aktchi

My 26" suitcase will soon need to be replaced. This would be checked in with up to 50 lb total weight. Ever since baggage allowance came down to 50 lb, I hate to use a good % of it as the weight of the suitcase itself. I was wondering what is your opinion about the best combination of lightweight and strong?

I would be looking for a softsided bag with frame and wheels. (For those times when a duffel will do, I do own and recommend Red Oxx Safari Beanos.)

The name Ricardo came up in another thread. I was wondering if someone here has used Ricardo as well as one or more of the brands I am familiar with like Boyt, B&R, Travelpro. If so how do you think Ricardo compares in quality?

Jaimito Cartero

I have purchased sets of Ricardo luggage at Costco over the years. Usually in the range of $100-$150 for a set of 4 or 5. The sets I purchased were not of any lightweight configuration. I'd rate them as normal semi-cheapish luggage. They would generally last a 20-30 plane trips. I prefer Costco's Kirkland brand, since they are much sturdier, and have lighter weight models out. Plus they have a liberal return policy. Carryon bag costs about $100, the larger model is $125, I think.

tev9999

I went through the same decision a while ago. Even the Costco 26" bag was around 12 pounds empty, so you are using 25% of your allowance on the luggage itself. I ended up with a non-wheeled duffle bag from Samsonite. It is a bit a pain, but it has backpack style shoulder straps that make it pretty easy to carry. It only weighs about a pound empty.

manneca

I go to Target and find the lightest bag I can. I wander around and find the bathroom scales, hope there is one not boxed up, and hop on the scale with the bag and then without. I bought a 26 inch for about $50 that weighs 9 pounds. I bought a three bag set at Bed Bath and Beyond for about $50 and the 24 inch bag weighs 6 pounds. It's expandable, too. At one time, I bought really expensive luggage that came with a lifetime guarantee. On the first trip, the cording ripped out. I took it back to the store and they wanted to send it away to have it fixed. I figured if the cording ripped out the first time it went out, it would continue to need repairs and I didn't want to have to keep taking it back. I demanded my money back and after some argument got it. Besides, the airlines just ruin the luggage anyway. So, I just don't buy expensive stuff any more. If I'm traveling where I won't have to lug my luggage and have concerns about weight, I'll take a duffle, but hauling around 50 pounds worth of clothes and gear is more than I can handle.

mikey1003

I got stuck in PHL with lost luggage on NW (Never showed up...ever)

Bought clothes at Kohls and bought a Ricardo bag. Lasted 4 trips?

whitearrow

You guys are definitely harder on luggage than I am

My old (10+ year) Ricardo luggage is no longer made. My new bags are from the Solutions line. The 25" bag weighs 11 lbs. empty according to the built in-scale.

http://www.ricardobeverlyhills.com <--- click on Collections then Solutions.

I got a good deal at http://www.baggageforless.com.

tulsan

I have had good success with this company and they provided user reviews

http://www.luggagepros.com/