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Monday, December 11th
Level8 has only been around since 2008, but the luggage brand already has some loyal customers - with thousands of 4- and 5-star ratings on many of its hardsided suitcases and carry-ons. The style of Level8 is somewhat minimalist and boxy, but that shape and the more novel color options will definitely make your luggage stand out. Downsides include a less-than-clear warranty and some site typos, but this is a brand worth looking at if you're only considering hardsided luggage and you want a unique style.
If you're looking for a high-end, luxury brand of luggage, TUMI fits the bill. Most pieces are priced between $600 - $1,900, but a better-than-average warranty (that covers airline handling damage in the first year) could make it worth the investment. However, this brand is missing a lot of the extras and features we'd expect for the cost, and some customers have found it difficult to get warranty repair work done.
When it comes to buying your next set of luggage, your brand choice depends on several factors. Are you looking for the cheapest possible set to get your clothes from here to there? A designer label that conveys luxury and status? A mix of form, function, and value? Your answer to those questions will be a good jumping-off point as you decide which brand of luggage is right for you.
Do you have a preference for hard-sided or soft-sided carry-ons and suitcases? Some luggage brands offer both, while others specialize in one or the other. The same goes for the color and/or design: almost any brand will give you several options in basic black, but if you want your bags to stand out on the claim carousel at the airport - so that you spend as little time as possible trying to figure out which one is yours - your options may be more limited.
Still, almost every luggage brand has something that can catch your eye. Whether it's a bright solid color with contrasting accents, or a crazy pattern that's not likely to be repeated among your fellow passengers, you can usually find a piece that will stand out..
Another factor that will influence your luggage brand choice is your travel purpose. Taking the kids to Disneyland would require a very different assortment of carry-ons and suitcases (and sizes) from a couples' trip to hit the slopes at Vail or a solo backpacker adventure through Europe.
Once you've figured out if you need hard or soft luggage and determined what kind(s) of journeys you expect to put your bags through, what else will you need to consider as you choose a brand? Keep these factors in mind:
To help you get the right suitcases, carry-ons, and duffels for all of your travels, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked today's top luggage brands. We're sure that this information will make it easy to find the best gear to take you from Toledo to Tokyo, wherever you may roam. Bon voyage!
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