Originally Posted by
LoveHateRelationship
I went to look at the 19 today and the wheels don't look any different from the Alpha 2 wheels. Am I missing something?
The Alpha 2 suitcases my folks have these far-spaced wheels that aren't very durable and seem to get stuck sometimes.. I guess you are right they did change the wheels on all the newer models.
Originally Posted by
SQ007
Received my 19 in the mail today. Overall very satisfied with this purchase.
First impressions:
Build quality is on par with Rimowa.
Rimowa looks more expensive, Tumi looks more sturdy.
Tumi's aluminum is more of a buffed look rather than Rimowa's slightly chrome-ish look.
Have not seen an Alpha 2, but judging from the pictures they do seem to be the same wheels on the 19.
Sizing is a little whacky on the Tumi (international), so would not recommend to someone that likes to pack heavy with carry ons.
Lock set on the Topas is better
Huge plus on the 19 for having a built in tab for bag tags
Handles retract smooth as butter on the 19
I purchased my 19 discounted on ebay, it was a floor room model so I got a very good price on it. Would I choose the 19 over the Topas at full retail? Nope. While I do plan on buying a Topas later down the road, for now the Tumi is more than adequate.
I've put some miles on the 19, seems the black finish seems more durable than the Topas. Done a couple trips on the smaller jets and it fits in the overhead alright.
But it does seem to have some space compromised by the wheels a bit more on the 19. Not by much, but my dress shoes fit better in the Topas than the 19. But I do like the hanger hooks in the 19 vs the suit carrier in the Topas.