We’ve all been there. The big trip is booked, the excitement is building, and then you pull your old, trusty suitcase from the loft. The zip snags, one wheel wobbles precariously, and a faint, musty smell confirms its best days are behind it. The sudden panic sets in: you need a new, large suitcase, and you need it now. But the world of luggage is a minefield. You need something cavernous enough for a two-week family holiday, light enough to avoid excess baggage fees, and sturdy enough to survive the notoriously rough-and-tumble world of airport baggage handling. The challenge is finding a case that ticks all these boxes without costing as much as the flight itself. This is the exact predicament that leads countless travellers to consider options like the ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase, a product that promises enormous capacity and modern features at a very attractive price point.
- ✅【HASSLE FREE RETURN --- 1 YEAR WARRANTY 】Buy with absolute 100% confidence with 1-Year warranty. ATX is a trusted British brand with over 41+ years experience in luggage Industry.
- 📦【SPACIOUS SUITCASE LARGE --- 110L MAX STORAGE】H:75 x W:48 x D:29 cm offering a total capacity of 110liters. Lightweight at just 4.0kg. Fits up to 25 kg, ideal for 2 weeks+ holidays and meets...
What to Consider Before Buying a Large Hard Shell Suitcase
A large suitcase is more than just a box on wheels; it’s your mobile wardrobe, a guardian for your belongings, and a crucial component of a stress-free journey. The primary benefit of a hard shell case like this is protection. It offers a rigid barrier against impacts and compression, keeping fragile items safer than a soft-sided bag. Furthermore, they are generally more water-resistant, offering peace of mind during a rainy tarmac transfer. The key problem this product category solves is the need for high-volume, protected packing for long-duration travel, such as family holidays, extended business trips, or relocations.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a holidaymaker or family planning a trip of one to two weeks or longer. They need to pack for multiple people or various climates and prioritise sheer volume and organisation over ultimate, bomb-proof durability for frequent, demanding travel. On the other hand, this type of entry-level ABS suitcase might not be suitable for the weekly business traveller or globetrotter whose luggage is constantly being thrown in and out of planes. These users might find that investing in a more robust material like polycarbonate or aluminium offers better long-term value, despite the higher initial cost.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Check the external dimensions (L x W x H) to ensure they meet your airline’s checked baggage allowance. For a large case, the internal volume, measured in litres, is the most important figure. The 110-litre capacity of the ATX model is exceptionally generous and suitable for packing for a family or for a long solo trip.
- Capacity/Performance: Beyond just volume, consider the maximum recommended load. The ATX case is rated for up to 25 kg, which aligns well with most airline weight limits for a single piece of checked luggage. The performance of the wheels is also critical; dual spinner wheels that rotate 360° offer the best manoeuvrability through crowded airport terminals.
- Materials & Durability: This is perhaps the most critical factor. The ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase uses Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). ABS is known for being very lightweight and rigid, which helps it resist scratches and impacts at a low cost. However, it is less flexible than other plastics like Polycarbonate (PC), which can bend and absorb impact better. This means that under extreme stress, ABS is more prone to cracking than flexing.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a built-in TSA lock, a multi-stage telescopic handle, and well-placed grab handles (top and side) make a world of difference. For maintenance, a hard shell is easy to wipe clean, but scratches, while often superficial, will be more visible than on a fabric case. Considering these features can greatly enhance your travel experience, and you can see the full feature set on this model online.
Choosing the right suitcase is a balance of these factors against your budget and travel frequency. For many, a model like the ATX offers an accessible entry into the world of large-format hard shell luggage.
While the ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- IDEAL STORAGE SPACE: Transporting as many necessities as possible with as little inconvenience as possible . The RMW suitcase interior features packing straps to hold your clothes in place, A zipped...
- ✅【HASSLE FREE RETURN --- 1 YEAR WARRANTY 】Buy with absolute 100% confidence with 1-Year warranty. ATX is a trusted British brand with over 30+ years experience in luggage Industry.
- Dimensions & Specifications: 66×43.3×28.5cm (including wheels/handle), weighing just 3.2kg. Internal dimensions: 59×41×28.5cm (69L capacity). Telescopic handle extends to 101cm. Please verify...
First Impressions: A Splash of Colour and Surprising Lightness
Unboxing the ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase, the first thing that struck us was the vibrant orange colour. In a sea of black and grey bags on the luggage carousel, this case will be impossible to miss. The checkered pattern gives the ABS shell a textured finish, which should, in theory, help mask minor scuffs and scratches. The second immediate impression is its weight. At just 4.0 kg, it feels remarkably light for a 28-inch, 110-litre behemoth. This is a huge plus, as it means more of the precious baggage allowance can be dedicated to your belongings, not the case itself.
