Travel Products - Reasonable Rimowa Prices?

Hello,

I am in love with Rimowa Topas line. I've travelled with my cases and they do extremely well. Very little scratches and moves extremely smoothly. I am curious as to how many travelers use Rimowa Topas and how and where did you get reasonable prices? I am interested in purchasing the Topas cosmetic case and the carryon in Topas Gold.

My carryon and 26in were purchased from a retailer for $1425 for both and I thought that was very reasonable. Did I get a good price? If not, where can I do better?

Thanks for all your insight!

Flyerchick

Welcome to FT, FlyerChick. :)

I also like the Topas Alu line from Rimowa. Even their PC cases are among the best of that genre. I have the very big Multiwheel case in the Topas line. You can read my review of it here if you do a search for Rimowa in the Travel Products Forum.

We have also discussed pricing in one or two thread.

I think the best price is to be had in Germany. Some retailers do ship to the USA. However, I find that for the frequent travelers we have on board here, it would make more sense to buy one directly in Germany. They are quite easily available in any bigger city. Even with the current dollar rate they are quite a bit cheaper than what you pay in the USA. You can also get them without paying our 19% sales tax. If you buy suitcases for $1000 that's $190 in your pocket (well a little less because you'd have to calculate it from the other side but you know what I mean).

The ideal set-up would be to go on a mileage run to Berlin. Come with very light luggage (just a little duffle), buy the Rimowas, fill with stuff you don't get in the USA or that costs significantly more there.

Hm, that would be nice thread idea.

Till

Thanks for your response.^ I am indeed thinking of bringing a case back from Germany. I'm going to China in March and read that the prices are greatly inflated in Asia so that would be a bad idea! Going to Istanbul and Prague in June and might take a jaunt to Berlin and pick up a 32 all wheel like yours.

Cheers~

Prague via Berlin is no problem from the US.

From your username I allow myself to deduct that you are a woman. ;) In that case, not knowing if you are in shape like a female Arnold or not, I'd suggest to go just one size lower than the 32" model unless you want to transport bulky and fragile stuff (the reason I got mine). This big suitcase is so huge that even with a normal load of clothes it will be over the 23kg limit in economy and closer to the 32kg limit of First. If you want to stay under the limit you cannot fully pack it. THis means that stuff starts to shift and then wrinkles, even with the tie down straps. It is always a good idea to choose the suitcase volume in relation to weight. Not to mention that if you do have tendencies of "colported" female overpacking the thing might get so heavy you won't even be able to lift it in case of any stairs.

Check out my thread on volume/weight ratio as a luggage criterion for more on the subject.

Till

Food for though indeed on your observation on weight. On my way back from San Jose my 22-in was loaded up so full that I couldn't lift it. Before I purchased my cases I knew that there would be a slight weight difference between the all wheel and the trolley but that did not come into true realization until I actually had to hoist it into the overhead.

That couple of lbs really make a difference! Maybe I'll go up to a 29in instead.

You can also get them without paying our 19% sales tax.

Wow, 19% sales tax where you live?? :eek:

19% VAT is standard in Europe. It's automatically calculated into the purchase price. You get it back at the airport in cash or back on your credit card.

Whatever you do, don't check cc in Paris. You won't get it back for 6 months like me. :confused:

I hope I´m not hijacking this thread. I am seriously considering the purchase of a Rimowa 29" Salsa Deluxe. On a recent trip to the Far East I found that I needed an extra piece of luggage due to a shopping overdose. I picked up a cheap Polycarbonate bag in a mall after the salesperson demonstrated its strength by standing on top of it. I love how light the luggage is. Ergo my choice of the Salsa Deluxe. Has anyone bought one? If so, how do you like it?

Just purchased that bag and the Limbo cosmetic case based on reviews and Rimowa quality. I had a bag that was just way too big and heavy and wanted to downsize to a smaller, lighter case but don't like the aluminum ones (crazy me, yeah?). Everything will fit for this trip but the real test will be for a ski trip in March. With all the puffy jackets, sweaters and ski gear I take, I hope I can get it all in. So far, I really love the features and looks. I like the dividers and I didn't think too much about the spinner wheels but now am very pleased; the bag maneuvers so easily. I'll let you know how it "survives" baggage handling when I get back.

