Samsonite - just paying for the name?

whoami1

Can anyone tell me if Samsonite luggage is really as good as the price tag suggests, or is it just a result of years of clever marketing? I've got to buy some new luggage and am conscious of the perceived quality of the brand, but I've never owned one, so I don't know for sure.

Anyone?

Gran Hermano

I've used a selection of their bags and cases over the years for numerous trips. I did have one hard case break but otherwise I continue to buy and
use them.

Are they worth the premium over other brands? Probably but I only buy
them in retail malls abroad or in the sales here - no way I'd pay full price.

whoami1

Thanks for that. I was in Arnott's on Saturday and they have/had a half-price offer on various models...

misssaucie

The Kildare Village outlet has a Samsonsite store and there are super bargains to be had. Wouldn't really recommend a hard case as they tend to get destroyed with dents and look shabby after a while.

whoami1 wrote: »

Thanks for that. I was in Arnott's on Saturday and they have/had a half-price offer on various models...

jrd

IMHO the key thing to consider is their durability and 10 year guarantee. I previously had cases from Dunnes etc, thinking that it would not be worth it. Then I started to fly most weeks. The Dunnes ones handles/wheels gave up the ghost fairly predictably and quickly. I bought a Samonsite Black Label over in Berlin in a sale. Great decision. The Samsonite endured for 2 years problem free. When I did have a problem where the handle snapped, I called the support line in Ireland, expecting very little. I got the best customer service I ever had. Clear acknowledgment with no "if's, buts or maybes" that it was a known issue, even though this case was not sold in Ireland. They ordered the spare part and fixed it for free, and wait .. I got a spare case for the 2 / 3 weeks it took them, which covered a family holiday. 2 thumbs up !

Only advice to give you, is decide what you need from the bag. For me it was an internal laptop sleeve and easy access pockets on the outside for book/ipod/keys. And of course, buy in a sale ! If Arnotts are doing half-price, go for it.

Berty

I bought a new case over the weekend in Galway in a shop called Tags. They are selling most stuff off at large discounts so I picked up a hard trolley case for €53.50 down from €179. 5 year Guarantee and wow a free combination lock.

Frankly I dont know the name of the case but considering Dunnes were looking for €45 for their cases this was not a big jump to make for a shop which is renowned for selling quality goods.

Its 4.6kg and Dunnes stores case is 4.8kg for the same litre capacity.

Penny's on the other hand are selling for €29.50 a set of 3 cases. They are canvas but at that price you could nearly buy new cases each time you travel, if you are an annual holiday person only.

Would I buy Samsonite. Possibly. They are normally expensive and apparently the light fingered staff in certain airports, Schiphol to be exact have light fingers for fancy schmancy cases.

jester77

I have used them in the past, no problems. Picked up a new one a few months back for the cabin. They are not that expensive if you are travelling alot. The best cases I have are the Rimowa cases, they would be more expensive than Samsonite but they are real quality.

Tabnabs

misssaucie wrote: »

Wouldn't really recommend a hard case as they tend to get destroyed with dents and look shabby after a while.

I have the hard case one and it's being going strong now for over ten years. I only use it longhaul or if I'm going away for more then two weeks. It gets a bit scraped on the plastic, but no dents or destroyed look. Big thumbs up for them.

finbarrk

I have a carry on luggage bag by them that I bought 15 years ago and it still looks like it's only a year old maybe. The zips and strap handles are still fine and it gets well used. I would definatley buy their products.