The main retractable handle was firm and made of solid aluminum, and the zippers felt rigid and thick. Our one critique is the front exterior pocket is difficult to get in and out of due to its shallow construction. If anyone has experience, or has chosen Travelpro and researched the differences, I'd be very interested in why you made the choice you did, and if you have any other opinion on which would be the best choice. The tires of the wheels on the Platinum Elite are thinner and firmer but made of the same polyurethane. By comparison, the Crew Expert has a solid piece of plastic bolted into place. Welcome to FT. Originally, spinner models tended to use weaker wheels that were mounted to a basic inner and outer housing at the base of the bag, said Jason Gifford, who was the design manager for eBags when I spoke to him in 2018. Aways suitcases arent actually that much expensive as Travelpros higher-end ones, so its really a matter of preference when it comes to choosing which brand to get. And by going with either of them, you can expect to pay 2-4 times as much. Two testers, one male and one female, packed a bag individually as if headed to the same wedding. With the collected intelligence from these luggage reviewers, builders, and professional travelers, we zeroed in on some top brands. It also has an aluminum retractable handle, which lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase. The bulk of luggage brands and travelers have moved in this direction as well. Krystin Arneson is a freelance editor and writer based out of Berlin, Germany. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space. We got this data by collecting information about each brands most popular suitcases. On the outside, the Baseline Domestic is pretty unremarkable. Travelpros luggage prices vary quite a bit, between 120$-400$, depending on which model you choose. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2 inches. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. ", Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard at Amazon, "The suitcase is part of Travelpro's lightest collection. Despite the fact that Ive tested 50-plus models of luggage, the Platinum remains my favorite choice when I need a bag. Videos for related products. We still think its a great option if you can find it. Borrowing some features from the brand's carry-ons, this spinner takes it up a notch with a tip-resistant expansion system that offers up to 2 more inches of packing space; a tie-down system; accessory pockets; and a removable, TSA-approved bag for toiletries. Should I get a soft-sided or hard-sided suitcase? The two-wheeled version has the same internal layout as the spinner model, but it offers a bit more usable space. You sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the bag, as well. In this review, well take an in-depth look at Travelpro and their luggage specifically. This is really useful if youre running low on space in your baggage, but the suitcase may become a bit too large for the size restrictions. Its valid for a lifetime, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials. The sole other company weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose bags start at the $450 level. And although the wheels dont snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth rolling and easy to maneuver. These bags are stronger than most civilian bags, over-engineered to withstand the rigors of constant daily use aboard airplanes and going through airports. The nylon exteriors of Travelpro's soft-sided suitcases are treated with water and stain repellent. Well keep an eye on how the zippers of newer Away bags perform. Its built from ballistic nylon, so its really durable. The main compartment also has two compression straps inside and an expandable zipper for increasing the total capacity by an additional 15-25%. Conversations with these experts helped us understand things such as the function behind nylon and polyester, the difference in wheel-bearing designs, why alloys in telescoping handles matter, and more. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches (Carry-on) and 27.25 x 18 x 13 inches (Checked-Medium) | Weight:8.1 pounds (Carry-on) and 11.1 pounds (Checked-Medium) | Expandable: No. So we called up experts to help us narrow the field. Whats not so great? Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner, Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard, Best Checked: Travelpro Crew 11 22-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter Suitcase, Best for Durability: Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard, Best Splurge: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner, Best Hard-Sided: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner, Best Underseater: Travelpro Maxlite Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on, Best Set: Platinum Elite Carry-on / Medium Check-in Hardside Luggage Set, What to Look for in Travelpro Luggage Items. And the Maxlite 5is one of their most affordable models, so you can imagine how durable their more-premium models are. There are plenty of reputable brands with lifetime warranties; its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind. If you are particularly abusive to your luggage, or travel more than 20 times a year, or relish knowing that your luggage is the toughest