When it comes to luggage, Delsey and Ricardo are two of the biggest names out there. As frequent travelers ourselves, we know that choosing the right suitcase is incredibly important.
Your luggage has to be durable enough to withstand being thrown around by airport baggage handlers, but not so heavy that it’s a chore to wheel around. At the same time, you want a stylish suitcase that looks slick and represents your sense of fashion.
So, how do Delsey and Ricardo luggage compare? We’ve tested bags from both brands extensively over the years. Below, we break down the key differences between Delsey and Ricardo when it comes to price, durability, design, and more.
Read on to find out which luggage brand is better for your needs!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Delsey | Ricardo |
| Durability | Durable polycarbonate material but can scratch | Feather Shield thermoplastic resists scuffs well |
| Design | Classic French styling with luxury accents | Contemporary and minimalist |
| Weight | Light hardsides thanks to polycarbonate | Very light softsides with Feather Shield |
| Price | $50 – $600 usually less than Ricardo equivalents | $100 – $550 competes at higher price points |
| Warranty | 10 years on defects | 10 years on materials and workmanship |
| Bottom Line | Great value across price spectrum, best under $300 | Excellent premium choice for maximum lifetime durability |
Durability Comparison of Delsey And Ricardo Luggage
Durability is one of the most important factors when selecting luggage.
Your suitcase goes through a lot during travel – bumpy roads, careless baggage handlers, spills, scrapes, and more.
It needs to be constructed from materials tough enough to withstand the journey unscathed.
Both Delsey and Ricardo build their bags to be durable, but they achieve this through different material technologies.
Delsey uses polycarbonate on most of its hardside luggage. Polycarbonate is an extremely resilient plastic material.
It flexes and bends rather than cracking or fracturing when put under stress.
So even if your Delsey bag gets roughed up along the way, it will bounce back rather than shattering.
The tradeoff is that polycarbonate can scratch and scuff more easily compared to other materials.
Ricardo has developed its own proprietary thermoplastic composite called Feather ShieldTM. Thermoplastics like Feather Shield are highly flexible and resistant to fractures, much like polycarbonate.
But Feather Shield is also designed to be more scuff and abrasion resistant. So Ricardo bags may better maintain their pristine outward appearance after travel.
For softside luggage, both brands rely on ballistic nylon fabric reinforced with durability panels at wear points like edges and corners. Both do this well, but Ricardo adds innovative features like crash-proof bumpers and stretch guards to further enhance durability.
On balance, Ricardo bags edge out Delsey when it comes to durability thanks to innovative materials like Feather Shield. But keep in mind polycarbonate also has advantages like flexibility and lightness.
Design And Style Comparison
Frequent travelers know that luggage is more than just a functional item – it’s also a fashion statement. You want to look stylish and put together when arriving at your destination. So aesthetics are an important factor to consider when comparing Delsey vs. Ricardo.
Delsey is known for French styling with lots of classy accents and premium details.
Many collections feature glossy hardside exteriors with horizontal striping or contrasting color schemes.
The polycarbonate material provides a sleek, modern look. Interior lining patterns and leather trim add luxury touches.
Ricardo bags emphasize a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Exteriors tend to have understated, angular contours rather than flashy colors and patterns.
The focus is more on showcasing innovative materials like Feather Shield through glistening finishes. Interiors offer organization but less decoration compared to Delsey.
Which brand has better design comes down to personal preference. Delsey likely appeals more to travelers who want classic French styling. Bags like the Delsey Montmartre have an elegant, vintage vibe.
Ricardo is better suited to those favoring a contemporary, minimalist look. Their bags make statements through futuristic materials and utilitarian shapes rather than eye-catching colors.
Also Read: Differences Between LEVEL8 And Away Luggage.
Variation of Weight
Carrying your luggage long distances can quickly get tiring. The heavier your bag, the more body strain you’ll experience. This is especially true for travelers who like to move quickly without waiting on baggage carts and skycaps.
