When shopping for new luggage, two excellent choices are the Samsonite Outline Pro and Freeform series. Both offer high-quality construction and features, but they differ in materials, sizing, aesthetics, organization, durability, pricing, and ideal usage.
This in-depth comparison guide will highlight the key similarities and differences between these two popular softside collections. We’ll examine the pros and cons of each model line so you can determine the better match for your travel needs and preferences.
Whether durability, affordability, or style is most important to you, read on to discover if the Outline Pro or Freeformchecked ticks more boxes on your luggage wish list. Let’s dive in!
At A Glance Comparison Table
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, here’s a quick overview of how the Samsonite Outline Pro and Freeform luggage lines stack up:
| Feature | Outline Pro | Freeform |
| Materials | Polyester fabric with Teflon coating | Polyester fabric |
| Frame/Structure | Semi-rigid molded sidewalls | Softside only |
| Size Options | 20”-29” spinners, duffels, backpacks | 19”-29” spinners, totes, duffels |
| Wheels | Spinner wheels | Spinner wheels |
| Handles | Padded top and side grab handles | Padded top and side grab handles |
| Pockets | Interior mesh dividers and pockets | Interior zip pockets |
| Colors | Black, navy, gray tones | Vibrant colors and prints |
| Best For | Business and frequent travelers | Casual and budget-friendly travel |
Key Differences Between Samsonite Outline Pro And Freeform Luggage
Now let’s explore each of these factors in more detail…
- Materials and Construction
When it comes to materials, the main difference is that the Outline Pro features a polyester fabric coated with Teflon for stain and water resistance.
The Freeform is made from an uncoated polyester fabric.
The Outline Pro also has semi-rigid molded sidewalls that help the luggage maintain its shape.
This semi-hard shell design makes it a bit more durable and impact-resistant.
The Freeform has a softside-only construction without any rigid frames or panels.
This makes it lightweight and flexible, but not quite as sturdy.
If protecting your belongings from rough baggage handlers is a top priority, the Outline Pro’s hybrid hardside/softside build may give you more peace of mind.
But the Freeform’s fully collapsible soft sides make it easy to stash in tight spaces.
- Sizes and Styles
Samsonite designed both model lines to have extensive size offerings with a bag for every packing need.
The Outline Pro comes in 20, 24, and 29-inch spinner sizes to cover everything from overnight business trips to extended vacations. It’s also available in duffel bags, backpacks, and laptop bags for maximize versatility.
The Freeform matches this with 19, 21, 24, and 29-inch spinner luggage as well as totes, duffel bags, and more. The brand took the “good things come in small packages” motto seriously with extra mini options like 15-inch backpacks and 16-inch shoulder totes.
When it comes to maneuverability, both collections feature smooth-rolling multi-directional spinner wheels that give you 360 degree movement. The difference is really just the sizes—Outline Pro offers a few extra large choices while Freeform focuses more on smaller, compact pieces.
- Colors and Aesthetics
Here’s an area where the Freeform clearly shines…this line comes in a huge spectrum of vibrant colors and prints that you won’t find in the Outline Pro series.
We’re talking bold patterns, floral designs, watercolors, ombre, metallic—you name it.
The overall look is chic, artsy and eye-catching.
The Outline Pro has a much more professional, business-like appearance with classic colorways like black, dark blue, gray, and navy.
Large logo name plaques add a touch of visual interest.
The muted tones and smart styling make it suitable for business travel or frequent fliers who need luggage that can go straight from the board room to boarding gate.
So if you want your suitcase to make a splashy fashion statement, Freeform is the way to go. But Outline Pro’s subdued colors are ideal for those who need versatile luggage that blends into any setting.
- Pockets and Organization
When it comes to keeping your belongings tidy and secure inside your luggage, both Samsonite lines have you covered with plenty of built-in storage options. But they take slightly different approaches.
The Outline Pro emphasizes visibility and accessibility with multiple transparent wet pockets, mesh dividers, and zippered sections that let you see everything at a glance. An integrated garment folder keeps dress shirts wrinkle-free.
The Freeform takes a more old-school approach with large zippered pockets on one side and the other side left open for packing cubes, pouches, or anything else you want to organize yourself. A small interior zip pocket provides separated storage for smaller essentials.
If having the maximum amount of specialized, molded-in compartments is crucial for your packing system, Outline Pro is the winner. But Freeform still gets the job done for basic organization in a streamlined way.