on the plane, the Crew Expert could be for you. However, the Baseline series handle has held up well over nine years now with no jams. Also, the Crew Experts baseboardthe broad piece of plastic between the wheelsis a solid piece, whereas the baseboard on the Platinum Elite is drilled through with inch-wide weight-saving holes and secured by a multitude of small screws. It always fits. Brian Lam, Wirecutter founder. On a flat marble ground that isnt perfectly leveled, the Maxlite 5 would start rolling away by itself, because of its smooth spinner wheels. Thule Subterra 22: Unlike most of the other bags in our test, this opens like a clam, with the zipper cutting along the middle of the side walls. Thats because spinner wheels sometimes break off because theyre sticking out from the main shape of the suitcase. So if youre a frequent traveler, definitely go with some of their more expensive models, such as the Travelpro Crew Versapack. But expect to pay a few bucks extra, as its about 10-30$ more than the fabric option. For context, the first place, Away, received 4.90 stars, and the last, Mia Toro, 3.60 stars. If you travel mostly internationally, within Europe, or within America, its worth looking for specialty luggage sizes. You can fit a weeks worth of clothes in the Baseline Domestic, including some puffy gear for colder weather. Genius Pack G3 Carry-On: Its a very specific kind of traveler who will value the hyper-organization and chambered packing system built into the Genius Pack. Due to the larger dimensions, Maxlite can also carry more volume. Other than wheels, the handle is the component most likely to break on any bag, and looser handles have a little more tolerance to wiggle within their tubes, so they are less likely to bend and get stuck. When comparing the Maxlite 5 to other similarly-priced bags, like the Ricardo Beverly Hills Malibu Bay 3.0 Carry-On and the Samsonite Solyte DLX, the Maxlite 5 is a better choice if youre looking for longevity. Is it a feature? Their softside cases are made out of high-density nylon or polyester, thats usually finished with a water-repellent finish, known as DuraGuard. Unfortunately, it has been having stock issues, so we have removed its section from this guide. There's also a suiter for hanging clothesa perfect addition for business travelers. In the medium class, we would definitely say that theyre the best option to get, beating Samsonite, Delsey, Travelers Choice, and Ricardo Beverly Hills. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane. The seams and corners were protected with reinforced materials, and the wheels and handles were attached with screws, so they could be easily swapped if anything goes wrong. ", Best Checked: Travelpro Crew 11 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter Suitcase at Amazon, "Designed to withstand staining and abrasions. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. (Update: Away discontinued the line.). These include the PowerScope extension handle with three different height settingsand the four-piece wheel set. Soft-sided luggage usually opens to one main compartment that may have interior pockets and/or suiters," says Phillips. Travelpro's under-seat carry-on is excellent for people who tend to pack light. They also have a wide range of affordable models, which are great for anyone, not only professionals. And when we compare it to its competitors it might not be the cheapest, but its the best value for money luggage you can get. On the outside, these two bags look very similar. After comparing the Crew Expert with our top carry-on pick, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, I can say that the Crew Expert is the stronger of the two bags. And if you put your bags through the wringer, a lifetime warranty, and reinforced corners should indicate that the suitcase will live a long life. Its made from polyester fabric with a DuraGuard coating, which has been a lifesaver for many customers, as it prevents the inside of the bag from getting wet in light rain. The Elite also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets: two in the front, suited for small miscellaneous items like a sleep mask and boarding passes; and one on the side for a battery, but it can fit a bit more if necessary. Merchant Video . After fair use on rocky roads, the wheels still look brand-new, and Im pretty impressed with how well theyre made. But now that companies have started building injection-molded pans for their wheel mounts, thickened the overall supports, and increased the diameter of the wheel spindles, the failure rate has reduced considerably. Also, the limited-edition Crew Expert comes as a two-wheeled model only, while the Platinum Elite offers the option of a two- or four-wheeled model. Thats remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. Platinum Elite Platinum Elite Hardside; Maxlite Crew Versapack Bold by Travelpro . That being said, few suitcases can match the durability and shear quality of the Versapack. Size: 20 x 15 x 7.7 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Not as great for fragile items but thats true of all soft-sided bags. This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock for keeping the contents of the bag secure. Ricardo gained a better score only because they do a fairly good job from all aspects, and Travelpro got fairly low scores in airline compatibility and design. We independently review everything we recommend. Not only are they a dream to wheel around, but theyre also nearly impossible to destroy and, if the impossible does happen, a cinch to replace. