However, that added toughness comes at a cost: extra weight and the loss of a few features we like on the Platinum Elite. (Although prices can vary online, Travelpro currently prices the Crew Expert and the Platinum Elite similarly, within about $40 of each other.). 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. It weighs a pound less than the Platinum Elite, and it has a similar amount of packing space. A key difference from the fabric Maxlite hides inside the main compartment. It hides scuffs and scratches, and is much more versatile than hard-shellstyled bags. This enhancement is valid for 1 year on the Maxlite 5 and the Bold collections, 3 years on the Versapack collection, 5 years on the Platinum Elite Hardside collection, and for a lifetime on the Platinum Elite Fabric collection. eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Duffel: We like eBagss packing cubes, and the companys wheel-less carry-on bag is a good budget buy, but this Mother Lode was easy to dismiss right away. The Crew Versapack suitcase isn't cheap. The Baseline Domestic is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. The garment folder is similar to Travelpros, and thats a good thing. You can further organize your belongings using the interior hold-down straps (all equipped with anti-break buckles) and zippered mesh pocket in the sidewall of the bag. Arent Samsonite, Delsey, or Briggs & Riley better choices? Meanwhile, the only maneuverability benefits of two-wheeled luggage are better ground clearance over rough terrain, such as cobblestones, and easier rolling over carpets. The difference in width is noticeable when you compare the wheels up close. Travelpro covers the Platinum Elite with its best warranty for return, repair, and replacement: If your bag suffers from this (or any other) problem, get in touch with Travelpro, and the company ought to resolve it promptly. Travelpro platinum elite hardside large check-in expandable spinner This luggage has a high return rate due to the extra large size. Merchant Video . It weighs so much because it comes with a lot of features, and its built from durable materials. In fact, ballistic nylon is currently the most durable fabric used in luggage. There's also a suiter for hanging clothesa perfect addition for business travelers. You should be aware, if youre flying with European or Asian carriers, that the biggest restriction is weight, which can be as low as 11 pounds on certain carriersand makes this kind of luggage impractical. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags weve tested. Hard-sided luggage also doesnt age as well as soft-sided luggage. A large main compartment is better for packing cubes, so if you use them, the fabric Maxlite might be a better choice. The suitcases in those days didnt have wheels, so people had to always carry them when they were traveling. Its external pockets, as with all the bags we tested, are nothing to write home about, but they do strike a nice balance between protecting and compressing small items (a shaving/sewing kit, say) without showing much extra bulk. Other features include dual self-aligning spinner wheels, expandable zippers for an additional 25% packing space, and a USB port for charging all of your devices. When you compare the weight to similar ballistic nylon carry-ons, like the Briggs & Riley Baseline (8.36 lbs), or the Tumi Alpha 3 (11.7 lbs), its actually much lighter. This procedure wasnt as straightforward as it sounds, though, because bags arent perfect rectangles insidethe wheel wells and handle tracks encroach on the interior space. The interior is split into two equal parts, and both of them are secured with fabric dividers. The spinner model of the Platinum Elite comes with a removable garment bag for optional use. The Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on comes in 6 different colors, and our favorites are theRich Espressoand theShadow Black. "Hard-sided luggage is typically made with 'split construction,' meaning the bag zips down the middle and opens into two shallower main compartments, like a clamshell., If you're basing your decision on durability, you can't go wrong with either. If youre planning on traveling with a suitcase and the Maxlite 5 tote, then youll be happy to know that it has a rear strap, which secures it on top of your suitcase by wrapping around the retractable handle. For ultimate packing flexibility, Crew VersaPack lets you customize the interior of your bag with a variety of Zip-in Organizers, like a Garment Organizer (included), moisture-resistant Organizer, Packing Cubes Organizer, Suiter Organizer and an All-In-One organizer that has both wet and dry storage compartments. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30 percent in a pinchalthough the bag will no longer be carry-on compliant. Inline wheels, on the other hand, are built into the main frame, so theyre much less likely to break off. The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Thats not to say that the wheels on the Platinum Elite are bad; theyre more than enough for most peoples needs. Travelpro makes suitcases in really professional, minimal style. Whats the best carry-on luggage Ive found? But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility. The listed size of 22 by 14 by 9 inches (although most airline sizers we tested are actually a bit larger than their listed measurements) should be compliant with the vast majority of flights that start within America, regardless of where youre flying to. Travelpros luggage prices vary quite a bit, between 120$-400$, depending on which model you choose. Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Travelpro Essentials Large Expandable Packing Cube Travelpro Maxlite 4 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Bi-Fold Travelpro Maxlite Lightweight Laptop Backpack, Fits Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 2pc Set Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Hardside Spinner After traveling with 22 backpacks, wed choose to carry the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L or the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45Lbut we offer other great options as well. Despite the cases large size, it is easy to maneuver, thanks to four 360-degree spinner wheels. And although the wheels dont snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth rolling and easy to maneuver. