People have strong opinions about just about everything in the travel space, and that includes luggage. In this post, I want to address one of the most controversial topics in the luggage world — should you get a spinner suitcase?
In this post:
What are spinner suitcases?
For those not familiar with the terminology, a spinner suitcase is an upright bag with four wheels (as opposed to roller luggage, which has only two wheels). While it’s absolutely not always the case, spinner suitcases are often hard-sided, while roller bags are more often soft-sided.
It seems like in recent years, spinner suitcases have become all the rage, with many bag manufacturers largely switching from two wheels to four wheels for their bags. So, what are the pros and cons of spinner bags vs. roller bags?
The pros of spinner suitcases
There are several benefits to spinner suitcases compared to roller luggage:
- Spinner suitcases are much more flexible, in the sense that you can roll them next to or in front of you, which isn’t so practical with roller luggage
- Spinner suitcases are more maneuverable, and can be rolled sideways into tighter spaces; this is great whether you’re walking down an airplane aisle, or are rolling a bag through an automated immigration kiosk or through a train turnstile
- On flat and even surfaces, spinner suitcases are arguably easier to roll, as there’s less friction, and less pressure on your arm and shoulder
- Spinner suitcases are often hard-sided, which some prefer, as it’s potentially more durable, and protects the items in your bag
The cons of spinner suitcases
There are also several downsides to spinner suitcases compared to roller luggage:
- Spinner suitcases typically have external wheels, which doesn’t help with maximizing space, as they stick out; when you put your carry-on bag in a sizer, the wheel space counts toward the limit
- Spinner suitcases are great on flat and even surfaces, but the second you deal with an incline, or you’re inside something that’s moving (a train, subway, etc.), or you have an uneven surface, they can become a burden
- Not all bags are equally durable, and sometimes wheels break; you’re more likely to have issues if you have four wheels rather than two wheels
- Spinner suitcases are more likely to be hard-sided, which doesn’t maximize space, and doesn’t allow you to expand your bag in the event that you’re carrying more than usual
I’m in the anti-spinner luggage camp
Let me acknowledge that this is a topic that divides my household. Ford exclusively has spinner bags with four wheels, for both carry-ons and checked bags (he uses Rimowa bags). He says I’m too practical. I exclusively have roller bags with two wheels (I use Briggs & Riley), for both carry-ons and checked bags. I say Ford isn’t practical enough.
Does Ford’s Rimowa look nicer than my Briggs & Riley bag? I’d say so (though I find Rimowa bags scratch up so easily… perhaps that’s part of the charm?). Personally I don’t think Briggs & Riley bags look particularly great, but they’re incredibly durable (I made the switch from Tumi several years back, and have been very happy about that).
But style aside, I can’t help but point out that when we travel together, I generally have fewer issues with my bag than Ford does. Basically any time we’re not on a flat, smooth surface (which is quite a bit of the time), I find that my bag offers a more seamless experience.
I know some people feel like it can be tougher on your wrists and heavier to have a two wheeled bag than a spinner bag. My solution is that I hang my backpack off the back of my carry-on with a clip. This acts as a balance to the bag’s weight when I’m carrying it behind me, and makes it feel virtually weightless.
There’s also not nearly as practical of a way to hang a second bag off a spinner bag as with a roller bag. You can place something on top, but that can be limiting.
Anyway, I make absolutely no claim that my system is better than anyone else’s. However, I’ve been using two wheeled roller bags for as long as I can remember, and I refuse to make the switch. I’m probably just stubborn, since the luggage industry is increasingly headed in the direction of spinner suitcases. I just can’t get behind the concept.
Bottom line
People have strong opinions about the merits of four wheel spinner luggage vs. two wheel roller luggage. There are pros and cons to both types of bags. Call me traditional, but I’m stuck in my ways with roller luggage. I appreciate how these bags perform better with complicated surfaces, and I also like how I can clip something to the side of the bag, to maximize how much I can easily carry.
Where do you stand — do you prefer spinner luggage or roller luggage?
Check out Floyd! Skateboard wheels that are tough and can be pulled thru anything great setup!
Love a Spinner- my wife convinced me last year. Only drawbacks are trying to pull four wheels over carpet but you can toggle it to only two wheels when you need. But having a spinner on a bus, metro train or on a steep slope is more difficult.