Just purchased that bag and the Limbo cosmetic case based on reviews and Rimowa quality. I had a bag that was just way too big and heavy and wanted to downsize to a smaller, lighter case but don't like the aluminum ones (crazy me, yeah?). Everything will fit for this trip but the real test will be for a ski trip in March. With all the puffy jackets, sweaters and ski gear I take, I hope I can get it all in. So far, I really love the features and looks. I like the dividers and I didn't think too much about the spinner wheels but now am very pleased; the bag maneuvers so easily. I'll let you know how it "survives" baggage handling when I get back.

Puffy jackets, sweaters and winter gear (knits) are the best candidates for judicious use of compression bags. If ever it doesn't fit, use the compression bags. And make good use of the inside of boots.

Thanks for the advice tfar. Hadn't though about the inside of the boots, though. I actually used to use those bags but they didn't seem to work that well for me, they would break the end seal and leak, so have been using ziplocks! :)

The important thing is to a) not overstuff them and b) keep the limit line to which you pack, so that when you roll the bag up there is enough room where the air can escape. There are also compression bags that work with a vacuum cleaner which work a little better. Ziplocs will do the trick, too, but won't compress quite as well. Aloksaks would certainly also work.

And remember to put those heavy items on the bottom of the case where the wheels are. The lower center of gravity makes for much better maneuvering.

Inside of boots is also good for fragile stuff. For example, I just transported a glass bottle of shoe cleaning fluid in a boot secured with a pair of socks. Worked great.

Knit stuff compresses much better than woven textiles. Down compresses better than fleece as a general rule.

Till

I actually did like the large size bags which did have the vacuum hole, they worked great, they just got old and I've been too lazy to find more. I think after your bringing that up, tfar, it's time to order more. I also hadn't thought about the heavy-at-the-bottom factor, great advice. I was thinking of a bottle of b&b instead of the shoe cleaning fluid, for the boot insides, also. :D

I recently treated myself to the second-biggest non-Multiwheel Topas trolley (http://www.profibag.de/shop/images/product_images/popup_images/400_0.jpg), and I absolutely love it. Absolutely great luggage, though mine already has quite a few more dents and scratches than I would have thought given it's only been checked half-a-dozen times so far.

The reason I went for the two-wheeler rather than the Multiwheel is that the Multiwheel wheels have a tendency to break off. So much of a tendency in fact, that many retailers will give you some spare wheels to take with you when you buy it. I wanted no part of that, so the two-wheeler was a natural choice - and a good one. :)

The Rimowa Flagship Store in Berlin is a good address to buy them.

19% VAT is standard in Europe. It's automatically calculated into the purchase price. You get it back at the airport in cash or back on your credit card.

We've got 25% in Sweden. Gotta love Socialism! :rolleyes:

We've got 25% in Sweden. Gotta love Socialism! :rolleyes:
Proabably no property taxes though. Its usually one or the other with sales and property taxes. Gotta raise money somewhow...

Just purchased that bag and the Limbo cosmetic case based on reviews and Rimowa quality. I had a bag that was just way too big and heavy and wanted to downsize to a smaller, lighter case but don't like the aluminum ones (crazy me, yeah?). Everything will fit for this trip but the real test will be for a ski trip in March. With all the puffy jackets, sweaters and ski gear I take, I hope I can get it all in. So far, I really love the features and looks. I like the dividers and I didn't think too much about the spinner wheels but now am very pleased; the bag maneuvers so easily. I'll let you know how it "survives" baggage handling when I get back.

Just wanted to let you know, david_33, that my bag came through with flying colors. It worked perfectly and did not get damaged, except a couple of minor scrapes, no problem. I love my Salsa Deluxe 29"!

I´ve been waiting for your verdict. I will be purchasing mine after Christmas. Thanks.

I´ve been waiting for your verdict. I will be purchasing mine after Christmas. Thanks.