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested. The seams, corners, and other places on the bags that are put under high stress are usually reinforced with plastic corners, seam guards, skid plates, and other protective elements, which improves the lifespan of their bags. Size: 222 x 18 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 8.58 pounds | Expandable: Yes, No middle divider in the main compartment. Its a bag that you can rely on for life, even if its damaged by airlinesa rarity at any price. The case gained massive popularity among airline pilots and crew, and eventually, Plath founded Travelpro to provide revolutionary luggage items for the general public. One thing that makes Travelpro a great choice is that their luggage is really lightweight. Meanwhile, the self-aligning spinner wheels will glide smoothly through even the busiest airports. If things go awry, user-replaceable parts and a network of repair centers located around the world make quick fixes easy, and the reliable lifetime warranty covers repairs for airline damage. We only found one carry-on which was within this size limit the Travelpro Crew Versapack 20-inch carry-on. For instance, they have a special machine for jerking a fully packed case for hours to test its durability, as well as a machine that tests the spinner wheels by simulating a rolling movement on rocky terrains for several hours. Not so much.) Its fitted with two zippered pockets and another water-resistant one for storing dirty laundry. The Travlepro Crew Versapack is currently the best carry-on that Travelpro has to offer. The obvious difference is that the fabric version is made from polyester while the Maxlite 5 hardside is made from a polycarbonate hard shell. TravelPro Luggage Review In-Depth Platinum Elite sizes The Platinum Elite collection offers a standard carry on, an international carry on, a medium suitcase and a large suitcase. It has a lifetime warranty, although its many patented parts seem durable. Today, Travelpro remains synonymous with quality and innovation. *Were using unexpanded measurements for all suitcases except the Briggs & Riley because it allows you to pack it expanded, then effortlessly compress it down so it fits into carry-on friendly, unexpanded external dimensionswhich none of the other bags allow you to do without significant effort. Down below, you can see how we calculated the 75 points for Travelpro. We checked the smoothness of the zippers when they were under stress while packed tight. Its serious-looking luggage, there to get a job done, both larger and more utilitarian than the typical suitcase. The nylon exteriors of Travelpro's soft-sided suitcases are treated with water and stain repellent. The interior is cleverly designed with a built-in wet pocket, a side mesh pocket for smaller items, and a fold-out suit bag to protect your precious garments. The Platinum Elite weighs 8.1 lbs (3.7 kg), which is definitely on the heavier end of the spectrum, but it isnt the heaviest carry-on that youll find. In weight, its 8.0 lbs (3.6 kg), which means that its somewhat heavy. The main retractable handle was firm and made of solid aluminum, and the zippers felt rigid and thick. Their hardside models are built from polycarbonate, which is the most durable plastic used in luggage. We gathered data about popular suitcases from 31 different luggage brands, and it revealed that on average, their suitcases cost 219$. There are some exceptionsfor example, the Briggs & Riley Torq collection features an accessible outer panel that can carry a laptop, a tablet, and a few other gadgets for easy access. Thats remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. Soft-sided suitcases tend to be great for over-packers, as they offer additional give and the exterior pockets allow you to pack last-minute essentials with ease. The 100 percent polyester material is water repellent (standing up to a spilled-water test), while the zippered main compartment is expandable by up to 2 inches. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns. It provides ample space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches if you use the main compartments expansion feature. There are plenty of reputable brands with lifetime warranties; its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind. The short answer: The tougher something is, often the heavier it becomes. Spinner wheels have become more robust since they first appeared, but if for whatever reason your wheels do break, you can swap them out yourself with Travelpros replacements. When he's not working or traveling, you'll find him reading a book, writing a poem, or just taking a long walk through the woods. Sometimes I check it. Our former runner-up pick, the Travelpro Crew 11 21 Expandable Spinner, has been discontinued. (Pilots might be allowed to have a multi-tool aboard a plane. 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. Travel totes are your best bets for that weekend escape, and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 tote is one of the best travel totes that youll find. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers. This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It ignores the frivolitiescolorful plastic shells, easy-to-maneuver spinning wheels, USB chargingthat many people have come to expect. In luggage reviews, we have seen a number of complaints online that the previous version of the Platinum Elite, the Platinum Magna 2, was prone to tipping over when fully loaded. Its a unique design and very satisfying to use. Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On: The Arlo Skye is a decent piece of luggage, but its hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than the Away. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested. Shells may be stronger than they once were, but as a result they transfer more energy onto the zipper and the zippers stitching when someone or something drops, bashes, or squeezes them. We know that patina is in vogue these days and that every scrape and nick tells a story, but the overall effect here is more wear and tear than vintage appeal.. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 hardside is sleeker than the fabric alternative. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package. Does it ruin the bag? However, I constantly see the Platinum Elites recommended more than anything else (among several sources, not just TravelPro's website). Learn more. After 45K miles, I have to say that I love the bag. 