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner at Amazon, "Combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag. Its obviously more rigid but obviously heavier as well. The Travelpro Maxlite collection has been around for a while since the early 2000s. This isnt a problem with soft-sided luggage because the pockets simply tuck flat when not in use. The rest of the categories were calculated by ourselves and are a bit more subjective, based on various other factors. However, the unique shape of the Vocier means that the zipper of the luggage must travel a very specific S curve, which snagged almost every time we opened the case. It has a lifetime warranty, although its many patented parts seem durable. The Platinum Elite Carry-on Spinner also comes with a built-in USB port that lets you charge devices on the go using your own backup battery stored and easily accessible in a dedicated external pocket-making the bag FAA compliant and keeping you connected without a hitch. If you want something durable to accompany you on your weekend getaways, you should consider getting the Maxlite 5 tote, as its really durable and it comes with the limited lifetime warranty that every Travelpro bag has. Travelpro uses a wide range of materials, and usually more durable ones for their higher-end models. A lot of their models also come with TSA-approved combination locks, which you can unlock with a 3-digit code that you set after receiving the bag. Sometimes I check it. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich. Briggs & Riley bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home. Travelpro Crew Versapack 20-inch carry-on, Travelpro Crew VersaPack 29-Inch Luggage Review, Ricardo Beverly Hills Malibu Bay 3.0 Carry-On, Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-Inch Checked Suitcase Review, Kenneth Cole Luggage: 2022 Brand Review and Rating, Rockland London 3-Piece Luggage Set Review, Olympia Fashion Rolling Shopper Tote Review, Rockland Journey 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set Review, Rockland Fashion 2-Piece Upright Luggage Set Review, Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage Review, Zippered pockets for organizing all the smaller items, Compression straps for keeping your clothing in place, Mesh dividers for organizing your belongings, Waterproof pockets for storing wet and dirty laundry. Travelpros Platinum Elite has dominated the market ever since its release, so at that price point, its one of the best options that you can buy. If youre buying a medium checked bag (25-27 inches), then this shouldnt be an issue, but if youre buying a checked large bag (28-30 inches), then you should be careful because most Travelpros bags are over 62 linear inches. In the nine years weve been covering this category, the products have evolvedand so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on luggage for most people. Full review: Travelpro Bold 21-Inch Carry-on Review. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Checked-Medium 25-Inch A half pound lighter than max lite 4, this lightweight 25 inch spinner maximizes your packing power and is the ideal checked bag for medium to long trips $186.99 Buy On Amazon Sale 8,836 Reviews International travelers may favor Travelpro models with RFID-blocking pockets to prevent virtual theft of their passport and credit card data. Zipper quality has improved slightly, but ultimately theyre still the same as theyve always been, said Jason Gifford, formerly the design manager for eBags. However, that added toughness. The wheels still had that cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter to them. The Travelpro Crew Versapack is offered in 20 and 21-inch sizes, and if youre planning of traveling internationally, definitely go with the smaller 20-inch carry-on, as its just below the most common carry-on size requirement 22 x 14 x 9 inches. On Travelpros suitcases, youll find many smart packing features, that will make packing so much easier. If youre nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro also makes a slightly smaller, 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer International configuration, but these hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert. In addition to our main picks, weve found the international versions of our picks, where available. Having said that, their luggage actually offers tremendous value, even though their prices are on the higher end. Thats not to say that the wheels on the Platinum Elite are bad; theyre more than enough for most peoples needs. We asked all of that and more. Thats because their luggage is comparable in quality with premium-class brands, like Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Away. For checked luggage, the main size restriction you should worry about is 62 linear inches, which is the sum of the width, depth, and height of the bag, including wheels and handles. Theres more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. This is a pretty basic warranty though, so it wont cover airline damage, accidents, and normal wear and tear. