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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Atlanta, GA on 9/28/2008
Bought it for my father; he loves it.
from Fountain Valley, CA on 9/27/2008
The older model had some better features like side manual locks not key locks that are not practical with the combination lock which doesn't work in the new model. Is it because of the new security regulations about keeping your luggage open? Also the inside strap is better when it is elasticated.
from Boston, MA on 9/22/2008
Love this suticase....fun, comfy, and very roomy.
from Norman, OK on 9/18/2008
These bags are what they say Hard Side now when you open it up it gives but that is what it should to take the abuse from the Luggage Gorilla bag handlers. They are very easy to spot on the carousel and scuffs cleaned up easy. Be sure to push in your pull handle so that it is stowed safely.
from Mesa, AZ on 8/29/2008
I have 3 Cartwheels. No problems, so far.
from Salt Lake City on 8/4/2008
I use the Samsonite Oyster to pack a Dahon MU-8 folding bicycle, which fits perfectly inside. the bicycle needs to be dissasembled, which takes about 15-20 minutes. due to the rough handling by the airlines, the hard pieces of the bike (axles etc) which rest against the hard shell case need to be well padded, otherwise this works great. Plus the airlines don't charge me extra!
from Seattle, WA on 7/27/2008
Locks should be keyless.
Inside pockets only kept in place by flimsy hooks...room for improvement.
from Simpsonville,SC on 7/24/2008
The color displayed on the website does not match the actual color of the suitcase.
from NY on 7/23/2008
I took this brand new suitcase on my first trip to Euorpe, and when I landed, after the first flight, the side handle broke. I had to carry the suitcase by the top handle, which was unbelievably difficult.
from Virginia on 6/24/2008
THe suitcase does not have enough room for my stuff. There's nothing so frustrating as being out of space when you're still under 50 lbs when packing.
A durable clothe suit case would be a so much easier to pack when you have a lot to pack.
from monroe,la on 6/21/2008
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from florida on 6/17/2008
I travel a great deal and have used this particular model for years, despite the worst efforts of rough luggage handlers all over the world! My new bright yellow one makes finding luggage just that much easier and quicker for turn around.
from New York on 6/11/2008
The suitcase is really hard plastic but which can crack as it did when it received it. Made me think that if this could occur during shipping, what happens when several suitcases are packed on top of it when traveling on commercial flights? Made one trip abroad with it. It held up, though seemed to get heavy pretty fast when packing. Lots of scratches on the outside at end of trip. Not a bad hardside suitcase but nothing impressive either to pay extra money for.
I owned 2 of oyster 29" since 1980, I still be able to use those luggages and still in good shape. colorful colors are nice and easy to spot at the luggage terminal and avoid mis pick-up by others which have the same dark color as yours. [...]
from Jackson Michigan on 5/16/2008
I fly all the time 4days a week.
so far the suitcase has held up well.
BUT I was TOLD it had a lining and it
DOSN'T!!!!
from California on 4/24/2008
We've had over half a dozen of these units. Extremely durable. The only caveat is that the wheels keep falling off so we replace it ever two or three years. Every 5-6 trips on extended international trips. Highest value hardside suitcase that we know of.
from Everett, Seattle on 4/8/2008
Had to take the luggage to the Samsonite repair center - the repar was free but had to spend fuel for 80 miles round trip + couple of hours time.
from Atlanta, GA on 4/3/2008
Purchased this for a week long business trip, with intention of using for personal trips too. Was easy to get everything I needed into the case. The blue color I bought was easily identifiable...one of the brighter colors would have been even more so.
from Seattle on 3/29/2008
During the very first trip - one of the side latches got broke.
