Polyurethane wheels are the highest quality luggage wheels currently on the market. They are ultra-durable and provide the smoothest and most silent roll. Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) is a specialized rubber designed to mimic the smoothness and durability of polyurethane, but at a lower cost.
Two wheels are stronger for checked bags filled to the weight capacity, and are a tiny bit easier to manipulate over curbs and rough terrain because they're tilted back like a furniture dolly.
Spinner suitcases are more about agility. Having wheels on every corner gives you 360 degrees of motion, which makes them great for zig-zagging through crowds and turnstiles at check-in and security.
When shopping for luggage, you'll find that there are two different types of wheels: in-line skate wheels and spinner wheels. Both come with their own inherent advantages and disadvantages.
4 Wheel suitcases are better balanced, depending on how you pack, if the weight distribution is out of whack in a 2 wheel case they can tip over, 4 wheel cases don't have this problem. They require much less effort to 'wheel' – as they wheel along beside you rather than being dragged.
Four wheels provide better maneuverability on smooth surfaces because the wheels are designed to rotate 360° while the bag sits upright and rolls next to you. This lets you weave around obstacles as you move through airports or crowded streets.
Suitcase with 4 Wheels
The biggest advantage is the maneuverability of the case. The wheels can be rotated 360 degrees and the case does not have to be tilted. This makes it much easier to maneuver a suitcase with 4 wheels around curves. This is particularly useful in narrow aisles and in crowds.
Wheels: 2 Wheel vs 4 Wheel
A 2 wheeled suitcase has to be pulled behind you, which tends to be easier if wheeling on rougher or uneven surfaces. 2 wheeled cases are good for those on a tighter budget and are usually lighter and offer more internal capacity than a 4 wheeled case.
In the 1980s, more women started to travel alone, without a man to carry their luggage. The wheeled suitcase carried with it a dream of greater mobility for women.
The suitcase rolls behind you as you pull it from the extending handle. Pros: Wheels are recessed, which protects them from snapping off during rough handling. For city trips, two-wheelers are better than four-wheelers for clearing curbs and rolling on uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks or cobblestones.
Since the wheels spin around, they can easily get caught in bumps, cracks, and really anything not super flat. For example, you'd never roll your spinner around upright over cobblestones or rocks, they'd likely break off. And, if you pull a spinner at a slight incline, then you're likely to cause damage.
“Almost all U.S. airline crew members use soft-sided roll-aboard bags,” Patrick Smith, airline pilot, air travel blogger, and author, tells Reader's Digest.
On flat and even surfaces, spinner suitcases are arguably easier to roll, as there's less friction, and less pressure on your arm and shoulder. Spinner suitcases are often hard-sided, which some prefer, as it's potentially more durable, and protects the items in your bag.
It could offer better security than soft-sided baggage because it can't be ripped open as easily and usually has integrated locks. Aluminum luggage can be even more secure. It often has metal drawbolt latches instead of zippers.
Rinse well and allow the wheel to air dry. Next, you should lubricate the wheel to ensure it runs smoothly and squeak free. Grab a bottle of WD-40® Multi-Use Flexible Straw and spray it liberally onto your suitcase wheels. Use the flexible bendable straw feature to reach inside of the wheels for maximum lubrication.
25" - 27" Checked Luggage
These sizes are the most popular size of luggage to check. They are ideal for trips of 5 to 7 days, or longer, depending on how you pack. They have a large capacity for multiple outfits, shoes, and toiletries.
Polycarbonate luggage costs more but offers better protection and longevity than ABS. Polycarbonate is a perfect choice if you want a lightweight suitcase that's sturdy enough to safeguard your gear. Aluminium offers optimal durability and protection at the cost of considerable extra weight.
The most popular size check-in luggage is 25- to 29-inches tall and various widths. Medium-sized check-in luggage measures 25-26” tall and around 18” wide.* One medium-sized suitcase will generally hold what you need for a week-long getaway.
Spinner luggage is more susceptible to breakage because the wheels move in different directions. This is especially true when you're rolling over uneven surfaces like cobblestone. The wheels on upright luggage, on the other hand, tend to be more durable because they don't move around as much.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Rolling your clothes in your suitcase will generally save space. This is because it squeezes air from between folds and means the most of available space is used. If done correctly, rolling can also ensure less wrinkles in your clothes.
How long luggage lasts depends on multiple factors, including how often you travel, the quality of your luggage, and how well you care for your suitcases and bags. High-quality, durable luggage can last for over a decade of frequent use. Less well-made bags have much shorter lifespans.
Rules of the thumb is if you pay way less, usually you get way less as far as luggage quality. If you pay more or even much more, you can get much better quality , but still might get less, it's Shopper beware!
Larger wheels offer better traction, and because they have more rubber on the tire, this also means a better grip on the road. Larger tires are better for car cornering and handling than your regular tires. They also reduce the braking distance and improve braking overall, adding to safety.