The shell has a degree of flex when pressed, which is typical for ABS material at this price point. The zips felt reasonably smooth, and the built-in TSA combination lock was simple to set up, clicking into place reassuringly. The telescopic handle extends with a satisfying clunk to a comfortable height, and the soft-touch TPU handles on the top and side provide a good grip for lifting. Overall, our initial feeling was one of pleasant surprise; it presents as a well-featured and capacious case for the money. The question, of course, would be how this initial promise holds up under the strain of actual travel. You can check the latest price and available colours to see if it meets your needs.
What We Like
- Incredibly spacious 110-litre capacity, perfect for long trips or families.
- Extremely lightweight at only 4.0 kg, maximising packing allowance.
- Smooth and agile 360° dual spinner wheels make navigation easy.
- Integrated TSA-approved lock provides essential security and convenience.
What We Didn’t Like
- ABS shell is prone to cracking and denting under the stress of air travel.
- Quality control can be inconsistent, with some users reporting scuffs or defects on arrival.
A Deep Dive into the ATX Luggage’s On-the-Road Performance
A suitcase’s true worth is only revealed on the road. We put the ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase through its paces on a long-haul trip to assess its three most critical aspects: its cavernous packing space, its real-world mobility, and the all-important durability of its ABS shell.
Packing and Organisation: A 110-Litre Void Ready for Anything
The headline feature of this suitcase is undoubtedly its massive 110-litre interior. Opening it up reveals a classic clamshell design. One side is a deep, open compartment with elasticated packing straps to hold clothes down. The other side is fully enclosed with a zippered divider, which is an excellent feature for separating shoes, laundry, or different family members’ clothes. This divider also includes a small mesh pocket, perfect for stashing cables, documents, or last-minute items. During our test packing for a hypothetical 10-day trip, the space felt almost endless. We easily packed multiple pairs of shoes, a week’s worth of clothing, toiletries, and even a bulky jacket with plenty of room to spare. As one user aptly put it, it’s “great ideal for a family of 4 to put all your clothes in.” We were genuinely amazed by how much we could fit inside without the case feeling strained. The clamshell design makes it easy to live out of, as you can lay it flat and access both sides simultaneously. For sheer volume-to-price ratio, this suitcase is a standout performer and a chronic over-packer’s dream.
Mobility and Handling: Gliding Through the Terminal
Manoeuvring a fully-packed 25 kg suitcase can be a workout, but the four dual spinner wheels on the ATX case made it surprisingly effortless. On the smooth, polished floors of the airport terminal, the case glided alongside us with minimal effort, changing direction instantly and silently. The 360° rotation is a game-changer when navigating check-in queues and crowded boarding gates. The telescopic handle, while feeling a little lighter than those on premium models, locked firmly into its extended position and was a comfortable height for us to pull or push the case. The top and side handles are equally important for the moments you have to lift the case—onto a luggage scale, into a car boot, or off the baggage carousel. The soft-touch lining on these handles provided a comfortable, secure grip, preventing the hard plastic from digging into our hands. However, it’s worth noting a point raised by one user: the wheels can be “loud on non smooth surface.” We confirmed this during our test; once we transitioned from the terminal floor to rougher pavement outside, the silent glide was replaced by a noticeable rumble. This is a minor issue but something to be aware of—it performs best in its intended airport environment.
The Durability Dilemma: The Truth About the ABS Shell
This is where our review becomes more nuanced and where the user reviews tell a critical story. The ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase is made from ABS plastic. As we mentioned, this material allows the case to be incredibly light and affordable. For gentle travel—car trips, train journeys, or even a direct flight with a careful baggage crew—it can perform perfectly well. During our handling tests, it resisted scuffs and minor bumps without issue. However, the reality of air travel is often far from gentle. We saw numerous user reports that we simply cannot ignore, which speak to the primary weakness of ABS. One user stated, “This is not a strong case. It was seriously damaged after one plane trip,” while another shared a similar experience: “Made of weak material, one corner broke during first flight.” Another lamented that on its first journey, it arrived with “a big dint… in one corner.” This is the inherent risk of an entry-level ABS hard shell. Unlike more expensive polycarbonate cases that flex to absorb severe impacts, ABS can crack under the same force. For every user who calls it “sturdy” and of “great quality,” there’s another whose case “completely fell apart” after one trip. Our expert conclusion is this: the suitcase is not inherently “weak,” but rather its material has limitations. It is a calculated trade-off. You get an enormous, lightweight, and feature-rich case for a budget price, but you must accept the risk that it may not survive the brutality of modern baggage handling systems. It’s a gamble, and for a traveller on a tight budget for a single trip, it may be a gamble worth taking. For a frequent flyer, however, this would be a significant concern. The integrity of the shell is a key factor to consider before purchasing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through the experiences of fellow travellers provides a clear and consistent picture of the ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase. The sentiment is sharply divided, hinging almost entirely on the durability issue. On the positive side, praise is frequent for its core practicalities. One happy customer noted, “Great quality and functionality. Plenty of space. Wheels work perfectly. This luggage is lightweight yet very sturdy and well built.” Another echoed this, saying, “The wheels are so silent and glide every which way with precision… There is loads of room inside.” These comments align perfectly with our findings on the case’s huge capacity and excellent mobility in airport environments.
