Advice please: Decent hard luggage

[Arthur]

Apologies in advance to any luggage shop owners.

My old hard cases from 25 years ago need to be replaced. But I'm not up to speed with the current state of the art and I don't get the sense that the salespeople in the luggage shops I've seen here in the Southern Cape (Plett-Knysna-George) have any direct experience of what's decent and what's not.

I'd appreciate any frequent flyer's experience as to what's recommended. Budget is flexible but not unlimited.
- Good, solid, construction.
- As tamper-proof as possible without being OTT price-wise.

If anyone has any experience I'd very much appreciate advice on what to get or what to avoid. Thanks.

[malier]

http://www.samsonite.com/home/index.html

[eehellfire]

http://www.samsonite.com/home/index.html

Bought some Samsonite hard luggage while in the States - it is phenomenal.
Make sure you get the free-wheeling one (I don't recall the actual sales term for it). Essentially the bag is on 4 spinning wheels and while you're on a flat surface there is zero effort - the luggage moves easily in any direction with minimal effort on your side.

[Nod]

Just remember, the harder the luggage, the harder it is thrown...

[Arthur]

Thanks, malier and eehellfire.

I know Samsonite, of course. After phoning around and talking to various people it seems that's the consensus choice. Their S'Cure range is not in SA, sadly - most luggage shops seem to stock Samsonite Aeris which is kinda basic; prices vary from R4200 to R2800 iVAT for the Aeris 82cm . I'm looking for something just a click or two sturdier, with no external zips. Am prepared to pay up to double these prices for the right thing.

[Nanfeishen]

Contact either one of these maybe :

http://www.luggagewarehouse.co.za/

http://www.cellini.co.za/index.asp?menuId=2

[gregmcc]

+1 for samsonite. Its not cheap but it lasts forever and is very durable.

[Fudzy]

IINM Samsonite have a budget range called American Tourister which might be a cheaper alternative.

[rrh]

Tumi is great but prices are pretty much Rolls-Royce.

That said, many years ago I switched from dented luggage to a large tog bag with wheels (it may well be Samsonite) plus a 'proper' back-pack i.e. with a frame. The former goes into the hold, the latter in the plane with me.

I've travelled Europe with this combo: so far, no destruction ...

[eehellfire]

Thanks, malier and eehellfire.

I know Samsonite, of course. After phoning around and talking to various people it seems that's the consensus choice. Their S'Cure range is not in SA, sadly - most luggage shops seem to stock Samsonite Aeris which is kinda basic; prices vary from R4200 to R2800 iVAT for the Aeris 82cm . I'm looking for something just a click or two sturdier, with no external zips. Am prepared to pay up to double these prices for the right thing.

If you're going overseas then maybe look at taking older cr@ppy luggage to your destination, and replacing it with Samsonite during your trip. It may work out much cheaper

[Arthur]

Thanks, guys. Each one has been very helpful - much appreciated.

Checking out the Tumi, rrh. Did you buy locally? BTW - still got the Prommie?

[MickeyD]

Why not go to a Sport's Shop and buy a cricket "coffin"? I used mine aplenty!


http://dpcricket.co.za/2011/07/21/hard-coffin/

[MickeyD]

The above is still a lightweight version. Their are some very heavy duty coffins... like my 20 year old one

[Arthur]

If you're going overseas then maybe look at taking older cr@ppy luggage to your destination, and replacing it with Samsonite during your trip. It may work out much cheaper

My wife needs to take a lot of stuff from here to daughter in Dallas. That's why she wants a large hardcased 4-wheel roller with no zip.

[ponder]