Summer is the time for holidays and travel. It's time to take care of purchasing a quality and capacious suitcase, which will fit everything you need. The choice of this simple device needs to be carefully considered, because a heavy and unkempt carpet broken on the way can spoil the impression of rest and deliver a lot of unnecessary trouble. Let's find out how to find a good and high-quality suitcase, which will become a faithful companion for many years.
Contents:- Best luggage companies on wheels
- Luggage device
- Types of suitcases on wheels
- Options for suitcase selection
- What suitcase on wheels to choose
- How much is a suitcase of good quality
Best manufacturers of suitcases on wheels - which firm to choose
On the shelves of stores you cansee a lot of various suitcases of popular and little-known manufacturers. But the best are the old firms that manufacture handbags for decades. Their products are always of high quality, attractive appearance and durability.
You can easily take any suitcase if it has one of these names:
1. Tumi
2. Delsey
3. Roncato
4. Rimowa
5. Samsonite
Also with the search for a good suitcase you will be helpedour recent article, where we examined in detail the best models for travel. However, you yourself can choose for yourself a great option, if you get acquainted with the basic nuances.
Suitcase device
Any suitcase is just a box for things with a carrying handle. But modern models for convenience are equipped with additional elements:
- Wheels on the bottom for transportation.
- Legs or stops for stability in an upright position.
- Telescopic handle.
Other small items make the suitcase even more convenient. This includes fittings( zippers, latches and complete locks), as well as a number of accessories: a boot, a shoulder strap, a can with lubrication, etc.
Types of suitcases on wheels
Depending on the material from which the suitcase is made, severaltypes of these devices. To understand what kind of bag will suit you, let's consider in detail the merits and demerits of each family.
Soft
Fabric suitcases are the most popular among buyers due to their minimal weight and reasonable price. Synthetic materials used in their manufacture( polyester, nylon, polyamide, tarpaulin), are still impregnated with special protective compositions. As a result, soft fabric covers become waterproof, acquire anti-static and dirt repellent properties.
Pros:
- Light weight;
- The empty suitcase folds compactly;
- Radial lightning and soft walls allow to increase capacity by 20%;
- Many internal compartments and outer pockets;
- Variety of design and colors;
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Fragility - the fabric wears out quickly;
- Soft walls do not protect baggage well from squeezing.
The leather suitcases stand apart. Most often these models are not mass produced, but elite products made to order. They not only fulfill their basic functions of storing and transporting things, but also emphasize the status and wealth of the owner. Any bag of genuine leather has an impressive weight, it is easy to scratch with careless handling, but it serves for decades.
Plastic
Plastic products are also very popular among tourists thanks to a solid, but lightweight frame, which protects the internal contents from external influences. The most high-quality models are made of ABS, but polypropylene and polycarbonate also show themselves well. When choosing these suitcases, it is worthwhile to look at the price tag - the higher it is, the more reliable will be the case. And in the production of budget models, the simplest plastics are used, which easily crack from impact or fall from height.
Pros:
- Good abrasion resistance - scratches will appear, but the box will not rub through the holes;
- Relatively light weight;
- Protecting fragile things from squeezing and bumping;
- Waterproof;
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Too cheap suitcases can not boast of high quality;
- The poor model line.
It is worth paying attention to the combined suitcases made of plastic and strong fabric. They combined the advantages of both materials: light weight, attractive design and sufficient strength.
Metal
Do not be afraid - these are not steel safes on wheels. Today, metal suitcases are made of ultralight alloys of aviation aluminum. But their strength can indeed be called unsurpassed - at least for a common traveler or holidaymaker. Such products are not afraid of mechanical influence, water, fire.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability - no less than 10 years at any intensity of operation;
- High strength and relatively low weight;
- Resistant to water and fire;
- Tightness.
Cons:
- High price.
Suitcase selection options
Weight and dimensions
The weight of a suitcase is certainly an important selection criterion, especially for those who are going to travel by plane. There are rules for carrying luggage by air transport, according to which a passenger of an economy class can take no more than 23 kg of luggage, and the norm for a business class is 32 kg. So, the heavier your suitcase, the less things you can take on the road. Do not forget that on the steps it will have to be carried in hands - the wheels here will not help. Therefore, before buying, hold the ball you like for a few minutes: if it's even empty, it will seem heavy to you, then stuffed with things will become completely unbearable.
The volume of hand luggage is also taken into account when boarding an airliner. The sum of the height, length and width of the travel bag should not exceed 158 - 203 cm( each airline has its own requirements for this item).Alas, in the stores, suitcases are classified by other parameters.
Here they are divided into 3 types:
1. Small - up to 55 cm high and up to 25 liters.
2. The average is 65 cm and 70 l respectively.
3. Large - over 80 cm tall and with a volume of 70 liters.
Wheels - the number and material of the
production Depending on the number of balls installed on the bottom, the suitcases are divided into two-wheeled models and more maneuverable spinners( not to be confused with a popular toy) on 4 wheels.
