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

When most people hear the name Samsonite, they think of durable, reliable luggage, and that’s for a good reason. For over 100 years, the company has skyrocketed in popularity and comfortably sits at the top of the mid-range luggage market.

Though Samsonite has branched out into other areas of the travel market, it is still focused on creating top-of-the-line bags for everyday consumers, as seen in the Flux Hardside luggage we’ll look at today.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Luggage

The Flux Hardside collection by Samsonite consists of a series of durable, reliable, and versatile designs designed for special occasions.

It’s a bit understated in appearance, available in solid colors, and built for durability over trendiness. However, its sleek exterior still allows it to suit both casual and more formal occasions. The bag truly shines when it comes to storage since we found it could easily fit a week’s vacation’s worth of clothing and toiletries without issue.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Luggage Review

We looked at the medium checked bag for this review of the Flux Hardside line. While it looks like a standard suitcase, Samsonite’s innovative touches make it a clever and useful little suitcase.

It offers ample space for a toiletry kit, shoes, clothing, and anything else you might need to bring on a trip.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Overall Rating

Samsonite Flux Hardside Style and Look

Samsonite bags aren’t known for being the trendiest, and the Flux Hardside is no different. However, that doesn’t mean it is boring. We actually think the sleek, solid look makes the bag a good all-purpose, classic piece that can be used for years.

With 5 different colors available, including 3 neutrals (black, blue, and navy) and 2 more vibrant options (bright red and pink), everyone can find the right look.

The case’s ridged texture gives it a more distinct look and provides grip when handling it. We liked that this texture also adds to the bag’s durability, so it will continue to look pristine for longer.

Although many Samsonite cases have a similar appearance, we found that the silver branded strip along the center of the case stood out quite a bit when trying to identify the case on the carousel.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Size and Compartments

Weighing under 8 pounds, we were pleasantly surprised with how light the medium case was. Considering how strict airlines are about baggage weight limits, having a lightweight bag is a big advantage when packing.

We didn’t have to give up much in size, either. Though it’s the medium bag in the collection, it was a little over 26 inches long and about 18.5 inches wide, which we found to be the perfect size for someone who doesn’t tend to overpack.

If you need extra space, a zipped expander gives you a few extra inches of room to work with.

Since the medium bag is meant to be checked, it has no external compartments, which most hard suitcases don’t, so we weren’t too disappointed by that.

Instead, there are 2 main interior compartments separated by a zippered padded divider.

One compartment has an X-shaped elastic strap that keeps clothing organized and relatively wrinkle-free. However, we wouldn’t trust the strap to completely eliminate creases, so you may still want to pack your travel steamer.

The other compartment is more open, though whatever you pack in it is more compressed thanks to the interior divider and its zipper.

Unfortunately, there’s only 1 pocket for additional organization, which is relatively small. It’s great for little items, but we didn’t have much use for it during our tests. We would have preferred a larger mesh pocket on the divider itself or even shoe pockets.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Durability and Materials

Part of what makes this particular suitcase so different from similar models is its material. The entire shell is made of polypropylene plastic, which is lighter than polycarbonate, explaining why it’s incredibly lightweight.

However, the downside of having such a light material is that it’s less durable than heavier options. While we didn’t notice any dents or crashes during our tests, the bag did feel less robust than polycarbonate cases, so it’s possible that being tossed around or roughly handled could break the shell.

On the bright side, scratches and scuffs aren’t really a concern with this bag. The exterior has ridges and a brushed texture, which both help buffer the bag from scraping damage.

The bag is also protected from damage from being dragged or set on the floor thanks to the 4 wheels it rests on when set up vertically and the 4 luggage feet on its side.

We thought the interior lining was of a reasonable quality, although it’s sadly not removable to be washed.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Wheels

Most of Samsonite’s bags, including the Flux line we reviewed, have the standard double-spinner wheels. All 8 can turn 360 degrees, allowing for a smooth and steady glide on most surfaces.

The wheels are small but quiet and sturdy and didn’t seem to wobble during our tests. To give the bag a good full review, we tried it on multiple surfaces with varying results.

Despite its lightweight construction, this case felt a little heavy to roll along and maneuver around obstacles. So, if you’re going to be wheeling it long distances, keep that in mind.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Handles

With 3 different handles, lifting and moving this suitcase is quick and easy.

The most important handle is arguably the telescopic one on top of the bag. It has 4 different height settings that can be adjusted with a button, so it’s the kind of bag that’s universal for people of varying heights.

The telescopic handle is often the first feature to fail on a suitcase, being vulnerable to damage when extended. We found the telescopic handle on the Samsonite Flux smooth and sturdy at all heights.

There are 2 lifting handles, one on the top and the other on the side. These handles are flat, so they won’t snag when not in use. We appreciated the lack of extra bulk, and the handle design added to the bag’s overall sleekness.

Sadly, we were a little disappointed by the handles. Both are made out of rigid material with no cushioning for comfortable carrying. If you anticipate frequently carrying your suitcase, this is probably not the case for you.

Samsonite Flux Hardside Locks and Zips

We found the suitcase to be relatively secure. It didn’t have too many bells and whistles, but it was a step above most cheaper options on the market.

The main zipper was smooth, and we liked the padding and size of the pulls, which were easy to grip. Though the bag was easy to open and close, we didn’t think there was much worry about the pulls moving on their own if the luggage got knocked around.

With an integrated TSA lock on the case’s exterior, securing your belongings in transit is super easy. With a 3-digit code for locking, you don’t need to worry about losing a key on your travels.

Samsonite’s Flux collection was the first range of suitcases to include a concealed expansion for when you need a little extra packing space. While we appreciated the tidiness and security of 1 less exposed zipper, we weren’t a huge fan of this and found it fiddly to use.

Brand Warranty and Customer Service

Like all Samsonite products, the Flux Hardside comes with a limited warranty. This model’s coverage lasts 5 years and covers issues and defects in the bag’s design and manufacturing.

However, any damage done through carelessness or misuse isn’t covered.

While this is normal, we wish the wording were more specific. The way it’s written means you’ll likely have multiple interactions with Samsonite’s customer service team to see if any damage you encounter is considered a defect or misuse.

Other Samsonite Flux Hardside Luggage

The Flux Hardside collection has everything you need to pack efficiently and optimally. In addition to this medium-sized case, the line also has a carry-on bag and a large and extra-large checked suitcase option.

We’d like to see this collection expanded even more to include more specialty pieces, like a travel tech bag or a micro carry-on that can fit in smaller cabins.

Final Thoughts

If you want to maximize your airline packing weight, the Samsonite Flux could be just the ticket. Made from lightweight polypropylene, it offers a small durability trade-off compared to polycarbonate cases.

The thoughtful interior compartments will help you stay organized, no matter how much you pack, and the smooth and sturdy telescopic handle makes this case reasonably easy to roll around. While we weren’t a fan of the hidden expansion, it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for us using this case, as you can just leave it unzipped.