Hardshell luggage - Is it a lot lighter than the old fabric bags

[GTT1]

I have hefted these hard shell bags in stores comparing them to the old fabric style bags and to me they seem quite a bit lighter. I know our large bag about 60 total linear inches weighs close to 10lbs.

Anyone know what the usual weight is for a comparable hard shell?

How durable are these bags and are some companies quality way better than others.

What are the best brands to look for and can someone buy them much cheaper in the US?

[gr8dlr]

I have several Samsonite Oyster suitcases and they can take a beating. Very light and very easy to roll.

It's a two wheeler...some of them are now four wheelers.

You can pack a ton of stuff in them. If you have a hard time closing it, try sitting on it and then clasping them.

[craftsman]

The nice thing about a good fabric bag is that some of them are expandable! Also a properly made fabric bag is pretty light as well.

[drdrma]

The nice thing about a good fabric bag is that some of them are expandable! Also a properly made fabric bag is pretty light as well.

hard shell can also be expandable.

[gr8dlr]

The nice thing about a good fabric bag is that some of them are expandable! Also a properly made fabric bag is pretty light as well.

But fabric can be torn, and if you pack them and try to do the zipper, sometimes they split open and it's a PITA to fix.

I can pack more into the oyster...lay on as much weight to get the clasps shut and then you're good to go.

[craftsman]

But fabric can be torn, and if you pack them and try to do the zipper, sometimes they split open and it's a PITA to fix.

I can pack more into the oyster...lay on as much weight to get the clasps shut and then you're good to go.

Hard shells can crack...

Get a good brand and they'll fix any damage that happens.

[GTT1]

Hard shells can crack...

Get a good brand and they'll fix any damage that happens.

What brands are considered good warranty wise against cracks?

[craftsman]

What brands are considered good warranty wise against cracks?

Any company that says in their warranty that:

1. It's lifetime - no limited to 10 years or the first one year is this... That's all &^*! If they built quality stuff and you pay quality money for it, then you should get quality... right down to the warranty.
2. they don't care how it got cracked, they will repair it
3. they don't need the receipt (after all, who keeps the receipt after 10 years!)

So far, I haven't found a hardshell luggage that says all of that in their warranty...

The ONLY luggage company that says all of that in their warranty is Briggs and Riley (http://www.briggs-riley.com/) which is why it's the ONLY luggage I will buy. BTW. I've used their warranty many times and I've been happy many times. Unfortunately, they only make fabric luggage.