Is Rimowa's polycarbonate suitcase worth the money? An editor's honest review

A glossy polycarbonate suitcase in a terracotta or tomato-red shade uses aerospace-grade material similar to bulletproof glass. The exterior resists visible scratches and scuffs, with only minor handle scuffing after short travel that can be buffed away. Smooth wheels and a telescopic handle make steering easy around an airport. TSA-approved locks and the multiwheel system match features found on aluminum models. A key benefit is an adjustable compression system using a flex divider: a mesh panel connected by Velcro to three straps that can be pulled and secured to tighten packing based on volume. Downsides include less seamless zipping when closing and reduced ease adding small items while upright due to compression.

"Much like their aluminium cases, the polycarbonate Rimowa uses is aerospace-grade, (the same used in bulletproof glass). Following my trip - which was only short but did involve checking luggage on two very busy easyJet flights - there are slight scuffs by the handle which are easily buffed away. Otherwise there are no visible scratches or marks - an impressive feat for such a shiny lightweight case."

"And while the external materials and colour options differ, the polycarbonate range features many of the same features as the aluminium cases - namely the signature RIMOWA Multiwheel® System, the telescopic handle and the TSA-approved locks. Apart from the good looks, the other feature that stands out about this case is the compression system."

"On one side is a fairly standard, fully zipped compartment with a large mesh pocket. On the other is what Rimowa calls a 'Flex divider,' a mesh panel that is connected via velcro to three straps - two down the bottom and one at the top - that can be cleverly pulled and secured tightly, depending on how much you're packing."

"Cons: Closing the case and zipping it up isn't as seamless as other cases. Due to the compression system, it's harder to quickly add something small when it's standing up right."

Read at CN Traveller