[TravFF]

Greetings,

I'm looking to get one of those handy-dandy wheeled trolley cases to replace the trusty large bag for when I go travelling. However, I've no real idea of what specifically to look for in terms of quality. It's not going to be used more than a few times per year in airport conditions so I know I won't need the deluxe model which can withstand constant torture but it obviously needs to be strong enough to put up with the rigors of airline transport.

Anything I should be paying attention to? For example, the material used to construct the wheels? Some are rubber, some are plastic - does it make a huge difference?

All thoughts, comments and suggestions gratefully received!

[danielribo]

Safest bet is to just go all out and buy a more expensive one. Tosca or Samsonite are my two favourites. You can buy cheaper or middle of the road ones but they'll fall apart after being thrown around a few times.

If you go to Myer at sales time they'll often have 30-50% off the good stuff which represents excellent value.

[Mal]

David Jones too.

They both seem to have regular 30%/25%/40% off Samsonite bags and/or other brands.

I like Samsonite bags too. A bit pricy, but good quality. Mine are a little battle scarred from baggage handlers, but are holding up well.

Another good feature is they seem to be designed well.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by Mal

David Jones too.

They both seem to have regular 30%/25%/40% off Samsonite bags and/or other brands.

I like Samsonite bags too. A bit pricy, but good quality. Mine are a little battle scarred from baggage handlers, but are holding up well.

Another good feature is they seem to be designed well.

I purchased a "Qantas" brand from Harris-Scarfe last year on a 50% off 'sale'''. For $79. it kicks A•s!!.

Note there are different "maximum" sizes on Qantas flights for these cases. The Domestic one is slightly larger. Make sure you get the smaller one if you are doing much International travel..

Samsonite - it's the only brand that lasts any decent amount of time.

In the past 6 years I've destroyed several garment bags (Tosca, Triplite, Monsac, etc) and a couple of wheeled cases (Antler, Monsac).

My current Samsonite garment bag is coming up to its third birthday, and just looking a bit scruffy now.

The samsonite wheeled case is in top shape. Don't even bother buying anything less - follow the advice above re: DJs, I always buy my luggage there when it's reduced.

Generally with vouchers I've obtained from cc points.....

[Damien]

I can recommend the Hedgren brand. From memory, I bought it from Myer about 5 years ago, and it's still going strong.

[arun]

My vote is for Samsonite. I bought one in 1999, and used at least 6 times a year for both domestic and international. Everything is in perfect order, wheels, zippers, etc.

This year, I wanted to buy another one (as my wife had already taken the Samsonite). Went to Myers and was tempted by the salesman to buy another brand at half the price of Samsonite. Bought it and took it home. Something did not feel right. I weighed that empty trolley case and it was over 4 kgs!!! It just leaves another three kgs to pack. As I had to leave overseas in a hurry I left it at home and took another bigger suitcase that I had to baggage. I came back from overseas and promptly returned to Myer and got the cash back.

Lesson - Always check the weight of the bag. I had the misfortune of buying a bigger suitcase (Tosca) in 1998 that weighed 7.5kg (leaving only 12.5 kg) to pack when travelling alone!

I think Samsonite's Ultralite ones are lighter. I saw a mag ad featuring Richard Branson for a new Samsonite range. Can't remember the name.

[cssaus]

I always buy Samsonite and everytime I think I have the right model to suit my needs there's always a new one that comes out offering a few more features.

The one I use now is just right for international travel and fits comfortably in the overhead bins of a 747 (downstairs of course). Using it I've managed to travel with all my clothing for a 10 day trip to the US in winter as carry on baggage. Unfortunately I don't have the model number readily available but it cost me about $200 or so.

[tuapekastar]

I don't know where OP is located but if in MEL, there is a large Tosca outlet in Warrigal Rd Cheltenham which has a huge variety of (naturally) Tosca cases. I got a medium sized roller there less than 2 years ago, $49 marked down from $149 (assuming the markdown was genuine). Great value regardless.

[cabbage74]

After getting an idea of what you want (size, brand etc) I would just check to make sure that the wheels are as far apart as they can be. Really annoying when the wheels are placed further towards the centre, as this makes it less stable.