Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Luggage Review: Is It Worth It? [Video]

Samsonite is one of the most dependable and budget-friendly luggage manufacturers out there. The brand has been around for a long time and produces an array of hardside and softside luggage featuring diverse materials and designs.

Many of the team at Upgraded Points are regular Samsonite customers, but when it comes to testing luggage, we like to review each case individually, as the quality can differ dramatically depending on the luggage collection.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Luggage Video Review

You can buy the Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside luggage individually or as a full set. For this review, we looked at the carry-on version; however, many of the features extend across the full range. This includes the materials used on the exterior, handles, and wheels, and the packing features on the inside.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Luggage Overall Rating

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Samsonite Solyte Softside Carry-On

The Samsonite Solyte DLX is a well-built and sturdy carry-on that will withstand the rigors of air travel. The case has lots of useful storage, a USB-A charger, and comes with a 10-year warranty from Samsonite

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Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Design

The Samsonite Solyte DLX collection has a traditional look for a soft-sided case that should appeal to almost any type of traveler. If you’re not too fussy about flashy aesthetics, then the timeless design and muted colors could be just what you’re after. Just remember to add a label, ribbon, or other luggage identifier, as this understated case may blend in with everyone else’s checked bags on an airport luggage carousel.

On the exterior of the case, there’s a discreet privacy tag that pulls up from near the sleeve on the back of the case. This keeps your personal details hidden but available should it be needed.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Size and Compartments

Measuring 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches, including its handles and wheels, this case just about meets the size requirements for most U.S. airlines’ domestic and international flights.

Weighing 6.5 pounds, the Solyte DLX is a touch on the heavy side for soft-sided luggage, but the material is incredibly thick and durable, so the extra weight’s not surprising, really.

The carry-on version of this case has 3 exterior pockets for staying organized, while the checked versions have 2 pockets. Perfect for quickly accessing your travel documents, passport, or tech, these are some of the largest exterior pockets we’ve seen on a carry-on. You could fit a tablet or small laptop in the bottom pocket, but it’s worth noting that the pocket isn’t padded.

For those moments when you realize you’ve overdone it on the vacation shopping, there’s a separate zipper to expand your case by 0.75 inches for extra packing room. The zipper only expands the top half of the bag, so along with the exterior front pockets, it can make the case top- and front-heavy when packed full.

Granted, it’s still a useful feature, but we advise packing heavier items at the bottom of the case to prevent it from toppling over.

Inside the case, there’s a spacious main compartment that’s easily accessible with a top-opening lid. With so many cases now opening like a clamshell with equally sized packing areas, we sometimes forget how quick and convenient it is to open a traditional suitcase. The obvious downside of this design is that you have to rummage through more of your belongings to find something at the bottom.

Inside the main compartment, the interior lining is of reasonable quality, but it’s not super luxurious and doesn’t unzip to be washed.

You can use the compression straps to hold your clothes in place and clip them back with the smart link buckles. We loved this latter feature, as these kinds of straps always get in the way when we’re packing our cases.

There’s a zippered pocket in the main compartment to stash smaller items and 2 more handy pockets in the lid of the case. One of these is a WetPak pocket to store toiletries or damp clothing, while the other is a mesh pocket that makes it easy for you to identify what you need inside it.

Samsonite Solyte DLX USB-A Charging Port

No more roaming around the terminal looking for a charging point. There’s a handy USB-A port on the side of this case, perfect for charging your cell phone or Kindle.

Simply pop your own power bank into the side pocket and connect it to the included cable that runs to the USB-A port. You still need your own charging cable to connect your device to the USB-A port.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Durability and Materials

This soft-sided luggage collection is made from tough polyester and is finished with a rugged weave for extra durability. You can feel the material is of great quality, and it would take a lot to rip or damage the exterior of this case.

For extra reinforcement, the corners of the case have solid bumpers to protect the bag (and your belongings inside).

Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Wheels

The double spinner wheels aren’t recessed, so this does mean that they could be more susceptible to damage when being handled. 

We tested the case on a variety of surfaces and found they maneuver well and are reasonably quiet to roll around.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Handles

The 3 exterior handles make for easy carrying and lifting in and out of the overhead compartments of airplanes. Standard carry handles are on the top and side of the case, while the bottom has a useful sleeve handle to aid in lifting the case horizontally.

The top and side handles feel sturdy and retract back into place when not in use to maintain a streamlined profile.

Spinner cases are designed to make it easy for you to roll them alongside yourself using a telescopic handle. You can adjust the handle on this case to 3 different lengths to adjust to how tall you are.

The telescopic handle really let this case down. We found it wasn’t particularly smooth or sturdy. In fact, it consistently got stuck when we were extending and retracting it. On the plus side, the grip on the telescopic handle was very comfortable.

Samsonite Solyte DLX Lock and Zips

Although this case doesn’t come with an integrated TSA lock, the zipper pulls on the main compartment slide together so you can attach your own luggage lock. The zippers are quite chunky for such a small bag, but they run smoothly and feel solid and secure.

Samsonite Warranty and Customer Service

The Samsonite Solyte DLX collection includes a limited 10-year warranty to address any manufacturing defects. Though Samsonite’s warranty does not typically extend to damage caused by airlines, it may still be worthwhile to explore the possibility of repair at a local warranty center if you believe your case has failed because of a manufacturing defect.

Other Samsonite Solyte DLX Softside Luggage

Within the Samsonite Solyte DLX range, there are also medium and large checked suitcases, should you be traveling for longer or with more.

All versions of the collection have the same interior packing features, such as the clip-back compression straps and WetPak pocket. Only the carry-on version has a USB-A charging port on the exterior of the case.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Samsonite Solyte DLX is a well-built and sturdy carry-on that will withstand the rigors of air travel. The case has lots of useful storage, a USB-A charging port, and a 10-year warranty from Samsonite.

We were impressed by how sturdy the material of the case felt and believe it would take a lot to cause any visible damage. It’s not going to win any awards for design innovation, but it’s a quality soft-sided option for midrange budgets.

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