There’s a familiar tension every traveller knows. It’s the moment you stand before your empty suitcase, a week’s worth of clothes piled on the bed, and the dawning realisation that your trusty old cabin bag just won’t cut it. You need more space than a carry-on allows, but you don’t want the unwieldy bulk of a colossal family-sized trunk. You’re looking for that “Goldilocks” solution: the perfect medium-sized checked bag for a 5-to-7-day trip. It needs to be light enough to avoid excess baggage fees, durable enough to survive the notorious gauntlet of airport baggage handlers, and nimble enough to navigate bustling terminals. This exact scenario is what led us to test the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase. On paper, it ticks all the boxes: super lightweight, a generous 68-litre capacity, and four spinner wheels promising effortless mobility. Our goal was to see if this budget-friendly contender could be the answer to the mid-trip packing dilemma, or if its attractive price point was hiding a fatal flaw.
- 📏【PERFECT DIMENSIONS】The Perfect Medium Suitcase/Luggage on 4 Wheels for A Short or 1 Week Travel Holiday 24" 68 x 45 x 23cm 68 Litre Capacity Fit up 23kg
- 🥇 DETAILED INTERIOR: Large Suitcase 4 Wheels Lightweight Luggage Has an Internal Divider To Pack On Both Sides. Also an Mesh Pocket To Include All Of Your Smaller Essentials
What to Consider Before You Buy a Hardshell Suitcase
A suitcase is more than just a box with wheels; it’s a key solution for protecting your belongings, organising your travel life, and reducing the physical strain of transit. A good hardshell case offers superior protection against impacts and inclement weather compared to its soft-shell counterparts. The rigid exterior prevents compression, safeguarding fragile items inside, while the clamshell design often allows for neater, more compartmentalised packing. For frequent flyers and holidaymakers alike, the peace of mind that comes with a durable, secure, and easy-to-manoeuvre piece of luggage is invaluable, transforming a potentially stressful journey into a seamless experience.
The ideal customer for a medium-sized hardshell spinner like this one is the week-long holidaymaker, the business traveller on an extended trip, or a couple packing for a long weekend. They value organisation and protection but are conscious of airline weight restrictions. However, this type of luggage might not be suitable for those who prioritise expandable storage for bringing back souvenirs, as many hardshells are less flexible than fabric cases. Overlanders or backpackers who navigate rough terrain would also be better served by luggage with more robust, all-terrain wheels or a backpack-style carrier. For them, durability and ruggedness trump the smooth-surface glide of a spinner.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to the external dimensions (including wheels and handles) to ensure they comply with your preferred airlines’ checked baggage allowances. Internally, a 65-68 litre capacity is the sweet spot for a week’s travel. Look for a 50/50 split clamshell design with dividers, as this maximises packing efficiency.
- Capacity/Performance: Beyond simple litres, consider the case’s weight. The FLYMAX boasts a 3.2 kg weight, which is impressively light for its size. This low starting weight means you can pack more of your own items before hitting the typical 23 kg airline limit, a crucial performance metric for any traveller.
- Materials & Durability: The shell material is paramount. This case uses ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a lightweight and rigid plastic that helps keep costs down. While strong, it is generally less flexible and more prone to cracking under severe impact than more premium materials like Polycarbonate (PC) or a PC/ABS blend, which offer better impact absorption and resilience.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Four double-spinner wheels are a must for effortless 360-degree movement. A multi-stage telescopic handle should lock firmly into place without wobbling. For maintenance, a hardshell case is easy to wipe clean, but scratches will be more visible than on a fabric case, so consider darker colours if cosmetic appearance is a long-term concern.
While the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase presents an interesting option, 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:
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First Impressions: A Promising Start with a Lightweight Feel
Upon unboxing the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase, our initial reaction was positive. The case felt astonishingly light for its size, living up to its “Super Lightweight” name. At just 3.2 kg, lifting it felt effortless, a feature we knew would be a significant advantage when packing close to airline weight limits. The black striped ABS shell has a modern, minimalist aesthetic that looks clean and professional. The telescopic handle extended smoothly through its different height settings, and the four double spinner wheels glided silently and effortlessly across our office floor, spinning on a dime with a gentle nudge.
Opening the case revealed a thoughtfully organised interior. A full-zip divider separates the two halves of the clamshell, creating distinct packing compartments. One side features compression straps to hold down bulky items like jackets or shoes, while the other side is fully enclosed by the divider, which also includes a large mesh pocket for smaller essentials. For a suitcase in this budget category, these features suggested a design that understood the needs of an organised traveller. The initial impression was of a well-designed, attractive piece of luggage that offered excellent value. However, this promising start would soon be challenged by the harsh realities of real-world travel, which you can explore further in its full specifications.
