Hard-shell trolleys – solid luggage for many years
Luggage is generally divided into two categories: soft luggage and hard luggage. Soft luggage includes fabric suitcases, travel bags, garment bags and rucksacks. Hard luggage means sturdy hard-shell suitcases. Every type of luggage is available in different sizes and in different variants.
We have summarised for you what suitcases with a hard shell have to offer and what you should look out for when you want to buy your hard-shell suitcase online.
- What are hard-shell suitcases and what advantages do they offer?
- Which different models of hard-shell suitcases are there?
- Practical features – What equipment do hard-shell trolleys have?
- How do you find the right hard-shell suitcase?
- Tips: How to enjoy your hard-shell trolley for a long time.
- FAQ about hard-shell suitcases
What are hard-shell suitcases and what advantages do they offer?
The suitcase consists of two hard shells that are closed with a zip. The hard shells can be made from various materials. They protect the contents of the suitcase particularly well from creasing and crushing during baggage handling. Delicate and fragile items can be transported more safely in them than in soft luggage. Many hard-shell suitcases are fitted with a suitcase lock.
Robust materials for maximum protection
Sturdy, water-repellent plastics such as ABS, polypropylene, Curve, polycarbonate or even aluminium are used for the hard shells. Liquids can only get in at the zips (or at the joint between the hard shells). Some models (such as our TXL series) are fitted with a water-repellent zip seal – perfect if you are out in heavy downpours for a long time.
A versatile choice of modern hard-shell suitcases
The wide choice is explained not only by the different materials, but by the many design possibilities that already exist in the shaping. The plastic shells can be produced directly in any colour or printed afterwards. With this variety, everyone can find their stylish, perfect travel companion.
Practical trolleys with a hard shell
Gone are the days when luggage weighed heavily in your hand and had to be carried. Unlike the first hard-shell suitcase models, almost all of them today are fitted with 4 wheels and a telescopic handle.
Which different models of hard-shell suitcases are there?
Differences between suitcases with a hard shell
The differences between the various hard-shell models lie in the design, the material, the weight and the equipment. An inner lining protects the contents and looks more attractive – a mark of quality that not every suitcase has. Dividers hold the contents in place and often have pockets for small items. Packing straps also stabilise the contents of the luggage.
The different suitcase sizes and what they are used for
Which suitcase size is right for you depends not only on your means of transport, your fare and the length of your trip, but above all on the volume and weight of the luggage that has to fit in the suitcase.
Hand luggage suitcases (XS+S): For short trips, business trips and city breaks of up to about 6 days. At a maximum height of 56 cm they offer a volume of around 29-43 litres. But not all hand luggage is the same. Depending on the airline, the various fares distinguish not only by size limits but also between a personal item/underseat bag/small item and (large) hand luggage. The maximum permitted weight always means the total of all pieces of hand luggage. A trolley measuring 55 x 35 x 20 cm is universally suitable as hand luggage for all airlines, even though the IATA recommendation is 55x40x20 cm.
Medium-sized suitcases (M): Hold luggage for around 10 days. At a height of around 60-69 cm they offer a volume of between 63-90 litres. With a baggage allowance of 15 kg, 20 kg or 23 kg, medium-sized trolleys are always the right choice. Models with a suitcase expansion give you the greatest flexibility.
Large suitcases (L): Between 90 and 130 litres of volume at a height of 70-79 cm – which makes them ideal for trips of about 3 weeks or for the family holiday. Luggage of up to 32 kg fits easily into a large trolley. Here too there are models with a flexible volume.
Extra-large suitcases (XL): have a considerably larger packing size and are now rarely used for air travel. As they exceed the 158 cm rule, an excess baggage fee is usually charged.
The advantages and disadvantages of aluminium, ABS, polycarbonate and polypropylene in suitcases
Aluminium offers the contents of the suitcase the greatest protection. This noble metal has high strength, is extremely durable and is non-flammable.
