Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]

As one of the Samsonite most popular luggage brands in the world, Samsonite is known for its durable suitcases that can stand up to the wear and tear associated with frequent travel. 

While the brand has expanded its horizons into the hiking and mountaineering markets, Samsonite’s cornerstone is still its luggage, like the Centric 2 Hardside collection we’ll look at today. 

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage

Samsonite’s Centric 2 Hardside range consists of 3 sleek, durable luggage pieces designed to make travel a breeze for virtually anyone. 

Though one of the brand’s simpler lines, its versatility is where it shines. The case has a traditional appearance with subtle geometric indentations for a touch of design intrigue — perfect for that business trip or family vacation.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage Review

Today, we’ll look specifically at the medium checked version of the Centric 2 Hardside. It’s a simple little suitcase that offers plenty of storage space and protection for at least a week’s worth of clothing, toiletries, and other travel necessities.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage Overall Rating

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage Style and Look

Whatever your mode of travel, the Samsonite Centric 2 will effortlessly suit the journey. Simple and sleek, it’s not the flashiest suitcase on the market, but that gives it a timeless look that will last for years to come.

This line comes in a selection of colors, depending on your preference. Go bold with Caribbean blue or bright purple, or opt for something more subtle with emerald green or charcoal. We appreciated the extra attention put into the hard shell, which has a brushed texture designed to reflect light while also preventing scuffs and scratches. 

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage Size and Compartments

We were happy to find out how lightweight this bag was. It weighs just 8.9 pounds, which is great for adhering to airline weight limits. 

The medium-sized bag measures 28 x 17 x 12 inches, so it’s well within airline size restrictions for checked luggage. With a medium checked case, you’re less likely to over-pack to the point of going overweight. Should you need a bit of extra space, we were happy to discover that the bag expands by 1.5 inches.

Since the medium-sized bag in this line is meant to be checked, it doesn’t have much in the way of compartments. 

There are no external pockets. The main compartment is divided into 2 main sections, 1 with an X-shaped strap and the other with a zipped divider.

While we appreciated that the divider has a zippered mesh pocket to keep small items from getting lost, we wished there were more compartments and pockets to optimize organization. All in all, we were happy with the suitcase’s space, but we needed to rely on other tools to keep our clothes and other items from becoming a jumbled mess. 

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Durability and Materials

Samsonite’s luggage is known for its durability, and we think that the Centric 2 would be great for an annual vacation or occasional travel. However, we’re not confident it would hold up to more frequent trips throughout the year.

The outer shell is made of tough polycarbonate plastic resistant to cracks and dents. It’s even been brush-texturized to prevent scratches or scuffs if baggage handlers toss it around.

As a little bonus, this case has luggage feet, so it can be elevated off the floor and balanced on its side. This is particularly useful when carrying the case instead of rolling it.

Unfortunately, where the case’s exterior excelled, the interior left us a little disappointed. The lining has a cheap and crispy feel and is pretty noisy when rustling around.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Wheels

Like all spinner suitcases, this case has wheels for easy transportation. Yes, there are double wheels that roll smoothly and quietly; however, they didn’t maneuver as well as some other Samsonite cases, such as the Evolve SE. We wouldn’t necessarily trust them on particularly rough outdoor surfaces and would definitely use a luggage cart outside when one is available. 

The spinner wheel attachment is slightly recessed at the bottom of the case, providing a little protection when being thrown around by baggage handlers.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Handles

There are 3 different handles built into this medium hardside case, though each has a different intended purpose. 

The main handle is telescopic and has 3 settings: 1 closed and 2 height extensions. We found it easy to adjust, and the button to change the height responded well without getting stuck. It’s quite a smooth handle and was very sturdy when extended to its highest setting.

This type of handle can be a weak point for some bags, but this one seemed sturdy during our tests. 

Next to the telescopic handle is the top handle for lifting the bag onto luggage scales or up stairs. There’s a similar handle on the side of the case. Both have pretty comfortable grips and are easy to grab if you’re trying to get your bag off a quickly-moving luggage carousel. They also retract back into place when not in use to maintain a streamlined profile.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Locks and Zips

With only 2 main compartments, there were few zippers to deal with on the bag. On the outside, there are 2 zippers. The first opens the case, and the second releases the expander if you need it. 

We thought both zippers glided smoothly but were locked in place once closed, so there was no worry about the bag accidentally spilling open. We particularly liked the large, easy-grip pulls, which were helpful when trying to close the suitcase at its fullest. 

Unfortunately, we were a little less impressed by the lock. While we’re happy that a TSA-approved locking mechanism is built into the bag, positioning it at the top of the case meant it got in the way of our carry-on when using a luggage sleeve.

Brand Warranty and Customer Service

Samsonite offers a 10-year limited warranty for this luggage line, which protects against any factory defects in the material or construction of the bag. However, we wish this warranty extended to any damage from regular wear and tear of use, especially in places prone to more strain, like the zipper and wheels. 

Other Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Luggage

The Centric 2 Hardside collection is a relatively small one, consisting of a carry-on and 2 checked bags, 1 medium and 1 large. 

Overall, the collection has all the pieces most travelers need, which can be purchased in a set of 2 or 3.  

Final Thoughts

With over a century of experience in the luggage market, Samsonite has become one of the biggest names in the industry. The brand is known for its high-quality bags that last years but don’t break the bank. 

The medium checked bag in the Centric 2 Hardside collection is a prime example of the company’s reputation at work. 

The bag offers plenty of space without being too bulky, perfect for many different types of travelers. Its lightweight structure allows you to pack more without the risk of going overweight, and its expanding function is useful for bringing home shopping or souvenirs.

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