Right on, a Christmas present to yourself. :D

Loved the spinner wheels and the little hook & latch for adding another carryon. Sure made walking around easier. It also included a TSA lock built in, very convenient. I got the brown color and it is a dark, rich brown so really loved the color. Happy travels, david_33!

FYI - some friends/clients bought a whole bunch of Rimowa suitcases, roll-aboards and laptop bags. We're talking 7-8 people, getting roughly 3 pieces each, who all travel loads. Their reasons for getting them were

Durable
Lightweight
Would save them money on excess luggage weight.

Well guess what - every single one of them have retired their Rimowas. Every single one of them. Their reasons were

They didn't hold together when packed and shut
They weren't as durable as believed. One after the other broke in to pieces.
Replacing them cost a fortune

So they have reurned to the samsonites, delseys and B&R bags instead. An occasional Tumi can also be spotted. But no Rimowa.

Just so you all know.

They look great and I believe that for light travel, they'd be great. But they can't put up with any heavy travel.

Emma, that's interesting. In the interest of being precise, it would be good to know the circumstances a bit better, otherwise the verdict is not really qualified. What kind of Rimowa were they, alu, poly?

What kind of travel did these friends do? Were they part of your roadie (tough crowd) entourage? How responsible are they in packing? An alu Rimowa can EASILY take the 50-70lb that are allowed.

The hard frame is very stiff. The hinges and wheels are the weekest spots in my opinion but mine hold up well so far. When I travel with my big 32" alu it is almost always right at the 50lb limit. The thing has THREE very sturdy locks and holds together flawlessly.

Till

I hope I´m not hijacking this thread. I am seriously considering the purchase of a Rimowa 29" Salsa Deluxe. On a recent trip to the Far East I found that I needed an extra piece of luggage due to a shopping overdose. I picked up a cheap Polycarbonate bag in a mall after the salesperson demonstrated its strength by standing on top of it. I love how light the luggage is. Ergo my choice of the Salsa Deluxe. Has anyone bought one? If so, how do you like it?

I have a 29" Salsa and while I like it, it took getting used to. I had been using a Travelpro bag that was expandable and had an outside pocket and I had to get used to living without those features. But the Rimowa is sturdy and lightweight, which was my primary need in luggage - not wasting weight on the bag itself.

It's also always easy to spot on the baggage carousel. Mine is red and it doesn't look like anyone else's bag... in fact, I've had it for a couple of years and only saw another Rimowa at an airport once, and that was (unsurprisingly) in Germany.

Emma, that's interesting. In the interest of being precise, it would be good to know the circumstances a bit better, otherwise the verdict is not really qualified. What kind of Rimowa were they, alu, poly?

A mixture of alu and poly. The big cases were alu.


What kind of travel did these friends do? Were they part of your roadie (tough crowd) entourage? How responsible are they in packing? An alu Rimowa can EASILY take the 50-70lb that are allowed.

Yes but no. These were musicians. Either travelling first class on commercial planes or by private jet.


The hard frame is very stiff. The hinges and wheels are the weekest spots in my opinion but mine hold up well so far. When I travel with my big 32" alu it is almost always right at the 50lb limit. The thing has THREE very sturdy locks and holds together flawlessly.

Till

The alu cases were the worst. I remember seing one being carried by the handle and as soon as it was lifted it went completely out of shape, the frame bent and twisted and - the locks had already broken on it so there were straps and gaffa tape keeping it shut. Good thing because even if the locks had worked, they'd have flung open from the distortion of the frame. The content? Clothing. Time on the road? Probably 6 months, if not less. No wheels on the big cases.

I pointed it out to one and the response was "they all do that but they are so lightweight we save on the luggage cost.

When I recently saw them again, all of the Rimowa bags gone, I asked. And the response was that the cost of the bag didn't match the quality and it was not worth getting them again.

And these guys got them on a great discount.

Well I´m still going to risk it. I take about 8 international trips a year in J, so the treatment of my Salsa Deluxe will probably be less traumatic than traveling with the musicians. I´m surprised the aluminum ones gave out.

