Suitcase Guide Suitcase Test
Suitcase Tests – Which suitcases really impress
Anyone looking to buy a new suitcase often starts by reading current suitcase tests. But which tests are really meaningful, and what should travellers look out for when comparing?
In independent suitcase tests, hardshell suitcases, softside suitcases, cabin suitcases and travel bags are checked for stability, wheel quality, workmanship, weight and everyday practicality. Particularly well known are the suitcase tests by Stiftung Warentest (the German consumer testing organisation), consumer portals and travel experts. Here you'll find trustworthy tests as well as all the key information and detailed evaluations of the properties tested.
Which suitcase tests are worthwhile?
Not every suitcase comparison is genuinely helpful. Independent tests in which suitcases are tested under realistic conditions are considered particularly reliable.
Important and well-known suitcase tests
- Stiftung Warentest suitcase test
- Cabin suitcase tests
- Hardshell suitcase comparisons
- Softside suitcase test reports
- Long-term and stress tests
In current tests, suitcases are often examined for wheels, handles, zips, impact resistance, water protection and harmful substances. Many manufacturers already provide this information in advance.
What does Stiftung Warentest test in suitcases?
Stiftung Warentest is one of the best-known consumer organisations in the German-speaking world. In various suitcase tests, it has tested hardshell suitcases, softside suitcases and travel bags.
Typical test criteria in a suitcase test
- Stability of the shell
- Durability of the wheels
- Load capacity of the telescopic handles
- Water resistance
- Everyday handling
- Harmful substances in handles and materials
Air travel in particular shows how important sturdy wheels and resilient materials are. In several tests, high-quality hardshell suitcases made of polycarbonate or polypropylene performed especially well.
Hardshell suitcases put to the test
Hardshell suitcases are tested above all for impact resistance, scratch resistance and protective function. Especially as checked luggage on a plane, suitcases have to withstand heavy loads.
What do suitcase tests look for in hardshell suitcases?
- Break resistance of the outer shell
- Stability when dropped
- Load capacity of the wheels
- Resistance to moisture
- Quality of zips and locks
According to several test reports, premium models with high stability and durable wheels are particularly convincing.
Softside suitcases in the test
Soft luggage is often praised for its low weight and flexible use. Outer pockets and the flexible packing volume are particularly practical.
Key criteria for softside suitcases
- Tear resistance of the material
- Quality of the seams
- Stability of the wheels
- Weight and handling
- Water-repellent properties
In several suitcase tests, high-quality softside suitcases achieved good results for flexibility and everyday practicality.
Are expensive suitcases really better?
High-priced branded suitcases often offer higher-quality materials, better wheels and more durable workmanship. However, a high price doesn't automatically mean a suitcase is indestructible. What matters here is the manufacturer's service – for example, whether flight damage is included in the warranty terms.
Many frequent flyers rely on well-known brands, as these models are often more durable and spare parts are available.
Advantages of high-quality suitcases
- Better wheel quality
- High-quality materials
- Longer durability
- More comfort when travelling
- Often longer warranty periods
Disadvantages of expensive suitcases
- Higher price
- Scratches and signs of use remain visible
- Even premium suitcases can be damaged
What should you really look for when buying a suitcase?
Test results are not the only thing that matters. Above all, the best suitcase should suit the way you travel.
The most important buying criteria
- Robust, smooth-running wheels
- Sturdy telescopic handle
- High-quality zips
- The right suitcase size
- Low weight
- TSA lock for air travel
- High-quality material
Which wheels are best?
The wheels are among the most heavily stressed parts of a suitcase. Many suitcase tests show that high-quality, quiet-running double wheels are particularly durable.
4 wheels or 2 wheels?
- 4 wheels offer maximum comfort on smooth floors
- 2 wheels are often more robust on uneven ground
- Double wheels usually run more quietly and stably
Hardshell or soft luggage in the test?
Many current suitcase tests show that both hardshell suitcases and soft luggage have their advantages.
- Hardshell suitcases: better protection and high stability
- Soft luggage: more flexible and often lighter
Which option is better depends mainly on the type of trip, the amount of luggage and how you use it.
Which materials perform well in suitcase tests?
Polycarbonate
- Very flexible and break-resistant
- Ideal for frequent flyers
Polypropylene
- Extremely robust
- High impact resistance
Nylon and polyester
- Light and flexible
- Particularly popular for soft luggage
Which softside suitcase is the best?
The best softside suitcase stands out for three key factors: an extremely low weight, tear-resistant fabric (e.g. nylon or dobby polyester) and quiet, ergonomic 360° double wheels.
When choosing a high-quality softside suitcase, pay particular attention to the following quality criteria:
- Material & abrasion resistance: high-quality nylon or polyester protects the suitcase from wear, is flexible and repels water and dirt.
- Expandable packing volume: good softside trolleys feature an integrated expansion gusset that lets you increase the storage space whenever you need to.
- Practical outer pockets: front compartments give you quick access to your laptop, travel documents and tickets at the airport or on the train.
- Lightweight construction: a low empty weight saves valuable baggage allowance for clothes and souvenirs.
Conclusion: for frequent flyers and people travelling by car or train, an ultra-light, expandable softside suitcase with TSA lock is the best choice, as it combines maximum packing flexibility with high durability.
Which suitcase is least likely to crack during air transport?
The short answer: suitcases made of highly flexible polycarbonate and hardshells with a reinforced aluminium frame are the least likely to crack during air transport. While rigid plastics can easily become brittle at the low temperatures in the hold, polycarbonate gives way under point loads and springs back into its original shape.
Why do cracks occur during air transport?
During automated loading and in the aircraft hold, luggage is exposed to extreme forces: drops from height, the heavy weight of stacked suitcases and sub-zero temperatures. Cheap disposable plastics or low-grade ABS blends cannot withstand this combination and crack.
The STRATIC solution: the Novium suitcase series
For maximum resistance to cracks and breakage on flights, we developed the STRATIC Novium series:
- Break-resistant high-end polypropylene: absorbs hard impacts by flexing elastically instead of breaking.
- Tested to the limit: the Novium range undergoes rigorous drop and stress tests to withstand the harsh conditions of baggage handling.
If you're looking for an extremely durable and crack-resistant travel companion, the STRATIC Novium series offers the optimal combination of material flexibility and frame stability.
Conclusion – Are suitcase tests worthwhile?
Suitcase tests offer good guidance when buying a new suitcase. Independent tests that check stability, wheel quality, workmanship and everyday practicality are particularly helpful.
Nevertheless, the best suitcase should always suit your own travel habits. If you fly often, you'll usually benefit from a robust hardshell suitcase, while flexible softside suitcases can be ideal for car or train journeys.
When buying a suitcase, look above all for high-quality wheels, sturdy material, good workmanship and the right size. That way you'll find the perfect suitcase for holidays, business or long-haul trips.
