When it comes to luggage, two of the biggest names out there are Samsonite and Ricardo. Both brands have been around for decades and have become synonymous with quality and durability in travel gear.
But which brand reigns supreme when it comes to luggage? Read on for an in-depth look at how Samsonite and Ricardo stack up against each other. We’ll compare the key features, pros and cons, and overall value of both brands to help you decide which is best for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Samsonite | Ricardo |
| Materials | Polycarbonate, polyester | Full grain leather, canvas |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavyweight |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Styles and sizes | Huge variety | Curated collection |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |
| Cost | Budget to moderate pricing | Ultra luxury pricing |
Key Differences At A Glance
Before diving into the nitty gritty details, here’s a quick overview of how Samsonite and Ricardo luggage compare:
- Materials used: Samsonite uses a mix of polycarbonates and polyesters. Ricardo relies on premium leather and ballistic nylon.
- Weight: Samsonite bags tend to be lighter. Ricardo has heavier leather bags.
- Durability: Both offer extremely durable and scratch-resistant luggage.
- Style: Samsonite has a sporty, casual aesthetic. Ricardo exudes luxury and sophistication.
- Price: Samsonite is overall much more affordable, while Ricardo commands premium pricing.
- Warranty: Samsonite offers a 10 year warranty, compared to Ricardo’s 5 years.
Now let’s explore each brand and their key features in more detail.
Samsonite Luggage Overview
Founded in 1910, Samsonite is one of the most established and trusted names in luggage. Their bags are known for offering a great balance of lightweight design, extreme durability, and affordable pricing.
Samsonite’s luggage collections cater to a wide variety of travelers. They offer everything from budget-friendly essentials to premium executive collections made from luxury materials like full-grain leather. Some of their most popular lines include:
- Samsonite Silhouette: Made from durable and lightweight polycarbonate. Features a sleek, casual design perfect for the frequent traveler.
- Samsonite Centric: A great mid-range option made from hardy polyesters. Has an understated look suitable for business trips.
- Samsonite Firelite: Front-loading cases made with scratch-proof polypropylene shells. Designed specifically for ease-of-use when traveling.
- Samsonite Leather Attache: Gorgeous cases crafted from full-grain Nappa leather. Ideal for the corporate traveler or for special occasions.
No matter which collection you choose, Samsonite luggage comes packed with useful features. These include TSA combination locks, interior organizer pockets, expansion capabilities, smooth-rolling wheels, and retractable handles. Most Samsonite bags also have a 10 year limited warranty.
Pros of Samsonite Luggage:
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Lightweight construction
- Affordable and budget-friendly pricing
- Wide variety of styles and collections
- 10 year limited warranty
Potential Cons of Samsonite:
- Zippers and handles may be less sturdy than premium brands
- Leather collections don’t have the luxe feel of other high-end leather luggage
Ricardo Luggage Overview
Established in New York in 1933, Ricardo is synonymous with superior craftsmanship and luxury when it comes to luggage.
Their collections focus exclusively on premium leather and ballistic nylon cases.
Ricardo’s hallmark is their meticulous attention to detail.
All of their leather luggage pieces are handcrafted by master artisans.
Their bags feature impeccable stitching, durable brass hardware, and buttery soft leather guaranteed to develop a beautiful patina over time.
Some of Ricardo’s flagship luggage lines include:
- Beverly Hills Collection: Ricardo’s signature leather luggage made from fine Italian leather. The epitome of luxury travel goods.
- SoHo Collection: Durable canvas and ballistic nylon bags with leather trim details. Great for business and everyday use.
- Savoy Collection: Vintage-inspired leather steamer trunks and duffle bags. Perfect for the glamorous jet setter.
Ricardo also outfits their luggage with top-notch details and components like smooth rolling wheels, TSA approved combination locks, lined interiors, and retractable handles. Most pieces come with a 5 year warranty.
