Samsonite is a well-respected brand when it comes to providing tough suitcases that will go the distance and protect belongings over multiple trips. That is certainly the case with the tough-looking Samsonite Omni PC model, which specification looks effective without getting too detailed or high-tech. In this review, we are going to explore if Samsonite Omni PC is a recommendable value-for-money option.
Before we go into more detail about the different features and benefits of this clean hard side Samsonite case, let’s quickly go over some of the different pros and cons.
Samsonite Omni PC, at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There are all the features you expect from a user-friendly case, such as the handles and spinner wheels. | The hardside case is prone to scratching, which can detract from the nice design of that glossy PC material. |
| The design is great for all kinds of trips, with some fun color choices out there. | Users would have liked to have seen some extra storage features beyond the bare essentials. |
| The storage area is simple but spacious with a helpful divider and straps. | There are no special features or extras that help to justify the higher price tag. |
| You can increase this storage area with the expandable system for a better capacity as needed. | |
| The shell is pretty tough and should withstand any knocks and dents. |
Samsonite Omni PC Review 2024
We can’t pretend that this Samsonite case is perfect, and we’ll explore why in more detail below. However, what is clear is that this is a case that covers all the bases nicely without going too far or doing anything too weird.
It is a box ticker when it comes to essential features, storage options, and that tough shell. You get a great hardside case made from strong polycarbonate that protects a spacious 24 by 17.5-inch case. This case contains simple interior storage features and expands by a couple of inches as needed. From there, you can make use of the telescoping handle, spinner wheels, and TSA locks to make traveling much easier.
Ease Of Use
Ease of use is where this Samsonite case really shines. There is a simplicity to the design that has its definite pros and cons depending on your expectations. Still, there is everything that you would expect as standard to make this as user-friendly as possible. It all starts with the spinner wheels. Those wheels are now the standard for international travel because they are so much more convenient than inline ones. These four wheels are very responsive for a smooth journey across the airport and around your destination. They should also be built to last, much like the case itself, the strong zipper, and other features.
Then there are the handles on this case to make it even easy to maneuver from point A to point B. Of course, you have that all-important telescoping handle extending from the top of the case. This lets you bring the handle up to a comfortable height while wheeling the case beside you. It also appears to be stable and well-made, so there are no risks of it snapping mid-vacation. From there, you get another smaller carry handle on the top and one on the side. This is much better for lifting cases in and out of storage areas or trunks of taxis. Again, they seem to be strong and ergonomic enough for regular use.
On that note, we need to mention the weight of this PC case. Some say they have found lighter options in the past. Still, you have to question whether or not those lighter models are tough enough to handle regular trips. This one might be a little more robust for added longevity. That doesn’t mean that this one is especially heavy. At 9.04 lbs for the medium option, you shouldn’t struggle to lift this even when it is full of clothes and other items.
Another feature to mention with ease of use in mind is the lock. TSA locks are a great feature for giving agents easy access to your case when called upon to do so, but also providing great security against theft. You can lock the zipper in place with a simple code and release it with ease. Just make sure you remember the digits!
Versatility
One thing that stands out with this case is the idea of simplicity in the overall design and specification. As mentioned before, this can have its pros and cons. A benefit is that the sleek and modern design of the hardshell case is visually appealing to a range of potential buyers. In turn, it becomes a more versatile option that can suit different needs.
Many retailers stock the black version, which looks more high-end and professional with the defined texture and ridges. This has the potential to look good and protect important belongings while heading away on business or on a trip to visit family for the holidays. It is attractive without turning too many heads and the carry-on version is perfect for a weekend out of town.
However, there is nothing to stop families or adventurous solo travelers from using this for a grand vacation – especially if they want to use the expander to make the most of their baggage allowance. The size and ease of use make this hardside case great for international travel and city breaks where you may come back with more than you started with. Also, the case is available in a range of fun colors that are more visually appealing and add a little personality to the trip. There are buyers that especially like the teal version because it is more playful without being an excessively bold tone or print. The diamond texture still looks great in these softer tones.
