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?

Samsonite Luggage

    Samsonite Luggage began their luggage line in the early 1900's. Since then they have emerged as the most identifiable name in the travel industry.  Recognized for their commitment to quality manufacturing, customer satisfaction and reliable travel goods, Samsonite has kept in step with the latest technology and design, always staying on the leading edge of fashion trends and progressive engineering.  Travel luggage and business cases from Samsonite range from carry-on luggage, hard side luggage, kids luggage, rolling luggage, spinner luggage and briefcases. Consider the Pro DLX 2 line which includes a laptop messenger, 20" expandable upright, a laptop backpack, and laptop briefcase.  For both casual and formal styling, Samsonite Proteo offers casual laptop, casual backpack, and casual laptop messenger bags or a formal laptop backpack, formal toploader laptop briefcase, formal slim toploader laptop briefcase, formal office case plus laptop briefcase, formal wheeled toploader, rolling briefcase, and a formal office case clamshell briefcase.  New on the scene is the Padma line of luggage which includes carry-on luggage, checked luggage, a rolling tote and work tote. This sleek, unique luggage is slim and fashion forward. Samsonite Silhouette 11 is popular for its modern design and classic colors. It is available in soft side styles with spinner or traditional wheels in: 20", 22", 26" and 29" uprights, Boston carry-on bag, carry-on spinner tote bag, spinner garment bag, and carry-on shoulder bag; and hardside styles – hardside 22" carry-on spinner upright, 26" and 29" spinner uprights, and hardside beauty case. Aspire XLT  luggage has all the important features to make travel a breeze; TSA locks for extra security and a large front pocket for easy access to items such as lightweight outerwear, newspapers/magazines, etc.  Consider the Cordoba line in 2lite fabric with ABS side shells on rolling luggage. Or, perhaps the Cruisair collection which features an aluminum frame and zero effect 4 spinner wheels.  F'lite luggage is lightweight and dependable, while the Checkmate business case line includes casual laptop cases with features designed for business or school needs. The Samsonite Gravitron collection, designed in state-of-the-art polycarbonate, takes hardside luggage into the future with super, high-tech silver exteriors on their 22" spinner carry-on hardside upright and carry-on hardside shoulder bag. Samsonite Sammies, available in various animal forms, are creative, tough and just the right size for little travelers. The Quadrion collection from Samsonite is new, appealing, and loaded with features. Spinner pieces feature 360" motion, while some carry-ons include built-in laptop compartments and leather-like trim.  Textough fabric makes this line both durable and chic.  Another fashionable line from Samsonite, the Sahora Brights collection, includes a 20" carry-on spinner and rolling spinner hybrid carry-on upright. Sleek Samsonite Solana luggage features tough, appealing Tri-weave fabric, integrated TSA locks, and 2 inch expansion. Solana is available in carry-on, expandable upright, wheeled garment bag, rolling tote and shoulder bag styles. Another collection Samsonite X'ion 2 offers poly-nylon blend fabric, spinner wheels (360" movement), expansion options and a unique curved styling.  Business travelers will love the Mobile Office 4 wheel spinner briefcase, and the sideloader mobile office. Trust Samsonite to offer more designs, functions, and options at affordable prices.