A mixture of alu and poly. The big cases were alu.

Yes but no. These were musicians. Either travelling first class on commercial planes or by private jet.

The alu cases were the worst. I remember seing one being carried by the handle and as soon as it was lifted it went completely out of shape, the frame bent and twisted and - the locks had already broken on it so there were straps and gaffa tape keeping it shut. Good thing because even if the locks had worked, they'd have flung open from the distortion of the frame. The content? Clothing. Time on the road? Probably 6 months, if not less. No wheels on the big cases.

I pointed it out to one and the response was "they all do that but they are so lightweight we save on the luggage cost.

When I recently saw them again, all of the Rimowa bags gone, I asked. And the response was that the cost of the bag didn't match the quality and it was not worth getting them again.

And these guys got them on a great discount.

Wow, devastating verdict. Thanks for the specifications. I am glad to report that I don't share this experience. My frame doesn't bend even if the case is loaded with 50lb worth of stuff. The locks shut very well. I certainly don't travel as much as these musicians and I normally only travel in coach, though.

Have also heard from professional photogs and camera people that they use Rimowa for their equipment and it's holding up well.

Nonetheless, if you want or need the ultimate ruggedness get some Pelican cases or similar products.

Till

I'm in love with the Limbo series and am going to get myself a 20" and a 25" very soon. I've inspected it very closely and it is probably the best made luggage I've ever seen. I also have a friend who owns a few luggage shops and he has told me that hands down Rimowa is one of the best out there, and this guy sells everything: Tumi, Samsonite, Pathfinder, B&R, Rimowa and many others.

As for Tumi, it's a joke! They have so many different lines and the cheaper ones are worse than the cheapest Samsonite IMO. B&R is not bad for soft sided actually but doesn't look as sharp as say, Travelpro.

I've had a $150 20" carry on Samsonite for about 6 years and at least 350000 miles and besides discoloration, it is still serving with a lot of grace and the wheels roll like day one. The only reason I'm retiring it and giving it to siblings is the fact the Rimowa poly weights less, looks sharp and I totally dig the locks instead of my current zipper, even if it's a bit less practical.

BTW, Salsa is made in Cambridge, Ontario for those who care. Most of the rest (I'm sure of Topas) are I think still Made in Germany.

I am suprised to read about Emma65's observation on the Rimowa's. Did your friends know that they have a worlwide service for repairs (if ever happened to the Rimowa's) through shops and in some location even through hotel reception. They come and collect it all FREE of charge.

I travel a lot longhaul and short-haul within Asia and never had any problems with my cases. I have 3 Alu and 2 Poly Rimowas. Only once I had a small dent in my biggest Alu case and I called the shop and they picked it up and rerturned it to me the same day (this was in Shanghai - China by the way). Actually, the Alu's look great with scratches and dents, but this was my first case so I wanted to give it my best "care":D

No problem at all with the hinges and the wheels, not even the 4 wheels! I can tell you that flying domestic in China (even in J class) they wont treat your lugguage with silk gloves, but I don't think that only happens in China.

For me it is nothing else but RIMOWA!

I am suprised to read about Emma65's observation on the Rimowa's. Did your friends know that they have a worlwide service for repairs (if ever happened to the Rimowa's) through shops and in some location even through hotel reception. They come and collect it all FREE of charge.


When you're on the road and change hotels on a daily basis, spend possibly two hours (apart from the sleeping time) in your hotel room then relying on world wide guarantees is a risky thing. What if your suitcase doesn't come back to you in time for your next departure? Then you're stuck.

I think they look great and before I saw what the bags were doing I'd kill for one. But now - I look at my trusty old delsey (going on 6 years now), bought on sale in NYC and smile.

When you're on the road and change hotels on a daily basis, spend possibly two hours (apart from the sleeping time) in your hotel room then relying on world wide guarantees is a risky thing. What if your suitcase doesn't come back to you in time for your next departure? Then you're stuck.

I think they look great and before I saw what the bags were doing I'd kill for one. But now - I look at my trusty old delsey (going on 6 years now), bought on sale in NYC and smile.