Key Benefits
- Extremely lightweight construction helps avoid excess baggage fees.
- Four double spinner wheels provide excellent initial maneuverability.
- Well-organised interior with a zippered divider and mesh pocket.
- Generous 68-litre capacity is ideal for week-long trips.
Limitations
- Catastrophic lack of durability, with numerous reports of failure after a single use.
- Component quality is extremely poor, affecting wheels, locks, zippers, and the shell itself.
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the FLYMAX’s Fatal Flaws
A suitcase’s true character is only revealed under the stress of travel. It’s one thing to look good on a showroom floor, but quite another to survive being thrown, stacked, and tumbled through the unseen world of airport baggage handling. It was here, in the crucible of its very first journey, that our initial optimism for the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase began to crumble, revealing critical failures in its most essential components.
Shell Shock: An In-Depth Look at the ABS Hard Shell’s Durability
The foundation of any hardshell suitcase is, quite literally, its shell. The FLYMAX is constructed from 100% ABS, a material chosen for its low weight and rigidity. In our initial handling, the shell felt firm and looked capable. We packed it for a week-long trip to Europe, ensuring it was full but not overstuffed, well within its 68-litre capacity. The journey began without a hitch. However, the scene at the destination baggage carousel was a horror story. The case emerged with a significant crack spidering out from one of the corners. Furthermore, one of the plastic side protectors, intended to guard the case when laid on its side, had been completely sheared off, leaving behind a jagged remnant of plastic.
This experience, sadly, is not an isolated incident. Our findings were resoundingly confirmed by a chorus of other users who faced the same fate. One traveller noted their case had a side protector “totally sheared off” on its first trip to Austria, and their warranty claim was reportedly dismissed. Another user received their case with cracks already present, even though the shipping box was pristine, suggesting it was damaged before it was even packed. These reports of shells cracking and components breaking off after just one use point to a fundamental issue with the quality and impact resistance of the ABS material used. A checked bag must be able to withstand “brute force”—that is its primary job. We found that the shell on the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase is simply not fit for that purpose.
Mobility on Borrowed Time: The Spinner Wheels and Telescopic Handle
There’s no denying the initial allure of this suitcase’s mobility. The four double spinner wheels are a dream on a smooth airport floor. We effortlessly glided through the terminal, the case rolling alongside us with minimal effort, changing direction instantly. It felt premium, stable, and quiet. One happy user on a trip to Tenerife described the 360-degree wheels as working “perfectly,” calling the experience “a breeze.” This was our experience, too—right up until the point the bag was checked in.
Upon collection, the story changed dramatically. One of the four wheel assemblies was severely damaged, no longer spinning and dragging awkwardly behind the other three. This rendered the upright spinner function useless, forcing us to tilt and pull it like an old-fashioned two-wheeler for the remainder of our trip. An even more damning user report confirmed our fears, stating that “3 of the 4 wheels broke after first usage.” This isn’t a minor defect; it’s a complete failure of the product’s core mobility feature, transforming it from a convenient spinner into an awkward, burdensome piece of luggage. While the telescopic handle held up during our test, the catastrophic failure of the wheels makes any praise for the handle largely irrelevant. The suitcase’s promise of effortless travel is, it seems, only valid for the journey *to* the check-in desk.
Security and Interior Organisation: A Mixed Bag of Compromises
A suitcase must not only transport your belongings but also protect them. The FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase comes equipped with a built-in 3-digit combination lock, a feature we appreciate for its convenience over fiddling with separate padlocks. Setting the code was straightforward. However, the lock mechanism itself felt plasticky and lacked the reassuringly solid click of higher-quality locks. Our concern was validated by other travellers’ experiences, with one user reporting their lock “failed on its maiden trip,” forcing them to cut the zip fasteners to access their belongings. Another mentioned the lock was simply “broken” and wouldn’t work, forcing them to buy a separate padlock, defeating the purpose of the integrated feature.
Internally, the design is genuinely good. The clamshell layout with the full zippered divider is excellent for organisation. We were able to keep shoes and toiletries separate from clean clothes, and the large mesh pocket was handy for documents and chargers. The materials, however, tell another story. The internal lining feels thin, and the zippers for the divider are flimsy. This was confirmed by a user who bought two cases and found the “internal zips broke on first use” on their larger model. While the layout is practical, the poor quality of the components undermines its utility. A broken internal zipper can be a major nuisance, allowing your neatly packed items to become a jumbled mess in transit. It’s a classic case of a great design concept let down by poor execution and a focus on cost-cutting over quality, a real shame for a case with such potential you can see in its design photos.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own disappointing test, we delved deeper into the experiences of other buyers, and a clear, troubling pattern emerged. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with a strong focus on the product’s complete lack of durability. Many reviews echo our own findings precisely. One user summed it up starkly: “This suitcase made one journey and is now un-useable… This is not fit for purpose.” Another called it “essentially single use” after three of the four wheels broke. The theme of failure on the very first trip is constant, with reports of broken locks, cracked shells, and sheared-off components.
