Hardside suitcases offer protection but limited colors and patterns, are heavier, and show scratches easily. They are durable and less likely to be damaged, but scratches can be difficult to repair. They are easy to clean and less likely to mold or smell musty. Hardshell suitcases can be stylish and modern, but neutral colors can be hard to spot on baggage carousels. They can be heavier but have innovative features like extendable handles and smaller, sleeker wheels.
The perks, or perks, of traveling with a hardside suitcase include the protective shell to keep your belongings from being crushed. The drawbacks, or cons, of this type of luggage are that its colors and patterns can be limited, and it doesn’t “squash” or fit as easily into small spaces as more decorative, soft-packed suitcases do. Hard case luggage is also heavier and tends to show scuffs or scratches quite easily. However, the plastic or metal shell can stay cleaner and is typically much more durable than fabric or vinyl suitcases.
The tough and durable quality of hard shell travel cases is a popular pro. They can withstand many operations by airport personnel and are unlikely to be damaged. Many types of hard-shell suitcases are designed for maximum impact and still hold up well. Most types of cloth suitcases, on the other hand, could tear, puncture, or have a damaged handle or pocket after being transported on half the travel adventures compared to hard luggage. One downside is that if a hard suitcase gets scratched, it can be more difficult, or even impossible, to repair the scratch than the damage typically done to cloth bags.
However, the bottom of a cloth bag left on the ground can become soiled much more easily with a stain than an easy-to-clean hard surface suitcase. Hardside suitcases also have the advantage of being less likely to mold from damp conditions than cloth suitcases, or to smell musty from excess moisture. The shell of hard-shell suitcases can usually be dried just as easily as they can be cleaned, while cloth luggage can become damaged by excessive moisture. While a hard surface protects the contents from water, a soft one does not.
While fabric or nylon soft suitcases come in more designs and colors than the hard case variety, they often don’t look as stylish or modern. For example, silver hardside suitcases in an interestingly textured metal can be ultra-modern with a cool, streamlined look. One drawback may be that hard-shell suitcases in neutral colors can be harder to spot on baggage carousels than brightly colored or patterned cloth bags.
A downside to some hard surfaced luggage is that they can be much heavier than cloth cases. On the other hand, a pro is that many are available with extendable handles, bottom wheels and other innovative features. For example, hard suitcases may have wheels that are smaller, sleeker, and easier to roll than those on soft suitcases. These smaller wheels can also spin or spin better.
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