from Cary, North Carolina on 3/25/2008
This is my second Samsonite oyster hard side suitcase, which is bigger and spacier than the 26" that I own right now (need the 29" hard side case for my trips to New Caledonia). Last year I purchased a Samsonite 26" Oyster hard side suitcase and I am amazed by the performance of this suitcase. Last year I flew from Noumea, New Caledonia all the way back to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina and during my international to domestic transit at Los Angeles International, I am rather amazed that the glass jar of honey, which I bought in New Caledonia did not shatter and ooze!! I Wrapped the honey tight in layers of bubble wrap and packed all the other stuff like sardines in a can. The honey did not move at all but stayed in its original position when I opened the suitcase to put in my duty free items that I bought in New Zealand. By the time I got home, the honey still did not break and ooze (same condition I found at LAX International). Since the TSA mandated that all bags be unlocked for inspection, I did not have any problem with broken locks. All three locks remained closed when I claimed the bag at the baggage carousel in Los Angeles International and Raleigh/Durham International. I do recommend using a TSA approved locking luggage strap and duct tape. The luggage strap helps keep the case shut tight, in case the middle or side locks pop open during the transit from the counter to the plane. The duct tape is used to keep the side locks from popping open and breaking off. Like I said, did not have any problems with locks popping off except on the flight from RDU to Noumea...during my transit in Sydney, AU, the Australian security personnel cut off my TSA locking strap, which I locked at RDU and forgot that Australia does not use TSA locks. When I got to Noumea, that is when I found out that my hard side bag got inspected in Sydney. The bag came out with the side locks closed but the middle lock was open. Thankfully I did not lose anything but next time, I will leave the luggage strap unlocked and the combo dials taped to prevent the dials from locking accidentally. Overall, pleased with the quality and will purchase this case again.
Post script: Be careful when packing the 29" case, as the weight on that case will go over 50 lbs./23 kg. The 26" will have a minimum weight of 44 lbs./20 kg, maximum weight for the 26" 48 lbs./22 kg. (Just a guideline that I found out and want to share)
from San Diego, CA on 3/22/2008
Easy to spot in baggage claim and protects your items well
from New York on 2/8/2008
This case is a must for every traveller. The brand name alone explains everything. Got the orange color, no need to be using any particular markings on the case like I did with my old one, {ie. ribbons, colored belts, etc.} This case will last me for years I'm sure. Luggagepoint delivered the case to me very promptly and I will definately shop with them again.
from San Jose CA on 1/18/2008
Love it
from boca raton florida on 1/14/2008
the latches break easily. we had to get one on each suitcase repaired when we got home as the were broken by tsa inspectors. had to use duct tape to get things back home. never had a problem with our other samsonite bags, these suitcases are poorly designed and not rugged enough for relaible air travel, [...]
from MD on 1/7/2008
The side lock got damaged in my first trip. I was disappointed about it. It is not clear whether I shoe airline (damage escaped my notice when I claimed the luggage -- damage was not obvious), but the lock could not have been damaged by simply poor handling, plus I was using one of the best airlines in the world.
I am convinced that my piece of luggage was poorly designed (its side locks). I won't buy it again regardless it has good look!
from Mexico City on 1/7/2008
Great case. Everything perfect except that I had problems setting up the personal combination for the lock.
from NM on 1/6/2008
Had an earlier model of this case for prox 10 yrs & was very pleased with everything about it. One of the locks was damaged when an "inspector" neglected to close it properly, so bought the newer one. Very disappointed in Everything about it.Was very pleased with LuggagePoint, however. Good price[...].
from L.A, CA on 1/6/2008
I like it, i use it for long travels. It is easy and I recommended this stuff to others.
from East Texas on 1/6/2008
We bought one of these 14 years ago when we first got married. After all these years of airline beatings, the handle of it finally broke. So we ordered another one, and we look to use it many years to come. These things take a beating. They are indestructable! We ordered a color this time to help us be able to better identify it at luggage claim. Can't beat this luggage!!!
from Alexandria, VA on 1/5/2008
I sell binoculars at birding festivals, and use two of these to transport the inventory, 50 pounds each. A little bubble wrap, to keep the fragile contents from shifting around, and a couple TSA strap locks, and I'm good to go! These suitcases are very light weight, and MUCH tougher than they seem: many flights logged, and no damage to them nor the fragile contents!
