This is the most durable luggage I have ever had. But then, I've always wanted a hard shelled luggage for the durability but had to settle for soft sided luggage due to the price. After going through several soft-sided luggage and having to replace them almost after a few trips (wrecked wheels, ripped luggage, , wrecked zippers, wrecked straps, etc.), I decided to just get the hard shelled luggage and avoid the pain.

The luggage can be quite ugly to look at as it only comes in black and doesn't look much like a luggage due to its unusual aerodynamic shape (why, I have no idea). I've always wanted a Samsonite for the brand and the quality and I settled for the Epsilon because of its price and size compared to other Samsonite luggages. I wanted the largest hard shelled luggage that I can afford and was very pleased with the Epsilon. The luggage is quite durable as it is composed of a polypropylene shell. Although it bears a few nasty scratches on it now (as I've flown to many places in the past few years), I'd shudder at the thought of what a soft sided luggage would look had I used one or how many of such luggage I would still be going through. As it is a hard luggage, it certainly holds its shape, even when my 20 month old decides to climb on it. Hard side luggage is great for those who are concerned about wrinkles on their clothes. Since the luggage retains its shape, provided that the contents are fitted snuggly inside, there should be little shifting of contents in the luggage, and thus, less likely of clothes moving against each other and cause wrinkles. The luggage has a 3 digit combination lock that latches on to the other side of the luggage. The sides of the luggage can also be locked by pushing the lock button. There is a retractable pull strap on one end of the luggage and a retractable pull handle on the other end for those who like to pull their luggage. I find that better handling is achieved with the handle when pulling the luggage as the luggage tends to topple over when I use the pull strap. The luggage is equipped with 2 small, swivel wheels that allows turning for the luggage and 2 larger fixed wheels for smoother rolling. These wheels are great and will roll very smoothly. Almost too smoothly. Many times, the luggage rolls off the conveyor belt or off the luggage holding area on shuttle buses. Well, at least the wheels roll well.

The luggage can lie completely flat when opened, allowing for easy packing. The luggage has the usual elastic garment retaining straps on the top side of the open luggage shell. On one side of the bottom luggage shell there is a small, removable elasticized pocket that can hold small objects such as toiletries, etc.

One con is that the luggage handle is set and not retractable, which can be a bit of a nuisance. Also, as the luggage is made of tough plastic, it will weigh more than the typical soft sided luggage. And, also, since the shape of the luggage is pretty much fixed, you can only fit so much stuff in it, unlike soft sided luggage which can balloon to astronomical sizes. But then, the luggage zippers will suffer from that, guaranteed. Another reason I don't like soft sided luggage.

The luggage I bought had a Tracker Recover tag on it. On the bottom of the luggage is a bar coded sticker. You register your luggage through a toll free number and if your lost or stolen luggage is found, Samsonite will arrange to return it to you quickly and at no charge, anywhere in the world, anytime. Each hard side Epsilon luggage is insured under Samsonite's contents protection plan. Samsonite will pay a maximum amount of $1000.00 for the physical loss or damage to the contents of the luggage due to its failure to protect its contents under normal use and conditions. Of course, you have to read the fine print. Not bad, still.

Samsonite boasts a lifetime guarantee of its luggage for normal wear and tear (not due to airline misuse) so do not be conned into thinking that they will pay for the repair should a wheel fall off. I once made the mistake of not checking my luggage when I left the airport before I discovered that one of the swivel wheels were broken. I decided to go to the nearest Samsonite luggage dealer to have it repaired but found out that it wasn't covered. I took it again to another luggage dealer who repaired it under warranty. So, to avoid any problems, check your luggage before you leave the airport should your luggage be damaged as you will most likely be paying for the repair.

Samsonite also boasts the quality of its products via testing. According to their web site, all "Worldproof" sealed Samsonite products undergo rigorous tests for strength and durability. The luggage undergoes a tumble test much like that of a giant tumble dryer with many objects hitting it as it tumbles for hours. The luggage also undergoes a drop test in which it is dropped over and over again under different climate environments. And lastly, the luggage goes through a wheel test in which the luggage is run through a treadmill with uneven bumps to simulate stairs and other obstacles.

I'm not sure if my luggage went through these tests but it certainly is durable and has lasted quite well so far and I've flown quite numerous times in the past few years. I find that not too many travelers use this luggage maybe because of its price and looks and for me, all the easier for me to spot my luggage on the baggage carousel. I also put stickers on my luggage in case I do encounter someone with a similar luggage (only a few times). If you're looking for a durable, quality, hard side luggage, then the Epsilon is it.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read my review.



Recommended: Yes