Wheeled Luggage

[MattKellett]

It's time to buy some new luggage, after around 8 years of Transatlantic flying my Victorinox luggage is starting to fail.

I'm looking to buy a couple of 25-26" wheeled suitcases and after looking online, I'm seeing that most available now have 4 wheels, rather than 2.

Does anyone here have any experience in these 4 wheels cases? They really don't look like the wheels will last for many trips through the baggage carousels, or maybe I'm mistaken. Should I stay away from the 4 wheels and stick with 2?

Any recommendations would be appreciated. Willing to spend up to $250-$300 a case.

Many thanks

Matt

[bell]

The wife and I have "chaps" brand, was bought at kohls... couple hundred a set iirc.
They have the retractable handles which lock, and can be clicked together even while full for easy moving.
Still like new and have gone on numerous trips. ...

[LeeH]

My wife went through all the "good" brands then bought one of these:

LuggageWorks home of Purdy neat things Luggage | Stop-Over Store

They have an external metal frame. Probably the last luggage you'll ever need to buy.

[Hugh R]

4 wheel is the way to go, you push it along instead of dragging it. I have a Samsonite, that is carry-on friendly, it has a zipper to expand it if desired. I got an off color light blue one to make it easier to identify when I do have to check it, everyone else seems to get black.

[Embraer]

Originally Posted by LeeH

My wife went through all the "good" brands then bought one of these:

LuggageWorks home of Purdy neat things Luggage | Stop-Over Store

They have an external metal frame. Probably the last luggage you'll ever need to buy.

luggage works is ok...but weighs a ton. I used to use it.

I now use Tumi. Lighter and still very strong

[MattKellett]

Thanks for the recommendations guys,

Lee, those Purdy bags look really substantial, will research them some more. Is that site just for airline personnel?

Hugh, have you had any problems with 4 wheeled cases? I know you travel a lot so you must have a wealth of experience with this. They just look so fragile, with the casters so vulnerable!

[imcarthur]

Yes to 4 wheels. And only buy it on sale somewhere cause luggage is ALWAYS on sale. Mine typically last about 6-7 years & then the handle breaks or a zipper blows out.

Ian

[motion]

I've done the whole gamut. We bought 4 Tumis a few months ago to the tune of $800 each. They were complete junk, so I returned them. I LOVE the hard-sided wheelies Costco sells. Just bought the 2 piece set for like $130. They are extremely good quality and cheap.

[MattKellett]

Originally Posted by motion

I've done the whole gamut. We bought 4 Tumis a few months ago to the tune of $800 each. They were complete junk, so I returned them. I LOVE the hard-sided wheelies Costco sells. Just bought the 2 piece set for like $130. They are extremely good quality and cheap.

.... and here I was just looking at the Tumis!!

There is so much choice out there!! I've been through most manufacturers over the years and they all seem to die after around 8 years.

The only cases that have lasted for years and years has been my parents Globetrotters, but those are fairly pricey!

COLLECTIONS – GLOBE-TROTTER

[Icemaster]

Ebags.com.

I buy their brand, when the handle failed on my old roller, I called and asked them if they had parts. They apologized, said they no longer made that model but they'd give me a credit for the original purchase price. On a unit I bought 6 years prior.

I bought another one from them Doubt I'll buy anything else again.

They sell damn near every brand made, but I'm stuck with theirs.

[gprsh924]

Travel pro.

I prefer two wheels to four. Tracks better and tends to stay upright easier.

My girlfriend prefers the 4 wheel for maneuverability. For reference, I travel about 12 round trips per year, she is at about 20.

My dad averages 40. He uses Atlantis luggage you get at jcpenny (2 wheels). It works just fine

[group911@aol.co]

My wife is a stew and after 30 years of Travelpro, switched to GoLite and loves it. Much lighter which makes a big difference in the long run.
On all her bags, after the first set of wheels wear out, I convert them to rollerblade wheels. Best improvement you can make to any roller bag

[porsche4life]

Check out osprey bags, made for the adventurer, and with an unbeatable warranty. I've been all over the US with mine for the last two years and it shows almost no wear. Only two wheeled, but they are a bit bigger, handles rougher pavement, stone, and will even roll up a curb. I love it!

[MattKellett]

I have a couple of Travel Pros on order from Amazon, hopefully I'll like them, if not they'll be going back and I'll try another brand.

Amazon.com: Travelpro Luggage Platinum Magna 25 Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter, Black, One Size: Clothing

Thanks for all suggestions, the choice and variety in suitcases is insane!!

[rattlsnak]

luggage works are by far the best. made for crews that use them everyday. made to take a beating.

4 wheeled luggage? no freaking way would i ever use one of those.

[Paco Anton]

My friend loves Douchebags (really, no kidding).

The Official Douchebags

Pity they only seem to do ski bags.

[wildthing]

I've used the 4-wheel spinner carry-on (used to travel a bit with just 2-wheeled ones). I must say the 4-wheel spinner is very convenient to maneuver, especially around the airport, between gates, on to the baggage claim, and then having to tow it while carrying yet another bag. You can move it for short distances while completely upright. (Longer distances you just look like an idiot.)

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Icemaster

Ebags.com.

Thanks for the tip! I checked them out and ordered this Travel Pro from them. It lists for $400.




I bought a new carry-on like this a couple of months ago that I hate. It's going back.





The hard shell is only half the bag. It's a pain to pack and when you open it, half your stuff falls out.

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by motion

I've done the whole gamut. We bought 4 Tumis a few months ago to the tune of $800 each. They were complete junk, so I returned them. I LOVE the hard-sided wheelies Costco sells. Just bought the 2 piece set for like $130. They are extremely good quality and cheap.

+1 on the Costco deal. It us now down to $99 fir the 21" and 25" hard side set. I'm on a plane every week so am pretty rough on luggage. The 21" hard side has been great. It's easy to pack, is expandable, rolls smoothly because of the eight wheels (two per corner) and is a handsome bag.

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

4 wheel is the way to go, you push it along instead of dragging it. I have a Samsonite, that is carry-on friendly, it has a zipper to expand it if desired. I got an off color light blue one to make it easier to identify when I do have to check it, everyone else seems to get black.

I'm with Hugh on this - 4 wheel is the way to go. My luggage is dark red, it stands out from the common black ones. The other thing I learned: don't go the the extra large, 1 bag concept. Use a medium bag and a carry on. I travel abroad quite a bit and those extra large bags don't fit very well in smaller cars.

Then there is the art of packing, but that is for another post.