Finding a luggage set that offers a good mix of affordability, practicality, and a bit of flair can be a challenge. The Merax 3 Piece Luggage Set is a recent contender that caught my eye. I recently snagged the set for a family vacation and after a series of airport check-ins, long-haul flights, and hotel transfers, I’ve got some insights to share.
What You Get in the Set
The Merax 3 Piece Set includes three hardside suitcases in varying sizes:
- 20” Carry-On
- 24” Medium Checked Bag
- 28” Large Checked Bag
The construction is a hard ABS and polycarbonate blend shell with an all-over lightweight and colorful design.
Build Quality & Durability
The first thing I noticed about this set was how solid the suitcases felt right out of the box. The exterior hardshell material is tough and scratch resistant. It’s also easy to wipe clean if needed.
After a total of four flights and two cruise ship transfers, all of the pieces returned with only minimal scuffing. We had no broken corners, cracks, or dents in any of the bags.
The zippers all glide without much resistance, and the TSA-approved combination locks are adequate. My only real complaint about cheap luggage sets is often weak zipper tracks and misaligned or shaky wheels, but I can report that Merax delivered on both counts admirably.
In fact, several customers reported making the set work for multiple international trips with no durability issues.
Pro Tip: The three pieces can all nest compactly inside each other for easy storage when not in use.
Maneuverability & Wheels
As far as four-wheeled suitcases go, this is a very smooth operator. Each case comes with four 360-degree spinner wheels which live up to the hype. I found them to roll easily and smoothly across all types of surfaces from carpet to tile to concrete.
Weaving through crowds at the airport and wheeling them down long hotel corridors was a breeze thanks to those low-resistance spinner wheels.
The telescoping handles are also smooth and stable, with three different height settings to accommodate different user heights. I’m 5’6” and my partner is over 6 feet, and we both found them comfortable and easy to maneuver with no wobble.
Interior Layout & Packing Experience
The interior of these three pieces are also a nice surprise. They come fully lined with a divider panel on one side and elastic compression straps on the other. There’s also a zippered accessory pocket on the inside of each suitcase.
Customers can use it to organize smaller items like cables, papers, electronics, and toiletries. Each of the three pieces is also an expandable bag, offering a little extra packing space in a pinch (useful for those heavier return trips when you want to bring home souvenirs).
Customers found the bags to be both lightweight and roomier than expected. Michelle Cardwell, for example, used the large bag for a two-week cruise and found it spacious enough to fit two full sets of clothes, shoes, and accessories for her and her daughter.
USB Charging Ports
The special “hack” that I was most interested in trying was the built-in USB-A and USB-C charging ports on the carry-on. To use them, customers can insert their power bank into the dedicated internal sleeve (a couple of reviewers noted the sleeve was difficult to locate or missing, but I assume those were manufacturing errors), then connect it to the provided cable and charge away.
I found the USB ports very convenient for charging devices on long-haul flights and during layovers.
Design & Color Options
The standout for me with the Merax 3 Piece Set is the design. The available gradient color schemes are striking and a step above your typical no-frills luggage. The light blue, mint green, and navy ombre colorways are fun and ultra-modern, with plenty of bright color to spot your bags easily at a busy luggage carousel.
Real-World User Feedback
What People Love:
- Lightweight & Sturdy: Multiple reviewers reported the luggage lasting through both flights and cruises with no problem.
- Great Value: Three functional, good-looking suitcases for under $150? “Steal” and “Best value ever” were common refrains in the reviews.
- Color Options: The gradient ombre variations are nice and bright, making your luggage easy to spot.
- Easy to Maneuver: Pushing the suitcases was as easy as advertised, even for small children. One reviewer noted her 8-year-old daughter had fun running around with it at home.
- Easy to Clean: Dust and scuffs wiped right off.
Common Complaints:
- Minor Manufacturing Defects: A few customers noted some loose interior linings, buckled zippers, or missing USB sleeves. However, I see the Merax customer service team is also highly rated, with many writing in to say that they quickly sent replacement parts where needed.
- Handle Durability: The telescoping handle is fine when not loaded, but there were a few reviewers who thought it got a little wobbly when fully extended under a heavy load.
- Zipper Durability: Slow and steady, people. A classic complaint with budget luggage.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Merax 3-Piece Set | Samsonite Winfield 2 | Coolife Hardshell Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | ABS + PC Blend | 100% Polycarbonate | ABS |
| Number of Pieces | 3 (20″/24″/28″) | 3 (20″/24″/28″) | 3 (20″/24″/28″) |
| Wheels | 360° Spinner Wheels | 360° Spinner Wheels | 360° Spinner Wheels |
| TSA Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | Yes (carry-on only) | No | No |
| Price Range | $120 – $150 | $180 – $250 | $130 – $170 |
Best For
The Merax 3 Piece Set would be an excellent fit for any of the following types of customers:
- Looking for a colorful and stylish set for leisure or occasional travel
- In need of a complete luggage set on a strict budget
- Traveling with small children and needing light, easy-to-wrangle bags
- Enjoying the extra little features like charging ports and cup holders
Not Ideal For
This set is less ideal if:
- You are a frequent business traveler and expect premium-grade durability
- You want high-end components like aluminum telescoping handles, soft-close zippers, or weighted corner protectors
- You are a fan of extensive internal organization features or compression panels
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Final Verdict
Overall, for the price, I have to say that Merax has put together a set that overdelivers in several categories. Between the expandable space, charging ports, and vibrant gradient colors, this luggage set punches well above its weight class. It’s not going to last a lifetime or match the luxury brands on function, but at this price point, that’s not realistic to expect.
Merax also seems to have decent customer support to help with any rare manufacturing defects, which is reassuring. For my use case, the Merax 3 Piece Luggage Set is an easy choice as a budget buy that doesn’t skimp on the features or style.
Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5
Got a Merax set yourself? Drop a note in the comments and share your own user experiences with the Merax 3 Piece Luggage Set.
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