People have strong opinions about just about everything in the travel space, and that includes luggage. In this post, I’d like to address one of the most controversial topics in the luggage world — should you get a spinner suitcase? I have strong opinions on this, but I know others vehemently disagree with me.
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, especially with spinner suitcases often having external 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. For that matter, I also find they are more durable, so are less likely to have wheels break, etc.
Where do you stand — do you prefer spinner luggage or roller luggage?
Your picture of a spinner shows the "good spinner wheels" where two wheels have a central bushing. These are good to even great at times.
The old spinner where one wheel was between two supports FAIL almost immediately and are to be avoided.
Nowadays better Chinese bags are super good yet a fraction of the cost. I didn't realize this until iberia broke my luggage handle and I had to buy a new luggage in Colombia until I get back to the us and the shop owner gave me an amazing intro to the Chinese bags. I am still using the bag after 5 years, literally no issues at all.
If you use a spinner, use all four wheels. Spinner wheels are not made for dragging like a two wheel suitecase and break - as I've learned from a repair shop.
(No spinners here anyway, since I'm traveling to more remote parts of Indonesia a fair bit or have to cover longer distances in European cities.)
Spinners and Rimowa all the way.
I am fortunate enough to be able to buy extremely affordable yet fairly decent luggages in China. I used to own high end life time warranty luggages, but when the wheel (often the case) breaks, it takes weeks to get it fixed. A check in luggage from China online stores like pinduoduo costs $16 dollars. With wheels that rivals high end luggage’s (eg they come from the same parts in China). Sure overall quality kind...
I am fortunate enough to be able to buy extremely affordable yet fairly decent luggages in China. I used to own high end life time warranty luggages, but when the wheel (often the case) breaks, it takes weeks to get it fixed. A check in luggage from China online stores like pinduoduo costs $16 dollars. With wheels that rivals high end luggage’s (eg they come from the same parts in China). Sure overall quality kind of sucks but if it breaks I just throw it away and use another one. If carry on, you can use a more luxury luggage.
Always four wheels due to height clearance and larger wheels. Also usually the wheels get dirty and dirt can be somewhat cleaned when rolling around other surfaces. The two wheels rubber legs will never get cleaned the same way.
Just returned from my CID SYD CID Birthday Trip using my 1999 era Briggs and Riley Baseline ’wheelie’ No spinners back then!
Also gave myself 4 hours in LAX on separate tickets SYD LAX & LAX DFW CID. This due to using Alaskan miles only available to LAX (130,000). Snagged the LAX CID for 25,000 AS on AA mental
Also at LAX I checked the wheelie because I was gifted a bottle of Bollinger La...
Just returned from my CID SYD CID Birthday Trip using my 1999 era Briggs and Riley Baseline ’wheelie’ No spinners back then!
Also gave myself 4 hours in LAX on separate tickets SYD LAX & LAX DFW CID. This due to using Alaskan miles only available to LAX (130,000). Snagged the LAX CID for 25,000 AS on AA mental
Also at LAX I checked the wheelie because I was gifted a bottle of Bollinger La Grand Annee 2015 by the Qantas crew
Related to a recent post, I got two different Bday cakes @Sydney InterContinental. One delivered to room and other from Club Lounge manager I’m Ambassador using my weekend cert.
I've gone 3 million miles with a two-wheel Briggs and Riley bag and I would NEVER switch. I'm with Ben all the way!
Spinner’s wheels are usually one inch hight, so your carryon would not be easily splashed by the “urine” on the floor in the airport men’s room. But roller is almost attached to the floor.
I used to have a roller. Its bottom was contaminated by urine at men’s room after several not dedicatedly cleaned men’s room, so I never use that roller again.
@Ben :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
All my hard sided bags of all sizes, with spinners, have an expansion feature that enable me to do exactly that.
It never ceases to amaze me that both the wheel and luggage have been around for 1000s of years and nobody thought to combine them until the 1990s
I have lost count of the number of times I have had to fit replacement wheels, whether 4 (it's actually 8 - count them) or 2 wheelers. They all seem to have rubber coverings that break up after 3-5 years. I prefer 2 wheelers because the replacement is generally an easier job.
My 1999 Briggs and Riley has been repaired 3x and due for another- squeaky wheel & bottom corner piping repair. My North Face Surge Backpack is almost as old!
My 1999 Briggs and Riley has been repaired 3x and due for another- squeaky wheel & bottom corner piping repair. Lifetime warranty!