Disadvantage: the elegant look has its price. Aluminium is the most expensive material in suitcase manufacturing and is prone to scratches. The high weight of the suitcase is also a drawback.
Ideal for suitcase manufacturing is ABS, short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. This is an enormously resistant thermoplastic. The matt ABS hard shell is extremely robust, absolutely stable, impact-resistant and shatterproof. On the finely textured surface, small scratches on the hard-shell suitcase remain virtually invisible.
Disadvantage: ABS hard shells are not dyed all the way through. High-quality ABS can be recycled, but in this respect polypropylene has the edge.
Polypropylene (PP) is the lightest plastic used in suitcase manufacturing. At the same time it is very robust and shatterproof. Because of the material's low density, the shell is very flexible. Impacts are cushioned well. The plastic is dyed all the way through and is cast in a mould. PP is a by-product of petroleum production and is recognised as an environmentally friendly alternative because it is easy to recycle.
Disadvantage: because of their flexibility, the hard shells do not feel quite as stable, high-quality and resilient. At temperatures below freezing the material becomes more brittle – so its break resistance decreases slightly. The surface is somewhat more prone to scratches.
Suitcases made of polycarbonate (PC) impress with even higher scratch resistance and dimensional stability than ABS. PC is a very light plastic that stands out for its strength, impact resistance, rigidity and hardness. It is also particularly scratch-resistant and insensitive to water and various acids. The environmental footprint of polycarbonate is better than that of ABS. Polycarbonate is colourless and is dyed – so even scratches leave no “white marks”.
Disadvantage: polycarbonate is one of the most expensive plastics, which makes suitcases made of this material considerably more expensive.
The material mix ABS with a polycarbonate coating impresses with its extremely good value for money. ABS, a base material that is easy to process, is combined with the excellent mechanical properties of polycarbonate.
Practical features – What equipment do hard-shell trolleys have?
Suitcase lock, TSA lock: Many trolleys have an integrated suitcase lock. If it is a TSA lock, you are also perfectly equipped for trips to the USA. TSA combination locks protect against unauthorised access and allow the authorities to search the suitcase without damaging it, because they hold a master key.
Volume expansion: Some hard-shell suitcases are fitted with an expansion fold. This lets you adapt the size of the suitcase flexibly to its contents. If both halves of the suitcase have a divider, a third, narrow compartment is created.
Laptop compartment: Travelling on business or on a work-and-travel trip? With a hand luggage trolley with a laptop compartment, your device is not only within reach but also stored safely while you travel.
Suitcases with 2 or 4 wheels: Hard-shell suitcases are available with 2 wheels, but most models are fitted with 4 double wheels. With 4 agile double wheels, the suitcase can easily be manoeuvred through narrow aisles. Rubberised wheels are particularly quiet. Screw-mounted suitcase wheels are regarded as a mark of quality in a suitcase. They can be replaced if necessary.
Height-adjustable telescopic handle: Depending on the model, the telescopic handle locks at several heights. This way the handle can be adjusted perfectly to your height for comfortable transport. If you are travelling with several suitcases, it is advisable for all the handles to lock at the same height.
Handles: Small hard-shell trolleys usually have one carry handle, larger ones usually two: one on the side and one on the top. This makes climbing stairs and stowing the suitcase in the luggage rack or boot child's play. Higher-quality handles feel pleasant in the hand and are ideally screw-mounted and replaceable.
Feet: So that the suitcase does not roll away on uneven ground or on the bus, it can be stood on its feet. Feet are essential on models with 2 wheels so that the suitcase can stand at all. On hard-shell suitcases with 4 wheels, feet on the long side are a useful extra.
How do you find the right hard-shell suitcase?
Criteria for choosing the right suitcase model
How long are you travelling for? The answer gives you the first clue to the suitcase size you need. You should also consider what is going to be packed. A snowsuit simply needs more room than a swimsuit.