The first roll in a tilted position, with one third of the weight of luggage on hand. But such an aggregate has high off-road ability. Such designs must necessarily be supplemented with legs or hinged legs that will serve as support points for the suitcase in an upright position. Spinner is more comfortable for the passenger, as he thoroughly stands on the ground with all 4 swivel wheels. It is very easy to carry such a device, but only on a perfectly flat surface.
The best wheels are silicone on metal fasteners - they are durable and virtually noiseless. Plastic or semi-silicone quickly break down on a rough road, easily scratched and mercilessly rattles while riding.
Handles
A good suitcase should be easily transported, not only with the help of wheels. For carrying, side handles can be used, for which a heavy bag can be carried horizontally. Also in the upper part there is a reinforced handle with rubber or cloth overlays, which reduce pressure on the palm. Great, if the bag will include a shoulder strap. He will help you out if the wheel breaks or when you climb the stairs.
Mandatory element of the suitcase on wheels is a retractable telescopic handle. Ideally, it should be made of metal, because the plastic is very fragile and breaks easily, especially in the cold. Its extreme positions are fixed by a button or a special mechanism. It is important to choose the correct length of the telescopic handle for your growth, as it usually does not provide intermediate options.
Internal compartments and pockets
The compartments in the suitcase are used for sorting and storing things as conveniently as possible. They can be either large or small. If on a trip you take a strict suit or an elegant evening dress, get a device with a portplet compartment( there may be even a few).Such an adaptation will not allow clothes to be wrinkled due to special soft fillers in the bends. You can put things in them on a hanger or fix them with special straps.
External pockets are made only on fabric or combined suitcases. They are necessary for storing items that are always on hand( tickets, napkins, a sandwich, at last!).Such offices will be especially useful when traveling by car or train. Do not interfere, and a flat transparent pocket, in which you can put a card with your personal data - so the case will not be messed up and lost. To the child-traveler, here it is better to insert the photo.
Fasteners and locks
Fabric suitcases are always equipped with a zipper. It should be wide( more than 1 cm), with metal or large plastic teeth and have 2 runners - so it is more convenient to fasten the overflowed carpet bag. The tongue needs a large enough and strong, with locks preventing the spread of lightning.
Plastic and metal suitcases are equipped with snaps, installed around the perimeter. They provide good protection against breaking, and rubber seals along the edges of the coffer ensure it is waterproof. The reliability of locks directly depends on the price of the bag.
Also for the safety of things manufacturers often complete their cases with built-in code or even mechanical padlocks. The advantage of the first is that they do not scratch the suitcase and have a high level of protection against burglary. But hinged it is possible to bring down in case of loss of a key. The maximum security is provided by the paired locks of both structures.
Tailoring / Assembly Quality
When buying a suitcase from the store, ask the seller a certificate to verify the quality of the used materials. But do not blindly trust the paper - visual inspection, too, will tell a lot about the chosen model. The curves of the stitches and the threads sticking out of them indicate a poor quality product. Tight and seizing lightning, too, will cause a lot of trouble.
Be sure to check the wheels: they should be without visible damage, easily rotate, but do not hang out on the mounts. From the bottom of the suitcase requires sufficient rigidity and strength. It is also desirable that the corners are protected with rubberized, leather or at least plastic pads.
Which suitcase on wheels to choose
1. For a single traveler, a fabric or plastic suitcase of medium size( up to 65 cm in height) with several large compartments will be the best choice. If the trip involves meetings with the observance of the official dress code, choose a model with a slingplet that will keep the business suit in perfect condition.
2. In a family trip on an airplane it is better to go with several medium fabric or plastic trunks. So you will protect yourself from exceeding the standard baggage. And to drag one heavy bag with the things of the whole family is not the greatest pleasure.
3. Elderly passengers, people with disabilities and children are easier to manage with small lightweight spinners on 4 wheels. It is better that the suitcase is fabric or plastic, with a pocket for the card, where the owner's personal data are indicated.
4. On a trip that involves the use of public transport or walking on the road, you can not do without a quality model on 2 strong silicone wheels. If you only roll a suitcase around the station or apron, buy a spinner.
5. Do you like bringing fragile souvenirs from your trip? Get a strong plastic travel bag - so all the contents will go safe and sound.
6. Those who need not just a suitcase, but a real safe for fragile things or valuable documents, definitely worth buying a metal case. He will protect your cargo from shocks during loading, heavy rain and even fire.
How much is a suitcase of good quality
1. The cost of fabric suitcases ranges from 1200 to 90,000 rubles, depending on the brand's promotion.
2. The plastic model will cost between 1800 and 70000 rubles.
3. The case of aviation aluminum costs about 20-50 thousand rubles.