Images shared by: Chas.Safe transport for fragile, expensive goods!
Tags: Results of use
from IA on 1/5/2008
I use this bag for personal and business travel. It's easy to see at baggage claim, don't have to worry about it tearing or getting punctured. The only potential problem is that the bag has a combination lock that i have to keep unlocked at the airport and it may be tampered with at the airport.
from Omaha, NE on 1/4/2008
This was one of my checkin bags for a business trip to India. Bag looks great, seems durable, and is near airtight. Unfortunately the pull handle broke completely off on the return trip home (1st use).
from Salt Lake City, UT on 1/4/2008
We love this hard case... No frills, lots of room inside, fairly light - what more do you need?
from Denver, CO. on 1/4/2008
Easy to spot in the airport
from Ocala, Florida on 1/4/2008
These suitcases are great for overseas travel. I traveled from Florida to Romania on a mission trip and the suitcases worked great. They were one of the best things I have ever bought. I'm very happy with both of them.
from VA Beach on 1/4/2008
Practical and low cost.
from Ocean Beach, CA on 1/3/2008
This is the perfect bag for going to Europe and bringing home gifts/souvenirs. The hard shell protects during airline handling and the profile while pulling the bag is perfect while navigating the narrow hallways and streets.
from Southwest Ohio on 1/3/2008
When other suitcases had holes punched in them, mine only got scratched. I'm very satisfied.
from Granit e Bay, CA on 1/3/2008
Replaces luggage destroyed by combined efforts of TSA and Qantas. The open edges interlock when closed and reinforce each other, and the locks are well shielded. No luggage is gorilla proof but this will be a challenge.
from Los Angeles, CA on 1/3/2008
International travel includes a lot of harsh handling and sometimes repeated opening. This case is very comfortable. No hassles at all. Comes with a keylock and numberlock.
from Dallas, TX on 1/3/2008
Very convenient to use and hold things enough for over a month
from New York on 1/3/2008
Looked like a nice economical suitcase for longer trips, but...
Turns out the plastic clips that hold the corners together have no structural integrity once they're unlocked - they easily come unpopped when handled, and once unpopped, the clip can literally fall right off with gravity if held from the wrong angle.
Since the locks aren't TSA-friendly and you can't fit external locks onto them, it took only 2 flights for the first one to come off, and two more for the second. Now I have a suitcase that butterflys open at the corners unless you have a good set of luggage straps to hold them together, but the thing kills luggage straps like nobody's business.
Within about a month of purchase it's become just about useless.
We'll see if Samsonite takes it back.
from St. Louis MO on 1/3/2008
The suitcase had a defective lock. Fortunately, my son discovered this several days before he was to leave. He had to take it to a suitcase repair shop in order to open the case and then have the lock replaced. This could have been a major problem if he had locked it and left and never tried it before hand.
from Bountiful UT on 1/3/2008
It will hold up to airport abuse.
from Sacramento, CA on 1/3/2008
I had an opportunity to use this luggage during the Christmas Holidays and it carried all our clothes and such well. I just wished that it had one of those full length mesh pockets to seperate clothes when you open the case.
from venice, florida on 1/3/2008
Vacation
from Baltimore, MD on 1/3/2008
I've taken this luggage on several plane trips and I expect it to last for many, many more. My friends have gotten a big kick out of the brightness of the luggage and have thus created nicknames for my suitcase.
from Davie, FL on 1/3/2008
I bought 4 oyesters, 2 for my wife and 2 for myself since we were travelling separately overseas. We had other suit cases besides.
Once my wife travelled, both her suitcases had broken latches after the first leg of her journey. I contacted the customer service who sent me new latches that I could not fix.
Then I travelled using my 29" oysters, the latches did not break but both side latches were open, I believe it does not take the impact of other baggage if they bump into each other while handled by the Airport.
I bought Samsonite as they have good name and durability, but this was a disappointment.
