A few months ago, I found myself standing in my bedroom, staring at my poor old suitcase. It had seen better days. The zipper barely hung on, scuffs were everywhere, and one of the wheels wobbled like it had survived a war. It was time to retire it. With a wedding in Greece on the horizon, I needed a new suitcase that could handle both the journey and my growing need for something reliable yet stylish.
I spent hours browsing luggage online, debating between function and fashion. Two names kept popping up in reviews and recommendations: Beis and Samsonite. Both had glowing praise, but they couldn’t be more different. Beis felt like the trendy new kid, while Samsonite was the reliable old friend. After too much deliberation and way too many review videos, I decided to try both. Why not put them to the test?
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure.
The Beis Carry-On Roller: For When You Need Style and Space
I ordered the Beis Carry-On Roller in Beige for $166.60 straight from their website. When it arrived, I was immediately impressed. The hard-shell exterior was solid, and the 360° wheels glided effortlessly. The cushioned silicone handle felt surprisingly comfortable and gave it a premium touch.
My first trip with Beis was a weekend getaway to Lagos. I tend to overpack, but the expandable design gave me an extra 2 inches of space, which came in clutch. The built-in weight indicator was another great feature. It turns red if your bag is over the airline limit, saving you from those last-minute panics at check-in.
The inside was just as impressive. Beis is known for its innovative organization and compression system, and I could see why. Clothes fit neatly on both sides, and there were pockets for everything: shoes, dirty laundry, undergarments, and even a small valuables pouch. The interior felt clean and sleek, with a liner made of PVC and polyester that’s easy to wipe down.
By the end of the trip, the suitcase held up well. A few scuffs here and there, but nothing major. It’s also stain-resistant, so it still looked pretty good. The only downside was the weight. At 8.36 lbs, it’s on the heavier side for a carry-on, but the cushioned handle made it manageable. Plus, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which gives me peace of mind.
The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX: Built for Tough Travelers
Next up was my longer trip to Greece. This wasn’t just a flight; it was planes, ferries, and cobblestone streets. I needed something tougher, so I bought the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 20″ Spinner on Amazon for $167.99.
Samsonite gave off a no-nonsense vibe. Its hard-sided polycarbonate shell felt indestructible. The four oversized spinner wheels made it glide effortlessly, even when rolling over Athens’ famous cobblestones. The self-retracting carry handles were another practical touch. They stay flush with the case when not in use, so nothing gets caught on conveyor belts.
Security-wise, the side-mounted TSA locks were reassuring. I didn’t have to worry about anyone tampering with my bag at the airport. It also came with a 10-year limited warranty, a testament to its durability.
However, there’s always a trade-off. The 6.97-pound weight was lighter than Beis, but the overall design felt bulkier. And let’s be honest, it’s not the kind of suitcase that gets you compliments at the airport. Samsonite is about function over form.
The Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature | Beis Carry-On Roller | Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX |
---|---|---|
Price | $166.60 | $167.99 |
Weight | 8.36 lbs | 6.97 lbs |
Dimensions | 22.8″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ | 22.5″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″ |
Material | Polycarbonate with vegan leather trim | Polycarbonate |
Key Features | Expandable, weight indicator, stain-resistant, 360° wheels | TSA locks, oversized spinner wheels, self-retracting handles |
Warranty | Limited lifetime | 10-year limited |
Best For | Stylish trips, organized packing | Long trips, rough handling |
Note: You may see different prices depending on where you purchase your luggage and where you are located. Be sure to check different retailers for the best deals, whether you’re shopping online or in-store.
My Honest Take
Both bags did exactly what they were meant to do, but they’re designed for different kinds of travelers. Beis is perfect if you want something stylish and packed with clever features. It’s great for weekend trips, where you want your luggage to look good and make packing easier.
Samsonite shines on long-haul adventures. It’s built tough, secure, and reliable. If your travel plans involve multiple connections or rough handling, Samsonite gives you peace of mind.
For me, I’m keeping both. Beis is my go-to for short, stylish trips, while Samsonite is my trusted companion for longer adventures. No matter which you choose, both are solid investments for any traveler.