When it comes to buying new luggage, Travelpro is one of the most trusted and well-known brands on the market. As a leader in innovative luggage design, Travelpro offers a wide selection of suitcases and bags to meet different travel needs and styles.
Two of their most popular luggage collections are the Travelpro Roundtrip and Maxlite lines.
But with overlapping features and benefits, it can be tough to decide which one is the best choice for your next trip.
This comprehensive guide will compare and contrast the key factors between Travelpro’s Roundtrip and Maxlite luggage. We’ll break down the unique features of each collection, including durability, maneuverability, capacity, and more. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or a frequent flyer, read on to discover which Travelpro luggage line is right for you!
Key Differences At A Glance
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, here is a quick overview of the main differences between the Roundtrip and Maxlite luggage:
| Feature | Roundtrip | Maxlite |
| Construction | Durable polyester with leather accents | Lightweight polyester |
| Wheels | MagnaTrac spinner wheels | In-line skate wheels |
| Handles | Contoured leather grab handles | Molded grab handles |
| Capacity | Medium to large | Medium |
| Expansion | Yes | Select models only |
| Warranty | Limited 10-year warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
As you can see, while both are made by Travelpro, the Roundtrip and Maxlite collections have distinct designs that make them better suited for certain types of travelers. Keep reading to learn more about each of these factors.
Also Read: Differences Between Samsonite Omni And Freeform Luggage.
Comparison of Durability and Construction
One of the first things to compare is the durability and materials used in the Roundtrip and Maxlite luggage collections.
The Travelpro Roundtrip bags feature a durable polyester fabric exterior with leather accents.
This gives the suitcases a touch of sophisticated style while still being functional.
The leather trim is applied to high-touch areas like the handles and corners for added abrasion resistance.
Roundtrip bags also have a wide range of features to protect them from damage during transit:
- Protective crash-guard wheel housings
- Skid guard wheel bases
- Corner guards
- Tapered expansion zippers
For the interior, the Roundtrip line uses tie-down straps, a wet pocket, and mesh pockets to secure belongings. There is also a removable suiter for keeping clothes neat and wrinkle-free.
The Maxlite luggage is made from extremely lightweight polyester fabric. This allows the bags to remain maneuverable and easy to carry, even when packed to capacity. The downside is that the thin polyester exterior is more prone to ripping or abrasion damage from rough handling.
To compensate, Maxlite suitcases have reinforcements on high-wear areas. This includes tear-resistant panels on the bottom and small corner guards for added protection. The bags also feature an expandable storage section like the Roundtrip line.
Inside, Maxlite luggage uses zippered mesh pockets and adjustable hold-down straps to organize contents. Some models include a wet/dry storage pocket as well.
The Roundtrip line edges out the Maxlite in terms of durability, thanks to its thicker fabric and leather protective elements. Frequent travelers who check their bags often should go for Roundtrip. But the lightweight Maxlite works fine for occasional trips where your luggage stays with you.
Maneuverability and Wheels Comparison
Ease of movement is another key point of difference between the Roundtrip and Maxlite collections.
The Travelpro Roundtrip rolling suitcases are equipped with MagnaTrac precision spinner wheels. These are designed to effortlessly roll over any surface while preventing drift.
MagnaTrac wheels are made from high-quality ball bearings encased in molded housings. This allows them to spin 360° and maintain control when navigating crowded airports. The wheels on larger Roundtrip bags are dual-wheel for extra stability.
For the Maxlite line, Travelpro uses in-line skate wheels instead of spinners.
These have a narrower profile that’s better for navigating cramped spaces like airplane aisles.
In-line skate wheels are very smooth-rolling thanks to their ball bearings.
However, some users find the Maxlite wheels more prone to drifting on uneven surfaces compared to MagnaTrac spinners.
They also don’t pivot 360° like the Roundtrip, so you have to steer them manually.
Overall, the Roundtrip’s MagnaTrac spinner wheels make it the easier to maneuver of the two luggage lines.
Their drifting resistance and multidirectional rolling are ideal for busy airports. The Maxlite works fine on flat surfaces despite the drift tendency.
Also Read: Differences Between Samsonite Omni And Omni 2 Luggage.
Handles and Maneuverability
In addition to the wheels, Travelpro Roundtrip and Maxlite bags have different handle designs that impact maneuverability.
The main carry handles on Roundtrip luggage are made from contoured leather for a comfortable grip. Many of the larger suitcases also include a bottom leather handle so you can lift them easily.
For wheeling, Roundtrip bags have an adjustable Powerscope handle that locks into multiple height settings. This aluminum handle is sturdy enough to push a fully packed large suitcase with ease.
With the Maxlite line, Travelpro opts for molded plastic grab handles rather than leather. A push-button mechanism lets you retract the handles into an enclosed track when not in use.
The adjustable height Powerscope Lite handle on Maxlite luggage is also plastic. It has fewer height settings than the Roundtrip version too.
