Sterling Pacific Luggage Review: Best Rimowa Alternative?

Want to know more about Sterling Pacific aluminum suitcases? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed review of the luggage covers everything you need to know to decide whether they’re right for you!

Sterling Pacific is a fairly new company in the luggage market. They only started manufacturing luggage in 2019, and their first suitcase wasn’t available for sale until 2021. But, in such a short time they’ve managed to take the market by storm, and they’re being compared to some of the best luggage brands that have a history of more than a century.

Keep reading to see whether the hype around Sterling Pacific is justified, and to figure out if this luggage is suitable for you!

Sterling Pacific Luggage Basic Specs

Materials & Durability

Sterling Pacific manufactures luggage made from aluminum, so the brand is a good option if you’re specifically looking for aluminum luggage. Not too many luggage brands make suitcases from aluminum; Rimowa is the leader in this market, and very few brands have dared to try and compete with them.

Sterling Pacific threw their hat in the ring in 2021 when their first two aluminum suitcases became available for sale. The luggage is manufactured from 5052 aluminum sheets, which are shaped with the help of hydraulic pressure. The body of the luggage is further reinforced with impact-bearing ridges, for maximum durability upon heavy impact and pressure.

Additionally, the body of the luggage boasts reinforced corners that are made from A380 aluminum. These are further secured to the case with stainless steel SAE 304 rivets, for maximum durability in all conditions.

Full-grain leather sourced from the Italian region of Veneto is also incorporated into all Sterling Pacific suitcases.

The Wheels

The Sterling Pacific suitcases feature Dual Thru Axle Wheels. In all honesty, I have mixed feeling about these wheels. On the one hand, they are incredibly durable, and it’s extremely unlikely that they will get damaged beyond repair or ripped off during transport.

Not only are the wheels on the luggage designed and constructed to handle regular wear and tear like it’s nothing, but they’re also built into the body of the luggage in a way that allows them to withstand higher and stronger impacts than other types of wheels.

But they are not spinner wheels, which means that you will need to drag this suitcase behind you. The smaller suitcase weighs 11.5 lbs when empty, and it will weigh at least 20-25 lbs when you fully pack it. That’s a lot of weight to be dragging around the airport with you for hours, which is the only reason why I’m not fully sold on the wheels.

It is worth noting that, while Rimowa suitcases are known for exceptional durability and performance, their wheels are usually the first components that get damaged and destroyed. That’s because spinner wheels, despite being a lot more convenient, are never as durable as in-line wheels.

The Handles

The aluminum luggage from Sterling Pacific features luxurious grab handles made from full-grain Italian leather, as well as a retractable, full aluminum trolley handle. The trolley handle boasts a full-grain leather grip, and this is genuinely one of the most unique features of the luggage.

These suitcases also feature two grab handles – one on the top and one on the side. The handles are ergonomic and feel great in your hand, while the luxurious leather ensures you have enough grip if you want to pick up the case. And that will be crucial, considering the aluminum carry-on luggage will usually weigh 20lbs+ when fully packed.

TSA-Approved Lock

These are zipperless suitcases, meaning they feature latch closure instead of a standard wraparound zipper. This is a standard feature in aluminum luggage, and it has its advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage of zipperless luggage is that it’s generally much safer. It’s virtually impossible to break inside a zipperless suitcase, at least not without destroying it entirely and leaving traces. The suitcases feature two TSA-friendly latch locks, and you are free to set up any combination you want for the locks.

TSA agents will still be able to open your luggage should they choose it for a random inspection. They can use a TSA master key and open bags without causing any damage to them.

On the other hand, a zipperless suitcase is usually more difficult to close when it’s not properly packed. In other words, if you overpack the luggage and try to close it, you won’t have much luck trying to get the latch locks to stay closed. Also, zipperless luggage cannot have an expandable capacity, so you will need to be extra careful when packing, especially if you usually like to purchase things while you are traveling.

Inside the Sterling Pacific Luggage

Sterling Pacific suitcases feature just one large packing compartment. The top compartment of the luggage is fully lined and features convenient pockets, but you can’t really use it to store anything other than accessories and maybe undergarments.

The bottom compartment is where all your belongings are going to go. It is fully lined and equipped with tie-down cross straps that will ensure the contents of the compartment stay put.

Additional Features

A cool thing about Sterling Pacific luggage is that they include a care kit with every suitcase they sell. You get a special amenity bag, a leather care wax with a cloth, a manual, and a special aluminum pen.

Additionally, all checked and carry-on bags from this brand come with a lifetime warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and any damage that impacts the functionality of the suitcases. However, the warranty doesn’t cover any cosmetic damage or damage caused by mishandling by airline personnel.

Value for Money

It’s always a bit tricky to talk about value for money when discussing a suitcase that costs $1,500+. If you’re specifically looking for an aluminum suitcase, the Sterling Pacific luggage is good value for money because it’s in a similar price range to Rimowa, the creator of the original suitcase.

Travelers who need an exceptionally durable suitcase above all else will find that Sterling Pacific luggage is up to their standards. The cases are exceptionally well made and can handle pretty much anything, so they are a great option if you’re already looking for suitcases in this price range.

Where is Sterling Pacific Luggage Made?

The origins of the Sterling Pacific company go back all the way to 1907, but it’s important to note that the original company has nothing to do with designing and manufacturing luggage. They started off as a jewelry business named R Herz & Bro, Inc. and operated under that name for approximately a century.

After the company shut down most of its stores, it was renamed Sterling Pacific and eventually sold to a brand developer in 2018. Operating under the Sterling Pacific banner, the company started working on its first suitcase design following the sale, and they’ve manufactured them in partner factories in China.

The company stated that the luggage is manufactured in small batches and under close supervision.

Sterling Pacific vs Rimowa

Sterling Pacific luggage is a solid alternative to Rimowa. Construction quality and performance are truly comparable to that of Rimowa luggage, and the Sterling Pacific suitcases even appear to be more robustly built.

On the other hand, Rimowa luggage has the advantage of spinner wheels and dual packing compartments. Their luggage is also generally lighter, but that’s because it lacks all the extra reinforcement Sterling Pacific is so proud of.

It’s important to keep in mind that you won’t save any money by purchasing the newer brand as opposed to the market veteran. Sterling Pacific suitcases are in the same price range as Rimowa luggage, and the German brand even has some more affordable alternatives in its product range. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth it to take a risk on a newer brand, or if it’s better to stick with the inventor of the aluminum suitcase.

Sterling Pacific Luggage: Should You Buy It?

If you are specifically looking for aluminum luggage and you want the buy the most durable aluminum suitcase you can find, then yes, Sterling Pacific luggage is absolutely worth buying.

This brand is on a completely new level when it comes to the durability of its products. The suitcases have reinforced A380 aluminum corners, an exceptionally durable aluminum body, wheels that are designed to withstand more wear and tear than normal, and even aluminum wheel housings.

Everything about this luggage is sturdy and well-made, and they’re definitely worth the money if you’re a frequent flyer in need of a durable suitcase.

But if you don’t need a suitcase that could stop a bullet and you’re not thrilled with the idea of spending $1,500-2,000 on luggage, you should know that there are many other alternatives for you. Check out our related posts for ideas on more affordable aluminum luggage, as well as other extremely durable suitcases!

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