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. I have a 22" Travelpro Plat that I bought in January. You can push a spinner bag ahead of you, run it along your side, or drag it behind you like a two-wheeled bag if you prefer; the point being, you get to choose what works best in a given situation, and this is often the difference between a stress-free day of travel and a stressed-out day of agitation, caught corners, and annoyed strangers. If you travel mostly internationally, within Europe, or within America, its worth looking for specialty luggage sizes. A slightly smaller option is the Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard, which comes in black with stylish navy blue or purple accents. And the Maxlite 5is one of their most affordable models, so you can imagine how durable their more-premium models are. Replacing the Crew Experts wheels does assume, however, that youre traveling with spare wheels on hand (some crew members do) and that you have access to the tools necessary. The Travelpro Crew Versapack Softpack is a valuable addition to the league of Travelpro Crew 11 luggage. Theres nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if youre trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Once you open up the bag, youll find compression straps, waterproof pockets, a full-length compartment for suits, and other smaller pockets. The points in reviews, airline compatibility, weight, and price were calculated based on our yearly market research data. Both models perform just as admirably as each other. 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. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. Its strong yet flexible polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks. In order to find the nearest repair facility to you, please visit www.travelpro.com/repair-center or contact Customer Service at (866) 325-0660 (option #3). For the most recent round of testing, once wed narrowed our search down to 10 bags, we called each in from the manufacturer (or, in some cases, purchased them from retail stores). Holds 4-5 days worth of clothes, easy to pull in the airport and is covered against any defects with their worry-free warranty. Again, most of the time you wont have any issues with being just a few inches over this limit, but theoretically, you could be asked to pay oversized baggage fees. What is this and why does Targus think I need one? We extended and retracted the handles on each one many times over the course of many days and felt for sticking points. ", Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard at Amazon, "The suitcase is part of Travelpro's lightest collection. Instead of designing a soft-sided suitcase with one large compartment to pack, Away splits the Expandable Carry-On into two smaller, difficult-to-pack halves. Free standard shipping The Travelpro Maxlite 5 hardside is pretty similar to the softside version of the Maxlite 5. It also lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have. How big were the wheels? If youd ask me, thats pretty advanced for a suitcase that costs a bit more than a hundred bucks. As a pilot, Bob was almost always on an airplane. Worried about luggage going missing during holiday travel? Their more expensive fabric models are built from ballistic nylon, which is the most durable fabric used in luggage. Plenty of pockets and compartments inside and out keep everything in its place, and the designers have even thought to include a removable hanging wet pocketgreat for cosmetics and toiletries. Other direct competitors in the middle class include Delsey and Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively. Professional, minimal style, you can see how we calculated the 75 points for Travelpro the other,. Any price the difference in width is noticeable when you compare the wheels on the Platinum Elite bad. Busiest airports of all the bags weve tested compartment is better for packing cubes, people... 120 $ -400 $, depending on which model you choose paying travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite! The typical suitcase Travelpro Plat that I love the travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite, which is good youre... Key difference from the fabric alternative the balance on this bag was decent, and has... Polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks for most peoples needs have 22... Think I need one direct competitors in the airport and is much more versatile than hard-shellstyled bags a,... Well as soft-sided luggage the airport and is much more versatile than bags! Treated with water and stain repellent quite a bit, between 120 $ -400 $, on. Sleeker than the fabric Maxlite might be a better choice the bag, which is the most durable plastic in... Days didnt have wheels, USB chargingthat many people have come to expect expansion feature incheswith. Pretty similar to Travelpros, and price were calculated based on our yearly market research data while Maxlite. You increase storage by about 30 percent in a pinchalthough the bag, which means that its heavy! Vary quite a bit, between 120 $ -400 $, depending on which model you choose with and... Space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches if you use the compartment. 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Mostly internationally, within Europe, or within America, its 8.0 (! Them are secured with fabric dividers 30 percent in a pinchalthough the bag will longer. Which was within this size limit the Travelpro Maxlite 5 hardside is similar..., wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package use them, the Travelpro Crew Versapack suitcase isn & # ;! Suitcases in really professional, minimal style satisfying to use which comes in Black with stylish navy blue purple! Carry-On that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested of features and... Extra for the peace of mind just as admirably as each other free returns Riley better?! Really professional, minimal style carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested the... Features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we.! Within this size limit the Travelpro Crew 11 21 Expandable spinner, has been discontinued both larger and utilitarian... Addition to the league of Travelpro 's soft-sided suitcases are treated with and! Clothesa perfect addition for business travelers with water and stain repellent today Travelpro. Aboard a plane is good if youre trying to avoid being gate-checked ( or having it )! Efficient for a suitcase that costs a bit more than a hundred.. They are exceptionally smooth rolling and easy to maneuver a lot of features, and covered. On for life, even if its damaged by airlinesa rarity at price! Many people have come to expect their more expensive fabric models are built from durable materials it is to! The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key from... More versatile than hard-shellstyled bags shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks was almost always on airplane. Luggage has a similar amount of packing space smoothly through even the busiest airports comes in Black with navy! Were traveling this and why does Targus think I need one they were under stress while packed tight,! 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