American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

Samsonite produces some of the best luggage in the world and actually owns both the Samsonite and American Tourister brands. And although they are both the same company, these suitcase brands differ quite a bit.

So, it is certainly worth seeing a detailed comparison of these two renowned travel brands, to figure out which you want to buy.

In this review, I will show you how these two manufacturers’ top models of luggage compare, as well as in-depth reviews of each piece of the luggage itself.

In the end, you will have all the information you need to decide whether it is going to be American Tourister or Samsonite for your next purchase.

 

Samsonite Omni

Samsonite Silhouette XV

American Tourister Fieldbrook II

American Tourister iLite Xtreme

 
American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews
American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews
American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews
American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews
Sizes (in) 20, 24, 28 21, 25, 29 21, 25, Bag 21, 25, 29
Weights (lb) 6.8, 8.3, 10.35 8.7, 10.9, 12.7 19 lb (3 piece set) 7.2, 9.2, 10.4

Outside Material

Polycarbonate micro-diamond Nylon – water-resistant Polyester Polyester
Wheels 4 Spinner wheels 4 Spinner wheels 2 Rolling wheels 4 Spinner wheels
TSA Lock Yes Yes No No
Expandable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wet Pack No Yes No Yes
Colors Black, Teal, Caribbean Blue, Radiant Pink, Burnt Orange Charcoal, Orange, Deep Blue, Purple Black, Purple, Red Black, Light Blue, Red, Purple & various patterns

Samsonite vs American Tourister Comparison


Samsonite Suitcase Reviews

Samsonite Omni PC Suitcase

American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

The Samsonite Omni PC range is a great entry-level suitcase for those wanting the protection of a hardcase. And the runner up in terms of quality, price and ppopularity is definitely the Winfield 2!

They are cost-effective, strong, durable, and have all the standard features that keep travelers happy again and again.

What’s included in the Omni:

  • Retracting top and side handle, and telescopic handle
  • 360-degree spinner wheels for easy pushing
  • Rugged polycarbonate outer shell for a durable and lasting case
  • Clamshell interior (2 sided) for easy packing (one with compression straps, the other with zippered mesh cover)
  • Built-in TSA combination lock
  • Full-length expandable zipper for those souvenirs to bring home

With the Omni you get a top-end suitcase at a budget price, with features normally reserved for suitcases costing many hundreds of dollars.

You can also get a quick rundown of the features in the video below:

Product Information

  • 20 inch: 22.0" x 15.0" x 9.5" at 6.8 pounds
  • 24 inch: 26.5" x 18.5" x 11.5" at 8.3 pounds
  • 28 inch: 30.5" x 21.5" x 13.5" at 10.35 pounds
  • 5 Colors: Black, Teal, Carribean Blue, Radiant Pink, Burnt Orange
  • Polycarbonate micro-diamond (scratch resistant) exterior
  • Nylon-lined interior
  • TSA Approved code lock built in
  • Expandable zipper for more luggage space

SEE ON SAMSONITE

SEE ON AMAZON


Samsonite Silhouette 17 Spinner

American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

The Samsonite Silhouette 17 on the other hand is a little more expensive and more of a top-end softcase that Samsonite has packed full of great features.

Softcases give you a little more packing flexibility because you can have outside pockets. It also seems to handle the rough life of a suitcase through airports better too. As long as you don’t pack breakables (or not protect them).

So, what does the Silhouette 17 include that is so impressive:

  • Ballistic Nylon exterior (durable & water-resistant)
  • 3 handles for easy carrying (including one on the bottom)
  • 8 position telescopic handle for easy height adjustment for any height person
  • Cambered 4 wheeled spinner for easy straight rolling
  • Mesh interior straps for great load stability
  • Top mesh internal sections including one area for hanger (suit/shirt etc) and a wet pack for dirty/wet clothes
  • Quality cambered, easy running spinner wheels
  • Built-in TSA Code lock
  • Expandable case using zippered expander

The interior of this case has the typical soft case large packing area, which many people love. What is also impressive are the two big mesh pockets on the lid, one of which has a hanger for your more wrinkle prone items. Included in this case is also a wetpac which is great for when you have wet or dirty items (or toiletries if you wish). Normally you have to bring plastic bags or pack your own dirty laundry bag.

The 8 positions telescopic handle (that finally addresses the “height” issue people have with suitcases) that also has some padding to alleviate the pain you get from pulling the handle for ages is one of the most notable features on this case. I have never seen such a multi-level handle on a case.

This is more of a case for the frequent or business traveler who appreciates that some of the smaller details on a suitcase can make all the difference.