Ford can enjoy his stylish broken off wheels. I'll enjoy my decidedly unfashionable Eagle Creek bag which both has two wheels and a "No Matter What" warranty.
The comments seem to be all related to how either a spinner or a 2-wheeler roll and maneuver.
Has no one had problems with the spinner's clamshell design? As far as I can see hotel luggage racks (etc) won't hold clamshells when they are open. So you have to put your bag on the floor to access both sides? For me that's the killer for spinners.
And on the other hand the B&R...
The comments seem to be all related to how either a spinner or a 2-wheeler roll and maneuver.
Has no one had problems with the spinner's clamshell design? As far as I can see hotel luggage racks (etc) won't hold clamshells when they are open. So you have to put your bag on the floor to access both sides? For me that's the killer for spinners.
And on the other hand the B&R now have built in suiters that can't be removed (got that answer from B&R Cust support). I see that Travel Pro Platinum also has a suiter that can't be removed. If I am not using it, it's a lot of unneeded weight and space. Earlier luggage like Hartman (before the takeover) or the older B&R had suiters that could be removed. Yeah, take it out when you don't need it and snap it back in when you do.
Depends on the piece. My Delsey hardshell doesn't have a clamshell design, it has a "hatch" on the top closer to traditional suitcases. The inside has a waterproof compartment for toiletries, another smaller non-waterproof compartment, and the rest is just wide open for you to pack however you please.
I’m in the two-wheel camp.
I have both types. 2 wheel carry on and expandable briefcase. 4 wheel check in. The 4 wheel is only going to be wheeled around airports and hotels ( although not great in carpets). I’m not going to wheel it around streets , gravel paths etc. my 3 wheelers are going to be used on lots more surfaces and longer walks. All B&R.
I bought over the Black Friday sale the Level8 cases. Gibraltar carry on 20”, 22” with shells. All aluminum including shell. No zippers outside; uses a hinge lock. I got 20% off and paid $351 total! Right now it’s only 8% off
Looking forward to my first trip.
4 wheels, lol.
I cannot decide on which team I want to be!
I have had a B&R Transcend roller for years. It's a workhouse and quite an amazing bag. I, however, wanted a spinner earlier this summer because I was having trouble pulling a two wheeled suitcase during a long illness. I bought both the Travelpro Platinum elite spinner and the B&R Baseline carry on spinner. I used them around the house and decided upon the...
I cannot decide on which team I want to be!
I have had a B&R Transcend roller for years. It's a workhouse and quite an amazing bag. I, however, wanted a spinner earlier this summer because I was having trouble pulling a two wheeled suitcase during a long illness. I bought both the Travelpro Platinum elite spinner and the B&R Baseline carry on spinner. I used them around the house and decided upon the B&R baseline. I regret keeping the B&R spinner every time I use it. The Travelpro has magnetic wheels so the wheels track in the direction in which you're walking. Pulling or pushing the Travelpro is effortless. The B&R has regular wheels that go every which way while you're walking. It feels wobbly and out of control. It makes the suitcase very difficult to maneuver, especially in crowded spaces. I hate it and cannot believe B&R missed this during design and production.
Don't make the same mistake I did!
Have Tumi 2 wheel and spinner, expandable carry ons - both are great. Prefer the spinner as generally easier to use while walking/rushing through airport. Have checked many times and no issues to date. The one minor annoyance with spinner is when on subway/train and standing up - unless propped against something, has tendency to roll away
Checked bags: Rollers win. The alternative of having four spinning wheels projecting out from your bag invites damage to the wheels or bag itself (when a handler tosses the bag and it lands with its full weight on a single wheel, I've had the whole wheel structure collapse into the hard shell of the bag, ruining it). I'd also say that the soft sides of a roller helps reduce the likelihood of damage to the...
Checked bags: Rollers win. The alternative of having four spinning wheels projecting out from your bag invites damage to the wheels or bag itself (when a handler tosses the bag and it lands with its full weight on a single wheel, I've had the whole wheel structure collapse into the hard shell of the bag, ruining it). I'd also say that the soft sides of a roller helps reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag, vs it's easy for a hard shell bag to become dented. The zipper being on top vs a center-aligned/clam shell is also makes it easier to deal with overall.
Carry-on: Doesn't matter as much, go with what you like and what meets your needs. You control the bag's exposure to damage. But for serious/frequent travelers, there's probably a good reason why pilots, FA's, etc. use cloth roller bags like Ben does.