Pros of Ricardo Luggage:
- Supremely crafted from the finest leather and canvas
- Luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic
- Durable construction and weatherproof exteriors
- Roomy, well-appointed interiors
- 5 year warranty
Potential Cons of Ricardo:
- Significantly more expensive than other brands
- Leather exteriors prone to scuffs and stains
- Heavy, especially their leather collections
- Limited style and color options
Now that we’ve provided an overview of each brand, let’s do a deep dive into how Samsonite and Ricardo luggage compare across some key factors:
Materials and Durability Comparison
When it comes to what their luggage is made from, Samsonite and Ricardo take very different approaches.
Samsonite constructs most of their luggage from either polycarbonates or polyesters.
Polycarbonate shells are extremely hardy and resistant to cracks and scratches.
Polyester also has a good level of durability while keeping bags lightweight.
Ricardo on the other hand, relies on premium leather crafted from smooth calfskin or pebbled cowhide.
For their canvas bags and duffles, they use a durable ballistic weave nylon.
Leather and canvas provide classic elegance and weatherproofing.
Both brands use high quality materials that can withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
Samsonite’s polycarbonate and polyester bags are essentially indestructible and built to last for years. Ricardo’s leather and canvas develop a unique patina over time while maintaining structural integrity.
When it comes to hardware, Samsonite tends to use more lightweight plastic pieces to reduce overall weight. Ricardo opts for polished brass and zinc hardware capable of withstanding heavy loads and rough baggage handling.
Overall, both brands offer extremely durable luggage built to protect your belongings trip after trip. Samsonite offers durability through technology and engineering, while Ricardo relies on traditional, artisanal crafting techniques that stand the test of time.
Also Read: Differences Between Samsonite Freeform And Winfield Luggage.
Weight and Maneuverability
Luggage weight and how easy bags are to transport is crucial for travelers. Heavier luggage can cause fatigue while hauling bags in and out of cars, onto trains, or up staircases. Additional weight also eats into airline baggage allowances.
Samsonite bags are prized for their lightness. By utilizing polycarbonates, polyesters, and other synthetic materials, they keep overall weight to a minimum without sacrificing resilience.
Their smooth rolling multi-directional wheels and aircraft-grade aluminum handles also make it easy to whisk Samsonite luggage around with minimal effort.
Ricardo’s leather luggage collections are inherently heavier given the properties of full grain leather.
Their canvas duffles and bags are lighter, but still heavier than polycarbonate or ballistic nylon options.
Ricardo’s luxurious bags also forgo lightweight plastic handles and wheels in favor of brass and zinc hardware.
So when it comes to maneuverability and packing light, Samsonite emerges as the winner.
Travelers wanting lighter luggage for quick getaways and fast-paced itineraries will appreciate Samsonite’s featherlight construction.
However, Ricardo fans don’t mind the added weight, seeing it as an indicator of unmatched quality and craftsmanship.
Also Read: How Samsonite and Olympia Luggage Stack Up?
Styles, Sizes, and Options Comparison
Both Samsonite and Ricardo offer an array of luggage styles and sizes to choose from.
Samsonite has dozens of different collections catering to every kind of traveler. Their size range is also expansive, with smaller carry-ons and massive 30 inch heavy duty bags available. You’ll find options like:
- Spinner and upright suitcases
- Backpacks and shoulder bags
- Garment bags and totes
- Briefcases and laptop bags
- Duffel bags and weekenders
Colors tend towards neutrals like black, gray, and navy blue. Patterns and prints are uncommon. Samsonite bags have a sporty, casual vibe perfect for active lifestyles.
Ricardo has a tighter collection of luggage pieces focused exclusively on luxury leather or canvas. Sizes span from compact 21 inch carry-ons to towering steamer trunks. Styles include:
- Trolley cases and pullman suitcases
- Weekenders and holdalls
- Cosmetic cases and vanity sets
- Hat boxes and garment carriers
- Briefcases and satchels
Ricardo’s color palette sticks to rich tones like black, tan, cognac, and mahogany. There are minimal embellishments for a timeless, sophisticated look.
