Samsonite Tru-Frame Review (As Tough As It Looks?)

The Tru-Frame is a brand-new Samsonite luggage collection. And I bet you want to know all about it – otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.

Luckily you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this awesome hardshell, zipperless suitcase – both the good and the bad.

At first glance, it looks amazing, and immediately we have some high expectations for it. But will the Tru-Frame live up to them? Time to find out!

Samsonite Tru-Frame Specs

This particular Samsonite collection is available in three pretty standard sizes. You should be able to use the smallest Tru-Frame as a carry-on, but that is going to depend on the airline that you’re flying with. Anyway, you can see the general specs of these new suitcases right here.

The Tru-Frame luggage features zipperless closure, which tends to be heavier than traditional zippered luggage (check out a 30″ Chronolite suitcase if you want to see lightweight). However, it is also much safer to use a suitcase with a latch closure, since it is practically impossible to break into them. So, it could be that the weight of this luggage is worth it – as long as the other features make up for it.

Are they? Let’s find out together.

What's It Made Of?

The Tru-Frame collection is made of 100% Polycarbonate – which is actually one reason why I was so surprised at their weight. Polycarbonate is generally an extremely lightweight material, and that is one of the reasons why it is so often used in luggage.

Another reason why some of the best and most expensive suitcases money can buy are made of Polycarbonate is their durability. This is a really tough and impact-resistant material, and it does not break easily. This is pretty much exactly what you want out of your Samsonite suitcase – to withstand the test of time (and tough love from baggage handlers).

However, there is a downside to it – it does scratch more easily. So, don’t be shocked if you see your new Tru-Frame scuffed on the luggage carousel – it is not a big deal. And the design of the shell will help make those scratches less visible – they are more easily noticeable on a shell that is completely smooth.

One way to ensure that your luggage won’t get scratched that easily is to get a luggage cover. They are pretty cheap, and you can choose from thousands of different colors and designs.

Double Spinner Wheels

Spinner wheels are pretty much a must on hardside luggage. And if you’ve owned a suitcase with them, then I’m sure you’ll agree. But if you haven’t, allow me to explain all of their benefits.

So, a spinner wheel is a wheel that can turn 360 degrees. That basically means that your suitcase can be rolled in any direction when it is standing upright. That’s right – you will never have to tilt your luggage to get the wheels rolling again. And what that also means is that the suitcase will feel infinitely lighter in your hand – you are pretty much just pushing it around, as opposed to dragging its full weight behind you.

One more thing to note about the double spinner wheels of the Tru-Frame is that they glide exceptionally smoothly. Try them out – you will practically be floating through the airport. And they are also more stable than single spinner wheels.

Just keep in mind that they are not built for rugged terrain. If you insist on rolling your suitcase around on uneven terrain, you should know that it could really damage your wheels. The same goes for up and down the stairs. A few times is ok, but don’t make a habit of it :>

Tru-Frame Handles

This Samsonite suitcase is equipped with two carry handles. The top one has a rubber grip, and it will feel pretty comfortable in your hand. The one on the side appears to be completely plastic, so it might not be as comfortable – especially if your suitcase gets rather heavy. However, both are incredibly sturdy, which is the main concern.

As for the telescopic handle on top, it has a push-button, which allows you to lock it into position once it is fully extended, and when it’s fully stored. But you can’t lock it to multiple height positions, which is disappointing – at least to me. However, I have only seen multiple heights locking on a few cases, so it is a rare animal in the wild world of luggage.

This handle is lightweight and pretty sturdy, so you shouldn’t experience any problems with it. However, it does take up more space inside your suitcase than it should (since the barrels protrude into the packing compartment), so you will need to pack around it. But all in all, the Tru-Frame comes with three well-made and sturdy handles – no surprises there.

Latch Closure With TSA Locks

A while ago, I wrote about zipperless luggage and its benefits. And that was because I was genuinely surprised to find out just how easy it is to break into a zippered suitcase. All you need is a pen – just insert the tip of the pen into the teeth of the zipper, and they will come apart. And that’s even when your suitcase is completely locked. (Picture my jaw-dropping as I watched the video, seriously!)