Shak
from Austin, TX on 1/3/2008
I like this product because it has a hard shell and so can protect fragile items inside.
from Houston, TX on 1/3/2008
After using Samsonite cases for over thirty years it is very disappointing to find that their traditional quality is gone.
from Smyrna, TN on 1/3/2008
No comments, but this is a very fine product.
from Ct on 1/3/2008
I was replacing the same model that I had for many (12)years and had worked fine. Then I leant it to a relative. This new version is similar but the strap inside, that keeps the clothes in place, does not have elastic or any capability to expand. This is an inconvenience- if you pack more clothes, you have to toss them after packing clothes below. If you don't have enough clothes, they slosh around under this 'fixed size' strap.
Very good spacious suitcase. Strong Construction. Easy to maneuver. Locks are not the best design and feel inferior to rest of product. If you fly in US, you have to keep the locks open and no option to use TSA approved locks Overall a good purchase
We own 3 other 29" oysters and love them. The new red color is wonderful. Makes it so easy to spot our suitcase when we travel. These suitcases are very durable and look good for a long time despite the abuse they take from the airlines! We definitely recommend them.
This is a perfect hard luggage option.
I used my former Oyster 29" for 10-15 years and over 1.5 million miles of travel with only two damages. In both cases the corner was literally ripped off. The first time it was repaired and the second time the airline decided to pay for a new suitcase. I love this model. I have purchased suitcase sets for my wife and children and out of a total of five sets of two suitcases for a total of 10. Five of the suitcases were destroyed after less than 15,000 miles of travel.
favorite family travel bag- have 8 of these
It's a great design, is very manoeuvrable given it's size, has a sturdy feel and is very elegant to look at. But...is easily scratched, has no option to use a TSA compatible lock. But overall a good value for money
This was a gift for my son. It was a replace piece because his orginal piece had been roughed up by the airlines. He travels about 10days per month. I have no idea how long he had the precious suitcase.
I purchased this as a gift for my mother. I did mention to her that she will have problems with the locks and she agreed.
I haven't used the suitcase yet, but I'm impressed with how it looks, how easy it moves, and the side pockets inside.
If you an international traveller like me, then I would certainly recommend this. The pull-on handle is not very convenient for tall people but other than that the suitcase is great. I think this is one of the best hard suitcases available for this price. I love the orange color too! since it is easy to track it in the baggage carousel.
I haven't had the chance to use my new suitcase yet, but based on my old ones and the looks of this new one, I'm sure I will be satisfied with it.
I haven't had the chance to use my new suitcase yet, but based on my old ones and the looks of this new one, I'm sure I will be satisfied with it.
Love this suitcase.
I purchased my first Oyster Cartwheel in February of 2004. It's made many trips with me, including one trip to England. I like the design, it's convenient to drag through an airport or a train station, and there's plenty of room. The "Sports Red" color is easy to spot on an airline carousel. My two-year-old Oyster came back from the last trip with multiple cracks and fractures in the case around the wheels. I knew that Samsonite provided a 10-year warranty, so I took it to the local authorized dealer. Before I even told them what had happened, they look at the cracks and said "that's from wear and tear, it's not covered by the warranty". They also said that, once the polypropylene shell is damaged, the suitcase falls apart fairly quickly. So I bought a second one just recently, this time in Orange. I'm going to continue to use the first one until it falls apart when I need it, but I'll start using the new one on trips where I only need one. It's still a great value, as long as you resign yourself to the fact that you'll have to throw it away and replace it every few years. Bill Herron Malden, MA
We now have four of these - the first one lasted almost twenty years before it lost a wheel to the luggage gorillas. That one made several air trips a year.
did the job
Now that I have received all of the suitcases, I really like them and see that they will meet my needs perfectly.
On our last trip to Australia we noticed that it was very difficult to spot our bags at the baggage claim because, like us, everyone else had black bags. We had tied some colorful ribbons to our bags but that's what everyone else did too. Some of the ribbons looked very similar to ours. So we decided to get bright orange suitcases that would be easy to spot. That will solve the problem until everyone else gets bright orange suitcases too.
For the price this is an excellent suitcase!