Travel Products - Rimowa Topas 29" or 32" ?

Which one to buy? I would prefer the bigger one BUT don't want to have problems at the airports.

If they are too big for the airlines, why does Rimowa produce them?

Which one to buy? I would prefer the bigger one BUT don't want to have problems at the airports.

The bigger one is over the 62 linear inches (it comes in at 63.89 inches from the measurements at zappos.com). It will also be overweight nearly all the time unless you are transporting feather pillows only.

I would definitely go for the smaller one.

No, scrub that last bit, I would go for the 26 inch model. Much, much more flexible and also much, much less prone to going overweight.

If they are too big for the airlines, why does Rimowa produce them?

Well, for a start not everybody travels by airline.

And not everyone cares about the overage fees. And I'm sure reasonably often it doesn't get charged for being oversized.

Weight wise - if you usually fly first class or otherwise are allowed to 70lbs/32kgs then the biggest bag would be fine.

The 26 inch is what I would get if you pack reasonably densely. If you pack bulky/light items, the 29 makes sense and want the space/don't mind the occasional overage charge.

I have owned the 32" multiwheel for probably 5 years now (maybe off by a year). Have flown mainly TATL on Continental/UA and LH. Never had a problem. Not when the weight limit was 32kg and not now that it is 23kg. Size was also never an issue.

One thing is remarkable though. I once asked the CO check-in agent to put a fragile sticker on it because I was transporting glasses in the suitcase (the reason I got that case was so I could safely haul fragile items). She said that they were not allowed to put Fragile stickers on that type of suitcase. Supposedly because many people want it handled better so it doesn't scratch and dent so much, not because of what's in it. I don't know whether that was just arbitrary check-in agent BS or whether that is true.

My glasses arrived intact. The Rimowa did get dents, it usually does but nothing severe.

The bigger version can easily be loaded to 50kg if you want that. Also, when it's full with ordinary clothing and shoes it can already be above 23kg, as others have said. But if you simply want the additional volume so you can possibly fit a larger item inside because the max dimensions will be bigger, then get the 32" model.

Till

Im thinking about the 29 model. 26 is too small for me and the bigger one will be overweight very soon

I have a Topas 29" and a Salsa 32"

It all depends on your usage. 29" is good for a simple packing, clothes only trip for 1-2 weeks. But if you plan on buying alot of big things, or carry alot of non-clothes items, get the 32"

For example, trips where I just need suits and shoes and clothes, 29". But if I go to Asia for 2+ weeks and want to carry back well protected wood or stone carvings, or those Thai pyramid pillows, or bottles of alcohol, I need to bring my 32".

The 29" is not as thick is you might think, so it doesn't fit larger, non-clothing items that well.

As for dimensions, I saw on one of the German store websites, that the newer 32" models with a model number ending in "77" are designed to be the maximum linear length to meet airline restrictions.

And as for weight, if you go 32" the polycarb models are alot lighter than the Topas. With obvious tradeoffs with frame stiffness and zipperless with latch locks. If you go 29" its up to you, I can pack my Topas bag pretty full of heavy things and still be under the limit.

I am actually in the same situation. I have the 29" Salsa Deluxe and the 20" Salsa Deluxe hybrid. I am looking to get a Topaz and not sure which size to get. I know the 32" will definitely have overweight problem. I am actually debating on the 26" or the 29". I am leaving toward the 26" for fragile items and my 29" Salsa Deluxe for Bulky Items. Any comments?

after this I'm inclining for the 32", in koffer direkt they have this new 77 model?

after this I'm inclining for the 32", in koffer direkt they have this new 77 model?

Maybe Till knows this better. But even the models sold in the US at 32" have the same item # ending in 77. I'm thinking that maybe bags form the last 1-2 years in 32" are the same as the european models with the 77. They share the same Rimowa issued model #.

The way I understand it, Rimowa designs all their 32" models with the 77 model # to be within the acceptable linear measurements?

This is only a theory pieced together. Can anyone else clarify?

From Koffer Direkt, Topas 32" code 920774 measure 55 x 82 x 27.5 cm.

This is more than AA allow for 1 or 2 inch.

They say 2012 model.

http://www.koffer-direkt.de/rimowa-topas-multiwheel-trolley-77.html

The way I understand it, Rimowa designs all their 32" models with the 77 model # to be within the acceptable linear measurements?

This is only a theory pieced together. Can anyone else clarify?

No, that's incorrect, it's the 73 model number which is designed to be just under 62 inches. (The 73 models are 77 cm tall, which may be where this 73/77 confusion lies).

Rimowa explicitly mentions this in their catalog http://rimowa.de/downloads/katalog/Katalog_2012-2013_US.pdf

Against every .73 model there is a double-asterisk, which takes you to the footnotes (right at the bottom of the last page).

Good catalog. Thanks!

No, that's incorrect, it's the 73 model number which is designed to be just under 62 inches. (The 73 models are 77 cm tall, which may be where this 73/77 confusion lies).

Rimowa explicitly mentions this in their catalog http://rimowa.de/downloads/katalog/Katalog_2012-2013_US.pdf

Against every .73 model there is a double-asterisk, which takes you to the footnotes (right at the bottom of the last page).

Yes this is what I had confused. Thank you very much. I never saw it explained, and just kind of guessed based on looking at the german online stores. I guess my 32" luggage is now 2 inches too big. I'll see how long before someone measures my bag. My travel is to all Asia, no Europe, so I think I'll be relatively ok. I've actually never had any of my bags, even other 32" models ever measured.

But ok, I still say that if you are going to get the larger 29-31" bag, you should choose a polycarbonate model for weight reasons.

Yes this is what I had confused. Thank you very much. I never saw it explained, and just kind of guessed based on looking at the german online stores. I guess my 32" luggage is now 2 inches too big. I'll see how long before someone measures my bag. My travel is to all Asia, no Europe, so I think I'll be relatively ok. I've actually never had any of my bags, even other 32" models ever measured.

But ok, I still say that if you are going to get the larger 29-31" bag, you should choose a polycarbonate model for weight reasons.

I like the alu model for all the security features and durability, but yes the weight is an issue.

Ya. I love the alu look too. Because of the weight issue I am getting a 26 instead of 29. I travel from LA to Asia a lot and I am looking for another Rimowa.