navy, Burgundy, Navy and Silver. Each piece is designed to be fairly light with the largest bag weighing in at just under 11 pounds. The Winfield 3 DLX, 3 piece set is made of 100% polycarbonate plastic with a fabric lining.
Features
Each of the pieces in this set has the same features including the new and updated organization pouch. This pouch has 4 pockets, 2 on each side and can be reversed. All pieces have single spinner wheels, telescoping handles (push button to raise/self retracting) as well as top and side carry handles. Each also has a side mounted, integrated TSA lock.
Is this a recommended luggage set?
As described in the review above, this is a reasonably priced set with some decent features but it may lack a lot in the quality control department. Described as looking and feeling cheap the wheels are substandard at best which may not be as big of an issue with the 20″ bag but will become a bigger issue with the 2 larger ones. If you have ever dragged a large packed bag through a crowded airport, you know the struggles and the added stress that it can cause.
Because Samsonite usually does not honor its 10 year warranty for issues related to the wheels, you will end up having to repair or replace them on your own if you do choose to buy this set.
- Easy storage as the pieces all nest in one another.
- Decent price point.
- Fairly light weight.
- Reversible organization pocket.
- Look and feel “cheap” according to far too many consumers.
- Lining is thin and easily rips or pulls away from the exterior.
- Wheels are flimsy at best and easily break.
- Samsonite does not honor its own warranty for repair or replacement wheels and frequently denies claims for other reasons as well.
Samsonite Stryde Hard Side Glider Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels (20″ carry on size)
The Stryde is available in two other sizes, a medium checked bag and a large checked bag. It is available in 2 colors, Blue Slate and Charcoal. The polycarbonate shell has a unique design. This suitcase weighs in at 7.2 pounds.
Upgraded Wheel System
The double spinner wheels for the Stryde have hardened steel cartridges with ball bearings in the wheels to increase durability as well as enhance performance.
Better Handles
Many of the telescoping handles for the Samsonite lines are described as “too short” for people of average or taller heights. It has been a fairly frequent complaint and finally someone listened. The Stryde’s telescoping handle has 8 handle stops for total, adjustable comfort. The hand grip is wider and contoured for comfort even for people with larger hands.
Additional Features
Inside of the Stryde Hard Side carry on, you will find multiple zipped pouches include a wet pouch meant to hold anything that could potentially leak or spill during travel. The tie down straps are double X pattern for added security. This suitcase does have up to 2 inches of expansion room if needed.
The side mounted, integrated TSA lock is also featured on the Stryde Hard Side, Glider carry on suitcase.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
Fairly lightweight, the Stryde Hard Side carry on has several huge positives going for it, largely in the upgraded and much improved handles. Not only are the hand grips wider and contoured to accommodate larger hand sizes, the telescoping handle can be adjusted to a total of 8 different heights as well. The upgraded wheels are also a bonus. The trade off seems to be a limited number of color choices which is a shame but not one that is a deal breaker for most people.
- Upgraded, steel cartridge wheels with ball bearings for smoother rolling.
- Multiple zipped pouches including a wet pouch for potential leaky products.
- Wider, contoured handles.
- Telescoping handle with 8 height adjustments.
- Zippers may fail.
- The polycarbonate shell is prone to cracking.
Samsonite Softside Luggage Review
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Samsonite Leverage LTE Expandable Soft Side Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels
This 20″ carry on bag is also available in two other sizes. Weighing in at 8 pounds, it is available in colors that include: Charcoal, Poseidon Blue and Purple. It is made of nylon and can expand by 1.5 inches for increased packing space when needed.
The Exterior
The Leverage LTE is made of 400D x 360D nylon with weather and oil resistant coating. D stands for denier which is a rating used for fabric. The higher the number for this rating, the more threads are used and the thicker the material will be. Higher numbers are used for material that needs to be more durable while lower numbers are used for material that should be softer or silky in nature.
Each corner of the Leverage LTE has a hard plastic corner protector to keep it from being crushed or dented.
The Interior
Inside of the Leverage LTE is a set of compression cross straps to hold your packed items in place even during rough travel. A removable suiter, removable wet pack and mesh pockets help keep everything organized and dry. This suitcase is closed by self mending, coil zippers.
Additional Features
The handles located on the top and the side of the Leverage LTE are padded for comfort. A push button, telescoping handle allows you to wheel this suitcase with ease. The wheels are double spinners and rotate 360 degrees.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
This is a fairly heavy bag for soft side luggage which is a problem from the start. There are also issues with it being used as a carry on as some are reporting it is not being allowed on certain airlines. The dimensions that are given in listings are probably not including the wheels which means that people are buying this on faith and not realizing that the wheels put it just over the limit. There is also an issue with the design of this suitcase as it tips over all of the time whether it is empty or not. There are far better Samsonite bags in the soft side collection.