For sheer variety and options, Samsonite wins out. But Ricardo devotees looking for a curated set of heirloom quality luggage have plenty of elegant designs to choose from.
Warranties and Customer Service
Luggage takes a beating, so it’s important to consider warranties and what kind of post-purchase support a brand provides.
Samsonite offers a 10 year limited warranty across all of their luggage collections.
This provides reassurance that potential defects or damage will be repaired or replaced within the first decade of ownership.
Ricardo also offers solid protection with a 5 year limited warranty on their products.
However, some users report response times and claim processing can be slow.
When it comes to customer service, Samsonite generally provides speedier support.
Their wide availability across retailers also makes it easier to access help in person compared to Ricardo’s limited points of sale.
For maximum peace of mind, Samsonite’s longer 10 year warranty and stellar customer service gives them the edge. But Ricardo still delivers adequate protection given the inherent durability and longevity of their bags.
Cost and Value Comparison
Finally, let’s pit these two luggage giants against each other when it comes to cost and overall value.
As a mass market brand, it’s no surprise that Samsonite offers very affordable pricing. Their polycarbonate and polyester bags can readily be found for $100-$300. Even their premium leather luggage only demands between $500-$800.
Ricardo, as a luxury brand targeting executives, celebrities, and the wealthy, commands staggering prices. Basic carry ons start around $2,000. Large suitcases and steamer trunks can run from $4,000 all the way to $10,000+ for exotic skins like crocodile.
When you consider the quality Samsonite provides at such reasonable prices, it’s hard not to see them as a better value overall. For the cost of one Ricardo bag, you could buy an entire set of extremely durable Samsonite luggage.
However, devotees argue that Ricardo’s unparalleled craftsmanship and prestige make them worth the investment as a Luxe, heirloom purchase. While definitely a splurge, Ricardo bags never go out of style and stand the test of time.
Also Read: How Samsonite And Bugatti Luggage Stack Up?
Frequently Asked Questions About Samsonite and Ricardo Luggage
For most travelers, Samsonite is the better choice given their affordable pricing, huge selection, and extreme durability. Ricardo is superior for luxury shoppers wanting status symbol bags.
Yes, Ricardo is an excellent luxury brand known for exquisitely crafted leather and canvas luggage. Their bags are durable, stylish, and worthy heirlooms. But they’re very expensive.
Samsonite and Ricardo are both extremely durable brands that produce luggage meant to last for decades. Samsonite achieves this through hardy materials like polycarbonate. Ricardo relies on fine leather and canvas. Both are great choices for maximizing longevity.
Samsonite is among the best luggage brands overall, offering an unbeatable balance of quality, affordability, and style. Their suitcases are beloved by frequent travelers and can withstand years of regular use.
Wrapping Up
So when considering all factors, is Samsonite or Ricardo luggage superior?
For most travelers, Samsonite is hands down the best choice. They offer an unbeatable combination of quality, durability, value, and style. Unless money is no object, Samsonite can fulfill virtually any packing need.
However, Ricardo still reigns supreme for shoppers wanting truly top-tier luxury luggage. While sky high in price, their handcrafted leather and canvas pieces are built to become family heirlooms passed down for generations. If money is no consideration, Ricardo’s bespoke cases deliver an unmatched ownership experience.
Ultimately, it comes down to individual needs and preferences. Samsonite caters to practical travelers who just need dependable, hardy luggage at friendly prices. Ricardo speaks to sophisticates craving status symbol bags oozing luxury and refinement.
No matter which brand you choose, you can feel confident you’ve invested in long lasting, high caliber luggage that will safely shepherd your belongings across many voyages to come. Your dream trips start with quality travel gear, so choose wisely between these two industry leaders.
Happy packing!
