A complete suitcase mainly consists of four parts: case, zipper, wheels and drawer rod.
1. Carry-on case material
Suitcases are generally made of two types of materials: hard shell and soft shell.
hard shell suitcase
Common hard shell materials include ABS, PC, ABS+PC combination, PP, and aluminum alloy.
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The characteristics of each material are as follows:
- ABS material is cheap and has average strength.
- PC material is relatively light and shock-resistant, but it is expensive and easily damaged.
- ABS+PC material is affordable and strong. Generally, the surface is made of PC material and the bottom is made of ABS material.
- PP is a high-quality material that is impact-resistant, heat-resistant, and resistant to chemical corrosion. However, PP does not look as beautiful as PC, and the surface appears dull.
- The aluminum alloy has a good appearance and is of high quality.
- However, it is expensive, and after compressing a large amount of luggage, it is prone to deformation and difficult to return to its original shape.
soft shell suitcase
Soft shell cases are generally made from PVC, PU, fabric, or leather.
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The advantages of soft shell bags are that they are relatively light and flexible, allowing you to fit a lot of luggage inside, and because they are flexible, there is no need to worry about the case being damaged even if it is accidentally thrown around when checking in luggage.
However, soft-shell bags also have their drawbacks. They are not waterproof or dustproof, so if you use them as checked luggage, you can only put soft items like clothes inside, as digital devices cannot withstand being checked in. Soft-shell bags also have poor safety features. While they can withstand pressure and impacts, they can easily be torn or opened.
summary
Compare the pros and cons and choose the one that best suits your needs.
It is convenient to choose a hard shell suitcase made of PC+ABS material as a priority.
It is cost-effective and has excellent impact and abrasion resistance.
If you value durability, choose aluminum alloy. If you value lightness and beauty, choose aluminum alloy.
Choose between PC and PP materials.
If you prioritize scratch resistance, choose ABS material. If you prioritize storage capacity, choose
Opt for a fabric case.
2. Zipper
Zippers are generally divided into single and double zippers. Double zippers, also known as explosion-proof zippers, can prevent sharp objects from cutting them and can also prevent the suitcase from tearing when it's full.
However, suitcases from major brands generally use YKK zippers, which are of relatively high quality.
3. Leg rings
The quality of the casters has a big impact on how comfortable a suitcase is to pull. Suitcases generally come in two-wheel, four-wheel, and double-wheel (eight-wheel) configurations.
Two-wheeled suitcases: Most of the wheels are on the inside, so they take up less space and are more resistant to impacts. Smaller suitcases are also convenient for uneven roads, making them ideal for annual trips home or travel.
The downside is that it can only move in one direction and is prone to falling over.
4-wheel and double-wheel design: Wheels are usually on the outside, taking up the overall space of the suitcase. This is why soft shell suitcases with two wheels can fit more luggage than suitcases of the same size. Also, because they are exposed on the outside, they are more likely to be hit by other objects during transport or checked baggage. The advantage is that they can move 360 degrees, saving effort, and the suitcase is more stable than a two-wheel suitcase.
Overall, many people find suitcases with double wheels (8 wheels) easier to use. Larger sizes such as 26/28 inches are particularly easy to use while traveling. However, the downside of this type of suitcase is that the wheels are on the outside of the case, so they can break if subjected to a strong impact.
Caster material
Caster materials are mainly divided into "soft resin" and "hard resin." Resin is plastic, and polyurethane is currently the most common material. The softness and hardness vary, so quietness and durability also vary greatly. These days, unless it's a very cheap product, "soft resin" is usually used. Also, the more expensive the suitcase, the more high-performance the casters it has.
Basically, hard wheels cannot absorb vibrations while driving and are prone to damaging the tires and axles, so a suitcase with moderate hardness that rolls smoothly is best.
4. Case Lock
Generally, the traditional locking methods are "dial type" and "key type (or card type)".
Standard combination locks: These don't require a key and are suitable for domestic school or travel. TSA customs locks: These are locks approved and accepted by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) (US Department of Homeland Security). If you don't need to travel internationally, a standard combination lock will suffice.
TSA locks are often used in conjunction with combination locks and are intended for people traveling abroad. By leaving a key that can be opened by airport staff, you can reduce the risk of your suitcase being pried open or damaged.
5. Drawers
There are two types of drawers: T-shaped drawers and double-bar drawers. Double-bar drawers are more stable, and most suitcases on the market have a double-bar structure. T-shaped drawers are small and compact, but are less stable. They are suitable for smaller suitcases.
Choosing the material of your suitcase:
All-aluminum suitcases. All-aluminum drawers are lightweight, strong, and durable. Aluminum alloy drawers are a little heavier, but they are strong and durable. Iron drawers are heavy, prone to rust, and difficult to handle, so they should be avoided by those who are not used to handling suitcases.
As for drawer types, we recommend stick-on drawers. Regular drawers are designed inside the suitcase, which takes up space when packing luggage and makes it difficult to store things. Stick-on drawers have a compact design that doesn't take up internal space, allowing you to pack luggage more efficiently.
If you're not sure what to buy, check out our recommended suitcases for different uses!
Want to take a leisurely domestic trip or a stress-free short trip? Choose a suitcase that will cleverly accommodate your trip, according to your preferences.
The conditions were "a design that makes you feel good," "a light gait," and "carry-on size and large capacity." So, we've carefully selected and introduced some types that have a "a bit of a holiday feel" and are "functional."
Overall, the balance is top notch!
What's great about this suitcase is the balance of strength, lightness, and functionality. Add to that the fact that it's "great value for money" and "super stylish." The suitcases come in three weights: 2.8kg, 3.6kg, and 4.5kg, each corresponding to a different size. They're all incredibly light; the 2.8kg (S size) suitcase weighs only the same as four 500ml bottles of mineral water, while the 4.5kg (L size) suitcase weighs the same as nine. They're easy to carry, both for boarding and checked luggage.
Their outer shells are made of lightweight PC (polycarbonate) and ABS resin, making them highly resistant to impacts and heat. They will not be damaged even in harsh environments or conditions. Even an adult male weighing 80kg can stand on them without cracking or deforming. This means you can store your belongings with peace of mind, even if you have fragile or valuable items.
New Trip suitcases are high quality and affordable. You can buy a beautiful suitcase for 10,000 to 16,000 yen. It's much cheaper than similar products on the market, making it affordable even for young people. The gloss and vibrant colors make traveling more enjoyable.
This suitcase also uses world-renowned YKK zippers, which guarantee high strength and long-term reliability of the main zipper.
The suitcase is equipped with an extendable aluminum alloy multi-stage adjustable handle that can be adjusted to suit individual heights, making it more comfortable to use.
Additionally, the suitcase is equipped with eight double casters that rotate 360 degrees. These casters are quiet and durable, allowing the suitcase to move smoothly and steadily on both flat and uneven surfaces, even when carrying a heavy load.
The interior features a U-shaped divider to effectively prevent your belongings from getting scattered. It also comes with a mesh pocket for easier organization. The rear shell is equipped with a fastening strap to prevent your belongings from falling apart. The suitcase has a large storage capacity and can hold many small items.
Suitcases are items that have a big impact on the comfort and enjoyment of your trip. By choosing the right suitcase for you, you can reduce stress and trouble while traveling and make your trip a memorable one. Choosing a suitcase may seem difficult, but if you follow the points introduced in this article, you should be able to find a suitcase that won't disappoint you. We hope you will try to find the perfect suitcase just for you.
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