Team Spinner. My Travelpro is a soft spinner that can expand. Got a slightly smaller international size (trying to stay within the 7 kg limit). In the US, I'll add a personal item like a small backpack if necessary.
It's a tradeoff between maneuverability and stability. I take my spinner on public transit so well aware it could roll around if not paying attention. It's a user issue and folks need to pay attention to their surroundings.
It's crazy that I can even get cancelled for having a preference of a certain luggage over other types. Sure you can prefer other ones but so can I...
When Miles gets old enough not to check luggage but he decides he doesn’t want to pull his own carryon anymore, you’ll realize you can push two spinners together with one hand while you hold on to the toddler with the other. Then you’ll come around to spinners.
I was firmly anti-spinner until this winter when my kid turned four and had his own luggage. He made it about 10 paces into the airport and was done with it.
Push two spinners together with one hand is *the* parenting move
If you look at Ford's Rimowa carry-on, you'll see a plaque that's either blank or that says "Rimowa" on it, facing backwards if it was being pulled on two wheels.
That's where older Rimowa models had an extendable/retractable strap for latching other items to the back of them. I have both a carry-on and a large checked case and having the strap makes them awesome for my purposes. Mine are both 10+ years old,...
If you look at Ford's Rimowa carry-on, you'll see a plaque that's either blank or that says "Rimowa" on it, facing backwards if it was being pulled on two wheels.
That's where older Rimowa models had an extendable/retractable strap for latching other items to the back of them. I have both a carry-on and a large checked case and having the strap makes them awesome for my purposes. Mine are both 10+ years old, and it looks like Rimowa phased out the straps without re-engineering the case, which is why the plate is now where the strap used to be.
You can see the strap here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OFBZxBnu94&t=42s&ab_channel=LuggagePros
Warning, it's a YouTube auto-play video if you're in an office.
Spinner all the time when I actually need a case - often pulled behind me on 2 wheels sideways to make it narrow for aisles and the angle suits my metal wrist (old accident)
When I don't need a case I just use a backpack
As for brand I go for Samsonite normally bought from Costco as they are great value and seem to last forever in my experience
Spinner all the time when I actually need a case - often pulled behind me on 2 wheels sideways to make it narrow for aisles and the angle suits my metal wrist (old accident)
When I don't need a case I just use a backpack
As for brand I go for Samsonite normally bought from Costco as they are great value and seem to last forever in my experience
Should add that...
Spinner all the time when I actually need a case - often pulled behind me on 2 wheels sideways to make it narrow for aisles and the angle suits my metal wrist (old accident)
When I don't need a case I just use a backpack
As for brand I go for Samsonite normally bought from Costco as they are great value and seem to last forever in my experience
Should add that being a Brit from the regions I do a lot of train travel (it's great in the UK if pricey) and many routes involve a change at Schiphol where KLM are adept at losing bags so being cabin friendly is essential for me
Ben, I'm in the market for a new B+R carry-on and can't decide between the standard domestic size or the international/"global" size. I'm thinking that I could make either of them work for mix of 50% domestic/50% international travel (JetBlue/Southwest/Big 3 stateside and European/Asian carriers internationally). I know there's no such thing as the perfect bag and that there are always trade-offs, but which size would you pick if you had to do it over again? Thanks!
One of my best purchases ever was a Rimowa IATA carry on, Salsa Deluxe, in polycarbonate. It has been my short business trip carry on for 10+ years. Still works great today, just had one zipper replaced.
The modern Rimowas aren't as good, but still are worth the purchase IMO.
I am team briefcase on spinner all day (most briefcase or other similar bags have a space dedicated to attaching to spinner handles).
If Briggs & Riley hired a competent designer to make their bags look prettier they would be unbeatable. Yes, they are the "work horse" of luggage but they look ugly and outdated. It is a trade off.
Rimowa is getting expensive. Prices keep going up, but they are still great bags in my opinion. For business travel, a spinner is hard to beat. I can do 3-4 days with just a carry on. makes going through airports really quick. Then I got a rimowa trunk that I though was going to be for the familly...my wife uses it as her own..
Unless you are after a fashion accessory and/or the brand feel-good factor, there's no need to pay Rimowa prices. You can find a lot of cheaper aluminium luggage out there nowadays, some of it of very decent quality, offered at a fraction of the cost.
However, those bags can be a bit too heavy for a fair few airlines. Despite my careful packing, I have had to check mine in a couple of times.
