Choosing the right case material should not be underestimated. The material is ultimately responsible for the durability and weight of a suitcase. It is also crucial for the protection of luggage. Here you can find out which case materials are recommended.
About the author
My name is Sebastian and I write about luggage since 2017. I am always on the hunt for the best suitcases.
Suitcase Material for Hard-Shell Cases
Big selection with big differences
CURV
Curv is a real high-tech material. This is woven from thin polypropylene ribbons and then fixed into a composite by applying pressure and temperature.
The advantages of Curv are manifold: The material is extremely light and at the same time has an exceptionally high impact resistance. And even at sub-zero temperatures, the material does not become brittle.
Curv is used in various application areas. When it comes to suitcases, Samsonite is currently the only brand that uses this material. However, due to the complex manufacturing process, the material is relatively expensive.
Samsonite Lite Shock made of CURV
By using Curv, the Samsonite Lite Shock is the lightest suitcase in the world. In addition, the shell is almost indestructible. The Lite Shock is also convincing in other respects and takes 2nd place overall in the suitcase test.
Polycarbonate
The plastic polycarbonate is perfect for the manufacture of suitcases. It is characterized by extremely high impact resistance and high rigidity. Polycarbonate is also very flexible. This has the advantage that impacts can be cushioned well. These properties make polycarbonate almost unbreakable.
Another benefit of polycarbonate is its temperature resistance. In contrast to other plastics, the breaking strength is retained even at very low or high temperatures.
The disadvantage of polycarbonate is the price. Due to the many positive properties, it is slightly more expensive than other plastics.
Samsonite Neopulse made of polycarbonate
For me, the Samsonite Neopulse is the best travel case ever. It offers the best overall concept and comes with very good equipment. The high-quality polycarbonate makes it very light and extremely shatterproof.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is considered to be the lightest plastic of all. At the same time, it is very robust and break-resistant. Due to its low density, the polypropylene shell is very flexible and can absorb shocks well.
However, polypropylene also has disadvantages: At temperatures below freezing point, the breaking strength decreases somewhat. In addition, the surface is more prone to scratches due to the low density.
The price-performance ratio of suitcases made of polypropylene is usually very good.
American Tourister Soundbox made of polypropylene
This popular suitcase from American Tourister is the best value winner in the suitcase test. Made from high-quality polypropylene, this travel suitcase is very robust and absorbs shocks effectively. The price is unbeatable for a hard-shell suitcase of this quality.
ABS-Plastic
ABS is a very strong plastic that is also used for Lego bricks, for example.
The advantage of the hardness is also a disadvantage at the same time, because the shell is not as flexible. As a result, shocks cannot be absorbed as well and the shell can break more quickly in comparison. In addition, the weight of ABS cases is slightly higher.
The advantage of this material is that due to the high density, scratches do not appear on the surface so quickly. In addition, suitcases made of ABS are usually comparatively cheap.
Hauptstadtkoffer Mitte made of ABS plastic
The Hauptstadtkoffer Mitte stands out in the suitcase test mainly due to its high capacity and attractive design. While the ABS plastic makes the shell very hard, it also renders it inflexible. The weight of the material is noticeable, as this model is heavier than those made from polycarbonate or polypropylene.
Aluminium
In addition to the various plastics, hard-shell cases can also be made of aluminum. The advantage of these cases is the high stability, which protects the contents of the case very well.
The disadvantage of aluminum is the high weight. For air travel in particular, where there are weight restrictions for hand and checked luggage, aluminum is out of the question for me.
Suitcase Material for Soft-Shell Cases
2 materials dominate the market
Polyester & Nylon
Polyester and nylon are made from synthetic fibers. So these are purely synthetic materials. The fibers are combined into a fabric, which makes the material very tear-resistant and flexible. The higher the yarn count, the greater the tear strength.
The biggest advantage of polyester and nylon is their low weight. Cases made of these materials are usually a little lighter than cases made of plastic.
The disadvantage of these fabrics is their lower weather resistance. Although polyester and nylon cases are water-repellent, they are not waterproof.
The differences between polyester and nylon are small. Polyester is considered more water-repellent and also holds colors better. Nylon is more susceptible to UV light and therefore fades more quickly when exposed to sunlight. On the other hand, nylon is considered to be slightly stronger and stretchier, but it is also more expensive than polyester.
Samsonite Spark SNG made of polyester
The Samsonite Spark is the best soft case in the test. Of all the suitcases tested, it offers the highest capacity. The polyester used has a high fiber strength of 600 denier. Therefore, it is relatively thick, very durable and abrasion-resistant.
Conclusion: The Best Suitcase Material
There is no clear winner, but a personal favourite:
For me, the most exciting and innovative case material is CURV. This material enables extremely light suitcases with a very stable and flexible outer shell. However, the selection of cases is relatively small and the models are comparatively expensive.
That’s why polycarbonate is the best case material for me, because it offers the best overall package: It’s very light, extremely impact-resistant and temperature-resistant. Again, the price is a bit higher, but still significantly cheaper than Curv.
Polypropylene offers excellent value for money. This plastic is also very light and unbreakable. However, it is not as temperature resistant as polycarbonate and the surface is more prone to scratches.
ABS plastic as a case material failed me. The available models are very cheap, but the cases are comparatively heavy and the shell is much harder and less flexible. That’s why ABS plastic isn’t as shatterproof.
For soft-shell suitcases, you can use polyester and nylon. The fiber strength is important. It should be relatively high so that the outer shell is as robust and durable as possible.
Vote now: Which do you like better?
Which material do you prefer? Vote now and you will immediately see the voting result. You are also welcome to share your opinion with the community in a comment.
