Just got the Valoroso 28" Pullman SAX in today. It is one huge suitcase built like the proverbial brickhouse. Weight without divider and garment sleeve is 8.1kg=17.85lb. The 28" BR baseline expandable model which is comparable weighs 17lb2oz. So that's only about 10oz difference. Some more comparison points: on the cheap side the ebags 29" getaway bag is 15lb. The Travelpro Plat5 28" model is only 14lb 10oz. The Tumi model is 16lb and 10z.

There are some solutions that are similar in packing volume or outer dimensions which are duffles and rolling poly spinners respectively. These are around 10-12lb. As light as it gets for this size with wheels and a modicum of structure.

However, the Valoroso is a hardcase covered with cloth on five sides. The cover side is so thick and upholstered and has so many layers that one can call the case a hard case for all intents and purposes. So then we can compare to the Samsonite Silh. 11 spinner at 16lb 10oz, The Bric's Pininfarina 30" trolley spinner at 17lb 3oz, the Victorinox Officer's trunk at 17.5lb in alu, or at the high end the Rimowa 28" multi-wheel at 12.2lb.

No matter how you slice it, the Valoroso is one of the heaviest cases. However, from just looking at the thing and checking it out and from having read about how it is constructed and comparing it to Tumi, Rimowa, TP Plat5 and BR (all of which I own and use, too), this beast is the king of the hill.

The material is twice as thick as BR material which is already thicker than Tumi. This is logical since the Valoroso uses a special weave of ballistic 1050d nylon PLUS cordura 1000d nylon.

It is also constructed with many really smart details. What I like best is the removable divider panel that works as a shirt folder and has other pockets, too.

The handle is really excellent. While the TP Plat5 handle is already ergonomically good in my book, this one is even superior and sturdier while being a simpler design. Well done! It is really easy to push and pull the case. All locking positions are very firm and the buttons are easy to operate and well placed.

For the price I paid, around $230, at the source above, this is really a steal. Normal price was $795. I would have gone with the 24 or 26" model but they were already gone.

It's a case to move heavy and fragile things or bulky things because the interior volume is so big and the case is very high. The Rimowa 32 that I have is not good for moving high things because it is only 10" wide. I'd say when the Valoroso is extended it goes to 14", though the literature says 13. You could pack two people for a two week cruise or road trip or for a 2-3 week single destination vacation in this. Expanded it will be right at the max check-in size.

In summary, yes, this is 1-2 pounds heavier than comparable models (essentially Tumi and BR) but the design is even better thought out and detailed and the built quality is superior. If one or two pounds don't matter, this is the case to get if you want something that's very classy and very high quality. I'd recommend it mostly for first class travelers even though I am not one myself, unfortunately.

I also ordered a four pocket duffle which should be here tomorrow. I'll report back.

Till