Take a Closer Look at Hardside Luggage

    For a high school graduation gift, a long, long time ago - Not saying how long - my parents gave me my first set of luggage. Was that a hint? Two baby blue Samsonite hardside suitcases with one gigantic cosmetic case, which could hold a whole drugstore's worth. Each piece was hand held; each piece weighed more than I did. Ahhh, memories!

    Enter the ring -the latest hardside cases-  the leading edge of our contemporary, new millennium, luggage industry. Comparative featherweights, their endurance, durability, strength, versatility, wheeled convenience, and all-round design and superior engineering, pulverize the old hardside heavyweights. A first-round knockout!

    Let's talk about the new-wave, hardside luggage from the masters, Heys, Delsey, Victorinox, Tumi, and, yes, tried and true Samsonite. Sleek, modern, lightweight and built for protection, they are fresh and decidedly innovative. What stands out about Heys USA hardside cases is the wealth of options. Choose from 19 colors/prints, over 12 styles, and hundreds of options. Heys USA is all about hardside luggage. The artist in me loves the Britto collection with its vivid colors and standout design - definitely not for the shy. The solid design of the Athena Collection belies its remarkable ability to withstand forces up to 400lbs. The Armitech line of Heys luggage is made even more practical through its offering of basic black or silver to, easy-to-identify on the baggage carousel, color. The Armitech also withstands the 400lb impact test and is designed to protect the contents at all costs. One of the downsides is that it is heavier than other hardsides. But, if security is foremost - what the heck! it rolls! The interior of Heys USA hardside luggage is tidy, attractive and practical, offering tie down straps, zippered panels, and zippered mesh compartments. Heys offers the World's lightest luggage in it XCase line - Imagine, hardside luggage which is lighter than its woven counterparts - brilliant!

    Delsey, long a competitor in the luggage arena, has entered the hardside ring with its Meridian Plus and Helium Zip lines. Always tasteful (it is a French company after all), the Helium Zip has a very hi-tech appearance and features a recessed, "One-Button" aluminum, locking handle system and protected, recessed Velocity in-line skate wheels.Not a lot of color options (only 3), but definitely, a classic. I really like the four 360 degree rotation wheels of the Delsey Meridian Plus. Why, you ask? Consider a shopping cart which only goes forward and backward. Being able to pull/push your luggage in any direction lets you maneuver down the airplane aisle better, negotiate the security lines, etc.

    Samsonite no longer offers the old hardside that I had at 18.

    Elite brands of hardside luggage, such as Tumi or Victorinox Swiss Army, offer 21st century technology and design features that accompany the state-of-the-art features inherent in their complete luggage lines. Vapor, Tumi's hardside champion, is a futuristic, spinner-styled, polycarbonate shelled case which features the interior nuances of Tumi's other soft-sided collections such as divider panels, and tie-down straps. I like the fact that the telescoping handles retreat to protective interior braces to create a sleek rear view. An easily visible Tumi brand is tastefully set into the back panel of the luggage - if you don't want people to know this is Tumi luggage, this would be a problem. But most people are proud to carry the Tumi brand.

    Whatever Victorinox luggage does, it is creative, well-engineered, durable and reliable, and uniquely fashion forward without being gawdy. Much like Swiss Army's centuries-old line of watches or essential hardware, the Officer's Trunk and Werks hardside luggage lines appeal to the inventive personality and the classicists. Rich legacy and military-inspired design offered in the Officers Trunks speak of Swiss Army's years of success. Personally I love the looks (smooth glossy finish, silver hardware-like detail) of this sturdy, yet unique luggage. Although it's not for everyone - it definitely stands apart.The wheels are fashioned in durable urethane and rotate 360 degrees to provide the maneuverability of a spinner. The Werks hardside luggage follows the extremely popular Werks woven line with features like spacious main compartments, but includes the 360 degree rolling feature. That, combined with the extra protection hardside offers, is a winning tag team.

    Think about looking at the new hardsides next time you're considering purchasing luggage. This is not your grandmother's luggage. Speaking of which, I wonder where my old baby blue luggage is now?