Wow lucky! Really digging deep for some content today....
Softside carry-on bag for me - mobility is the name of the game when I travel.
If it's got wheels, one day one or more of them will break and besides, they take up additional space in the overhead bin, although in my experience almost nobody cares that they're taking up more than their fair share of space. As well, they're a PITA on public transport.
Always a little sad to see how soft America...
Softside carry-on bag for me - mobility is the name of the game when I travel.
If it's got wheels, one day one or more of them will break and besides, they take up additional space in the overhead bin, although in my experience almost nobody cares that they're taking up more than their fair share of space. As well, they're a PITA on public transport.
Always a little sad to see how soft America has become when I see all those able-bodied folks wheeling their luggage through the airport.
And I never check a bag - as the old saying goes, there's two kinds of airline luggage:
Carry-on and lost.
All 4-wheel spinners convert to 2-wheel pullers. I gave up on pullers because you can’t pull them down the narrow aisles on trains.
Spinners are also easier to arrange in small or crowded elevators.
4-wheel spinners are not supposed to be used as 2-wheel pullers. That kills those wheels rather effectively in most cases.
That's advise from a guy who owns a luggage repair company used by various airlines (in case they break things).
Thank you for the subject article Ben, very interesting.
Like most regular airline passengers, over the years I have tried various forms of luggage.
Today I am lucky enough to have a collection to choose from depending upon the journey and length of stay, etc.
On my most regular occupational journeys of only 2-3 nights duration, I favour a Bennet and Winch S.C. Holdall. This is carry on combination duffle bag and...
Thank you for the subject article Ben, very interesting.
Like most regular airline passengers, over the years I have tried various forms of luggage.
Today I am lucky enough to have a collection to choose from depending upon the journey and length of stay, etc.
On my most regular occupational journeys of only 2-3 nights duration, I favour a Bennet and Winch S.C. Holdall. This is carry on combination duffle bag and suit carrier. It is extremely useful on both commercial and being compressible, light aircraft flights too.
A good spinner bag is worth it, and you don't even have to spend Rimowa/Tumi/B&R money on it. I bought a 23" Delsey hardshell in 2017 for my primary travel case, it's a durable plastic hardshell bag and has protected all the booze I bring home from trips while still being relatively light. Loaded up it rolls really smoothly, and is fine in both trolley and 2-wheel mode. I have had it repaired once under...
A good spinner bag is worth it, and you don't even have to spend Rimowa/Tumi/B&R money on it. I bought a 23" Delsey hardshell in 2017 for my primary travel case, it's a durable plastic hardshell bag and has protected all the booze I bring home from trips while still being relatively light. Loaded up it rolls really smoothly, and is fine in both trolley and 2-wheel mode. I have had it repaired once under warranty, a factory defect on one of the zippers was the cause.
I also have a cheapo $30 softside carry-on spinner from DonQui in Japan, also a 2017 purchase, and its wheels are beginning to fall apart. It's been used a bit more than the Delsey, but the Delsey has seen much more in the way of cobblestones, gravel, and other imperfect surfaces. To replace that I've moved to a 30L waterproof osprey duffle, easier to pack into my Delsey until I need it and, while not a roller, is comfortable to carry in backpack mode and it can also just sit on top of the Delsey when going to/from the airport.
Who doesn’t like a good spinner?
I slipped two discs in my lower back pulling a two wheeled bag through the cobblestone streets of Paris because I was too cheap to get a taxi. After the surgery to fix what I had done, I had to switch to spinners because its just too hard on my old back to pull a suitcase behind me. All of my bags are now spinners. I used to have Rimowa, but they dent just looking...
I slipped two discs in my lower back pulling a two wheeled bag through the cobblestone streets of Paris because I was too cheap to get a taxi. After the surgery to fix what I had done, I had to switch to spinners because its just too hard on my old back to pull a suitcase behind me. All of my bags are now spinners. I used to have Rimowa, but they dent just looking at them. So I switched to Arlo Skye. Much, much, less expensive that Rimowa, and they use a thicker (albeit heavier) aluminum shell which has really stood the test of time. A few scratches here and there, but no dents!
Pulling a four-wheeler through cobblestone streets (are any place with a note perfectly even surface) is much harder than a two-wheeler, if possible at all.
I don't like spinners. I prefer a haul-behind.