Also Read: Differences Between Samsonite Omni 2 And Centric 2 Luggage.
- Durability and Protection
Thanks to their semi-rigid frame and Teflon coating, Outline Pro bags are better equipped to survive rough baggage handling and protect contents from moisture. The molded sides act like a suit of armor, while the Teflon fabric resists stains, dirt, and spills.
Freeform uses regular softside polyester material without any waterproofing. And the collapsible design means less structural protection. Although Freeform bags aren’t flimsy, the Outline Pro definitely has the edge for ruggedness and weather resistance.
So for frequent fliers, long expeditions, or adventure travel to remote regions, Outline Pro is the wiser choice. But if you take shorter trips and don’t plan to subject your luggage to extreme environments, Freeform will likely hold up just fine.
- Handles and Maneuverability
Moving and lifting your luggage is easy with both the Outline Pro and Freeform thanks to smooth-gliding spinner wheels and multiple grab handles.
The Outline Pro stands a bit taller, making the side and top carry handles well-positioned and balanced even when loaded down.
The semi-rigid shape also helps it roll steadily in a straight line without flopping over.
Since Freeform has a lower, softer profile, the side grab handles sit a bit awkwardly.
You have to bend down more to leverage the weight.
But the slimmer design has perks for fitting in tight spaces like airplane overhead bins.
For those who want maximum control and ease of transport, Outline Pro is stellar. Freeform works great for smaller loads, but can get unwieldy when fully packed.
- Price and Value
Price is where Freeform pulls ahead as the clear budget-friendly choice. With prices ranging from $60-$170 based on size, this line is gentler on your wallet than the Outline Pro.
The Outline Pro costs between $140-$350 depending on size. You’re paying a premium for the durability, protection, and features geared toward frequent travelers. But the price reflects the outstanding quality.
Overall, Freeform gives you great value for more casual, inexpensive luggage that covers the basics. Outline Pro offers an investment in superior materials, versatility, and performance for serious jet-setters.
Which Is Better For You?
To recap, here are the key factors that make Outline Pro or Freeform the ideal choice depending on your needs:
Outline Pro is best if you want:
- Supreme durability for rough treatment
- Stain/water-resistant fabric
- Maximum built-in organization
- Professional, versatile aesthetics
- Bigger sizes for lengthy trips
- Don’t mind paying more for quality
Freeform is best if you want:
- Lightweight, flexible softsides
- Vibrant, stylish colors/prints
- Budget-friendly price point
- Compact sizes for quick getaways
- Adequate pockets without overkill
- Affordable, casual luggage
Also Read: Comparison of Samsonite Winfield And Freeform Luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Samsonite Freeform luggage collection is made from polyester fabric. It uses a lightweight softside-only construction without any rigid frames or panels.
The Samsonite Outline Pro comes in three spinner wheel sizes: 20 inches, 24 inches, and 29 inches. This covers everything from small carry-ons to large checked suitcases for extended trips.
Yes, TravelPro is a highly respected brand known for making high-quality luggage optimized for air travel. Some of their key features include intuitive organization, TSA-friendly locks, durable materials like ballistic nylon, and a lightweight but sturdy PowerScope handle system. TravelPro is especially popular among flight crews and frequent fliers.
Hard side and soft side luggage both have pros and cons:
Hard side pros: Very durable, holds shape well, protects contents. Good for checking fragile items or electronics.
Hard side cons: Heavy, not flexible, prone to cracking. Difficult to overstuff.
Soft side pros: Lightweight, packs down small, expands when needed. Easy to store and maneuver.
Soft side cons: Less structure so doesn’t hold shape as neatly. Less puncture/crush protection.
So hard-shell luggage excels at durability and protection, while soft-side bags prioritize flexibility, compressibility and light weight. Choose based on your specific travel needs and packing style.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to choosing between Samsonite’s Outline Pro and Freeform luggage collections, both offer quality construction, smooth maneuverability, and sensible organization systems for your travel essentials.
Which is best comes down to your priorities and needs.
If you want supreme protection, versatile professional styling, and don’t mind paying more for premium performance, the Outline Pro carries the day.
But the Freeform offers impressive value with durable softsides, vibrant colors, space-saving compact shapes, and wallet-friendly prices.
Whichever model speaks most to your own packing personality and travel ambitions, Samsonite has you covered with a suitcase that’s ready to follow you anywhere your itinerary leads. Safe journeys!