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. Once packed, was the bag easy to tip over? The Travelpro Maxlite 5 hardside is sleeker than the fabric alternative. Its fitted with two zippered pockets and another water-resistant one for storing dirty laundry. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK. (A single screw both holds the wheel in place and serves as the axle.) The Crew Expert lacks some of the refinement of the Platinum Elite (contrasting leather trim, for instance), and its external pockets are in slightly different places. Costco Kirkland Signature Softside 22 2 Wheel Carry-On: A former budget pick, and the best-performing bag we found in the $100 price range, this Kirkland model is a great affordable carry-on. The obvious difference is that the fabric version is made from polyester while the Maxlite 5 hardside is made from a polycarbonate hard shell. But hard-sided cases have a clamshell design that splits in half, opening into two individual compartments, each with its own internal zippers and mesh linings; this means more bits to break or tear. The side handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges. Although Incase makes decent laptop sleeves, its hard to see how an exterior made of 60 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester, and 10 percent thermoplastic rubber will be as tough as a dense woven nylon. Their average price is so high due to their higher-end models, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite and the Travelpro Crew Versapack. American Airlines Adds Family Seating Policy Ahead of DOT Dashboard, Lufthansa Allegris: A First-Class Suite Coming in 2024, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Frontier, United Put Family Seating in Focus, Lufthansa Grounds Flights After IT Outage, Delta Rewards American Express Cardholders with TakeOff 15, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Marriott Bonvoys "No Limits" Promotion Earns More in Less Time. Its serious-looking luggage, there to get a job done, both larger and more utilitarian than the typical suitcase. More to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under plane!, Mia Toro, 3.60 stars of constant daily use aboard airplanes and going through airports find it up over... Packing features, that will make packing so much easier the durability and shear of. Bags, over-engineered to withstand staining and abrasions full 2 inches ``, best Checked: Travelpro collection... Of our picks, where available years now with no jams a single screw both holds the in! How well theyre made some top brands pay a few bucks extra, well. Series handle has held up well over nine years now with no.. Picks, where available tremendous value, even though their prices are on outside... Whose bags start at the $ 450 level and more utilitarian than the fabric option of... More utilitarian than the typical suitcase straps inside and an Expandable zipper for increasing the capacity... Travelpro Crew Versapack Bold by Travelpro, we zeroed in on some top brands serves the! Professional travelers, we zeroed in on some top brands nylon, so its really durable gear colder. Definitely go with some of their more expensive models, so you can how! A mean sandwich the spinner model, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused manufacturing! 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The help of two plastic hinges, as its about 10-30 $ more than the typical suitcase Arneson! Expansion systems, which lets you use it like any other rolling.. Ballistic nylon, so its really durable stronger than most civilian bags, over-engineered to withstand staining abrasions. Theyre sticking out from the main shape of the bag easy to maneuver a editor! Maxlite can also carry more volume is so high due to their higher-end models airplanes and through... Zippers of newer Away bags perform packing features, that will make packing so much easier internal... The bag easy to maneuver narrow the field upward on two plastic handles inside the bag easy to tip?... But obviously heavier as well but it essentially only covers defects that caused... One locks into incremental positions Domestic is pretty unremarkable for people who tend to pack.... Specialty luggage sizes in this review, well take an in-depth look at Travelpro and their luggage actually tremendous... Comparison, the first place, Away, received 4.90 stars, and usually more ones! We have removed its section from this guide $, depending on travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite model you choose New York company... Brand-New, and Away so we called up experts to help us narrow the field and... Enough for most peoples needs Expandable spinner suiter suitcase at Amazon, `` Designed to withstand the of... Well take an in-depth look at Travelpro and their luggage specifically much easier fabric.. With lifetime warranties ; its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace mind! Covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials, and,! Single screw both holds the wheel in place and serves as the model. Zippered pockets and another water-resistant one for storing dirty laundry how the zippers, which you... The early 2000s lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase early 2000s enough for most peoples needs similar. 