The Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage, carry-on suitcase is tailored for those seeking modern conveniences coupled with timeless design. With its Dual Spinner wheels and USB charging capability, it caters to travelers who prioritize functionality without sacrificing style. Moreover, it offers these features at a competitive price point, maintaining Samsonite’s reputation for providing durable and affordable luggage options.
Quick facts
Pros
- Embark on worry-free journeys with a convenient liquids compartment, ensuring your belongings stay dry amidst the chaos of travel mishaps.
- Discover seamless connectivity with our recessed USB charging port, discreetly tucked away yet readily available whenever the need arises.
- Rely on a reputable brand backed by a solid warranty, providing you with peace of mind throughout your travels.
- Experience effortless navigation with four dual spinner wheels, offering unparalleled agility and a balanced blend of sturdiness and mobility.
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Water-resistant coating
- Height-adjustable wheel handle
Cons
- Ensure your peace of mind with our luggage, though please note the absence of an integrated TSA lock. For those with valuable belongings, separate locks may be necessary, considering alternative options for enhanced security.
- Regrettably, our luggage does not include a dedicated laptop compartment. Should your laptop exceed personal item dimensions, our Solyte underseat companion bag offers a compatible solution, albeit at an additional cost.
- While our classic color selection of Blue, Black, and Grey exudes timeless elegance, it’s important to acknowledge the familiarity they bring. Your luggage might blend in with the masses at baggage claim, prompting consideration for distinctive alternatives.
Specs
- Weight 6.97 pounds.
- Capacity 7.1 Pounds
- Material The Solyte DLX is a soft-sided suitcase made from polyester
- Smart Fix Buckles keep tie-down straps out of the way when packing
- Dimensions 9.5 x 14 x 22 inches
- Warranty 10 Year
Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Summary
Its commendable maneuverability, coupled with an adjustable handle and convenient wet compartment, contribute to its appeal. While the inclusion of integrated TSA locks would have been appreciated at this price point, the absence thereof doesn’t detract significantly from its overall value proposition. We confidently recommend this bag, considering its alignment with most of our criteria, backed by the reputable Samsonite brand and its reliable warranty.
Full Review – Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
1. Dimensions & Weight
The Samsonite Solyte DLX 20-inch Carry-On boasts dimensions of 22.0″ x 14.0″ x 9.5″, inclusive of its spinner wheels, which protrude slightly. While this aligns well with most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions, it does exceed some guidelines by half an inch to an inch in certain instances. Fortunately, enforcement of carry-on regulations is typically lenient within the US, with potential issues arising primarily on stricter European airlines. Opting for a bag that adheres strictly to all airline requirements may result in sacrificing packing space for a smaller overall size.
Exclusively considering interior packing capacity, excluding wheels, handles, and exterior pockets, the usable space measures at 19.0″ x 13.5″ x 7.75”.
With an empty weight of 7.1 lbs, the bag falls just below the average weight for luggage in its size class. However, if you choose to utilize the external USB charging feature with your own power bank, the weight will increase to approximately 8 lbs.
2. Materials & Water-Resistance
The Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels is crafted from polyester, touted by Samsonite’s marketing team as “100% rugged polyester.” While it offers weather treatment for reasonable water resistance, it falls short of the waterproofing provided by hard plastic composite shells.
As a soft-sided suitcase, it affords some flexibility for overpacking or less meticulous folding of clothes, particularly for the return journey. Officially rated by Samsonite, its expansion capabilities extend to three-quarters of an inch.
While not impervious to water or tears, this suitcase should suffice for all but the most extreme travelers. If your travels take you to regions prone to severe weather, such as the Philippines during typhoon season, opting for a hard shell suitcase may be advisable. However, for most travelers, the Solyte DLX offers ample durability for journeys from curb to cabin and beyond.
3. Samsonite Solyte DLX USB-A Charging Port
The Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage features a built-in USB port, eliminating the need to roam the terminal in search of a charging point. Conveniently located on the side of the case, the USB-A port is perfect for charging your cell phone or Kindle.
To use, simply insert your own power bank into the side pocket and connect it to the included cable that runs to the USB-A port. However, please note that you’ll still need your own charging cable to connect your device to the USB-A port.
4. Stack It Sleeve Feature in Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Traveling with multiple pieces of luggage can present its challenges, which is why the sleeve on the back of the carry-on suitcase is a welcome feature. It enables you to stack the carry-on atop a larger suitcase, simplifying the process of managing multiple bags.
Positioned at the back, the sleeve snugly fits over the retractable handle of the larger Solyte DLX suitcases. It should also accommodate handles of other suitcases, provided they adhere to the standard double-barrel wheel handle design.
5. Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Luggage Size and Compartments
Measuring 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches, including its handles and wheels, this case nearly meets the size requirements for most U.S. airlines’ domestic and international flights.
At 6.5 pounds, the Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage carry on with Spinner Wheels is slightly heavier than average for soft-sided luggage. However, its thick and durable material justifies the extra weight.
The carry-on version of this case boasts three exterior pockets for optimal organization, while the checked versions feature two pockets. These spacious exterior pockets are perfect for quick access to travel essentials such as documents, passports, or tech gadgets. They are among the largest exterior pockets available on a carry-on. While the bottom pocket can accommodate a tablet or small laptop, it’s important to note that it lacks padding.
For those instances when you find yourself with extra souvenirs from your vacation, there’s a separate zipper that expands the case by 0.75 inches for additional packing space. However, this expansion only affects the top half of the bag, potentially making it top-heavy when fully packed. To mitigate this, we recommend packing heavier items at the bottom of the case to prevent tipping.
Inside the case, you’ll find a spacious main compartment accessible via a top-opening lid. While this traditional design offers convenience, it may require more rummaging to access items at the bottom.
The interior lining of the main compartment is of decent quality, although it lacks a luxurious feel and cannot be unzipped for washing.
Compression straps are included to secure your clothes in place, with smart link buckles for easy clipping. The addition of these buckles is appreciated, as they streamline the packing process.
Within the main compartment, you’ll find a zippered pocket for smaller items, along with two handy pockets in the lid. One pocket serves as a WetPak pocket for storing toiletries or damp clothing, while the other is a mesh pocket that facilitates easy identification of its contents.
6. Movability (Spinner Wheels)
The Samsonite Solyte DLX luggage line features double spinner wheels that offer a smooth rolling experience and easy maneuverability, aided in part by the height-adjustable wheel handle.
These 360-degree wheels allow you to effortlessly wheel the suitcase in any direction without the need to tilt it. You can choose to wheel it alongside you or even in front of you, depending on your preference.
The wheels are robust and should remain durable for a long time, barring any mishandling by baggage handlers. While they perform best on smooth airport floors, they are also sturdy enough to handle rougher surfaces like bumpy concrete and other outdoor terrains.
7. Lock and Zips system in Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
While the case lacks a built-in TSA lock, the main compartment features detachable zippers, allowing you to affix your luggage lock. Despite its compact size, the zippers boast considerable thickness, yet glide smoothly and instill a sense of sturdiness and reliability.
8. Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage Durability
One of the primary concerns for any traveler when purchasing new luggage is its durability. Whether you travel occasionally or frequently, you want assurance that your bag will withstand the journey.
Wheels, handles, zippers, and cloth corners are among the most common points of failure, in that order. After examining user reviews extensively, we found no alarming issues in any of these areas. Our hands-on experience with the handle was positive—it feels comfortable and sturdy, featuring a reliable push-button locking mechanism. However, it’s worth noting that the handle is not cushioned.
While you have more control over how your carry-on luggage is handled, even then, zippers can fail and wheels can break. With a reputable brand like Samsonite, you can trust that the design has undergone thorough testing and that you’re receiving a product that has met stringent quality control standards.
9. Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage Handles
Transporting this case becomes a breeze with its three external handles tailored for aircraft overhead bins. Positioned atop and along the side, standard carrying handles offer sturdy grips, while a convenient handle on the bottom aids in horizontal lifting.
The top and side handles exude durability and seamlessly retract when not in use, ensuring a sleek profile.
For effortless mobility, the rolling feature allows you to effortlessly tow the case with its telescopic handle. Customize the handle’s length to three settings, accommodating your stature.
However, the telescopic handle disappoints. Its texture lacks both softness and firmness, frequently catching when extended or retracted. On a brighter note, the binocular handle boasts a remarkably comfortable grip.
Some other Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside luggage, which can be the best option to buy
Within the Samsonite Solyte DLX range, you’ll find medium and large checked suitcases, perfect for extended trips or frequent travel.
Across all models in the collection, you can expect consistent internal organization features, including clip-on compression straps and wetpack pockets. Notably, only the handheld variant boasts an external USB-A charging port for added convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels stands out as a superior travel companion, offering a perfect blend of durability, functionality, and style. Its innovative design features, such as the expandable capacity and smooth spinner wheels, cater to the diverse needs of modern travelers. With its durable construction, ample storage space, and thoughtful organization, this luggage ensures hassle-free travel experiences, whether for short trips or extended journeys. Moreover, the attention to detail and high-quality materials used in its construction guarantee long-lasting performance and reliability. Overall, the Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage is a testament to Samsonite’s commitment to crafting premium travel solutions that exceed expectations and enhance the journey for every traveler.