Storage Features
The model that we’re concentrating on here is the medium case. This is the perfect option for a getaway when you need just enough space for extra clothes and are happy to use something that goes in the hold. This one is 24 by 17.5 by 11.5 inches, so there is a nice height and depth to that internal storage area. There is a larger model with the same great design or a small carry-on available in the same style. Figure out which is the best fit and enjoy the same great basic features.
The capacity of these cases is great on its own. There is more than enough room in that medium case to cover a week away on holiday. However, there is an expansion system in place to extend that capacity further. This is great if you get to your destination and have a lot of shopping planned, or if you plan to take gifts to family but don’t need as much space on the way back. The medium expands to 26.5 by 18.5 by 11.5 inches for just enough extra space without becoming hard to handle.
While talking about these storage features, we need to discuss a negative review about the lack of external pockets. There are two ways of looking at this. On the positive side, it isn’t uncommon for a tough PC case like this to refrain from adding any sort of external pocket or feature. Doing so would ruin the sleek shape and potentially compromise the integrity of the tough structure. On the other hand, this does limit the available compartments and makes this a less practical option than some softer cases.
With that in mind, let’s go over those internal compartments and see what is on offer here. The design is pretty simplistic. There is a full-zip interior divider to separate clothing and other items neatly without them getting too messed up in transit. There are then cross-straps over one of the sections that are designed for “increased packing organization”. It is hard to fault either element and users can pack all they need in this expandable compartment with ease. Yet, a couple of extra pouches and zippered pockets might have been helpful.
Durability
One of the main reasons that people turn to this model is the promise of a high-quality hardside case. This model is made from 100% polycarbonate for a tough and rigid exterior shell. This helps the case keep its shape with ease while providing something with the promise of high-impact resistance. User reviews seem to back this up pretty well, with no obvious issues of dents or cracks from bumps and knocks during their journey. This should allow for some extra peace of mind when dealing with baggage handlers. No case is going to be completely impervious to damage, but this one does a good enough job for general use.
An added benefit of this sort of hardside polycarbonate case is that it should be relatively easy to clean. The promise is that you can wipe it down with a cloth and keep it looking nice and shiny for longer. This is ideal for getting any dirt and grime out of those ridges after your latest adventure. There is a warning not to use anything too potent on the PC surface. The inner lining should also wipe clean fairly easily in case there are any spills from toiletries or other liquids in transit.
Despite these benefits, we do need to talk about a drawback of this PC-ridged design. Some reviewers have removed a star from their ratings because the surface was too easy to scratch with regular use. The company states that the pretty micro-diamond texture is “extremely scratch-resistant” to keep cases “beautiful trip after trip”. This seems to be a bit overblown based on the testimonials. Some feel the scratches are hard to hide and even recommend the use of a fu suitcase cover to prevent this aesthetic damage.
Value For Money
Is The Samsonite Omni PC Case value for money? This is where you will find some debate among users, with some finding it to be of great value and others not so sure. Those that would answer in the affirmative would argue that the range of helpful features and the overall quality across the case’s construction and design make it high value for regular use. It looks like a high-end model that fits in well with the brand’s range. There is also the benefit of the Limited 10-Year Global Warranty in case there are any issues.
However, others question the value compared to other cases. This isn’t a cheap case, and you can find others that have a lot of the same general features for a much lower price tag. There is nothing special here not seen elsewhere, such as any clever storage solutions or tech features. The lack of a USB port may be off-putting to some. There is no denying that it does a reliable job – even with the risk of scratches – but it is of greater value as a sale item.
Wrapping Up
Overall, there is a lot to like about this case and there are enough redeeming features to make it recommendable to a lot of different users. There is a familiarity with the design and function that makes this a go-to case for all kinds of trips. It is spacious and adaptable with that expanding capacity and not so complicated that it becomes difficult to use.
The user-friendly features, strong constructions, and attractive design all add to the immediate appeal as well as the long-term practicality. There are downsides in the simplicity of the specification for the price paid, the scratches, and the lack of external storage or high-tech elements. But, it is easy to overlook these for the general reliability of the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner. Therefore, it is easy to recommend this case to those that want a tough no-nonsense PC medium spinner case for their next adventure.
