I Watched the Baggage Handlers Throw My Suitcase. It Survived. (Samsonite Freeform Assessment)
We must be actual about air journey proper now. It’s a battlefield. Flights are delayed, connections are tight, and the best way baggage handlers deal with our baggage? Let’s simply say they are not precisely dealing with it with white gloves.
I used to purchase these low-cost $50 suitcases from the low cost aisle at TJ Maxx. You already know those. They give the impression of being cute for precisely one journey, after which the wheel snaps off in the course of a terminal in Chicago, leaving you dragging a 40-pound field throughout the ground whereas sweating via your shirt.
After my final “low-cost bag” cracked broad open on the luggage carousel (exposing my underwear to the complete inhabitants of JFK), I made a decision to develop up and purchase actual baggage.
I picked up the Samsonite Freeform Hardside (21-inch Carry-On). It’s not a $1,000 aluminum Rimowa, nevertheless it’s not a finances bin throwaway both. It’s the candy spot.
I’ve flown 20,000 miles with this bag within the final six months. Right here is my sincere evaluate.
The “Glide” Issue
The very first thing you discover is the wheels. Low-cost suitcases have single wheels that get caught on carpet. The Freeform has double spinner wheels. I examined this by actually pushing the suitcase alongside me with one finger whereas working to a gate in Atlanta. It glides. It drifts. It pivots 360 levels with out getting caught.
You probably have ever fought with a suitcase that desires to tip over each time you flip a nook, this characteristic alone is definitely worth the worth.
The “Mary Poppins” Enlargement
I’m a infamous over-packer. I all the time assume I would like 4 pairs of sneakers for a weekend journey. The Freeform appears compact, nevertheless it has a hidden zipper that expands the bag by one other 2 inches.
On my method to the journey, I preserve it zipped tight to suit simply within the overhead bin. On the best way again (after I’ve purchased souvenirs and lazily packed my soiled laundry), I unzip the expander. It swallows every little thing. I have never needed to sit on it to zip it shut as soon as.
Sturdiness: The Scratch Take a look at
That is the principle concern with hardshell baggage: “Will it get scratched?” The reply is sure, finally. Nevertheless, the Freeform is product of polypropylene, which is tremendous light-weight however sturdy. It additionally has a matte, textured end.
I used to be compelled to gate-check this bag on a small regional jet. I watched—via the window—because the handler grabbed it by the deal with and actually tossed it onto the cart. I cringed. Once I obtained it again? A number of black scuffs that wiped off with a moist paper towel. No cracks. No dents. It takes a beating like a champ.
The Constructed-In Lock
I hate tiny padlocks. I all the time lose the important thing. This bag has a TSA-approved mixture lock constructed into the aspect. You simply snap the zippers into the lock slots. It stops crimes of alternative (like somebody shortly unzipping your bag when you are grabbing espresso), however TSA can nonetheless open it if they should examine it.
The Cons: The Deal with Wobble
To be truthful, it’s not excellent. The telescoping deal with (the half you pull up) has just a little little bit of “wobble” to it when it’s totally prolonged. It hasn’t damaged, and Samsonite says that is intentional to soak up shock, nevertheless it would not really feel as rock-solid as the remainder of the bag.
Last Verdict
Is it definitely worth the cash? In the event you journey greater than yearly, sure. The peace of thoughts figuring out your wheel is not going to snap off mid-sprint is priceless. It appears skilled, it matches in each overhead bin I’ve tried (even the smaller European ones), and it protects my stuff.
Cease shopping for disposable baggage. Get a bag that really lasts.
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