My North Face Surge Backpack is almost as old!
I think ever couple has one spinner and one spinner hater. I'm small and used to always have shoulder pain from dragging a suitcase around so you can pry my spinner from my cold dead hands.
My husband hates it and probably curses me out every time he loads it in an overhead. I can see the jealously when I'm navigating the airport stores and he has to drag his two wheeler through the...
I think ever couple has one spinner and one spinner hater. I'm small and used to always have shoulder pain from dragging a suitcase around so you can pry my spinner from my cold dead hands.
My husband hates it and probably curses me out every time he loads it in an overhead. I can see the jealously when I'm navigating the airport stores and he has to drag his two wheeler through the crowds though.
Neither of us like hard siders....soft side can fit way more in a carry on and we never check.
Weight is the most important factor. My TravelPro 21" 2-wheel weighs under 6lb (vs 9-10lb for B&R). Occasionally that can be expensive if you find yourself with a strict checkin or gate staff. Quality has been great over 10 years of heavy use. And only 25% the price of B&R.
Too funny, my girlfriend and I debate this every time we travel. She is pro-spinner. I am pro-roller. I use a Travelpro Bold and love it.
Honestly, I care more about the handle. I want a sturdy handle that works every time for years.
I only every carry on a backpack that fits under seats. I always check, and it's a max sized spinner. If I could and would just carry on, I'd be more concerned about interior space of an acceptably-sized carry on that 2 vs. 4.
B&R two-wheeler. I don't understand the supposed "ease" of four wheels. I go up and down aisles just fine. No one is going fast anyways. Give me more space anytime.
Roller.
I value the extra space, reassurance of larger wheels that are harder to break and that they don’t roll around on a moving train. Sure, I have my moments of plane aisle jealousy. But I was born to roll.
My wife uses rimowa. My OCD would not let me use it due to how easily it scratches. I would keep it stored, instead of actually using it.
Haha I mix the two - I go four wheel spinner but soft and Briggs & Riley
I find it works well on the flat, is expandable, I can pop my B&R rucksack on top too (over the handles using the part of the rucksack designed for it) but if going up an incline I just drag it behind and use two wheels the same way you do with your 2-wheel version, Ben.
Feels like the best of both worlds?
What I would do if I would get a new bag ;-)
While spinners have slightly less internal space, they all become 2-wheelers when needed (e.g., going uphill or on carpet). But 2-wheelers can never become spinners.
Spinners work better on trains and busses which tend to have narrower aisles and more people to maneuver around. Two-wheel checked size luggage will often not be able to be pulled down a train aisle, so you will have to lift and carry it sideways.
Definitely get hard side...
While spinners have slightly less internal space, they all become 2-wheelers when needed (e.g., going uphill or on carpet). But 2-wheelers can never become spinners.
Spinners work better on trains and busses which tend to have narrower aisles and more people to maneuver around. Two-wheel checked size luggage will often not be able to be pulled down a train aisle, so you will have to lift and carry it sideways.
Definitely get hard side luggage because you can clean the dirt and baggage conveyor belt system grease off. You can’t effectively clean soft side luggage. The grease and dirt is absorbed into the fabric then spreads to your clothes when brushed against you.
"While spinners ... all become 2-wheelers when needed (e.g., going uphill or on carpet). But 2-wheelers can never become spinners." And, if a wheel goes bad, a 2-wheeler must be carried. A 4-wheeler can be flipped to 2 (even if the handle is "backwards"), and it still works. Or, simply 4-wheelers have exception ETOPs and 2-wheelers have none.
Soft-sided spinner bags for me. Easier to manuveur as I get older.
Do you pack anything besides cloths or toiletries?
I worry about soft-sided bags protection against abuse.
Clothes, toiletries, and medication. The electronics go into a backpack.
That makes sense.
Mi‘m surprised how many people cannot take care of a 4wheeler in a train or so. Better don’t get children
I use a spinner most of the time, but if I’m going to be walking in cities outside of Asia, I bring a two wheeler.
When I’m going to be walking a lot, I use a backpack or my two wheeler with backpack straps.
I always use a spinner in Japan because it’s rude to take up the space required by pulling a two wheeler behind me.
Neither! Travel backup is my preference.
For those of us with bad backs, the spinner bag is a no-brainer. Much harder to lug the 2 wheeled kind.