Fair enough! Well, everyone got their own pref. Still good on you to say "they look great":D Hope your Delsey can accompany you many more years. If you ever find a good deal for a Rimowa and you have some spare cash ....please give it a try, I am sure you won't regret!! (sorry still trying to convert you :p)

Fair enough! Well, everyone got their own pref. Still good on you to say "they look great":D Hope your Delsey can accompany you many more years. If you ever find a good deal for a Rimowa and you have some spare cash ....please give it a try, I am sure you won't regret!! (sorry still trying to convert you :p)

I could seriously consider a rollaboard of some sort. However, by the looks of it, most of my travel from now on won't be on planes. More like buses and the abuse is tough which is why tfar is right when he says a pelian is more suitable for me.

But you never know. I still spot the old tour manager on an airport with a RIMOWA (in the 80s it was the haliburtons) exchanging secret handshakes.

Just to throw in my 2 cents here. I like Alu luggage and used Zero Halliburtons in the past but have now completely converted to Rimowa. Mostly, I use a IATA sized carry-on Topas and the 29".

After many international flights and trains over the past 5 years or so, the carry-on has only a few scuffs. The larger case has a couple of dents. One of the wheels broke once, but no big deal...Rimowa took care of it quickly and courteously.

I carry mostly clothes but also sometimes prints and other things that I don't want crushed/bent. The Topas series are suitcases nonpareil.

I finally bought my limbo from my friend who's a Rimowa dealer today.

He gave me an excellent deal, far lower than any web price or even from Rimowa store prices in Asia which are traditionally lower.

If anyone in Canada and particularly in YYZ is thinking of getting one of these cases, do PM me and I will forward you the address for my friend's shop where I'm sure he will beat any price you can find. For what it's worth, he is the largest Rimowa dealer in Canada and also carries Briggs and many other brands including Tumi etc. but he (again) reiterated that Rimowa is simply the best you can get, if you can afford it.

My next purchase is the Rimowa Bolero Laptop bag. This will replace my trusty Victorinox. The Bolero's advantage is the hard sided middle skeleton which is extremely effective in protecting electronics and laptops.

My next purchase will be SALSA AIR. I just can't decide which color to get yet, but I do love how light weight it is. I usually find the single telescoping handle not very sturdy, but let's hope this one is. I guess we must sacrifice few things to ensure light weight products.

http://hypebeast.com/2009/12/rimowa-salsa-air-luggage/

My next purchase will be SALSA AIR. I just can't decide which color to get yet, but I do love how light weight it is. I usually find the single telescoping handle not very sturdy, but let's hope this one is. I guess we must sacrifice few things to ensure light weight products.

http://hypebeast.com/2009/12/rimowa-salsa-air-luggage/

Make sure you try one at a store. I looked at the Salsa Air, and while it's a bit lighter than the Limbo, it's not very sturdy nor is it very stable in my opinion. It could easily tip over if it's top heavy with another bag tethered. It's obvious the weight reduction was achieved by thinning the shell and redesigning the carry handle, which as you guessed is not that sturdy from my experience playing with it.

The other thing I did not like was the very simple interior which is missing dividers. Instead it uses zippers with internal closures, one on each side, which is not my favorite.

It's made in Rimowa's Czech Republic factory.

I've been lusting after a Topas for about a year now. But $1000 plus for the 29" Topas trolley is crazy. That costs more than some of my r/t tickets to Asia. I did get to handle one in Tokyo a few weeks ago and it is a fine piece of German engineering.

I've been very happy with my old Atlantic Professional 26" and 29" but they are starting to break down. Zippers, handles, etc.
The main reason I want a Topas is weight and durability. i want to go down in weight from my Atlantic's but keep durability. I have a luggage scale in my bag at all times because I always go overweight. So saving 1-4 lbs of weight with a Rimowa but still being bombproof is nice.
Other threads in this forum talk about Brigs and Reilly durability, but those are heavier than my current bags. And Travelpro, which are ligther but less durable. I'm very tough on my luggage, as nearly all my travel is international, mostly SE Asia. Everything from dirt/gravel paths, riding on backs of animals, thrown in the back of pickup trucks, tossed into boats, lashed on the roofs of tuk tuks, and buses,etc. My luggage has experienced all of this and my next will need to also.

