need a quality suitcase

accordmaniac · 01-15-07, 11:54

I don't quite need one now but maybe in several months. I'm currently using a set of JCPenny house brand luggages. They're called Protocol. The problem is that the midsize one already has its handle ripped off and it's only been used 4 times max. I expected the set to at least last me through my four years of college but that isn't likely going to happen.

I was wondering if someone can suggest a good brand that makes quality luggages that will last let's say 25 trips (maybe i'm being optimistic here) or more. Most of the trips will be from Fort Myers (RSW) to Atlanta (ATL) to Madison (MSN) and back. But my family is planning a trip back to Vietnam this summer so maybe an international trip might put more stress on the luggage? This might be a weird question but I don't want to end up spending a lot of money just to replace my suitcases which I believe should be made to last a while. I'm going to try to get a replacement on the one with a broken handle but i think my mom lost the receipt. I want to do some research just in case i have to buy so I'm not left unsatisfied with my next purchase. Oh btw it should be an affordable brand. Thanks

kompressornsc · 01-16-07, 06:29

My preference is Victorinox Swiss Army (not Wenger or SwissGear-which is all the same company now). I have probably 10 pieces of Victorinox (I'm a dealer) and not a thing wrong with any of them after multiple trips. Both off my laptop bags are Victotrinox as well, and they're used daily without problem. Well designed and thought out, good durability, mid-priced, and a ton of options. And once I get a client started buying Victorinox, they always stick with it.
I use to like TravelPro, but haven't been impressed with their retail line lately - their old, professional stuff was great.
Victorinox is actually made by a company called TRG-which also makes the bags for Calloway. Redirecting...

BSBG · 01-21-07, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by kompressornsc

I use to like TravelPro, but haven't been impressed with their retail line lately - their old, professional stuff was great.

I used to have a bookmark to a luggage comparison test but I can't find it now. Google should be able to turn up tons of results, comparisons and online stores.

I use a Travelpro 'Flightpro 3' series bag that is great. They have been replaced with the '4' series which looks a little suspect to me.

Tumi always gets good reviews but is not cheap. The high end Samsonite luggage looks decent - we have an outlet store nearby and can view the whole line. Eagle Creek has also treated me well if you are looking for more of a pack / duffle type of bag.

As with most things, spending a little more upfront will save you in the long run - one good bag will last longer than 2 or 3 cheap ones.

firegate · 01-21-07, 03:26

Briggs & Riley. Pricy but well worth it if you travel frequently - they're built like tanks and the company will repair any damage whatsoever for free, no matter how it was caused.

seikoguy · 01-21-07, 04:34

In my previous assignment, I was flying quite a bit - always exceding 100,000 miles per year on actual flight miles. Spent a lot of time in airports and certainly had my fair share of luggage being put through wringer. Oftentimes, I'll be waiting at the carousel for my bags and when they appear, I'll scratch my head and ask myself, "Now how the hell did they manage to do that to my bags?! It's just not humanly possible." Anyhoo, I don't fly as much now, about 55K miles a year and one thing has definitely changed - the bloodsucking airlines are now less lenient with excess baggage than they used to be and they're always ready to hit you with a surcharge. Strong wellbuilt bags are nice, but they do tend to weight more. I'm starting to use soft-sided dufflebags (with wheels) a lot more during my Trans-Pacific journeys. I use bubblewrap for anything I consider fragile, and put them in the center with my clothes around it for extra padding.

Totoland Mach · 01-21-07, 07:33

Having traveled for over 30 years and gone through countless luggage, I've found the best product on the market is the Pelican Case! They are rugged to withstand military use and absolutely have the best warranty in the market.

I used a Pelican for approx. 22 years and the hinge finally broke (it was waaaay overloaded by the way). Called Pelican and shipped it back and they replaced it with a brand new one.....don't know any luggage manufacturer that does that.

No, they don't make a fashion statement, but they are completely water tight and when I air travel, use plastic tie wraps on the locking lugs with spares inside for TSA.

Try one and you'll never buy another piece of luggage. They are that good.

Toto