I don't like the people who use spinners because you don't know where that bag is going. Most of them act like the airport is bumper cars. Swinging the bag back and forth anywhere in their orbit. You don't know which direction they're going, and odds are they don't either.
I prefer the roller bag. I buy TravelPro bags and they have mostly dropped roller bags, particulary for the large 25" + bags that you check.
Roller bags are much better on a sidewalk and crossing a street. Also you can walk faster with a roller bag. The inside length lost by the spinning wheels keeps me from putting pants in the bag with only one folder - like I can do with a roller carry on.
What ever happend to all the wide suticase luggage bags? I bought an item the size of of medium/large picture frame and wanted to transport back home but all the modern bags are skinny/narrow. Lucky my aunt still had one old bags from the 90's that i could use to fit the item.
It's all dependent on the mission.
If you're just going home-taxi-airport-taxi-luxury resort-taxi-airport-taxi-home and you want to check luggage in, you're probably better off with an old-school suitcase without wheels.
If you're going hiking, you likely need a chunky backpack.
If you're mostly flying hand-luggage only but without weight restrictions, an aluminium rollaboard fits the bill. That same item would be virtually useless for flying without checked bags if there's a 7kg carry-on...
It's all dependent on the mission.
If you're just going home-taxi-airport-taxi-luxury resort-taxi-airport-taxi-home and you want to check luggage in, you're probably better off with an old-school suitcase without wheels.
If you're going hiking, you likely need a chunky backpack.
If you're mostly flying hand-luggage only but without weight restrictions, an aluminium rollaboard fits the bill. That same item would be virtually useless for flying without checked bags if there's a 7kg carry-on limit. Etc etc.
Old-school luggage is tough to manage in a day where you're unlikely to be dropped off exactly where you want, luggage carts may be in short supply or poorly located, curbside check-in is not available (or you have to shuffle bags through a long line), and finally, "Red Caps"/porters are increasingly hard to find. Wheels make sense, even on checked bags.
This is a classic first world problem.
First world -- sure, spinner.
But 3rd world, stairs or anything not smooth -- roller all day long.
As long as the terrain is medium-smooth (walking across tarmac/tram tracks/etc) then you can drag your spinner behind you on two wheels.
100% this. For some reason everyone here seems to think spinners don't "function" in a two-wheel mode. I have Tumi spinners for both my int'l carry-on and a large-size check bag. Branding opinions aside, I have ZERO problems using them anywhere. Just pull them like you would a two-wheeler. *And* I live in Europe half the time in one of the oldest parts of one of the oldest cities on the continent where cobble stones...
100% this. For some reason everyone here seems to think spinners don't "function" in a two-wheel mode. I have Tumi spinners for both my int'l carry-on and a large-size check bag. Branding opinions aside, I have ZERO problems using them anywhere. Just pull them like you would a two-wheeler. *And* I live in Europe half the time in one of the oldest parts of one of the oldest cities on the continent where cobble stones are everywhere. Why is this such a difficult physical concept for people to grasp?
So DC, you are one of those cobble stone clatterers who makes so much noise?
Only joking.
If you ever witnessed the near sonic speed at which these spinners come shooting down a baggage chute and then hit someone’s else’s bag, you’d probably vote with me to have these things banned.
Note only do four wheels that stick out do a lot of damage to other peoples’ bags, these wheels that protrude also have a tendency to get torn off the suitcase that they are attached to.
I may be in a minority here, but I avoid them like the plague.
B.
Briggs&Riley…..there’s no better bag! I have my original 22” expandable roller from like 25 years ago which I mainly use expanded now as a checked bag on longer trips. It’s a TANK! Probably weighs 12lbs and has the hard panels with Velcro that fold down when expanded. Every time I send it in for repairs, they want to replace it……NEVER! I also have their 19” spinner and my biggest complaint is that it tips over...
Briggs&Riley…..there’s no better bag! I have my original 22” expandable roller from like 25 years ago which I mainly use expanded now as a checked bag on longer trips. It’s a TANK! Probably weighs 12lbs and has the hard panels with Velcro that fold down when expanded. Every time I send it in for repairs, they want to replace it……NEVER! I also have their 19” spinner and my biggest complaint is that it tips over frequently, less so when expanded. I’ve enjoyed watching the evolution of their expansion mechanisms and will say the current generation is very decent. My husband has the previous generation and it’s not great. Contemplating buying a new one but wondering about any innovation in the near future? As to the debate, I use both interchangeably and completely agree with your pros and cons analysis! Cheers!!