So minimizing weight is an important consideration when choosing luggage. In general, both Delsey and Ricardo emphasize using lightweight yet durable materials in their bag construction. However, there are some differences:
- Delsey’s polycarbonate hardside cases tend to be lighter overall compared to Ricardo’s thermoplastic Feather Shield material. Polycarbonate has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Ricardo softside bags made from ballistic nylon and Feather Shield often weigh slightly less than comparable Delsey nylon models. The Feather Shield bumpers likely contribute to weight savings.
- Both brands have several ultra-light luggage lines that cater to weight-conscious travelers. These collections utilize lightweight plastic composites, aluminum framing, and minimum hardware.
- For larger bags and sets, Ricardo tends to have a weight advantage over Delsey. Feather Shield allows for bigger bags without as much heft.
So if having the lightest bag possible is most important for your travels, Delsey polycarbonate hardsides get the edge. But for larger capacity softsides or sets, Ricardo comes out ahead thanks to Feather Shield.
Price and Value Comparison of Delsey And Ricardo Luggage
Of course, price often factors heavily into any purchase decision. Let’s see how Delsey and Ricardo stack up cost-wise:
- Delsey luggage ranges from $50 – $600 depending on the line. Their premium Delsey Chatelet and Delsey Helium Aero collections run $300 – $600. More budget-friendly polyester lines like Delsey Montmartre start around $100 – $200.
- Ricardo bags cost $100 – $550. Top-end Ricardo Beverly Hills Mar Vista sets go for $400 – $550. Their midrange Atlantic line runs $150 – $250. Entry level bags start around $100.
- Delsey prices are generally more affordable in the budget and mid-tier categories (under $300). But at the highest tier, Ricardo competes well while offering more innovative materials and features.
- With either brand, you typically get what you pay for in terms of quality, features, and design. But Delsey tends to edge out Ricardo in value at lower price points.
That said, both brands frequently discount prices and offer sales. So bargain hunters can sometimes find Ricardo bags at comparable or lower prices than Delsey. Signing up for email alerts can help spot deals.
Comparison of Warranty and Support
Luggage warranties provide peace of mind in case you get a defective product or experience early failure. Let’s compare what Delsey and Ricardo offer:
- Delsey provides a 10-year limited warranty on most of its luggage. This covers defects and malfunctions like broken zippers or wheels falling off.
- Ricardo also offers a 10-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. They outline specific coverage terms for defects versus normal wear and tear.
- Both brands require you to cover shipping costs when submitting a warranty claim. But each promises quick turnarounds with repairs or replacements within weeks.
- Delsey and Ricardo also provide helpful online support via email, phone, and live chat. Their websites have instructional videos and support articles too.
For warranty coverage and customer service, Delsey and Ricardo are pretty evenly matched. Ten years of coverage is great for peace of mind with either brand. Their responsive support teams help travelers handle any issues.
Also Read: Comparison of Travelpro Crew And Maxlite Luggage.
An Overview of Delsey
Delsey is a French company that has been manufacturing luggage since 1946.
They aim to combine French styling with innovative design. Delsey bags come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and colors.
They’re known for their use of polycarbonate in luggage construction.
Polycarbonate is a durable plastic material that is both lightweight and flexible.
Delsey luggage features self-repairing zippers, which is a big plus.
The zippers have a system that allows them to realign and rejoin any teeth that become disconnected. This helps prevent breaks and malfunctions.
Many Delsey suitcases have expandable compartments with zippered gussets. This provides some flexibility if you need extra packing space. The interiors usually feature multiple pockets and pouches to help keep you organized.
Some popular and well-rated Delsey collections include:
- Delsey Paris Chatelet: Delsey’s hardside line made from polycarbonate with leather accents. Known for its durability and stylish look.
- Delsey Paris Helium Aero: A lightweight hardside line made from 100% polycarbonate. Features a recessed TSA-approved lock.
- Delsey Paris Montmartre: A softside luggage line constructed of durable polyester with reinforced wear points. Has lots of interior organization.
An Overview of Ricardo
Ricardo is an American luggage manufacturer known for high quality and innovative materials.