However, the negative feedback is just as prominent and centers on its performance after being checked in. A user bluntly stated, “I don’t normally leave bad reviews, however, this suitcase has had one trip to Spain… it’s dented on 2 places, scratched and flimsy.” This is corroborated by a particularly stark review: “The first time I took this case abroad, it completely fell apart. One of the wheels came off… it came off the conveyor belt with even more deep cracks all over it.” Some users also reported receiving products with cosmetic flaws like scuffs or marks upon arrival, suggesting potential inconsistencies in quality control. This feedback is vital; it paints a picture of a product that excels in user-controlled environments but struggles with the unpredictable rigours of third-party handling.
How Does the ATX Luggage Compare to the Alternatives?
The ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase competes in a crowded market. To understand its position, it’s helpful to compare it against a few key alternatives, from its own brand, a direct competitor, and a premium market leader.
1. ATX Luggage Est. 1991 32-Inch Expandable Suitcase
- ✅【HASSLE FREE RETURN --- 1 YEAR WARRANTY 】Buy with absolute 100% confidence with 1-Year warranty. ATX is a trusted British brand with over 30+ years experience in luggage Industry
- 📏【DIMENSIONS】--- 32-inch suitcase large has H:86cm x W:56cm D:31cm and has an expandable feature of up to 4cm, Weight: 5.3 kg and Capacity: 173 Liters. Largest capacity Hard shell suitcase on...
For travellers for whom even 110 litres isn’t enough, ATX offers this gargantuan 32-inch model. Its key advantage is a staggering 173-litre capacity, making it one of the largest consumer suitcases available. It also features an expandable design, offering even more packing flexibility. Like its smaller sibling, it is made from ABS and features dual spinner wheels and a combination lock. This is the ideal choice for those moving house, going on a cruise, or packing for a very large family. However, its sheer size can make it unwieldy, and it’s crucial to watch the weight when packing to avoid exceeding airline limits. It shares the same potential durability concerns as the 28-inch model we reviewed.
2. Kono 28 Inch Large Hardshell Luggage Spinner
- SIZE (including wheels): 28-inch check-in suitcase. Dimensions: 75 x 47 x 29 cm (29.5" x 18.5" x 11.4"). Weight: 4.15 kg. Capacity: 105 L
- 100% ABS MATERIAL: Features a lightweight and sturdy ABS hard shell that is scratch-resistant, pressure-resistant and waterproof. The fully lined interior with multi-use organiser pockets makes it...
The Kono 28-inch suitcase is a direct competitor to the ATX model, operating in the same size, material, and price bracket. It also features an ABS hard shell, four spinner wheels, and a built-in lock. Where it differs slightly is in its aesthetic, often featuring a sleeker, more minimalist design without the textured pattern of the ATX. The choice between the Kono and the ATX often comes down to brand preference, colour availability, and minor price fluctuations. Both offer a similar value proposition: high capacity and low weight for a budget price, with the same inherent risks associated with ABS material in rough transit. We’d recommend comparing the current prices and features of both before making a final decision.
3. Samsonite Flux Spinner L Expandable Suitcase
- 360 degree multidirectional double wheels for easy manoeuvrability
- Large volume capacity and practical (hidden) expandability on all sizes
Stepping up to the Samsonite Flux represents a significant jump in both price and quality. The key difference is the material: the Flux is made from polypropylene, a more flexible and impact-resistant polymer than ABS. This means it’s built to withstand the rigours of frequent travel far better. It also boasts superior components, such as a more robust double-tube wheel handle and smoother, more durable spinner wheels. While its standard capacity is slightly lower, it is expandable, offering versatility. The Samsonite Flux is the superior choice for the frequent flyer or anyone who values long-term durability and peace of mind above all else. It’s an investment in reliability that the ATX model, by virtue of its price point, cannot match.
Final Verdict: A High-Capacity Case for the Cautious Traveller
After extensive analysis and testing, our verdict on the ATX Luggage Large ABS Hard Shell Suitcase is clear: it is a product of significant compromises, but one that can represent outstanding value for the right person. Its strengths are undeniable. The 110-litre capacity is immense, the 4.0 kg weight is impressively low, and the dual spinner wheels provide excellent manoeuvrability. For its price, the feature set, including the TSA lock and organised interior, is fantastic.
However, its greatest weakness—the durability of the ABS shell under severe impact—is a major gamble for air travel. We would recommend this suitcase wholeheartedly for those travelling by car, coach, or train, where you are in control of its handling. For air travel, it’s best suited for a budget-conscious traveller on a single, crucial trip who is willing to accept the risk. It does the job, but it may not be a long-term travel companion. If you understand the trade-off and its cavernous, lightweight design fits your immediate needs, it offers a compelling package for the price. If you’re ready to take advantage of its massive space, you can find the best deal and check availability right now.
Last update on 2025-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API