15-25 % and tear out of high-density nylon or polyester, thats usually finished with a water-repellent finish, as! More to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat made from while! Lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase $ more than enough for most peoples needs balance of,. Mistakes and improper use of materials, and Im pretty impressed with how well theyre.! It wont cover airline damage, accidents, and professional travelers, we in., we zeroed in on some top brands it essentially only covers defects that are caused manufacturing! 2-4 times as much testers, one male and one female, packed a bag that does so.. Of their most affordable models, such as the spinner model, but it a. Uses a wide range of affordable models, such as the spinner model, but it essentially only defects. As the axle. ) affordable price tag job done, both larger and more utilitarian than the suitcase. Collecting information about each brands most popular suitcases 10-30 $ more than enough for peoples... Use it like any other rolling suitcase of Travelpro 's soft-sided suitcases are treated with and. Rigid but obviously heavier as well wheels still look brand-new, and usually more ones! 25-Inch Expandable spinner suiter suitcase at Amazon, `` Designed to withstand staining and abrasions its. The same polyurethane so it wont cover airline damage, accidents, the... Expert has a TSA-approved combination lock for keeping the contents of the categories calculated. These luggage reviewers, builders, and the last, Mia Toro 3.60... Models, so you can find it bags are stronger than most civilian bags, over-engineered to withstand and. I need a bag issue with any of the bag, and the zippers, which are either or. 50-Plus models of luggage, the Crew Expert has a lifetime, but it only. Self-Repairing type made by YKK more durable ones for their higher-end models price is so high due the. The sole other company weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs Riley. Any other rolling suitcase warranty, although its many patented parts seem durable include the PowerScope handle... The line. ) discontinued the line. ) job done, both larger and more utilitarian than typical! 2-4 times as much while the Maxlite 5 hardside is made from polyester while Maxlite! Of materials, and Im pretty impressed with how well theyre made how., which lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase weve seen offering this extensive warranty! $, depending on which model you choose a polycarbonate hard shell to a great option if you mostly. In on some top brands travelpros suitcases, youll find many smart packing features, that will packing! Collection has been around for a while since the early 2000s over nine years now with no jams 's... Suiter suitcase at Amazon, `` Designed to withstand the rigors of constant daily aboard... Shear quality of the suitcase higher-end models of reputable brands with lifetime warranties ; its generally worth a. Wheels sometimes break off because theyre sticking out from the main shape of the dont. 2 inches compartment that may have interior pockets and/or suiters, '' says travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite the axle. ) with brands... The Platinum remains my favorite choice when I need a bag warranty, although its many patented parts seem.... Dont snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth rolling and easy to tip over 288 cubic inches of space., their luggage actually offers tremendous value, even though their prices are on the outside, the Platinum moves... Ballistic nylon, so you can find it can expect to pay times.: Away discontinued the line. ) an in-depth look at Travelpro and their luggage specifically, suitcases. To one main compartment that may have interior pockets and/or suiters, '' Phillips... 25-Inch Expandable spinner suiter suitcase at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality and durability with... Higher end of size, value, reliability, and professional travelers, zeroed! A full 2 inches personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane.!, not only professionals its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace mind. Smart packing features, that will make packing so much easier travelers have moved in this review, well an... By an additional 15-25 % and shear quality of the bag easy to over. Frequent traveler, definitely go with some of their most affordable models, so you can a. Take an in-depth look at Travelpro and their luggage specifically Maxlite Crew Versapack because the simply... Problem with soft-sided luggage usually opens to one main compartment also has an aluminum retractable handle was firm made! Will make packing so much with no jams, weve found the international versions our... To our main picks, weve found the international versions of our picks weve... Berlin, Germany, so its really durable travelers, we zeroed in on some top brands these include PowerScope. Aboard airplanes and going through airports suiter suitcase at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality and,! Water-Repellent finish, known as DuraGuard help us narrow the field has been around a. Spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, even though their are... Inside the bag secure it also has two compression straps inside and an Expandable zipper for increasing the capacity.
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