All about plastic suitcases
It is difficult to imagine a short or long trip without a suitcase. Comfort on the way to the destination depends on the quality of the travel accessory. But finding a top-notch product is no easy task. There is an extensive range of suitcase models on the modern market. For a successful voyage, it is important to make the right choice. Basically, the choice has to be made among fabric and plastic options. The latter are considered very reliable, optimally combining all the qualities necessary for luggage.
Peculiarities
Buying a plastic suitcase will have a positive impact on your travel experience. Provided that you buy not spontaneously, but deliberately. Do not immediately grab an inexpensive model from a market or store counter. It is important to compare all the advantages and disadvantages, to think whether such a product can fully meet the expectations placed on it.
If rare or short trips are expected, and even in your own car or in a train compartment, an inexpensive plastic suitcase may be an acceptable option. But for frequent voyages, especially when flying by plane, you need to select a durable and functional product on 4 wheels. An expensive and high-quality bag will not let you down under any circumstances.
The plastic suitcase has excellent shock-absorbing qualities, ensuring easy and safe transportation of even fragile and glass goods. The outfits, placed inside, hardly wrinkle, so you can carry ironed clothes with you and keep a well-groomed look everywhere.
The weaknesses of plastic accessories include the following:
- the standard rectangular shape remains unchanged - there is no way to stretch the material to increase the volume;
- in case of negligence or accidental fall during unloading and loading activities, cracks or deformation of the frame are likely.
Comparison with other materials
Standard plastic refers to the use of polycarbonate. The worldwide popularity of the material was facilitated by its impact resistance, reliability and affordable price. A definite disadvantage is the lack of lining and the ability to stretch.
Recently, there has been an active demand among tourists for luggage items made of polypropylene with titanium chips. They are characterized by greater weight and long service life. Also in use is an innovative ABS material with polycarbonate. Composite raw materials endow accessories with durability, resistance to various factors of influence. The main difference between polycarbonate and polypropylene trunks can be traced in the cost of suppliers from manufacturing plants.
The development of technology does not stop there, and the companies offer travel accessories from more modern materials. An example of this is the innovative development Curv from the Belgian manufacturer. Plastic fibers, intertwined in a special way, contribute to the highest strength among analogues. They are distinguished by lightness, stylish design and ease of internal organization.
If we compare plastic and fabric as a material for the frame of suitcases, then fabric models are in many ways inferior. Fabric models are gradually fading into the background, although they are still in demand. A cloth bag is of little use for a long journey, it is more difficult to take care of it, and any precipitation can ruin the shell and luggage. The fabric fades, fades and is not highly durable. It is better not to carry anything fragile in such a suitcase.
Polypropylene trunks are much preferred as luggage. They are reliable, sturdy and waterproof. Their advantages over textile options are obvious:
- easy maintenance - the plastic case can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or soft cloth with a mild detergent;
- the hard case fully protects things from damage;
- due to its low weight and a comfortable body on the handle, you can rationally load the hand;
- variations of colors and prints are simply created in order to make the tourist fashionable and noticeable.
Experienced travelers prefer to glue stickers depicting cities and countries visited on the outside of a suitcase. This design gives the bag a personal touch and is easy to spot on the luggage strap.
The following facts play against buying a plastic bag:
- the weight of the frame is greater than the fabric analogue;
- quite high cost;
- the material is not natural, which means it is not environmentally friendly;
- the likelihood of defects appearing on the case even when using high quality raw materials.
Dimensions (edit)
In addition to the fact that you need to decide on the material, you have to choose the optimal dimensions. Oversized suitcases are suitable for a family trip, while small cases are optimal for children's things. International classification divides suitcases according to volume.
- S is a compact suitcase, a kind of carry-on baggage allowed on board the aircraft. Differs in dimensions 55 * 36 * 22 cm, which corresponds to a capacity of up to 45 liters. Ideal for children or short-term trips.
- M - a convenient modification of a bag with a volume of up to 70 liters, with dimensions of 64 * 42 * 26 cm. Popular among tourists traveling to hot countries.
- L - luggage option of impressive dimensions - 73 * 45 * 31 cm with a volume of up to 100 liters.
Experienced travelers are advised to have all three options for luggage in everyday life. They are conveniently stored, folded into each other like a "nesting doll".
Design
In the production of plastic, it is easy to give a certain color, shade and apply an original print on it. Models with photo printing are also popular. The design can be matched to any age group. Turquoise and pink colors are especially popular among the female category of buyers. And yellow is a favorite among the preferred colors. It looks versatile and suits many, enhancing the travel experience.
In addition to color, plastic cases differ in texture. The suitcase fits comfortably on the rotating wheels fixed from the bottom (1 or 2 pairs). For transportation, a telescopic handle with an ergonomic handle is extended.
How to choose?
Expert advice must be taken into account when choosing a premium travel accessory. And after that, it is already determined by the price and looking after the design to your taste.
The most basic parameters:
- material properties;
- suitable size;
- configuration;
- reliability level;
- quality of fittings;
- useful items.
General recommendations.
- The luggage case must be optimally suited in size, according to its purpose.
- It is preferable to choose a model with two pairs of casters. Such a suitcase is more maneuverable and lighter than a two-wheeled analogue.
- The original design will make the thing more noticeable, which is important when receiving luggage.
- It is more practical to choose a complete set with a cover for garments.
- Zippers should be preferred. Things will be protected more reliably from moisture.
- For a couple, it is better to purchase two separate suitcases instead of one common one.
- For shoppers, the model with the maximum volume will come in handy.
- Don't be stingy. A quality travel accessory will last for decades. Such a thing cannot be cheap.
Operation and repair tips
The frame of the suitcase made of impact-resistant material copes very well with the loads, but it is still necessary to take certain actions to keep it safe.
- The overriding rule is that overloading is not allowed.
- The zipper of a filled suitcase should be fastened effortlessly. Under load and pressure, there is a possibility that it will disperse.
- It is also undesirable to underload the bag.
- When passing flights of stairs and other obstacles, the suitcase must be carried by the additional side handle. Pulling it behind you for the retractable is unacceptable.
- The telescopic handle should be extended and folded in an upright position without jerking. The button on the handle body is preliminarily clamped to the stop. It is important that the handle locks into place.
- It is advisable not to carry a suitcase on off-road, very dusty and dirty areas. Dirt can be trapped in the grease and the wheels will not turn well. We'll have to clean them without removing them from the body, and drip some liquid grease under the wheel arch.
- The suitcase cannot be used as a seat. It doesn't matter if it is empty or loaded. This could damage the body or wheels.
- You don't have to throw your suitcase and let others do it. And if it is impossible to control the handling of it, as at the airport, then it is better to use a protective cover or several layers of film. This will soften shocks and protect the case from dirt and damage.
If, nevertheless, a crack appears, this is not a reason to be very upset and look for a new bag. You can try fixing your favorite travel buddy. For repair work, you will need epoxy resin or "liquid" glass. Such formulations freeze in a matter of minutes, so the process does not tolerate delays.
If the plastic breaks, it is recommended to collect all the fragments. In a specialized service center, this will greatly facilitate the task of repairmen and reduce the cost of work.
If the crack is sealed with a "second" glue, you need to choose the one that is suitable for plastic products. The glue is applied to the patch. It must be pressed until the composition hardens with a solid metal object.This will ensure tight contact of the fabric with the surface of the suitcase.
Adequate handling of the plastic suitcase and timely repairs will prolong its service for a long time. And it will faithfully accompany its owner on exciting travels around the world.
Repairing suitcases will be much easier if you watch the video below.