So, the only way to travel completely safe is to travel with a suitcase with a latch closure, which is exactly what we have here on this Samsonite. Two latches, both with TSA 3-digit combination locks that, once closed, completely seal off your suitcase. This also means that no water will be able to penetrate the suitcases, making them completely weather-proof. Which is another huge benefit.

As for the locks themselves, they are a must if you frequently fly to the United States. A TSA-approved lock means that a TSA agent will be able to unlock your suitcase if they decide to randomly inspect it. If your lock isn’t TSA friendly, they will have to pry open your suitcase, which could damage it irreparably. Not something either of us wants. (I once had them cut one of my good locks and leave it tapped to the case with a plastic baggie. Thanks, TSA).

The combination is easy to set up – the default one is either 000 or 999. You should receive instructions on how to this along with your suitcase, but in case you don’t: press the reset button, set up the combination you wish to use, and then press the button that is supposed to lock the suitcase up.

Inside The Tru-Frame Luggage

The interior of a suitcase is its most important part. It can be completely perfect on the outside, but if it sucks on the inside, then what’s the point, right? And the Tru-Frame’s interior is what finally won me over and made me decide that it is worth my hard-earned cash.

You get two packing compartments, as you probably expected. The bottom packing compartment is equipped with elastic cross straps, which will hold your belongings in place. On top of that, it also has a clipped divider, to further ensure that everything stays exactly where you put it. And that divider has two zippered pockets on it, for any of your smaller items. That is an excellent organizational feature, one that I really love.

And then you have the top compartment, which is equipped with a full panel zippered divider that has a large wet pocket on it.

So, all of these dividers and pockets are great for not just organizing your stuff, but also help make your suitcase look very neatly packed. And they show just how much thought went into designing this particular suitcase, which is a big plus for me.

Samsonite Tru-Frame: Worth It Or Not?

For me it is. Granted, there are some things that I wish I could change about this suitcase, especially for the price. But, since I didn’t have to pay full price for it, so I am okay with the downsides. And I really think that the benefits outweigh them.

This suitcase was made for people who fly frequently. It was built to endure pretty much all torture you can put it through and come out unscathed. And it was also built for those of you who worry a lot about the safety of your checked bags – with the Tru-Frame, you’ll be able to sleep through your entire flight.

Pros

• The wheels roll like a dream. With the double spinner wheels, you get on this suitcase, you will have excellent maneuverability of your suitcase. This will help you simply move faster, and save time when going from point A to point B.
• Excellent for the organization. With multiple pockets and two large dividers, this suitcase is perfect for those travelers who like to organize their stuff. And the fact that you have two dividers means that your suitcase will look perfectly neat when you first open it up – even if you just pushed and jumbled everything inside.
• Very sturdy and durable. The shell of this suitcase is incredibly sturdy and durable. I went through dozens of different reviews, and people are saying that this Samsonite is tougher than some Rimowa or Tumi suitcases! Which cost twice as much, if I might add.
• Travel with a peaceful mind. And knowing that no one (apart from TSA agents) will be able to break into your suitcase because its contents will be completely sealed off with a latch lock. And you can’t put a price on that.

Cons

• It is not that lightweight. The Tru-Frame suitcases are actually pretty heavy, especially when you take into consideration the fact that they were made of Polycarbonate – on of the lightest materials used in luggage. That’s a downside, particularly for those of you who tend to bring a lot of stuff on their trip, and use every ounce of their luggage allowance.
• The telescopic handle can’t be locked into several height positions. Which means that it will fit some of you perfectly. But others can easily find it too short or too tall, and there’s really nothing you can do about it.
• The price tag. If you’re looking to get an affordable suitcase, then you should not be looking at the Tru-Frame. But at least I can share some good news regarding this: it is 50% off on Amazon, so definitely go check it out there!

If any of the above sounds like you, then I strongly recommend you get this Samsonite suitcase. You might have doubts about it now, but you will simply fall in love with it after the first time you use it!

But if you don’t think that Tru-Frame is right for you, then don’t worry – there are plenty of other suitcases out there that would be much better suited for your needs. I suggest you check out the Samsonite Pivot or the American Tourister Curio – both are very good choices, and are a little more affordable than this one.