Rimowa Original, Hybrid (Alu vs. Poly) or something else?
Nov 20, 2019, 5:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 8
Rimowa Original, Hybrid (Alu vs. Poly) or something else?
Hi,
Looking for a Check In Case in Medium Size.
Rimowa Original (Alu) and Hybrid (Poly with Alu Corners) are on my short list.
What would you do? I'm flying 2-3 times a year. Most of travelling is by car.
Want to have a case without zipper and a one that lasts very long (as I travel not that much, it wouldn't be such a big problem at all).
What are your opinions?
Looking for a Check In Case in Medium Size.
Rimowa Original (Alu) and Hybrid (Poly with Alu Corners) are on my short list.
What would you do? I'm flying 2-3 times a year. Most of travelling is by car.
Want to have a case without zipper and a one that lasts very long (as I travel not that much, it wouldn't be such a big problem at all).
What are your opinions?
Nov 23, 2019, 5:31 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: FreeAgent; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 705
I think if you're going for a Rimowa, go with the aluminum because that's what they're known for.
I had been wanting to buy a Rimowa trunk for a long time (checked bag), but finally decided against it. It seems the new generation ones (made after the company was bought by LV) has had mixed reviews (but still good). But my main deciding factor was that service centers are few and far between - and there's actually none where I'm at right now. I eventually went for a Tumi 19 degree aluminum (half the price on sale compared to a Rimowa).
I had been wanting to buy a Rimowa trunk for a long time (checked bag), but finally decided against it. It seems the new generation ones (made after the company was bought by LV) has had mixed reviews (but still good). But my main deciding factor was that service centers are few and far between - and there's actually none where I'm at right now. I eventually went for a Tumi 19 degree aluminum (half the price on sale compared to a Rimowa).
Nov 26, 2019, 4:30 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,296
Dec 4, 2019, 12:17 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 8
Dec 4, 2019, 6:51 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,220
I'm saying this as the owner of two Rimowa aluminum cases. They are fun to look at, but they're not practical. One of them is in the shop right now after United converted it from a spinner into a tricycle.
With higher prices and lower quality after the LVMH acquisition, I really don't see the point of buying Rimowa and contributing to Bernard Arnault's next Picasso.
Dec 4, 2019, 8:32 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: Miles&More Blue, SPG Silver
Posts: 3,379
Unlike poly-carbonate you can repair aluminum suite cases and in case of a Rimowa suite case it even makes sense from an economic standpoint. Always keep in mind that aluminum suite cases have a higher net weight which can become an issue with strict weight limits. The stability and durability of the aluminium comes with the price of a higher weight.
Dec 4, 2019, 10:47 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 111
I have both the Alu and Hybrid suitcases. If you don't tend to pack heavy- and don't mind inevitable marks from the loving care of baggage handlers can't go wrong with their Original/Topas/whatever they are calling it now.
That being said, I did recently pick up their hybrid line because of their color choices.
That being said, I did recently pick up their hybrid line because of their color choices.
Dec 6, 2019, 10:35 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, FB Plat, AS Gold, Marriott Gold, Fairmont Plat, BA wannabe
Posts: 684
I have both the Rimowa Hybrid Cabin and Essential check-in.
I think your choice is between whether you prefer a zipper or clamshell locks.
I prefer the clamshell locks, but received the Essential as a gift, so I'm not complaining.
I think your choice is between whether you prefer a zipper or clamshell locks.
I prefer the clamshell locks, but received the Essential as a gift, so I'm not complaining.
Dec 6, 2019, 6:01 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, FB Plat, AS Gold, Marriott Gold, Fairmont Plat, BA wannabe
Posts: 684
I have mixed feeling about the zipper (it's easy to open with a pen and mine is fraying a bit. The frame on my Hybrid cabin seems indestructable and is more water resistant.
Happy travelling on your choice!
Happy travelling on your choice!
Dec 6, 2019, 7:57 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,296
The Essential version just looks like a heavily marked up Samsonite with a Rimowa logo. I would probably go with the Hybird for the better handles, hinges and lock.