Briggs and Riley or TUMI: Which Suitcase Is Right for You?
As the worldwide situation is opening up and more people are considering travelling, one important thing you need to think about is your suitcase. This is because wherever you go, it is important to have the right suitcase that can carry all your luggage while still being convenient. This is even more important if you are a frequent flyer as a bad suitcase can truly ruin your travelling experience.
Out of the many companies that sell great suitcases, two in particular are often pitted against each other. These are Briggs & Riley and TUMI suitcases. Both companies are known to provide good quality products that offer both space and ease-of-use to their customers. So, how can you find which one is better? To help you out, we have prepared a list of the differences between both brands.
| Briggs & Riley | Tumi |
|---|---|
| Briggs & Riley Baseline 28 inch Softside Checked Luggage with Spinner Wheels | TUMI – Alpha 3 Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On Luggage |
 |   |
| Buy from Amazon | Buy from Amazon |
5 Differences Between Briggs & Riley and TUMI
Storage Space & Features
Briggs & Riley:
These suitcases have various features that will help you make the most of the storage space. Ranging from the CX expansion technology on larger suitcases to multiple smaller pockets on most of their cases, you won’t have any trouble getting in all your stuff in the right sized case.
Also, some Briggs & Riley suitcases have an internal expander which makes fitting in small clothes and items much easier.
TUMI:
TUMI is also quite convenient when it comes to storage and expansion features. Their suitcases offer many zipper expansion options such as inner compartments, tie-down straps, and many other compartments of various sizes for all sorts of items. That being said, one thing that was missing was the internal expander which you may want sometimes.
That being said, both brands are nearly equivalent when it comes to the space you can get out of their cases.
Durability & Build Quality
Briggs & Riley:
Their cases are often well protected and are made from durable and strong materials. For example, many Briggs & Riley cases are made from Ballistic Nylon which is great at handling stress and also keeping its shape for many years. Adding to this, these cases also come with hybrid fiberglass frames which add to the durability while keeping weight low for a great overall experience.
TUMI:
TUMI suitcases are often ahead of the game and thus, will have a good build quality no matter what type you get. For example, the TUMI Alpha 2 features Ballistic Nylon which is strong and helps in reducing shocks and hits. Also, TUMI suitcases are often much better at hiding the added parts such as the wheels and handle which make them more sturdy overall.
Mobility
Briggs & Riley:
In terms of mobility, Briggs & Riley seems to be the better choice. Most of their suitcases are made with high quality telescopic handles that have a strong feel and look to them. They also have attached cips which can easily carry smaller bags without any noticeable wobbling or sounds. Also, all suitcases will have either two or four wheels.
TUMI:
In terms of their handles, TUMI is right up there with Briggs & Riley and uses aircraft-grade aluminum for their minimalistic and sleek telescopic handles. An added benefit is that TUMI handles are often much more hidden which adds to the appeal of cases. That being said, while TUMI does also offer 4 wheel systems, they are often flimsy and can get stuck or break under too much duresse.
Price Range
Briggs & Riley:
Their suitcases are often more economical and designed for a broader market as compared to TUMI. This means you will have a much broader option and also often get a product that is more ‘worth’ the price you are paying.
TUMI:
Unlike Briggs & Riley, TUMI is more of a luxury brand and its products are a great testament to this. TUMI cases are often more high-end and also cost much more than many others in the market. So, while Briggs & Riley is the winner in this aspect, if you are looking for a luxury case, TUMI would be the brand for you.
Safety/Security
Briggs & Riley:
Their suitcases do not come with built-in TSA locks which is something that highly improves the security of your luggage. While you can buy the lock separately directly from Briggs & Riley, this is an added expense that many people might not want to incur.
However, while the TSA lock is not inbuilt, Briggs & Riley suitcases do offer high quality zipper loops that are convenient and hard to open.
TUMI:
In terms of Safety and Security, TUMI is the clear winner. While both brands offer great zipper loops which provide a feeling of trust and comfort, TUMI suitcases go above and beyond. This is primarily thanks to their built-in TSA locks on hard cases as well as the Alpha range of suitcases. These TSA locks are very sturdy and will save you money while securing your luggage.
Moreover, TUMI also has its own Tracer Tag system in place for their suitcases. This system allows you to somewhat identify the location of your bag which is great for longer journeys.
Which One Should You Get?
So, after going through this list of differences between the two brands, the question arises, which one should you get? Well, here are some factors that might help you decide which suitcase is right for you.
If you are on a budget and looking for a suitcase that can get you around without costing too much, Briggs & Riley might be better for you. Their suitcases offer everything you’ll need to get the most out of the price. For example, telescoping handles, high-quality materials, efficient wheels, and more. However, they do sometimes lack in the luxury factor.
On the other hand, if you are someone who wants the best product possible and don’t have a tight budget, TUMI is the way to go. TUMI suitcases are designed for the high-end user and use premier materials and technologies to get you a great suitcase experience. They also come with TSA locks which is a great feature for all travels.
That being said, whatever suitcase you plan on using, make sure to buy the right one for your specific requirements. This means getting the right size and looking for internal compartments and options that will be useful to you.
