Best Hardside Luggage Reviews 2020

Hardside cases aren’t that expensive, but they can be. Usually, the prices range from $30 – $40 to about $130. These are standard cases, with all the standard features. However, if you want a case made of the highest-end materials and from the most prominent brands, you’ll be looking at prices that exceed $250. Also, the cost will, undoubtedly, go up if you’re buying a set instead of a single case. On the other hand, prominent brands have commercial-grade lines that are more available to the average Joe.

All of this said, try to stay away from cheap hardside luggage options—resist the temptation to buy them for their attractive-looking price tag, because these are certainly not attractive (or effective) luggage. Spend a little more to get a way better hardside luggage—trust us on this.

Aside from the standard features you find on all the hardside cases, you have some additional thingies that make your case special. Often, hardside cases feature bezels, usually on the side. Cases usually have an expanding interior, allowing you to put more things in it, as well. Other things to watch out for are zippered dividers and luggage straps—you won’t want to be without these. Lastly, most cases feature a TSA lock that clamps down on the zippers, disallowing anyone from going through your stuff without your permission.

To sum up all the features, here is a short list:

• Bezels
• Expandable Interior
• Zippered Dividers
• Luggage Straps
• TSA Locks

Now, when it comes to durability, there are many small things to consider. The first and foremost thing is the material. You need to check how strong the material is, but, also, how flexible it is. If the material flexes, it allows it to bend under pressure and return to its original shape, saving you the pain of watching your favorite case looking like a cereal bowl. The strength of the material will allow the case to take much more punishment, and not crack. Further, look for cases that don’t have smooth, but slightly rougher, surfaces. Such cases are going to be less prone to scratches. A scratch is a minor inconvenience, but, later on, those scratches can become very deep and start developing into cracks.

Hardside cases are usually made from one of two materials: polycarbonate and ABS plastic. Both types are very resilient to damage caused by banding, being thrown, or being pressed on. The cases usually feature a rectangular design, with round corners, and feature slightly convex faces. Convex faces distribute the pressure applied to them, preventing caving in and excessive bending. The cases are also made to flex a little bit, as it allows them to withstand the weight of other cases being piled on top of them.

Next, check the zipper. Many less-prominent brands skimp on zippers, which is particularly bad. Zippers are the weakest link in any case, and they fail most often. And when they do, all hell breaks loose, and quite literally. A zipper failing means that you can, pretty much, toss the case into the trash. When you’re looking at the zippers, look for YKK zippers, as they’re absolutely the highest quality on the market.

Further, look at the case’s wheels. Hardside cases usually come with four wheels attached. Wheels failing is also a bad thing, especially on cases with only two wheels. Even with hardsides, wheels failing is a big deal, and it will render the product nearly unusable.

And, lastly, check the handle. Telescopic handles are a standard on all cases, and they’re absolutely vital for large cases, or else you won't be able to move around. A handle shouldn't move at all in its sockets and should operate smoothly. A handle breaking will also make the case unusable, as carrying a 70-pound case through the city is a formidable task for anyone.

It’s a suitcase. You open it, you put stuff in it (hopefully in an orderly fashion), and you zip it up. You extend the handle, and you pull. As simple as that. Treat them well, and you have little to worry about.

Performance-wise, the cases aren't very fun. They just sit there, staring at you blankly, not saying a word. You can sit on ‘em, but they aren't going to complain, so they've got that going for them. But they're completely catatonic otherwise. If they hold your stuff safely, that’s more than you can ask for.