So Koffer 24 is clearly the cheapest mainstream store on the web because they ship from Germany. But what about Germany itself? If I have friends visiting or if I go there myself. How do prices compare between retail in Germany for a Rimowa Topas vs. Koffer website? If the price difference is minimal, I might just go buy online.

Price difference between brick and mortar retail and internet will be minimal for Germany. If Koffer24 sends it to the US and does the tax deduction it might be a good deal. Bargaining inside the store is not very easy. Perhaps 10% at most and they will look at you with disdain. Not funny, although I sometimes do it but you have to be thick skinned. But inside the store you may easily get the tax deduction form for export.

Bringing one yourself from Germany seems like the best bet. Mind you, if you travel as harshly as you say and in those conditions, the 29" trolley is not the best choice. I'd go 26" at most. Better rigidity and better volume to weight ratio. Don't do the multi-wheel spinner thing. They will break off too easily.

Till

According to the Koffer website sales outside the EU are are charged the Net price, so no worrying about the VAT.

I suppose I'll buy it from Koffer when its in the budget. I don't have any forseeable plans to visit Germany.

Thanks Till for the advice on the size. I'll consider that. The reason I want the 29" is that the interior volumes of the Rimowa Topas are less than the ballistic nylon bags I've been using. The Topas 26" is narrower and less deep than my current Atlantic 26" I don't know if I want to lose that much space.

But yeah I have put my luggage through those conditions before. And I prefer a two wheel trolley over a 4 wheel.

I just got a Bolero Laptop Case and man, do I love this thing. ^ My friend had ordered it in for me to check it out but I just instantly fell in love with it and bought it right there. I don't need to worry about my laptop being crushed anymore as it has a hard shell all around and on the top and bottom of it which was my main issue with my previous bag.

I also like the gazillion organization pockets and dividers. It's smaller and lighter than my trusty Victorinox Werks 2.0 but its main advantage is the polycarbonate shell. I might consider a bigger Bolero for my check in luggage actually cause I like the combination soft side on the polycarbonate shell.

I'll be putting both my new limbo and the bolero to test tomorrow.

Has anyone bought Rimowa luggage at Essentials in Fraport_Marktplatz at FRA? Any opinion about price and range of selection?

I'll be putting both my new limbo and the bolero to test tomorrow.

How do you like your Limbo? I see its basically a Topas with polycarbonate instead of aluminum. Same alloy frame, locks, etc. Is it too shiny?

I kind of like the metal look of the Topas vs. shiny plastic look of the Limbo.

However the Limbo is 1 lb lighter and $100 less (on Koffer 24).

I don't have a Limbo but I'd say if it's only 1lb lighter and only $100 cheaper, I'd go with the Topas series right away and get the "real deal". I thought it would be much lighter and cheaper. My presumption was that it will be about 1/3 lighter and cheaper. Too bad! :(

Till

How do you like your Limbo? I see its basically a Topas with polycarbonate instead of aluminum. Same alloy frame, locks, etc. Is it too shiny?

I kind of like the metal look of the Topas vs. shiny plastic look of the Limbo.

However the Limbo is 1 lb lighter and $100 less (on Koffer 24).

I love the limbo! It's extremely solid and most importantly dent free! Topas, while nice to look at, gets dented fairly easily due to the nature of aluminum. I personally also prefer the black color of the Limbo, makes it less flashy. Either way you won't go wrong really!

I also totally love my Bolero laptop case. It took some time to adjust from the bigger Victorinox with arguably a gazillion useful pockets however I totally enjoy the added protection of the hard shell case of Boler.

There seem to be enough FT'ers who have Rimowa luggage. Besides Koffer24 in Germany, which is significantly cheaper than any major online retailers in the US, is there any store cheaper?

Koffer24 sells the Topas 26" trolley for around $600. Its over $1000 anywhere in the US.

So where do you get your Rimowas cheap?