 This Product
Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Great Value for a Hardshell | Best Value for a Softshell | Best Suitcase on a Tight Budget | ||
| Price | $280 List $189.95 at Amazon | Check Price at REI | $127.50 at Amazon | $140 List $139.99 at Amazon | $116 List $104.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A basic model that looks more expensive than it is and performs above expectations | An incredibly tough but stylish globetrotter that is designed to transport clothes, trinkets, and gear anywhere in the world | A clam-shell design combines with a duffel gear hauler to offer a unique modern take on today's soft-shell bag | A solid enough bag with a reputable namesake, ample space, a few convenient accessories, and an appealing price tag | Large in size and great in value for short-term needs |
| Rating Categories | Samsonite Freeform... | The North Face Base... | Dakine Split Roller... | SwissGear Sion Soft... | Amazon Basics 30" H... |
| Capacity (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (20%) | |||||
| Design and Functionality (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Samsonite Freeform... | The North Face Base... | Dakine Split Roller... | SwissGear Sion Soft... | Amazon Basics 30" H... |
| Weight (Measured) | 9.4 lb | 11.5 lb | 9.6 lb | 11.1 lb | 11.6 lb |
| Exterior Dimensions | 31.1" x 20.9" x 13.8" | 30.3" x 18.5" x 13.4" | 30.0" x 14.75" x 13.0" | 28.5" x 17.25" x 12.5" | 30.75" x 21.0" x 12.0 |
| Main Compartment Volume (Measured) | 112.5 L | 96.7 L | 77.5 L | 87 L | 84 L |
| Exterior Material | Polypropylene | Recycled polyester | 600D recycled polyester, plain weave with print and water repellent finish, Bluesign approved material. | Polyester | Extra-thick ABS, hard shell |
| Number of Wheels | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Pull Handle Heights | 2 (36", 40.5") | 1 (42") | 3 (39", 42" 45") | 2 (37", 41") | 3 (32", 36", 40") |
| Opening Style | Half shell | Top lid | Half shell | Top lid | Half shell |
| Locking System | Combination/TSA lock | Zipper loop | Zipper loop | Zipper loop | None |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | None | 2 | 2 | 2 | None |
Samsonite staged a complete facelift for the majority of its luggage line, and the Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is one of our favorite pieces. We love its overall look and construction quality. We also dig its price.
The cargo bay of the Freeform Large Spinner comes with a massive amount of open space, making it one of the largest main compartments of all the models in our lineup. Top scores for this metric were aplenty for this monster travel companion.
We measured the interior of this half-shell design, and our math resulted in 112.5 liters of packing volume. Even more impressive is how well the Freeform Large Spinner hides its size. Clean lines and a modern vibe make this checked bag look more compact than it really is — so you don't feel like you're walking next to a steamroller. Additionally, we were very impressed with the Freeform's total weight. Tipping our scales at just 9.4 pounds, it offers a serious weight-to-volume ratio and is among the lighter bags in our lineup.
The interior of the Freeform is basic, no frills. One side offers an enclosed, zippered divider, the other side features the standard criss-crossing bungee straps that buckle at their center point. This standard-issue storage bay isn't much to look at, but we did like its ability to secure a wide variety of payloads. We packed ours with backpacks, tons of souvenirs, ski boots, trekking poles, and more. That being said, we feel this suitcase is more suited to carrying common items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. And, after weeks of use, we feel the manufacturer should consider snipping off the bungee straps and opting for a second zippered enclosure for the other half of this giant clam shell.
Significant improvements to Samsonite's wheels and trolley handles give the Freeform Large Spinner a much smoother, more responsive ride at cruising speeds than past models. These improvements warranted a jump in our metric score over previous models. However, we held off on our best scores because it only has two exterior grab handles, and they are somewhat basic.
Free-soloing a staircase is certainly possible, but the exterior handles on the Freeform Large Spinner are thin and not very comfortable, making for a less-than-ideal experience. This certainly wasn't a deal breaker for us, but our testers did notice the lack of comfort, especially when the bag was loaded to its maximum weight. Likewise, lifting the bag into the trunk of a car or onto a shuttle bus would be easier if the Freeform offered more than two exterior handles. However, in terms of balance, the handles are well-placed and can support weight. The only downside to the Freeform's design is that no bumper rails protect the bag's exterior, so the polypropylene shell takes the brunt end of any contact. Although strength isn't an issue, polypropylene is softer and more pliable than polycarbonate, making it more prone to deeper, more noticeable scratches.
