First off, it should be mentioned that there are at least two different bags being advertised together on the same page. These bags are NOT interchangeable and have different features and dimensions. I discovered this because I ordered the red bag for my son and the carbon bag for my husband. The red bag is two inches deeper and 1.5 inches wider, which is an issue if you’re concerned about stringent carry-on allowances. The smaller, carbon bag does NOT expand, despite the description and title stating otherwise (the red bag is expandable). Please see the images I’ve uploaded for more details on the dimensions.

Let me start with the bag interiors because these details are not shown on the website (I’ve since posted pictures). The interior of the red bag is bubble gum pink with white polka-dots. I have no idea who thought that was a good idea, but I wonder how many of the other bags share this interior color choice. My step-sister has the purple bag and says it’s the same pink pattern. This pink fabric feels and looks cheap. It’s thin and feels as if it will tear easily. The carbon bag has a gray interior with a whimsical polka-dot pattern. It feels sturdier as it isn’t so thin. It also is more attractive to look at, but is still somewhat feminine due to the nature of the pattern. There are multiple storage pockets in the carbon bag, whereas the red bag has only one. I’ve posted pictures showing the bag interiors.

The exterior of these two bags is noticeably different. The red bag has a matte finish and is textured; whereas the carbon bag is smooth and glossy. I prefer the textured matte finish on the red bag because it won’t show scuffs as easily. The weight of the ABS is drastically different with the carbon bag having a much thicker shell and little flexibility to it. The exterior of the red bag, on the other hand, is surprisingly thin which allows it to flex. We haven’t used either bag on a flight yet, so I can’t speak to their durability, but the carbon bag feels sturdier (and is heavier).

The two bags have different wheels. The red bag rolls more easily and is more fun to maneuver as a result. The wheels on the carbon bag have a gap between the wheel casing and the wheel itself. This leads me to think that these wheels may begin to wobble more quickly/easily. I’ve posted pictures of the wheels alongside the wheels of my higher-end carry-on suitcase. The red bag’s wheels are more similar to this mid-upper tier bag’s wheels, which perhaps explains the ease of motion of this bag.

The handle on the carbon bag wobbles less as it is supported by a snug fit in the bag frame. The telescoping handle on the red bag does wobble due to a gap between the rods and the bag’s frame. The rods themselves appear identical in construction, so the differences here may not affect the longevity or durability of the bag.

I LOVE this piece of luggage. It is extremely light and extremely easy to travel with, since it has the four wheels. I have taken this on two one-week trips and several long weekend trips since purchase, and it has held up well. It’s small, but for me that’s a positive as it forces me to pack well and it’s so easy to take around when I am traveling.

Other reviews have noted that it is not very durable. It has held up so far for me, but if/when it gives out I will DEFINITELY purchase another one…even if it only lasts a year, it would be worth it for me because of ease of travel. I travel a lot, and lightweight luggage is extremely important to me. The price was right here, and the free shipping of course made it worth it.

Update:
I’ve had this suitcase for almost a year now, and I have taken it all over the world: for a week in Italy, two weeks in Panama, and many, many shorter trips. It’s still going strong. The inside pocket tore when I overpacked heels into it, but that really was my fault, not the suitcase. The frame has been extremely durable, and I do not go easy on my stuff. The body is a little scuffed, but otherwise it’s in great shape. I have convinced all of my friends that they need this suitcase as well! 🙂

I’ve used this on one trip so far, roundtrip NY/LA checked on 2 different airlines, so the rating may go up (or down) after more trips. Overall, I’m very satisfied. I was amazed at how much STUFF I could pack into this thing (4 pairs of pants, 8 shirts, 1 pair of safety shoes, 2 sets of pajamas, the usual socks/underwear/bras/toiletries) plus room to spare – WITHOUT expanding the bag. Full, it was still very light and mobile. The bag made the trip without incident-not even a scuff. (I didn’t try taking it as a carry-on, but it looks like it would fit without issue.) What really impressed me though, was how this bag survived my 2.8 yr old son, aka Destructo. Not only did he think it great fun to push around, (demonstrating the stable wheel base on linoleum, tile, carpet, and wood) he laid it down (full) at the foot of our bed and proceeded to use it as a springboard, jumping off the bed, onto the suitcase, onto the floor. Repeat in reverse direction (going back up). Repeat ad nauseum. Figure he weighs about 30 lbs and he did this around 50 times. No damage to the suitcase or the contents (including a sealed full mouthwash container and a bag of goldfish crackers). To me, this says a LOT about how this will hold up during airport handling. This is much more than I can say for the Coleman hard side that I bought. I haven’t even used the Coleman yet, but when Destructo tipped it over on the kitchen floor, the piece holding the base of the retractable handle inside the shell popped out. (Hubby repaired it, but this is BEFORE the Coleman has even been on an airplane or used as a toddler springboard.)