- Removable suiter, wet pouch and other pockets are great for keeping everything in its place.
- The handles are padded for comfort.
- The oil resistant coating helps protect against some stains.
- Fairly heavy for a 20″, soft side bag.
- May not meet airline standards for a carry on bag.
- Zippers are described as “self-mending” however they are faulty and frequently rip and fail.
- This bag tips over easily even when empty.
- The wheels on the Leverage LTE are not great.
Samsonite Advena Soft Side Luggage With Single Spinner Wheels
This 20″ carry on bag is available in 3 additional sizes including a smaller carry on (19″) and two checked bag sizes (Medium and Large). It is available in three colors: Black, Cobalt Blue and Teal and is made of polyester. This bag weighs just over 8 pounds when empty.
Pockets, Inside and Out
A quick stash pocket is located on the front of the exterior of the Advena. It is a zipped pocket and meant to use things like last minute items and tickets. Inside there is a removable, zipped pouch plus a wet pack for potential leakers. A zipped mesh pack is also included. Cross straps keep everything in place one you are finished packing.
The Advena is expandable if you need a bit more packing room.
Handles and Wheels
The single spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees. The push button telescoping handle allows for easy mobility. Two additional carry handles, on the top and the side are padded for comfort.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
Slightly heavier than what would be expected of a soft side, carry on bag, the Advena may not be exactly right to meet the airline standards because of the wheels. For peace of mind, always take your own measurements, including the wheels and compare them to the most recent guidelines posted by the airline you will be using. If you have any concerns it is always best to call ahead and confirm before leaving for the airport with a bag that you may not be allowed to use as you wanted. The Advena does have a slightly smaller carry on bag with the same features.
- Plenty of pouches and packs, some removable for organization.
- Padded carry handles are easier and more comfortable to carry.
- Quick stash front pocket for items you might need before boarding including tickets, passports and other documents.
- Slightly heavier than expected.
- The telescoping handle only extends to one height which is described as too short for people of average height or taller.
- This particular size may be just over the stated guidelines for most airlines.
- The Advena wheels are easily broken and do not work as expected even in areas with smooth terrain.
Samsonite Flexis Soft Side Single Spinner Luggage (20″)
The Flexis is available in 4 sizes including one that is smaller (19″) and two larger options. It is made of 100% polyester with a polyester lining and is available in three colors. Those colors are: Carbon Blue, Cordovan and Jet Black.
The Wheels
An upgraded Radii wheel system is designed to reduce drag and to help make sharp turns and instantly respond to direction changes.
The Handles
the telescoping handle features push buttons on both sides to reduce the awkwardness in use. The Flexis also has carry handles on the top and the side for added convenience.
Special Features
The Flexis features a built in USP port as well as a pocket to hold a power source allowing for quick and easy charging for your smart phone and other devices while waiting for boarding.
Additional Features
The Flexis has an interior mesh pocket plus a deep compartment on the front for last minute items. The parabolic frame resists crushing and provides more stability. Low profile zippers are meant to resist abrasion and snagging up to 15 times better than other styles of zippers.
Is this a recommended piece of luggage?
The Flexis is among the lighter in the soft side collection at only 7 pounds. The parabolic frame keeps it from becoming misshapen even when packed to capacity and it seems to stand up to rough airline handling fairly well. The wheels are better on the Flexis than others in this collection. The ability to extend the telescoping handle from a button on either side is a bonus as well. It does have limited color choices but most people are more interested in the features anyway.
- Radii wheels reduce drag and pivot as expected.
- Mesh pockets inside, front compartment outside.
- Low profile zippers.
- USB port build in.
- Lighter than others in the collection.
- Limited color choices.
- May not meet airline standards for use as a carry on bag.
- Handles break easily on the Flexis.
There are several good choices in both the hard side and soft side collections as well as a few that are not great representatives of the Samsonite brand. The drawback for all of them is the 10 year limited warranty that sounds great on paper but does not seem to actually cover anything. Samsonite needs to change the wording or the warranty or consider dropping it completely. Customer service should also be improved as it is a frequent complaint across the board.
When making your choices, keep in mind that double spinner wheels are usually better than single wheels because they have more stability. Make sure that you fully read dimensions especially for the telescoping handles as some of these are fairly short and may be uncomfortable for someone of even average height.
It is also important to be absolutely sure of what the airlines allow as carry on and what sizes are considered “over size” for checked baggage. Since these guidelines change frequently, always be sure you are getting the latest information before packing for your trip.