There’s also significant frustration regarding warranty and support. One traveller who had been flying for 35 years without issue was shocked when their warranty claim for a broken part was allegedly denied, with the company likening the damage to a car crash. This suggests that the advertised 1-year warranty may not cover the very type of damage a suitcase is expected to endure. While a small handful of users were happy with their initial purchase, like one who loved the colour and “fab quality” before using it, these comments stand in stark contrast to the flood of reports from those who have actually put the suitcase to the test. The evidence strongly suggests that for a significant number of customers, this suitcase fails catastrophically upon its first encounter with real-world travel conditions.
Alternatives to the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase
Given the significant durability concerns we uncovered with the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase, it is imperative to consider more reliable alternatives. Whether you need a full family set, a premium carry-on, or a genuinely robust large case, there are better options available that represent a wiser investment in your travel gear.
1. SHOWKOO 4 Piece Expandable Hardshell Luggage Set
- Top Quality -- Hard Shell Suitcase Set PC+ABS: SHOWKOO luggage is made of high-strength PC+ABS, lightweight and sturdy, beautiful and scratch-resistant. The suitcase set has passed rigorous tests such...
- Suitcase Sets 4 Piece 16" 20" 24" 28" -- The Best Choice for Travel: Lightweight suitcase set of 4 comes in 4 different sizes for a variety of travel occasions. 16"(32*20*47cm- 2.15kg- 28L),...
For travellers who need more than just one medium case, the SHOWKOO set offers incredible value. This isn’t just one suitcase, but a complete four-piece family collection, including a 16″ vanity case, a 20″ cabin bag, a 24″ medium case, and a 28″ large case. Constructed from a more resilient PC+ABS composite and featuring TSA-approved locks, this set is built to a higher standard. While the cost is higher than the single FLYMAX case, you are getting four pieces of luggage for the price, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals who need versatile packing options for different types of trips.
2. LEVEL8 20-Inch Expandable Carry-on Suitcase Laptop Compartment
- 【Expandable 15%】Expandable for up to 15% additional packing capacity; solid, strong zippers; sturdy telescoping handle; securely mounted short handle.
- 【Durable ABS Hard Shell】This hand luggage trolley case is made from ABS thermoplastic polymer which is lightweight, waterproof and scratch proof, protecting your contents during flights and...
If your travels are often for business or you simply prefer to travel light, the LEVEL8 Carry-on is a premium alternative. While it’s a smaller, cabin-sized case, its quality is in a different league. It features a durable PC hardshell, ultra-quiet spinner wheels, a TSA lock, and, most notably, a front-access padded laptop compartment. This is a game-changer for digital nomads and business travellers who need quick access to their tech at security. It’s an investment in convenience, security, and durability that far surpasses what the FLYMAX can offer.
3. 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 those who need maximum capacity without sacrificing toughness, the ATX 32-inch suitcase is a worthy contender. This extra-large case offers a massive 173-litre capacity, making it perfect for long-haul travel, family holidays, or moving abroad. It’s built from a tough ABS material designed to withstand punishment and features crucial expandable zippers for extra packing room. Its focus is on providing a vast, durable space for your belongings, making it a far more reliable choice for checked luggage than the FLYMAX, especially for travellers who need to pack for extended periods.
Final Verdict: A Tempting Price That Hides an Unacceptable Risk
Our final verdict on the FLYMAX 24″ Medium Hardshell Spinner Suitcase is one of profound disappointment. It presents itself as the ideal travel companion—lightweight, spacious, and affordable—but our testing and the overwhelming weight of user feedback reveal a product with a fatal flaw: it is fundamentally not durable enough for its intended purpose. The recurring theme of catastrophic failure on the very first trip, from cracked shells and broken wheels to faulty locks, makes it an unacceptable gamble for any traveller entrusting their belongings to it.
While the initial design, weight, and interior layout are commendable, they are rendered meaningless by the poor quality of the materials and components. A suitcase that cannot survive a single journey is not a bargain; it’s a waste of money and a potential travel disaster waiting to happen. We simply cannot recommend this suitcase. Instead, we strongly advise investing a little more in one of the more reputable alternatives mentioned above. For those still curious but heedful of our warning, you can check the latest price and see all the user feedback for yourself, but we recommend you save your money for a case that will actually last more than one trip.
Last update on 2025-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API