We saw a vast improvement in the tracking ability of the Freeform Large Spinner over previous Samsonite models we've tested. Without question, the determining factor is a better wheel. Past models employed a very small, hard-plastic, single-spinner wheel prone to vibrate and lose direction. The Freeform's four double-wheeled spinners are taller (2 inches) and wider (1.5 inches), and they have a softer rubberized tread that allows them to quietly roll and stay on track.
The wheel system of the Freeform Large Spinner doesn't compare to the all-terrain designs found on the adventure bags we tested, but for basic airport hustle and bustle, we found them to be perfectly suited to handle curbs, stairs, or escalators. However, during our testing, the Freeform's wheels didn't perform as well on grass, gravel, and dirt.
The Freeform Large Spinner is tough enough for light to moderate travel. We were impressed with the improvements Samsonite has made to their entire luggage line, but we held off on higher scores for this metric after completing a few of our tests, though its ruggedness is on par --or better-- than checked luggage in its same price range.
As a whole, we feel this bag's zippers, buckles, wheels, and handles are slightly above grade and flight-worthy for several travel seasons if used with care. This bag is not indestructible, but it is well-made and fit for light to moderate use. Although our testing and usage were comprehensive, our time with the Freeform was limited compared to years of use. Our testers collectively felt this product had the hallmarks of good craftsmanship; however, they were unsure of its ability to withstand frequent, extensive travel. So we don't recommend the Freeform to globetrotters who are well acquainted with all things international travel. One thing we didn't like is how easily this bag's polypropylene shell scratched during our drop and tumble tests. Structurally, this wasn't an issue. We just didn't like how it looked.
The Freeform Large Spinner disappointed us during our water testing. Although the shell is completely waterproof, the main zipper system is not. After a five-minute backyard rainstorm, we discovered plenty of water in the bag's interior. Approximately one-third of the fabric was wet. In fairness, our water tests were severe, and the likelihood of any piece of luggage encountering this much rain is unlikely; however, weatherproofing is still an important factor in determining overall construction quality.
We loved the new look of the entire Samsonite lineup, and we were no less impressed with the Freeform Large Spinner. Its trendy, modern vibe earned big design points. This bag is large and spacious, but still manages to appear sleek and agile. On the downside, its basic design called for lower functionality scores, resulting in a mixed total score for this metric.
As stated, our testers loved the look of Freeform Large Spinner. It has clean lines and an appealing trending design that places in the company of more current modern luggage that we saw in most airports. This bag's greatest functionality is its great price. It will appeal to price-conscious travelers who don't want to overspend. However, at its core, the Freeform is quite basic, so it lacks overall features and function. When it came to routine use, we did notice that the main zippers can be a little stubborn at times, but we loved the added value of having a slide-out name tag, good wheels, and a built-in TSA-approved combination lock.
Although its vanilla flavor doesn't have the razzle-dazzle of more luxurious bags, it does give the Freeform a wide-open cargo bay and the ability to accommodate a large range of payloads. This may be a plus for many travelers who want the freedom to pack what they want and how they want it. Lastly, we'd like to point out a simple but effective design feature we discovered by complete accident. While unpacking from a trip, we noticed an extra layer of padding that protects packed items from making direct contact with the trolley handle's internal frame. It's just a piece of packing foam, but we feel it's worthy of a shout-out to Samsonite for its attention to detail.
If you are an occasional traveler who checks their luggage two to three times a year, this is an optimal piece of luggage for you, especially if you're thrifty or if you're looking to outfit an entire family with checked luggage for a big trip. The Freeform Large Spinner will certainly maximize your dollar. It will also keep your checked items safe from wheels up to wheels down, and especially from the rigors of baggage claim. We don't recommend this bag for hardcore, frequent travel, but it certainly will get the job done when it comes to average air time.
If you need luggage that can carefully stow your formals or other important clothing, you may want to splurge on the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29". If you like the Freeform, but want to upgrade a bit, the Away The Large is a great choice. However, if you are ready to go all-in the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner and the Rimowa Essential Check-In L won't disappoint.
