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Original poster

That 4 wheel spinner suitcases aren't very good?

17 replies

gentlesea · 23/08/2023 11:00

I have one and unless it's on a completely smooth surface ie the airport, it doesn't glide on 4 wheels. If it's on a pavement etc I have to drag it along on 2 wheels. But I see other people with spinners using it on 4 wheels on pavements - do I just have a rubbish one?

I need to buy a new cabin suitcase. Just wondering if I should try a different make of 4 wheel suitcase or just get a 2 wheel one (which is likely to be lighter too).

OP posts:
DupontsYellowDressingGown · 23/08/2023 11:04

I have both Brics and Samsonite and both move really freely, I'd not be going back to a 2 wheeled one. How are you packing it? Heavier stuff at the bottom makes it easier.

KimberleyClark · 23/08/2023 11:08

I much prefer my four wheeler to my old two wheeler.

Fluffypuppy1 · 23/08/2023 11:08

We all bought carry-on suitcases from Briggs & Riley a couple of years ago and they’re brilliant. DC and I have the Wide Mouth Cabin Spinner, and DH has a larger one, they’ve been on 7 holidays and we’ve never had any problems with the wheels. They’re fairly expensive, but come with a lifetime guarantee for repairs.

ElfDragon · 23/08/2023 11:12

I’ve got cheapo Primark 4 wheel suitcases. They work fantastically, both at the airport/on smooth indoor surfaces and on pavements/outdoor tarmac/paved surfaces. I struggled on more textured surfaces, but would with a 2 wheel as well.

my 10 year old manages it fine too (main reason for buying)

YetAnotherSpartacus · 23/08/2023 11:13

Fucking hate them and wish you could still easily get two-wheelers.

ManateeFair · 23/08/2023 11:14

It depends a bit on the type of surface (and maybe to an extent what's the most comfortable way for you to hold the handle while you're walking I think) but I really like mine, it's mostly brilliant. I wheeled it a mile and a half on Saturday with no bother! And as all four-wheelers function as two-wheelers as well anyway, you lose nothing by having a four-wheeler really.

Sameold23 · 23/08/2023 11:15

Game changer.

DupontsYellowDressingGown · 23/08/2023 11:16

Good point about the handle, I don't have it fully extended, I drop it down a little and it makes it easier to pull when full

bellinisurge · 23/08/2023 11:17

You have to make sure whatever you get matches the airline you most regularly fly on. I know that sounds like a no brainer but, for example, KLM only allows a smaller bag than the one allowed on, say, Ryanair priority.

Same with personal item bags.

Make sure you check that out before you buy.

I'm making a habit now of flying hand luggage only - no particularly fancy recommendations, sorry - so I have to make sure on size because I don't want to pay for checked luggage.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 23/08/2023 11:33

You have to make sure whatever you get matches the airline you most regularly fly on. I know that sounds like a no brainer but, for example, KLM only allows a smaller bag than the one allowed on, say, Ryanair priority.

Don't be one of those people cramming their 4-wheelers on the overhead luggage rack sideways and taking up all the room because they can't fit tn in lengthways with the wheels.

wyrm0 · 23/08/2023 11:36

I can't understand why you can't just use it as a 2 wheeled one. I switch between pushing and dragging when I use my 4 wheeled one

CrazyFrogDingDing · 23/08/2023 11:39

wyrm0 · 23/08/2023 11:36

I can't understand why you can't just use it as a 2 wheeled one. I switch between pushing and dragging when I use my 4 wheeled one

I was just going to say the same.
You can tilt it as you would a two wheeler to pull along the same as you would a two wheeler.
I love my quad wheeled suitcases,I've never had a problem with them whatever the terrain.

BBno4 · 23/08/2023 11:46

Why can't you tilt it

greenacrylicpaint · 23/08/2023 12:06

most wheely suitcases say in the description that they are to be used on smooth surfaces only (as if).

dunno, maybe there is a quality difference between cheap and expensive ones.

Lavendersquare · 23/08/2023 15:25

After having mediocre suitcases we splurged on Samsonite ones and it's a game changer. You definitely get what you pay for and the wheels work perfectly regardless of surface.

Spottypineapple · 23/08/2023 16:37

You can just pull it as if it's a two wheeler when you need to. That's the point.

I splashed out on an Antler one almost ten years ago now when I got my graduate job and would be travelling a bit. It's still going strong and I absolutely love it. I didn't realize one could become emotionally attached to a suitcase 😂

Original poster
gentlesea · 25/08/2023 18:12

Is sounds like I might just have a naff one then if everyone else is managing to roll it along pavements with 4 wheels?

And to PPs I can and do tilt it to use as a 2 wheeler but was hoping I wouldn't have to do that the majority of the time!

OP posts:
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