Pack your bags and get ready for a first-class review of the Samsonite Centric luggage! This sleek polycarbonate suitcase is stepping up to the podium with its scratch-resistant shell, smooth spinner wheels, and stylish design.
In this post, we’ll be inspecting every inch of the Centric, from its durable exterior to its customizable interior. You’ll get the inside scoop on features like the TSA-approved lock, zipper closure, and expandable storage capacity.
So strap in and get comfy, travelers – we’re clearing the Samsonite Centric for takeoff! By the end of this review, you’ll know if this luggage is cleared for landing in your travel plans. All signs point to blue skies and happy travels ahead!
The Samsonite Centric is a hardside luggage that is made of 100% polycarbonate, which makes it strong, scratch-resistant, and lightweight. It has four spinner wheels, a telescopic handle, a zipper closure, and a TSA-approved lock. It also has an expandable feature that gives you more packing space when you need it.
What are the features of the Samsonite Centric?
Crafted from 100% polycarbonate, renowned for its strength, durability, and lightweight nature, the Samsonite Centric boasts a robust hard shell. While its exceptional qualities are clear, it’s worth noting that it’s prone to scratches. However, this concern is mitigated by the luggage’s textured finish, effectively concealing signs of wear and tear.
Maneuvering the Samsonite Centric is a breeze thanks to its four multi-directional spinner wheels, ensuring effortless movement in any orientation. With the wheels thoughtfully recessed into the shell, stability and safeguarding are further enhanced.
Customizing the Samsonite Centric to your preference is a telescopic handle with adjustable heights. The handle’s push-button mechanism locks it securely when not in use, while its ergonomic grip promotes comfortable handling.
The Samsonite Centric employs a self-repairing zipper closure that secures your belongings and is complemented by a TSA-approved lock, conveniently integrated into the luggage’s side. This lock allows authorized access via a specialized TSA key.
Adapting to your packing needs, the Samsonite Centric features an expandable design. Through unzipping an additional fabric around the shell’s perimeter, you can increase the luggage’s capacity by up to 15%, expanding up to 1.5 inches.
Inside, the Samsonite Centric offers a thoughtfully organized interior. A zippered divider divides the space into two compartments, with pockets within the divider for neatly storing toiletries, accessories, or electronics. The other compartment features elastic cross-straps to secure clothing and prevent wrinkling.
For your peace of mind, the Samsonite Centric comes with a comprehensive 10-year warranty against material and workmanship defects. It’s essential to note that normal wear and tear, misuse, abuse, or damage resulting from airlines or carriers are not covered under this warranty.
The Good and Bad
The Samsonite Centric has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of this luggage:
Pros
- Strong: The polycarbonate shell is strong and resilient, able to withstand impacts and scratches.
- Lightweight: The luggage is light for its size, making it easy to lift and carry.
- Spacious: The luggage has a large interior capacity, especially when expanded.
- Stylish: The luggage has a sleek and modern design, with a textured finish that adds some flair.
- Secure: The luggage has a zipper closure and a TSA-approved lock that keep your belongings safe.
Cons
- Expensive: The luggage is on the higher end of the price range for hardside luggage.
- Flimsy: The lock can feel flimsy and may not work properly sometimes.
- Limited: The luggage only has one exterior pocket, which may not be enough for some travelers.
Who is it for?
The Samsonite Centric is suitable for travelers who are looking for a high-quality hardside luggage that offers durability, style, and convenience. It’s ideal for those who want a reliable and spacious carry-on or checked bag that can fit in most overhead bins or luggage compartments. It’s also great for those who need to pack a lot of items or who like to have some extra room for souvenirs.
The Samsonite Centric may not be the best choice for travelers who are on a tight budget or who prefer more exterior pockets. It may also not be the best option for travelers who need a larger or smaller bag than the available sizes.
How does it compare?
There are many other hardside luggage options on the market. How does the Samsonite Centric compare to some of them? Here’s a comparison table that shows some of the features and specifications of three similar products:
| Feature | Samsonite Centric | American Tourister Moonlight | Delsey Paris Helium Aero |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polycarbonate | ABS/PC | Polycarbonate |
| Size (inches) | 20/24/28 | 21/24/28 | 19/25/29 |
| Weight (pounds) | 7.5/9.0/10.8 | 7.83/9.04/11 | 8.2/10.2/12.5 |
| Capacity (liters) | 40/71/100 | 44/80/105 | 42/69/106 |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Spinner | Spinner | Spinner |
| Handle | Telescopic with push-button | Telescopic with push-button | Telescopic with push-button |
| Closure | Zipper | Zipper | Zipper |
| Lock | TSA-approved | TSA-approved | TSA-approved |
| Interior | Two compartments, divider, pockets, straps | Two compartments, divider, pockets, straps | Two compartments, divider, pockets, straps |
| Exterior | One pocket | No pocket | One pocket |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
As you can see, the Samsonite Centric has some advantages over the other two products, such as the textured finish, the self-repairing zipper, and the lighter weight. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as the higher price, the flimsy lock, and the limited pocket. The American Tourister Moonlight and the Delsey Paris Helium Aero are more affordable alternatives that offer similar features and performance.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Samsonite Centric:
Q: How do I set the lock?
A: To set the lock, you need to follow these steps:
- Push down the button on the side of the lock with a pen or a similar tool.
- Set your desired combination by rotating the dials.
- Release the button and your combination is set.
To reset the lock, repeat these steps with your current combination.
Q: How do I clean the luggage?
A: To clean the luggage, you can use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe off any dirt or stains. Do not use any abrasive or harsh chemicals that may damage the surface. You can also use a soft brush to remove any dust or lint from the wheels and zippers.
Q: How do I expand the luggage?
A: To expand the luggage, you need to unzip the extra fabric around the perimeter of the shell. This will give you more packing space inside the luggage. To compress the luggage, you need to zip up the extra fabric and push down on the shell to remove any excess air.
Wrapping Up
After a thorough pre-flight check, it’s clear the Samsonite Centric luggage passes inspection with flying colors. Between the lightweight-yet-durable shell and adjustable compartments, it provides the ideal balance of convenience and protection. Frequent fliers who don’t mind splurging will find this suitcase well worth the investment.
While the lock could be sturdier and more exterior pockets would be useful, the Centric remains a top-notch choice for travelers seeking quality, security, and style. Its resilient polycarbonate material and smooth spinner wheels make airport navigation a breeze. So brace yourselves for lift-off, wanderlusters – your belongings are in good hands with Samsonite!
