Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion 28 Review

The Samsonite Winfield 2 is a great option for those seeking a stylish hard-case with huge amounts of storage. Just be critical of its high price and relatively cheap craftsmanship.

Performance Comparison

Reliability

This suitcase offers a lower level of reliability simply because of its hard-case design and flimsy wheel construction. The handle is quite durable, though, with just a little bit of jiggle that didn't have us too concerned.

The wheels are the most significant construction flaw in the design of the Winfield. When we first got it out of the box, we were super impressed. It seemed to glide and move exceptionally well. However, as soon as we packed it down and exposed it to some sand and dirt, the wheels began to stick, forcing the suitcase into odd directions when rolling it around.

The wheels on this suitcase are extremely small, and the housing is cheap when considering the hefty price tag. We do appreciate that the housing is sealed nicely on the 360-degree axis point, which helps in avoiding grime build-up. We also appreciate that you can easily change out the wheels because, after just a few trips, the cheap plastic wheels were noticeably worn down.

The hard outer case, made of 100% polycarbonate, offers excellent water resistance along with a stylish look. It does, however, scuff and scratch incredibly quickly. Expect to see noticeable use after a trip through the baggage claim.

The zippers, like all suitcases we tested, are far from waterproof, so be sure to protect this area if you find yourself in a downpour. Aside from that, the zippers are pretty bomber. They are easy to zip with just one hand and don't pinch or get stuck easily.

Storage & Organization

Storage is ample in this huge case. While it doesn't have an advertised volumetric capacity, we measured it to be approximately 105 liters.

The Winfield has an expansion zipper, centered on the bottom of the case, to ensure that weight is distributed evenly so as not to tip over when fully loaded. This is a great option if you prefer a hard case and love to take super bulky gear with you. Just know that the back panels of each compartment are not padded, so hard goods need a little cushioning. On the exterior, there is no additional storage, just like all the hard case luggage items we've tested.

The inside of this suitcase has two very large rectangular compartments that offer quite a bit of depth. If you're searching for a hard case that'll easily fit your ski boots and the rest of the gear, this is a wonderful option. One side has a zippered mesh divider with two zippered compartments. This provides ample storage for items you need to access quickly. Aside from that, you're not going to find anything else — no additional organizational pockets or storage. This might be considered a win for those who prefer simplicity.

Ease of Transport

Transport is pretty great in this case. The four-wheel construction will have you gliding without worry over hard surfaces. Unfortunately, because the wheels are so small and there are no protective bumpers on the back of the case, this suitcase has a harder time moving over larger obstacles like deep cracks in the sidewalk and long flights of stairs.

Luckily, the Winfield comes with a comfortable and flexible handle on both the top and side of the bag. When fully loaded, this case feels super heavy, and the handles flex hard under the weight but manage to hold up. We just wish they were a touch more comfortable and that there was an additional one on the underside for a more versatile carry over surfaces where the wheels won't cut it.

One cool construction feature of note is that this case has a relatively high clearance off the ground. This means if you put rocks between the wheels, it can likely flow overtop of them without worry.

Weight

While this case is a little heavy, you can't really tell the difference between it and other lightweight suitcase designs. It weighs in at about 12 lbs, which means you can pack about 38 extra lbs of gear inside. That said, be careful and make sure you weigh it before heading to the airport. It's easy to overpack with the amount of volume it offers.

Style

This is one of the sleekest and most stylish cases that we've tested. It IS called the 'Fashion Spinner,' after all! The brushed anthracite offers an attractive color while the featureless exterior will have this hard case standing out in luggage claim. Given its design and the fact that it won't lose its shape, this is a great option for any kind of travel. Business, pleasure, or the random weekend away.

Value

While you can find this suitcase on sale on many different sites, the retail price is quite high for its level of performance. If you're seeking a super stylish piece of luggage, this may be worth the high price tag. However, given its lack-luster reliability and questionable craftsmanship, we'd urge you to look at other hard-case options that perform far better for a lower price. In general, this isn't one we'd readily recommend.

Conclusion

The Samsonite Winfield 2 is a fashionable hard-case four-wheel spinning luggage piece with over 105 liters of expandable storage. While we love it for its great looks and immense storage capabilities, we question its craftsmanship and reliability in the long run. It glides easily over hard, unobstructed surfaces, but finds trouble when encountering dirt and other grimy adversaries that can gum up its infrastructure.