The leather handles give Roundtrip the edge for comfort, while extendable Powerscope handles make wheeling either suitcase easy. But the plastic parts on Maxlite seem a bit flimsier and prone to breaking with rough use.
Size, Capacity, and Expansion
Now let’s compare the sizing options and storage capacity of the Roundtrip and Maxlite luggage lines.
The Travelpro Roundtrip encompasses both medium and large suitcases, ranging from a carry-on size up to a 32″ extra capacity bag.
Their 25-50% expansion feature lets you gain a significant amount of packing space when needed. Even with the roomier bags, interior compartments and tie-down straps keep contents neatly organized.
Roundtrip carry-ons max out at about 46 liters capacity when expanded.
The huge 32″ model can hold nearly 132 liters worth of gear at maximum size.
Maxlite luggage tops out at medium suitcase sizes, with no extra large bags.
You can choose from carry-on, medium checked, and 25″ models.
For expansion, only the checked Maxlite bags include a zippered expansion section to gain a few more liters of space.
Their standard capacity ranges from 35 liters for the carry-on up to 85 liters for the biggest suitcases.
So for sheer volume, the Roundtrip line offers larger and more versatile options compared to Maxlite’s more limited sizing. Frequent fliers tend to prefer Roundtrip for its greater expansion flexibility too.
Also Read: Comparison of Ricardo And Delsey Luggage.
Warranty Comparison
The final major difference between these Travelpro collections is their included warranties.
All Travelpro Roundtrip luggage comes with a limited 10-year warranty against material and workmanship defects. This covers repair or replacement of damaged or faulty bags.
For the Maxlite line, Travelpro provides a limited lifetime warranty instead. This has the same coverage terms but for the reasonable lifespan of the bags.
Neither warranty covers cosmetic wear, lost luggage, or intentional damage. You must provide proof of purchase for a warranty claim too.
The Maxlite warranty holds up longer theoretically, but both warranties represent a serious commitment to quality from Travelpro. It’s hard to go wrong picking either for peace of mind.
An Easy Decision? Weighing Roundtrip And Maxlite
Now that you understand the key similarities and differences between Travelpro’s Roundtrip and Maxlite luggage, it’s time to decide: which is better for your needs?
For most travelers, the ideal choice comes down to just a few factors:
- Durability: Roundtrip is tougher and more scuff-resistant.
- Maneuverability: Roundtrip spinner wheels roll smoother overall.
- Expanding capacity: Roundtrip has larger and more versatile sizing.
If those benefits appeal to you, then Roundtrip is likely the best pick. It’s built to withstand heavy use and the MagnaTrac wheels make it a dream to maneuver.
On the other hand, the Maxlite works well for lighter travel needs. Its streamlined design and light polyester fabric keep it simple and easy to carry. For shorter trips without lots of connections, maneuverability isn’t as essential either.
Here’s a quick recap of what types of travelers pair best with each luggage line:
- Roundtrip – Frequent fliers, business travelers, large capacity needed
- Maxlite – Occasional travel and short trips, lighter packers
At the end of the day, Travelpro builds quality and thoughtful design into any luggage you choose. Think about your travel habits and needs to decide if rugged Roundtrip or lightweight Maxlite is a better fit. Whichever you pick, you can be confident you’ve chosen an excellent travel companion.
Also Read: Should You Get Travelpro Crew Or Maxlite Luggage?
FAQ About Travelpro Luggage
Still trying to choose between Travelpro’s Roundtrip and Maxlite luggage? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions for more insight.
Yes, Travelpro is one of the best-known and respected brands for travel luggage. They’ve been crafting innovative suitcases using airline insights for over 25 years. All their bags feature thoughtful design backed by warranties.
Travelpro is owned by the JRCS Industries company, who acquired the brand in 2014. They’ve continued Travelpro’s legacy of quality luggage combined with travel-friendly features.
With proper care, Travelpro suitcases can easily last 5 years or longer, thanks to their durable materials and construction. Their 10-year to lifetime warranties also attest to their faith in the bags’ longevity.
Travelpro’s standard carry-on bags, like the Maxlite and Roundtrip lines, measure about 21” x 14” x 9”. This adheres to most domestic airline carry-on size restrictions. Be sure to check your specific airline’s rules before traveling.
The Final Verdict: Roundtrip Or Maxlite?
After going through all the details, the Roundtrip vs. Maxlite decision comes down to travel needs:
- Roundtrip for frequent fliers who pack heavy
- Maxlite for occasional travelers with lighter bags
Of course, there are no wrong options here. Both Travelpro luggage lines are thoughtfully designed using insights from real flight crews. This ensures you end up with a reliable, travel-savvy suitcase.
The most important thing is choosing the best Travelpro luggage for your personal packing and traveling preferences. Whether you take short weekend trips or live out of your suitcase, picking Roundtrip or Maxlite gets your belongings where they need to go in style.
