It is always challenging to choose the right luggage. Throughout the years, many innovations have been made in terms of material, design, and functionality.
Identify whether you prefer soft-sided luggage or hard-sided luggage first. If you have already found your way here, you have already determined that hard-side luggage is the best choice for you.
Throughout this article, we will discuss luggage made from polycarbonate material. Furthermore, we will also discuss their main advantages and features. It’s time to get started!
What is Polycarbonate Carbonate Luggage?
In terms of luggage materials, polycarbonate is an amorphous polymer (i.e. plastic) with properties that make it ideal for hard-sided luggage. A major benefit of this material is that it is transparent, which allows it to be easily patterned and colored. Furthermore, the material is hard and impact resistant, making it an ideal material for luggage that is durable.
In addition to its high-temperature resistance, polycarbonate is self-extinguishing. These are all positive attributes for luggage, aren’t they? As a result, it can be molded easily into a variety of luggage shapes, making it extremely flexible and durable.
The lightweight nature of polycarbonate makes it popular for use in luggage as well. Despite bending and denting, it will easily regain its original form after being manipulated.
Compared with all the luggage materials, it has the highest level of strength and is virtually impossible to break. This material is used in the manufacture of several luggage models, such as Samsonite Winfield, Samsonite Omni, and Delsey Helium.
polycarbonate luggage
Specifications:
- Product Dimensions : 14.96 x 10.04 x 21.65 inches
- ASIN: B071VG5N9D
- Weight: 7.34 pounds
Includes a 21-inch hardside spinner with a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and a scratch resistant black finish. 4 double spinner wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction.
Related: Best luggage for international travel
Advantages of Polycarbonate composite Luggage:
Choosing polycarbonate hard-side luggage seems like a no-brainer: It is the most durable luggage you can choose. Even though materials play an important role in your purchase, several other factors can influence your decision.
1. Usage
It is recommended that you choose Polycarbonate if you are a frequent traveler. This will simply result in you wasting money on pure ABS luggage or other luggage that will need to be replaced more frequently.
The good news is that polycarbonate and ABS are good options if you are buying luggage for your children. Their luggage will soon outgrow them since they are considerably lighter.
If you need spare luggage, polycarbonate luggage can still meet your needs without costing too much. For budget travelers who are concerned about weight restrictions on flights, its lightweight characteristics are also an advantage.
2. Price Value
There is a big price difference between Polycarbonate and other luggage. Most of the time, you can purchase a full set of other luggage for the price of one medium-sized polycarbonate suitcase.
It is impossible to find a piece of well-built polycarbonate luggage for less than $100. In certain luggage options, polycarbonate and ABS may also be found in combination. As a result, the price is reduced to the mid-range level and is still reliable.
3. Brand Choice
There is no ABS luggage produced by your trusted travel brands such as Samsonite and Delsey. As a result of ABS’s weaker build and less durable characteristics, these brands are not known for creating high-quality luggage. As a result, polycarbonate luggage is more readily available.
4. Durability
Polycarbonate composite luggage is known for its exceptional durability. This is because polycarbonate is a tough and strong thermoplastic material that is resistant to impact, scratches, and abrasions. When used in luggage, polycarbonate composite material can withstand the wear and tear of travel, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.
Polycarbonate composite luggage can also handle extreme temperatures and is less likely to crack or break under pressure. Additionally, polycarbonate composite luggage is designed with reinforced corners and edges, which further enhance its strength and durability.
Comparison with Other Luggage Materials:
When it comes to luggage, there are a variety of materials to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how polycarbonate composite luggage compares to some of the other popular luggage materials:
1. Nylon
Nylon is a popular luggage material due to its light weight and affordability. However, it is not as durable as polycarbonate composite and can easily rip or tear.
2. Polyester
Polyester is another affordable luggage material that is lightweight and resistant to water. However, it is not as durable as polycarbonate composite and can easily wrinkle or lose its shape.
3. ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is a durable material that is often used in hard-shell luggage. However, it is heavier than polycarbonate composite and can crack or dent under impact.
4. Aluminum
Aluminum luggage is very durable and scratch-resistant, making it a popular choice for luxury luggage brands. However, it is heavy and can be more expensive than polycarbonate composite luggage.
5. Leather
Leather luggage is stylish and durable, but it is also heavy, expensive, and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
- Durability
- Lightweight
- Scratch-resistant
- Waterproof
- Stylish
- Limited flexibility
- Difficulty in cleaning
- Noisy
Frequently Asked Questions:
During the manufacturing process, this high-tech plastic can easily be molded and colored, and it is extremely lightweight for the strength that it provides. In addition to aluminum luggage, polycarbonate is the most durable luggage material on the market.
Compared to plastic and aluminum luggage, polycarbonate luggage is scratch resistant and lighter. It can even be lighter than some soft luggage. The revolutionary polycarbonate ABS material used in Traveler’s Choice hard shell suitcases prevents cracking and scratching.
As parts by weight, the polycarbonate composite material consists of 100 parts polycarbonate, 2-20 parts amino acid-modified ethylene copolymer, and 0.1-5 parts assistant. By fusing and mixing the amino acid-modified ethylene copolymer, it is produced.
Conclusion:
Traveling requires the right luggage. Your decision will be influenced by several factors, but durability is one of the most important. The last thing anyone wants is to arrive at the luggage carousel with broken luggage and their belongings scattered throughout the belt.
Each piece of luggage has its own best material. In the end, you must find an airline that makes travel easier for you and more enjoyable.
We also have articles regarding soft vs hard luggage, as well as a review of the best hard-side luggage if you are interested in choosing the right luggage material.
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