When it comes to buying new luggage, Olympia and Samsonite are two of the most well-known and popular luggage brands on the market. But which one should you choose – Olympia or Samsonite?
Both brands have a long history of making high-quality and durable luggage built to last. However, there are some key differences between the two brands that are worth considering before making your purchase.
| Feature | Olympia | Samsonite |
| Durability | Very durable with high-quality materials and construction | Known for extremely durable luggage that can withstand rough handling |
| Weight | Lightweight while maintaining durability | Focus more on durability than lightness |
| Warranty | 10 year limited warranty | 10 year limited warranty |
| Price | Mid-range pricing, good value | Slightly higher prices than Olympia |
| Style Options | Wide range of colors and prints available | Mostly classic colors and styles |
| Security Features | TSA approved locks on most luggage | Similar TSA approved locks available |
| Interior Organization | Lots of pockets and compartments | Very organized interiors |
| Spinner Wheels | Smooth spinner wheels on most luggage | Similar spinner wheels |
| Carry Options | Retractable handles, top and side haul handles | Similar handles and straps |
| Sizes Available | Full range from carry-on to large check sizes | Very comprehensive size range |
Olympia Luggage Overview
Olympia luggage has been around since 1946 when it began as a small artisan leather workshop in Italy. Over the decades, the company has grown into a globally recognized brand known for its lightweight, molded polycarbonate suitcases with bright colors and prints.
Olympia emphasizes advanced technology in its luggage while keeping prices relatively affordable compared to other premium brands. Most Olympia luggage features four multi-directional spinner wheels, TSA-approved combination locks, and interiors with multiple organizational compartments and accessory pockets.
The molded polycarbonate shell makes Olympia luggage extremely durable yet lightweight. It also allows for fun and stylish prints ranging from simple patterns to vibrant colors. Olympia frequently upgrades their luggage with the latest features for easy and worry-free travel.
Some of the key pros of Olympia luggage include:
- Durable yet lightweight molded polycarbonate shell: Provides both strength and lightness.
- Wide range of colors and prints: Lots of stylish options from basic colors to unique prints. Makes luggage easy to spot on carousels.
- Smooth and silent spinner wheels: Eight wheel spinners roll effortlessly in any direction.
- Lots of interior organizational features: Multiple pockets, straps, dividers, and compartments keep items secured and easy to find.
- Affordable pricing for a premium brand: Prices are mid-range given the quality and features. Good value for money.
Potential downsides of Olympia luggage to keep in mind include:
- Lack of variety in exterior styles: Most suitcases use a similar polycarbonate molded design, with limited options for different materials or styling.
- Wheels and handles may be less durable than pricier brands: Reports of damage after very heavy use.
- Lighter protection than ultradurable hard-shell brands: The lightweight shell trades off some durability and weather resistance compared to aluminum or thicker polycarbonate luggage.
Overall, Olympia offers a really nice balance of features, quality, and price in its luggage. Frequent and casual travelers alike will appreciate Olympia’s blend of durability, maneuverability, and thoughtful organization.
Also Read: Differences Between Samsonite And Ricardo Luggage.
Samsonite Luggage Overview
Founded in 1910, Samsonite is one of the most established and trusted luggage brands worldwide. Samsonite pioneered the use of innovative materials like polypropylene in luggage construction and is known for its extremely durable and resilient suitcases.
Samsonite luggage spans a wide spectrum from budget-friendly essentials to luxury designer collections. However, even their lower-priced models are built to last thanks to the company’s rigorous testing procedures.
Most Samsonite luggage also shares core features like TSA locks, 10-year limited warranties, organizer compartments, and smooth rolling wheels or spinners.
Here are some of the main advantages Samsonite luggage provides:
- Extreme durability from cutting edge materials: Samsonite invented innovative materials like Curv and polypropylene in luggage. These shells resist cracking and absorb heavy impacts.
- Rigorous stress testing during design: All Samsonite luggage undergoes strict procedures like tumbling, drop tests, and handle pressure tests to ensure optimal resilience.
- TSA approved combination locks on most suitcases: Deter theft and secure belongings with TSA compliant locks built into Samsonite luggage.
- 10 year limited warranty included: Samsonite even stands behind less expensive models with reassuring 10 year limited warranties in case issues emerge.
- Thoughtfully designed interior organization: Well-placed pockets, straps, and compartments keep items neatly stored during travel.
Potential cons of Samsonite luggage include:
- Higher pricing than less premium competitors: The durability, warranty, and brand reputation come at a price – Samsonite bags usually cost more than less known brands.
- Heavy construction compared to equally sized cases: The extremely protective materials add weight, which could lead to fees for checked baggage or strain during transport.
- Limited style and color options for some series: Certain collections like the Curv only come in basic colors with a uniform look.
Also Read: Comparison of Arlo Skye And Monos Luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Olympia is generally considered an excellent luggage brand. Constructed from durable yet lightweight molded polycarbonate, Olympia luggage is built to endure frequent travel. It is particularly appreciated for reasonably priced, stylish, and well-designed suitcases with useful organizational features. While perhaps not as iconic as market leader Samsonite, Olympia has earned its reputation for quality, function, and value.
Of mainstream brands, Samsonite is regarded as one of the most durable and resilient luggage options. Thanks to innovative materials like Curv, which is a high-impact thermoplastic composite, Samsonite bags can tolerate far more abuse than typical suitcases. Extensive stress testing using extreme procedures also ensures all Samsonite luggage meets the company’s strict durability standards before release. Briggs & Riley and Rimowa also have excellent reputations for hard-wearing suitcases engineered to thrive under travel conditions that would quickly cause cheaper brands to fail. Ultimately though, Samsonite remains the popular choice demanding users can count on to last trip after trip.
With over 100 years perfecting luggage construction and rigorous durability testing regimens for all of its bags, Samsonite continues to be viewed as the pinnacle for resilient, long-lasting suitcases. While brands like Briggs & Riley and Rimowa give Samsonite a run as elite luggage makers, none of these companies rest on their laurels. They continue innovating with new materials and design features as travel needs evolve. But for all-around esteem, quality reputation, and inclusion of latest advancements with proven staples that have worked for decades, Samsonite remains firmly atop the luggage world as the premier brand consumers trust with protecting their belongings trip after trip.
While subjective depending on the intended use, key factors like durability, warranty, mobility, value and brand trustworthiness determine the top luggage brands for most travelers. And across the board, including in consumer reports over many years, the Samsonite brand repeatedly emerges as the number one luggage maker. From ultralight carry-ons to massive checked trunks, and appearance on Christmas lists everywhere, Samsonite dominates luggage brand perception thanks to smart innovation, rigorous testing, enduring quality, and global availability. Reliable market leaders like American Tourister and Olympia certainly compete too, but Samsonite securely retains its reign as the world’s top-rated suitcase brand among discerning travelers.
Closing Remarks
When choosing between Olympia and Samsonite luggage, either brand is an excellent option depending on priorities and budget.
Olympia emphasizes colorful style, lightness, and lots of practical features at a reasonable mid-range price point.
In contrast, iconic luxury brand Samsonite focuses on unmatched durability and resilience with classic silhouettes, but commands premium pricing.
Hopefully the detailed pros, cons and comparisons above help travelers decide which brand’s strengths suit their needs perfectly.
With carry-ons, checked bags, and sets from both Olympia and Samsonite vying for suitcase dominance in stores worldwide, having the right information separates the ideal luggage for each packing list.
Whichever wins as favorite, globetrotters confidence in durable protection for essential belongings ultimately makes either premium brand a wise lifetime investment for adventures near and far.