How are you travelling? While on a car journey you have to consider the size of the boot, when flying it is important to comply with your airline's baggage rules. The rules for hand luggage vary a great deal. If your trolley complies with the 158 cm rule (L+W+H of the suitcase max. 158 cm), you are on the safe side with checked baggage.
Which material is the most suitable for your needs?
Which features are important to you?
Which design do you like?
What should you look out for when buying hard-shell suitcases online?
Buy where you have a good feeling – trustworthy shop seals and customer reviews give you more confidence. Does the website/seller make a trustworthy, professional impression on you? What options are there for paying securely? If you buy your suitcase online, a right of withdrawal applies within the EU, and in any case the statutory warranty or guarantee applies – the shop must provide the relevant information. Beware if the web shop has no legal notice and no privacy policy. Be healthily sceptical of web shops without a cookie prompt and where prices for new goods are far below the RRP (possibly counterfeits).
Tips: How to enjoy your hard-shell trolley for a long time.
What you should pay attention to when using a hard-shell suitcase
Be aware: nobody looks after your suitcase as well as you do. As an everyday object, the suitcase protects its contents. Scratches and signs of wear can hardly be avoided.
Do not overfill it: if the zips are under too much strain they can tear out and the suitcase is broken. So either use a bigger suitcase, pack less or use vacuum bags as a packing aid.
Use the handles for carrying: do not carry your suitcase by the telescopic handle. It is only there for pulling and pushing.
Care tips for long life and durability
Simply wipe the outside and the handles with a damp cotton cloth after use. Microfibre cloths can, under some circumstances, themselves cause fine scratches. You can rinse the wheels with water to get rid of dust, dirt and small stones.
Keep the inside clean: vacuum or shake out crumbs and sand and wipe the lining with a damp cloth.
Always let the suitcase dry thoroughly to prevent mould.
A suitcase cover offers good protection against signs of wear/scratches or against dust during storage.
Fine scratches can often be treated with a polishing paste or acrylic polish and a lint-free cotton cloth. Always test the polish on an inconspicuous spot first, as the different compositions of the pastes can cause unwanted reactions.
FAQ hard-shell suitcases
Which is better, a hard-shell or a soft-shell suitcase?
Which type of suitcase is best depends on your needs. Fabric suitcases are somewhat more flexible and lighter, while hard-shell suitcases offer better protection and more design options. With a soft-shell suitcase you need a separate suitcase lock. Hard-shell trolleys usually have one built in. The decisive question is one you have to ask yourself: which is better, a hard-shell suitcase or a fabric suitcase?
Are hard-shell suitcases waterproof?
The hard shell itself is waterproof, but water can get in at the zip. That is why they are often described as water-repellent. Models with an extra seal on the zip withstand extreme downpours for longer.
How long do hard-shell suitcases last?
As a rule, hard-shell suitcases are in use for many years. But their longevity depends on the material, storage and handling. Scratches and other signs of wear cannot be avoided over time. A scratched suitcase can be given a fresh look inexpensively with a suitcase cover. Even if wheels and handles wear out over time or can break off with rough handling, you can carry on using the suitcase as long as the spare parts are screw-mounted and replaceable.
Can hard-shell suitcases break?
Although hard-shell suitcases are sturdy, they can break depending on the material, age and force applied.
What is the best way to pack a hard-shell suitcase?
Shoes, toiletry bags and heavy items first, placing the heaviest things by the wheels. Socks and small items are easy to stuff into shoes and gaps. Rolled clothes take up less space and do not crease as easily.
Which suitcase sizes are there for hard-shell suitcases?
Hand luggage suitcase (XS+S): height up to 56 cm – for about 6 days
Medium-sized suitcase (M): height up to 69 cm – for about 10-14 days
Large suitcase (L): height up to 79 cm – for 2-3 weeks
Extra-large suitcase (XL): height from 79 cm
How do I care for a hard-shell suitcase?
Remove dirt after every trip and let the suitcase air/dry thoroughly. You can rinse the wheels with water.