They’ve been in business for over 60 years. Many Ricardo suitcases feature new materials like polyester resin and thermoplastics.
Ricardo’s bags emphasize durability and security. Most collections have TSA-approved locks integrated into the zippers.
This allows TSA agents to open and inspect your bag using special tools, then re-lock it.
Some stand out features of Ricardo luggage include:
- Feather ShieldTM: Ricardo’s proprietary feather shield material made from durable and flexible thermoplastic. Resists scuffs, abrasion, and punctures.
- Stress Guard Telescoping Handles: Ricardo’s handles feature an internal stiffening system that prevents loosening, rattling, and breakdowns.
- Titan SealTM Zippers: Ricardo’s special zippers form an extra tight seal to prevent contents from shifting and moisture from seeping in.
Some of Ricardo’s most popular collections include:
- Ricardo Beverly Hills Mar Vista: A hardside line made from feather shield thermoplastic material. Features spinner wheels and integrated TSA locks.
- Ricardo New Yorker: A softside collection constructed from high-density ballistic nylon. Has leather top and side carry handles.
- Ricardo Atlantic: A lightweight, budget-friendly line made from durable polyester fabric. Suited for occasional travelers.
Which Luggage To Pick?
So if you’re trying to decide between Delsey vs. Ricardo luggage, which comes out on top in our book?
For most travelers, we think Delsey bags provide better overall value and well-rounded performance. Especially in the budget and mid-tier price categories, you get durable construction, attractive styling, and lightweight materials at affordable prices with Delsey. The 10-year warranty is just icing on the cake.
However, frequent fliers who want maximum durability may benefit from splurging on Ricardo’s high-end lines like the Mar Vista or New Yorker. The Feather Shield material resists scuffs and abrasion better for long-term use. And the integrated TSA locks provide an added security layer.
We suggest taking a look at specific collections and features to choose what’s right for your travel needs and preferences. But in most cases, our money is on Delsey!
Also Read: How DELSEY And TUMI Luggage Stack Up?
Frequently Asked Questions About Delsey and Ricardo Luggage
Yes, Ricardo is considered a very good luggage brand, known for making high-quality suitcases with innovative features. Many frequent travelers rely on Ricardo thanks to durability innovations like the Feather Shield material. Their bags also have integrated TSA locks and other useful design elements. Overall, Ricardo is a good brand for those willing to pay more for maximum resilience.
Delsey is an excellent luggage brand, especially in the mid-priced category. Travelers on a budget appreciate Delsey’s mix of durability, style, and affordability. Delsey uses lightweight polycarbonate on many hardsides, and durable ballistic nylon on softsides. Their bags feature thoughtful organization systems and luxurious design accents. For shoppers looking for value, Delsey is a great brand choice.
For maximum durability, most travelers rate Ricardo luggage as the most resilient. Ricardo’s Feather Shield thermoplastic fabric resists scuffs, punctures, and abrasion better than most other suitcase shell materials. And Ricardo adds bumpers, stretch guards, and other protective features. However, Delsey’s polycarbonate hardsides are also extremely durable – just more prone to surface scratches. So both Ricardo and Delsey deliver excellent durability through different material technologies.
While not as expensive as some ultra-luxury brands like Rimowa or Tumi, Delsey Paris is generally considered a luxury-style luggage brand. Many of their suitcase lines use high-end materials like genuine leather and 100% Makrolon polycarbonate. Delsey’s designs incorporate premium details like faux-wood accents, satiny lining, and chrome hardware. And the quality meets luxury standards, including 10-year warranties. So Delsey can be classified as an attainable luxury brand, though not quite top-tier.
Wrapping Up
We hope this comprehensive comparison of Delsey and Ricardo luggage helps make your buying decision easier. Both brands make high-performing suitcases, but Delsey often provides better overall value while Ricardo excels at maximum durability.
Think about your budget, travel habits, and style preferences. And remember to take advantage of sales and deals. With the right luggage, you’ll be jet-setting in comfort and fashion. Safe travels!
