Many friends are confronted with a wide variety of trolley cases and have no idea where to start. In this special topic, we have integrated the insights of trolley case experts to teach readers how to select a good case that suits them. So, in what aspects does the practicality of a trolley case manifest itself? Let''s find out together.
I. Size Is Crucial
Q: How large should a suitcase be to meet one''s needs?
A: A key point when purchasing a trolley case is to clearly figure out the appropriate size. According to the editor of the trolley case brand ranking list, a case with a size of less than 20 inches is a boarding case. The principle is that the sum of its length, width, and height should not exceed 115 centimeters. It is generally used for a two-day and one-night trip or as a secondary piece of luggage. Since it can be carried around, it is suitable for placing valuable items such as cameras and computers.

If it''s a personal trip within a week, a small-sized case of 23-24 inches can be chosen. For a journey where two people share a suitcase or for a long-distance trip, a medium-sized case of 25-27 inches is suitable. A case of 28-32 inches is appropriate for long-distance travel, studying abroad, or other extended overseas stays. In our opinion, the 25 and 26-inch cases sold on the market are the most practical in size. Their moderate volume allows them to handle short-term, medium-term, and long-term trips.
Q: Why do trolley cases of the same nominal size vary significantly in actual size?
A: Many people may not be aware that there are several ways to calculate the size of a suitcase. Some calculations only include the main body of the case, while others also incorporate the wheels and handles. That''s why, for example, when people buy a 20-inch boarding case, some are allowed to take it on the plane while others are not. This is because some airlines measure based on the entire exterior of the case rather than just the main body.
The editor often answers questions on these aspects. Not only do many people in China face such dilemmas, but there are also multiple standards for calculating case sizes abroad. Moreover, with the increasing variety of case designs nowadays, factors such as height, depth, and corner design can all affect the volume. It''s advisable to ask clearly when making a purchase.
Q: Is it more cost-effective to buy a larger trolley case?
A: Since the price difference between large and small cases isn''t very significant, some consumers think buying a large case is more cost-effective. However, they may end up having a hard time because current airlines have strict regulations on luggage weight, usually limiting it to between 20-30 kilograms. A large case is likely to be overweight. Additionally, it''s difficult to pull and push, and it can lead to inefficient storage. It''s better to buy according to the needs of the journey.
II. Differences between Soft-shell and Hard-shell Cases
Q: Is a soft-shell case better or a hard-shell case better?
A: There''s no absolute superiority between a soft-shell case and a hard-shell case; it depends on the consumer''s needs. A soft-shell case is made of fabric. Its advantage is that it can increase the storage space by 20-30%. We believe that especially for older consumers, they particularly like this "plus one" function. Also, a fabric case has good flexibility for storage. When there are too many items, they can be squeezed in, and there are multiple additional storage pockets on the outside, allowing for flexible access to items.
A hard-shell case can withstand impacts and heavy drops, providing good protection. It also won''t have issues like being scratched or cut, which are common with fabric cases. Its appearance is fashionable and diverse, making it very popular among young people. However, a hard-shell case is usually heavier. To reduce the weight, some hard-shell cases replace the traditional heavy aluminum frames with zippers. But we believe that many customers who are used to hard-shell cases may be concerned about the potential damage to zippers and still prefer the protection offered by aluminum frames.
Q: Is it better for a case to open in the middle (clamshell style) or from the top?
A: Generally, the opening of a soft-shell case is located at the top when the case is placed horizontally. After opening, it''s like the case body plus the lid, providing a complete storage space. However, most hard-shell cases open in the middle, dividing the space into two halves. Some consumers believe that in a hotel room with limited space, it''s difficult to lay out a clamshell-style hard case, making it inconvenient to use. Also, visually, the storage space seems smaller. This situation usually occurs in places like Japan and Hong Kong, while in the spacious rooms on routes to Europe and America, there''s no such problem. Additionally, people who are really good at organizing their belongings prefer the clamshell design of hard-shell cases because it allows for clearer and more organized classification, and clothes are less likely to get wrinkled due to squeezing.
Q: Is a hard-shell case too heavy?
A: In recent years, hard-shell cases have been continuously made lighter. They are not as heavy as one might expect. According to the trolley case brand ranking list, for soft-shell and hard-shell cases of the same size, there''s actually only a difference of 500 grams to 1 kilogram. And the new PC (polycarbonate) bulletproof plastic carbon fiber can achieve an extremely lightweight design, reducing the weight by 800 grams to 2 kilograms compared to ordinary hard-shell cases. But don''t think that a lightweight case is not impact-resistant. The thickness doesn''t affect its toughness. Of course, you get what you pay for, and it''s hard to guarantee the quality of a very cheap lightweight case.
III. Key Details
Q: How to choose the handle?
A: It''s impractical to carry a suitcase by hand all the time; it mostly relies on the handle for movement. Therefore, the material of the handle is crucial. The trolley case brand ranking list recommends choosing aluminum alloy, which is not easy to rust. Also, aluminum doesn''t have the embrittlement problem that carbon steel has at extremely low temperatures, and it''s easy to recycle and remelt, which is in line with the concept of environmental protection. Additionally, it''s necessary to test the sensitivity and smoothness of the handle joint.
Q: Are larger and more wheels better?
A: In addition to paying attention to the smoothness and noise level of the wheels, some consumers think that the more wheels a suitcase has, the better. But this is a wrong concept. Some people are used to pulling the suitcase behind them. For a four-wheeled suitcase, only the rear two wheels will be worn out. So, a two-wheeled suitcase is sufficient in this case. If you''re used to pushing the suitcase flat, then a four-wheeled suitcase is more suitable as it''s more labor-saving to pull and push. Also, don''t assume that larger wheels are better. Each brand will match the wheels according to the type of case. The size of the wheels is not the most important factor; the key lies in the material. Generally, cases with PU (polyurethane) wheels have low noise when pulled and are less likely to get stuck even after being pulled multiple times.