Pro: WOOOOOOOOO 360 SPINNNNNNNNNNN
Con: yeah actually idk, other than the time I took a nap at IAH and my rimowa started rolling away
It's not just 4 wheels vs 2 wheels. We sold our Rimowas after finding them annoying on an incline..running away down train aisles. Also, the clamshell design is awful for small spaces and seemed very impractical. Love our Briggs & Riley 4 wheel cases, though. Less likely to run away, great warranty repairs when needed, seem to hold so much despite their small size.
I'd been firmly 2-wheels for years, but got an Away carry-on about 6 months ago and so far I've found it to be far easier for my travel needs. I don't generally travel places that have truly difficult terrain to cover, and the Away has been manageable even on European cobblestone sidewalks and textured Japanese sidewalks. It's a little less off-road capable than my Travelpro bag, but the maneuverability of 4 wheels has for sure...
I'd been firmly 2-wheels for years, but got an Away carry-on about 6 months ago and so far I've found it to be far easier for my travel needs. I don't generally travel places that have truly difficult terrain to cover, and the Away has been manageable even on European cobblestone sidewalks and textured Japanese sidewalks. It's a little less off-road capable than my Travelpro bag, but the maneuverability of 4 wheels has for sure been a bigger benefit overall.
If I know I'm going somewhere that is going to be hard to roll a bag I can always switch to my RedOxx carry on - that has been the most indestructible luggage I've ever owned, and having it on my shoulder lets me go anywhere. I just don't enjoy carrying the weight of a full week of business packing or I'd probably still just use that for everything.
here's a hot take that everyone can hate: i go with a spinner for my checked luggage, duffel for carry-on. walking through the airport with both hands free is the real pro move.
As a carry-on traveler, if find two wheel bags have slightly more capacity. A couple of more shirts, socks and undies are worth any rolling inconvenience.
People still make or buy two wheel luggage? Why?
Being able to place a backpack in top and wheel without carrying weight is a godsend
However , it can smash into a disabled person , a child , or a government dog , no ?
I mostly prefer two-wheel luggage, as they roll better on cobble stone and other irregular surfaces than four-wheel luggage. Also, two wheel luggage is less likely to roll away when left in a standing position on moving public transport vehicles. And on carpeted surfaces in hotels, sometimes the two wheel bags are easier to move than the four-wheel spinner bags.
"People still make or buy two wheel luggage? Why?"
ANSWER: because 4 wheels suck.
Especially (as many have pointed out) when resting on an uneven surface, or having to go down rough ground.
I much prefer two-wheels.
I find that four wheels causes me aches in my forearm.
I have 2-wheeled backpacks — with wheel/bag bottom covers — which I sometimes use for trips. The downside is they are heavier than an empty backpack of similar material because of what wheels and extendable handles mean for weight.
"I make absolutely no claim that my system is better than anyone else’s."
Ben, your system is better than anyone else's, except mine, which is identical.
Tumi stopped making two wheeled checked and now Briggs and Riley has stopped making two wheeled checked. WTF. Now fully invested in Travel Pro bold. The colors make them stand out a baggage claim. However, I am not a fan of Travel Pro duffels and have returned them. I still use my reliable Tumi / B&R satchel, duffle.
I just don’t get the four wheels.
Squirrel sort of people care about squirrel carry-on bags . I say , check them all in . Banish all carry-on bags .
Sure, that works great in your perfect world until you need to fly two airlines that don’t interline and you have to go through baggage claim just to get your bag and then security again for the connection. Or you are connecting in the US where there is no sterile transit.
I've used my two-wheel tweed Hartmann carry-on for maybe 20 years. Great for hauling up over curbs, stairs, gravel parking lots. Hartmann has replaced a leather handle my cat chewed up (for free, after showing how long I'd used the bag).
If you're only dealing with hard surfaces, or are older and need something to balance, spinner is fine. But what I HATE about spinners is that most people toting them can't drive... meaning...
I've used my two-wheel tweed Hartmann carry-on for maybe 20 years. Great for hauling up over curbs, stairs, gravel parking lots. Hartmann has replaced a leather handle my cat chewed up (for free, after showing how long I'd used the bag).
If you're only dealing with hard surfaces, or are older and need something to balance, spinner is fine. But what I HATE about spinners is that most people toting them can't drive... meaning they're all over the walkway or corridor or whatever. Fling it from side to side, swing around in front or behind, etc. With a tow-behind, you know you can pass them without getting hit. I had a fall on an airport moving walkway going around someone when they chose to fling their spinner around from in front of them to behind them as I was passing.
