Coolife Luggage Suitcase PC+ABS with TSA Lock Spinner Carry on Hardshell Lightweight 20in 24in 28in (orange, L(28IN))
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Hardside luggage remains a popular option for checked baggage, but many travelers are still reluctant to get a hardside carry-on version, mainly due to some misconceptions, but also because of some very valid reasons.
For instance, hardside carry-on luggage is often a bit heavy in comparison to other types, hard to maneuver, and lacks interior storage options. Oh, and it’s also a bit expensive.
The Coolife 20” Hardshell Carry-On is the answer to all of these issues, offering buyers a hardside carry-on that’s not only lightweight and easy to transport, but also very much affordable. This results in an inexpensive piece of luggage that’s the perfect solution to those wanting a better carry-on option that is still high-quality and convenient in every sense.
Review
The Coolife 20” Hardshell Carry-On certainly has a cool aesthetic, with vertical indentations and a very sleek overall look that will get you some attention on the plane, train, or bus. Fortunately, this luggage is about much more than looks, though it’s always nice to have sleek luggage of any size.
This version comes in the standard 20-inch carry-on size, which should be accepted by most any airline for the overhead bins. The luggage weighs just 6.7 lbs, so you'll have no trouble hoisting it up into the bin...unless you’ve filled it with gold coins or something.
The luggage is made from a mixture of ABS plastic and polycarbonate, helping to keep the weight down a bit while still giving the outer shell some added flexibility and impact resistance. This aspect likely helps to keep the price down as well, so it’s a good move all around. As for colors, there are five solid options to choose from, including navy, orange, and a very clean-looking white.
The interior of the luggage includes a full liner, and integrates a few mesh pockets and dividers as well. This gives you some convenient ways to separate and organize you items and keep some essentials handy rather than having to dig through the main compartment.
The luggage can be pushed or pulled by using the retractable handle. The grip of the handle is very soft, and you can actually choose from three different adjustments on the length, which can definitely come in handy for certain situations.
Although this is carry-on luggage, a lock is always preferred no matter what. While some manufacturers elect to not install locks on their carry-on sizes, Coolife made the wise decision of doing the opposite. Plus, it’s a TSA lock, so you can still send the luggage through checked baggage without any issues.
On the bottom of the luggage, you’ll find a set of four rubber spinner wheels that rotate in any direction, giving the steering ability of larger hardside luggage in a carry-on version. Furthermore, the rubber material of the wheels eliminates the annoying noise often found with plastic wheels, and also ensures smoother rolling motion on a number of different surfaces.
What We Like
- Under $100
First of all, nobody likes to spend a lot of money on carry-on baggage, regardless of how rich in quality it may be. At just around $79.99, this hardshell carry-on provides excellent value, and far outperforms its price range in general.
Although this is a carry-on, it acts like a larger checked baggage size, so if you’re someone who can pack well and get by with a minimal amount of stuff on a trip, you may actually be able to use this as your main luggage on short or moderate trip lengths. Even if that’s not the case, you’re not going to find a hardside carry on this high in quality for the price.
- Low Weight
Lugging around heavy carry-on luggage is an awful experience that is always best to be avoided. This luggage is just over 6 lbs when empty, so you should have no trouble transporting it with you on your travels, or hoisting it up to place inside of a bin.
- Rubber Wheels
Cheap plastic wheels on hardside luggage are incredibly commonplace, especially on products with more affordable prices. Plastic wheels are often loud and cumbersome, which is why we love the wheels on this luggage. Rubber wheels are practically silent, ensure a smooth rolling motion, and also have an easier time moving the luggage, requiring less effort on your part.
- ABS + Polycarbonate Material
The polycarbonate material included with the ABS helps to offset its limited durability and stability, while helping to retain the lighter weight ABS provides. This is a rare combination you don’t see all that often with this type of luggage.
What Could be Better
- Can’t Expand
Carry-on luggage is the smallest of all luggage, which is why it would be nice to see this version offer that capability. The extra 15% or so can be very handy when trying to fit in some extra items. The expansion capability is currently only offered by the 28-inch version of this luggage.
- Lighter Colors Show Scratches
ABS plastic is the least durable of all hardside luggage materials, so it’s no surprise that the lighter colors of this luggage are prone to show scratches. This is actually true for a number most luggage materials, but the plastic with this product is a bit more frail in terms of scratch resistance. This will not bother the majority of users however.
- Lighter Colors Show Scratches
ABS plastic is the least durable of all hardside luggage materials, so it’s no surprise that the lighter colors of this luggage are prone to show scratches. This is actually true for a number most luggage materials, but the plastic with this product is a bit more frail in terms of scratch resistance. This will not bother the majority of users however.
Coolife Luggage Suitcase PC+ABS with TSA Lock Spinner Carry on Hardshell Lightweight 20in 24in 28in (orange, L(28IN)) TSA lock which allows only TSA agents to inspect your bags without damaging the lock $79.99Last update on 2021-01-09 PST - Details
Lighter Colors Show Scratches
ABS plastic is the least durable of all hardside luggage materials, so it’s no surprise that the lighter colors of this luggage are prone to show scratches. This is actually true for a number most luggage materials, but the plastic with this product is a bit more frail in terms of scratch resistance. This will not bother the majority of users however.
Buying Advice
If you’re as big of a fan of this luggage as we are, we’d like to inform you that it’s available in 24-inch and 28-inch versions as well, so you can build a full set if you so choose.
Final Verdict
Coolife is one of the few manufacturers out there that can offer high-quality hardside carry-on luggage for a very affordable price. This luggage excels on multiple levels, yet keeps the price around $79.99. If you’re looking for an inexpensive option for hardside carry-on luggage that still offers all the conveniences you could possibly want, this is it.
Coolife Luggage Suitcase PC+ABS with TSA Lock Spinner Carry on Hardshell Lightweight 20in 24in 28in (orange, L(28IN)) TSA lock which allows only TSA agents to inspect your bags without damaging the lock $79.99Last update on 2021-01-09 PST - Details