Yes, but they are ugly as hell. Why not hire a good designer to keep the quality but make them look nicer.
PSA - The Briggs & Riley Baseline Compact 19" Carry-On Spinner tends to fit under the seat. This has avoided gate checking on more than one occasion when the overhead bins have been full. Hope this helps someone.
PS - Ever since LVMH purchased a controlling interest in Rimowa, quality has substantially declined. Just like Hartmann after it was purchased. They simply aren't what they used to be.
Made the switch to Rimowa 4-wheeler a few years ago from a (also Rimowa) 2-wheeler and never looked back.
I think 4 wheels just win in more situations than 2 wheels do.
If I expect really adverse terrain, I'll go with a duffle.
I am firmly on team roller bag and have been for the past decade. I have a TravelPro FlightCrew5 bag with a Nomatic 20L backpack and it’s seamless. I’ve used that setup for almost a million miles and it’s still going strong. The backpack hangs on the hook and it perfectly counterbalances the bag. I also never have to worry about my bag getting tipped over because of how the weight is distributed.
What I like about spinner bags is that you can push it in front of you in crowded areas. Roller bags pulled behind you (and usually a bit to the side) take much more space and I feel I'm bothering others more than with a spinner.
I think it depends on where you're going and what you're doing for ground transport. If your travels take you to sketchy areas via public transit, the ability to spin the luggage to your side or front brings peace of mind, even if it's all in your head.
Neither.
Both are wasteful of the limited storage space in an aircraft cabin. I stick to bags without wheels for my carry-on luggage exclusively.
Very interesting take - I have to say my shoulders would not be happy with me I made this a habit.
As far as possible, I carry just a 7kg backpack with my laptop and other electronics and check the rest. If I'm on a short (max 1-2 day) trip with the need for formal clothing, I'll take a compact garment bag with suit, etc.. as carry on with me. Neither needs wheels.
Check bag... Eh... no! Absolutely not!
Check bag... Eh... no. Absolutely not!
@SeanM, speaking of 7kg, if anyone knows the answer to this question, it's going to be you, @SeanM .
Is there any reason why IATA doesn't seem to care about its members harmonising the weight limits for hand luggage by e.g. making a recommendation for setting them at 10kg for Y and 13kg for premium classes? Not only does one get frustrated by having to repack multiple times during the same trip, but some...
@SeanM, speaking of 7kg, if anyone knows the answer to this question, it's going to be you, @SeanM .
Is there any reason why IATA doesn't seem to care about its members harmonising the weight limits for hand luggage by e.g. making a recommendation for setting them at 10kg for Y and 13kg for premium classes? Not only does one get frustrated by having to repack multiple times during the same trip, but some of the limits are plainly ridiculous - you can't fit much into a rollaboard that weighs four kilos when the limit is 7, and anything over 15kg or so can cause serious injuries to pax and crew if it falls from the overhead bin.
@Throwawayname - Actually I believe that IATA PSC has made a non-binding recommendation that carry-on luggage limits be set at 7kg (rather than a binding resolution which of course could never be passed).
The stated purpose of carry-on luggage is to have access to valuables and items required during the course of the journey, and not as a replacement for checked-in luggage that is required at the destination itself.
@SeanM
When did this IATA implement or revised this 7kg rule.
A laptop + tablet + chargers takes up almost 7kg already.
@Eskimo - Its not a rule. Its a PSC recommendation. It has no value other than a group of member airlines saying "hey guys, you should do this too".
Why should there be an increased weight allowance at the front of the plane?
I can understand a higher permitted number of bags (rule at many airlines) or a larger size permitted. I suspect the weight limit was set as a safety issue. !0 kilo hitting your head might be an issue, regardless of class of service.
@Donato , I don't disagree in principle, but we know that the commercial reality is that airlines will want to differentiate between cabins, so it's better to have a realistic limit instead of one that never gets enforced. The risk is also a bit lower when it comes to long haul premium class travel, as bins are less likely to be overstuffed.
Yeah, for carry-on bags I take the no-wheels approach. I much prefer having both hands free while I'm moving through the airport. For checked luggage, I use a spinner (and can't say I've found it any more difficult to deal with than two-wheeled bags, even on abnormal surfaces; if anything, it's the opposite).
This is the way.