So if you go spinner, be responsible with it. Don't drive erratically.
"they chose to fling their spinner around in front of them to behind them" .
So , pleural people ( they , them ) had a spinner and flung it around ? How many people had the spinner ( they , them ) ? Three or four people had one spinner ?
I'm also a two-wheeler supremacist. Both two-wheelers and four wheelers are pretty easy to navigate around smooth, flat surfaces (four wheelers are extra nimble here). But luggage is often used in rougher environments, whether an uneven sidewalk or a road in poor condition, and here the larger wheels and better setup of a two-wheeler wins every time.
On another note, a huge +1 to Briggs and Riley. Their customer service and warranty is second...
I'm also a two-wheeler supremacist. Both two-wheelers and four wheelers are pretty easy to navigate around smooth, flat surfaces (four wheelers are extra nimble here). But luggage is often used in rougher environments, whether an uneven sidewalk or a road in poor condition, and here the larger wheels and better setup of a two-wheeler wins every time.
On another note, a huge +1 to Briggs and Riley. Their customer service and warranty is second to none. They earned me as a customer for life with this.
We had put a Briggs & Riley suitcase on our wedding registry for wedding, and someone ordered the suitcase too late for it to get to us in time for the honeymoon using normal shipping. With this in mind, I reached out via a support ticket to ask if there was any way I could pay to expedite it so that we could use it on the honeymoon.
One of their agents replied letting me know that the team had expedited the order at no cost to us, which was extremely generous given the accelerated shipping price of $100+. Really fantastic stuff.
Years later, The expansion system was acting up and the handle mechanism had gotten a bit sticky. Brought it to a nearby repair center and it was all fixed at no cost. Lifetime really means lifetime for them.
I’m with whatever bag had a lifetime warranty. Briggs wins
Ben, do you have any distinctive accessories on your carry-on? I couldn't help but notice that it's a plain black one and with no obviously distinctive features, that would seem to be like a problem waiting to happen (i.e. someone unintentionally grabbing your bag)
I love my olive Briggs and Riley two wheeled bag - its my typical checked bag. My partner uses the Travelpro spinners.
You can operate two spinners with one hand.
If the terrain changes you can roll your spinner behind you like a roller bag.
Or carry it. It's only supposed to be 8kg anyway ;)
The four double wheels are the way to go. I know some are loyal to Away, but I wanna endorse Monos, because their bags have been extremely durable, and their warranty is solid. Had a defect on one, and they replaced it quickly.
I absolutely love the first Monos I bought, when they first came out, but when I bought a second, larger one a few years later, it seemed the quality of the material was not as good.
These options are fine for trip involving a rental car, but otherwise I prefer a backpack (Tortuga Lite 40L). So much better up and down train station stairs, and over any ground rougher than an airport floor.
I completely agree (I have a Peak Design). As long as my back is still good, why have something you have to pull and that makes an unpleasant noise on sidewalks. 2- and 4-wheelers are for the old and infirm.
Spinners may be the dumbest invention of all time. I'd rather not worry about my suitcase running away.
I once brought 130 NYC bagels in a seabag for my family overseas. I didn't realize bagels can be so heavy. Spinners for bagels.
If it ain't broke don't fix it - nothing beats a good ole Samsonite.
My philosophy has been spinner for check in and 2 wheels for carry on. I’ve had a Briggs and Riley rolling suites for years. I just got a muji carry on for my son and its spinner but has a break you can apply to stop it rolling away. I’m liking it a lot, as the person who ends up rolling it around a lot I’m liking it. Muji seems to do a decent product...
My philosophy has been spinner for check in and 2 wheels for carry on. I’ve had a Briggs and Riley rolling suites for years. I just got a muji carry on for my son and its spinner but has a break you can apply to stop it rolling away. I’m liking it a lot, as the person who ends up rolling it around a lot I’m liking it. Muji seems to do a decent product at a reasonable price, so I’m keen to see how long the mechanism lasts. The smallest size will fit under seat, a real boon for a kid that doesn’t really need legroom yet.
I’ve just been in a branch of nitori ( a Japanese home wares and furniture chain, although this branch is in Hong Kong). and their own brand luggage seems really well made and I’m tempted to buy a new roll aboard.
PSA - The Briggs & Riley Baseline 19" Carry-On will typically fit in most under-seat areas. If overhead storage is filled, you sidestep needing to check your carry-on.