Advice on purchasing suitcases.

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Sue Ellen

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I don't do a lot of travelling out of the country so would only occasionally use suit cases. Having said this I would like to buy a set. I'm looking for advice on what most people find to be the most practical and easy to wheel types.

I had thought of buying the hard shell type because I think they would last longer and not get broken too easily on being thrown around by the airline. Argos have this set which would appear to be good value

Dunnes also have some sets which look to be quite strong and serviceable and I'm just wondering if anyone has bought the hard shell type there and how do you find them?

On the other hand are the shell ones not a good idea and if so why not?

Thanks.
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.

I bought the hard shell type very similar to what argos are selling, but would not reccomend them as after 4 flight's 1 had cracked and a 2nd had lost it's shape and was then difficult to close hope these view's are of help to you.
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.

we bought "TRIPP" hard shell cases in the sale in debenims..(expensive but worth it).. lifetime guarangee.. and were quite light too.... so far no problems, they have 4 wheels on the bottom which is just fantastic as you can wheel the case beside you or pull it behind you...clothes dont get wet if its raining outside.... i would also recommend buying a belt to strap around your case.... we had the misfortune of having a case burst open and our case arrived on the conveyor belt all over the place, where the container was dropped outside causing our case to burst (not our new ones i might add)

make sure your case has wheels!!!!
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.

I'd recommend the Samsonite Hard ones...find them very good and very durable.
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.

Aren't hard shell cases heavier? Is that a good idea in the age of restrictions on what you can carry in hand luggage and baggage allowances?

We have a set of TRIPP soft cases we bought in Debenhams and are happy with them-they are good value in the sale (which starts soon).

I don't think I have ever had anything broken in stowed luggage (probably lucky) but always take care to pack breakables in the middle of clothes etc.
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.


I don't think they are heavier to be honest...if they are it's negligible.
I'd echo your point about careful packing of breakables and suggest packing liquids (shampoo etc) in sandwich/jiffy bags to avoid accidents.
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.

Another problem someone mentioned to me recently was the lack of flexibility with hard shell cases, e.g. when trying to wedge them into the boot of a car.
 
Re: Advice on purchasing suit cases.

CCOVICH said:
Another problem someone mentioned to me recently was the lack of flexibility with hard shell cases, e.g. when trying to wedge them into the boot of a car.
Click to expand...

That is relevant alright although overall I think rigidness is a good thing. (no giggles from the back row please!)
 
Irish Times Pricewatch had a feature on cases yesterday but they never said where the individual items reviewed and priced were available from!
 
Consider purchasing your set abroad. I purchased some competively priced suitcases in Spain recently.
 
We bought a pair of Samsonite wheelies a few years ago and they're the biz...our ones have 4 wheels which is so much better than 2 as you can just glide the case along next to you instead of lifting it behind you and it banging of your leg!
 
Would agree with the points above. I have a rigid Delsey, which has served me well over the years. From all the scratches & bangs on it though, it looks like luggage takes alot of abuse once it leaves your sight!
 
I would take into consideration the weight of the suitcase, with weight restriction getting tighter and tighter, should you decide to take a plane the weight of your suitcase can make a big difference in what you can bring.
I remember being in a shop that sold suitcases and they went so far as to have a scale to weigh the suitcases, you might be surprised how much some of them weigh when empty whether they are hard shelled or not.
One other point, if you are looking for a set, make sure they all fit in eachother nicely as this will help with storage.
Happy searching!
 
Dont buy any luggage from Dunnes- completely unreliable, flimsy & waste of money. Suitcase split after 1 airline journey, clothes all over conyeyor belt....
Dont know which area you are in, but the Outlet Centre in Banbridge have a luggage outlet with most of the good brands, ie Samsonite, Carlton,, etc; at reduced prices, however maybe not too much of a saving with euro conversion to streling??
 
Thank you all for the very helpful replies. Having thought about the problems that may occur with the cheaper versions of the hard shell type I might take a wander around the shops when the sales are on and bear all of the above in mind.
 
I'd go for the cheapest ones which have wheels. I got a suitcase on wheels for 10 euro somewhere and it lasted me for 2 years during which I went off on weekends about 6 or 7 times. I never had to worry about it. It still works although the handle is broken and as long as it holds my junk together I dont worry about it. For a long haul flight I would think about getting a good strong suitcase on wheels but not for a short flight.
I still have a working hard shell suitcase fom dunnes by the way which was bought about 5 years ago for 20 pounds or was it euro. Its a little bit small and the handle is dodgy but it still holds my junk together.
 
Brand Central a Rathdowney have a really good luggage place (not much else though). We got 3 hard cases, all with 4 wheels, for under €200. These cases have done at least 40 flights each in the last 3 years and only just showing signs of wear and tear.

4 wheels definitely the way to go, I would never buy a 2 wheeler again!
 
we got the Dunnes ones recently and they are ideal...lasted the journey we took recently.
They even came with the weight stamped on it which is important if you use Ryanair
 
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