In quest of the perfect suitcase for all terrains and seasons -CHOICE # 377

A suitcase that can withstand the rough-and-tumble of terrain and weather changes, could make all the difference to your travel.

It is with this exacting goal in mind that the Consumer Council has set out to test 13 large suitcases (7 hard and 6 soft models of 70 cm or above in height) with wheels and an extendable/retractable handle. 

Each case was put through a number of stringent tests to assess its performance on the strength and durability of the casing, wheels and handle, zip and fabric, and water resistance, as well as the overall ease of use.

The results are an eye-opener and decidedly of value to the discerning travelers in the choice of suitcases. Highlights of the test outcome include:

Casing (Shell). First, the test simulates the way a suitcase is being overloaded to check its burst strength. 2 samples, both hard models, were found to burst open when their latches failed to securely shut the case.

Second, a drop test (by dropping at different angles 26 times from a height of 0.6 m) and a compression test (by slowly applying a pressure similar to a pile of suitcases atop) were performed on the samples.

Overall, no serious damage could be observed except some scratches, chippings and indentations, with varying extent of damage among the samples.

Wheels and Retractable Handle. The samples were assessed for their stability on a slanted platform of 10 degrees and 15 degrees. 3 samples, 2 hard and 1 soft models, stood out in stability performance while the remainders were more prone to overturning to varying extent.

Second, the wheels were put to a durability test of running a distance of 25 km. The outcome showed that while the wheels were fully operational, all had sustained different degrees of wear and erosion.

Third, the bending strength of the retractable handle was tested by applying a bending force to it. One hard model was found with distortion of the shaft and unable to return the handle into the case.

Zip and Fabric. The zip (where applicable) was opened and closed 250 times in the test while the fabric materials were subjected to tearing and abrasion tests. None failed the zip durability test, but among the textile fabric models, there were noticeable differences in tearing strength, colour change and pilling after the abrasion test.

Water Resistance. The suitcases were placed under a simulated light rainfall, and water ingress in the main compartment and external pockets recorded. Contrary to common perception, hard suitcases are not necessarily better in water resistance than the soft fabric models.

3 hard suitcase models were found with more water ingress inside the main compartment, and 1 soft suitcase model with water ingress in its external pocket. So, don't get caught out in a downpour with these suitcases. 

Ease of Use. This involves a user test to check how easy a suitcase is to use - in respect of handles, opening and closing, filling, locks, maneuvering, lifting, carrying up and down stairs. The results were generally satisfactory with no significant differences among the samples.

Lastly, is price necessarily an indicator of quality? The 2 top performers (with 4.5 points on a scale of 5), in the case of hard suitcases, were found to price at $2,180 and $1,710, while the 2 top models (with 4 points), in the case of soft suitcases, at $4,450 and $1,420. The price range of the test samples were between $358 and $4,450.