Choosing between a hard-shell or soft-shell suitcase is not easy. Both types of cases offer advantages and disadvantages, so the decision depends on your own preferences. Hard-shell suitcases offer better protection, while soft-shell suitcases can score points for lower weight and higher capacity. You will learn all the pros and cons in this article.
About the author
I’m Sebastian and I’ve been testing luggage since 2017. In my list of the best suitcases you will find out which models are really good and which ones you should stay away from.
Hard-shell suitcases
Different case materials are used for hard-shell suitcases: Inexpensive suitcases are usually made of ABS plastic, while higher-quality cases are made of polycarbonate or polypropylene.
Hard-shell suitcases offer various advantages: The contents are better protected thanks to the hard shell. They are also waterproof and can be cleaned more easily when they get dirty.
Hard-shell suitcases also have disadvantages: Cheap models made of ABS plastic are usually heavier than soft-shell suitcases. However, the weight of suitcases made of polycarbonate and polypropylene is comparable. On the other hand, they are more prone to scratches.
However, there are enormous differences between hard-shell suitcases depending on the material:
The Samsonite Lite Shock (Figure 1) is made of the high-tech material CURV (woven polypropylene), which makes it the lightest suitcase in the world. In addition, the shell is very flexible and can be easily reshaped. It combines the advantages of hard and soft-shell suitcases.
In contrast, the Hauptstadtkoffer Alex (Figure 2) made of ABS plastic is significantly heavier than soft-shell suitcases and the shell is very hard and inflexible. As a result, it can break more quickly if force is applied.
Advantages of a hard shell suitcase
Disadvantages of a hard shell suitcase
Recommendations for purchase of hard-shell suitcase
The winner of my suitcase test is the Samsonite Neopulse. It is made of high-quality polycarbonate, which makes it very light and extremely break-proof. Even in terms of weight, it can easily keep up with most soft-shell suitcases.
The American Tourister Soundbox offers excellent value for money. It’s made from high-quality polypropylene and comes with comfortable features. It also scores very well in terms of capacity.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Samsonite Neopulse Spinner 55, available in 4 sizes | £255.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
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American Tourist Soundbox 55, available in 3 sizes | £145.00 £104.35 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Soft shell suitcases
Soft-shell suitcases are mainly made of polyester or nylon. The yarn count is important for the quality of the fabric. It should be as high as possible. That means that the fabric is very sturdy and abrasion-resistant.
Fabric suitcases have a number of advantages: Within a price range, they are often lighter and offer more capacity than hard-shell suitcases. In addition, the shell is very flexible and stretchable. The additional front pockets offer extra storage space for things that need to be close at hand without opening the whole suitcase.
The biggest disadvantage of soft-sided suitcases is the lower protection of the luggage. You should be careful when travelling, especially with fragile objects. In addition, soft-shell suitcases are not waterproof and the material can get damp when it rains.
Soft-shell suitcases usually only have one large main compartment, which offers a lot of storage space for luggage. Small items or travel essentials can be easily stored in the front pockets.
Advantages of a soft shell suitcase
Disdvantages of a hard shell suitcase
Recommendations for purchase of soft-shell suitcase
The best soft-shell suitcase in the test is the Samsonite Spark, which scores particularly well with the highest capacity. The 2 lockable front pockets, the large double wheels and the sturdy material are also convincing.
The Samsonite Base Boost also offers a very high capacity. It is also one of the lightest suitcases in the world. It is my price tip among the soft-shell suitcases.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Samsonite Spark SNG 55, available in 4 sizes | £155.00 £149.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Samsonite Base Boost Spinner 55, 3 sizes available | £89.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Conclusion: hard or soft shell?
Both hard-shell suitcases and fabric suitcases have advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on a type of suitcase, you have to weigh up what you value most:
Hard-shell suitcases are much more sturdier and protective. In addition, they are more resistant to weather conditions and are easier to clean. However, there are also clear quality differences in cases with hard shells. That’s why you should definitely pay attention to the right suitcase material.
Soft-shell suitcases are much more flexible and stretchy for this purpose. The front pocket(s) are also a big plus. Within a price range, soft-shell suitcases are often lighter and offer more capacity.
Personally, I prefer hard-shell suitcases because I like the look better and my luggage is more protected. I usually travel with the test winner Samsonite Neopulse, which is made of high-quality polycarbonate.
Whether hard or soft shell: Pay attention to the quality of the material. Suitcases made of bad fabric or cheap plastic quickly break. In my list of the best suitcases you will find out which suitcases are really recommended.
Vote now: Which one do you like better?
Do you prefer hard or soft shell? Vote now and you will immediately see the result of the vote. Feel free to share your opinion with the community in a comment.