You can see all the Silhouette features in detail in the video review below:

Product Information

  • Note: Dimensions are external/outside
  • 20 inch: 23.0" x 15.0" x 8.5" at 8.7 pounds
  • 25 inch: 26.5" x 18.0" x 11.5" at 10.9 pounds
  • 29 inch: 30.5" x 21.0" x 12.25" at 12.7 pounds
  • 4 Colors: Black, Napa Red, Twilight Blue
  • Tricore ballistic Nylon exterior with water-resistant coating

SEE ON SAMSONITE


American Tourister Suitcase Reviews

American Tourister Luggage Fieldbrook II

American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

The Fieldbrook ii is one of American Tourister’s most popular cases.

Functional, simple, durable, and affordable. What is not to like.

Here are some of the features you will like:

  • A roomy interior with compression straps to secure your luggage
  • A full-length mesh side pocket on the lid for your smaller items or more delicate items
  • 2 big outside front pockets for paperwork, magazines, or other less fragile items
  • 2 wheels for easy rolling
  • Telescopic handle
  • Expandable case using zippered expander

American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

The Fieldbrook luggage is simple, light and easy to use.

No frills or pointless features on these cases, and at under 100 bucks hardly much to complain about on the price too.

SEE ON AMAZON


American Tourister Ilite Max Softside Spinner

American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

The Ilite Max from American Tourister is a nice light weight option if you are after an affordable soft case.

These are the upmarket line from AT and have a lot more top-end features and materials which you will love.

The best features include:

  • Lightweight materials to reduce the weight of the luggage
  • 4 spinner wheels to help reduce the load when pushing
  • Contoured hand on a quality metail telescopic handle
  • Deep interior with elastic compression straps to stablize luggage
  • A mesh and wetpack section on the lid for separating wet items or toiletries
  • Expandable case using zippered expander

American tourister burst max trio spinner luggage reviews

American Tourister has added a couple of nice features on this luggage range for those looking for a little more comfort and pleasure while traveling. Although they are a little more expensive than the bottom end Fieldbrook series, it is well worth the price.

SEE ON AMAZON


Samsonite vs American Tourister Buying Guide

Comparing the Samsonites and the American Tourister, you have to look at a few things in detail.

Size

Each brand has three main sizes that usually suit:

  • 20-21 inch is a small carry on that you can take on the plane
  • 24-25 inch is a mid-size that suits smaller trips or one person for a week if you don’t overpack
  • 28-29 inch is the largest size that you can use for longer trips or include two people (or more for shorter trips.

If you are looking to invest in something for a big trip, you will want a carry-on and a large case. If you just want options, you can grab the mid and large case (which is what I did – week trips, and long trips). I use a backpack to carry on in any case.

Weight

Most suitcases these days are pretty light. But, some go the extra mile to make their cases even lighter.

Samsonite is known for the super-lightweight hard cases – The Omni listed above, is very light, and they take it even a step further with the weight-focused cases – Cosmolite and Firelite.

In the comparison chart above, you will see that actually the lightest case in the list is Omni, but the American Tourister Max Lite are quite light for their low price point. These are a great option if you don’t want to spend the kind of money you will need to fork out for a Samsonite. There is of course, a difference in quality.

Durability & Quality

Hardcases can handle a lot of knocks, but, in the long run, you will often find that soft cases last even longer.

Why? Because they do not have the stress put on them that hard cases do. They compress and squish down where a hardcase has to “take” the knock or stress put on it.

In terms of materials on softcases, Nylon is a better, more durable option. So, the Samsonite Silhouette XV is the best of the three soft cases in this review. American Tourister tries to save you money wherever they can, which means they have to go with cheaper materials like Polyester. It won’t last as long, but it is a lot cheaper.

Companies like Samsonite tend to put more money and research into their materials (including their handles, zippers, wheels etc) and that is usually the reason why the cases cost more and last longer.

That is not to say that a American Tourister cases will break the minute you use them, but if you want something to last longer, it often makes more sense to pay more money if you can. I have had Delsey’s and Samsonites last me nearly a decade of heavy travel. Sometimes, it is worth paying a little more.

Features

Almost all of the cases from both Samsonite and American Tourister have the same basic features that you will love:

  • Lots of room for packing
  • Internal and external (not on the Omni because it is a hard case) pockets for extra packing
  • 2 Wheels or 4 Spinner wheels to help make your life easy pushing or pulling your case to/from their airport

Where things differ a little is in the following:

  • TSA locks built-in to the Samsonites
    All Samsonites have 4 spinner wheels that are often quality Japanese made (best in the industry). American Tourister only has spinners on the better models like the iLite Max
    Samsonite invests a little more in the details like the 8 position telescopic handle and wetpac on the Silhouette XV Cases

Price

This is the biggest difference, apart from the quality of these two luggage brands.

Samsonite cases are towards the top of the spectrum (although some cases are not too expensive – mid-range I would say). Although, one of the reasons I include the Samsonite Omni in this review is that it is a best seller and one of the most affordable and durable Samsonites on the market, with single cases often around or below 100 bucks too.

American Tourister is at the bottom end of the luggage spectrum and their cases rarely cost over 100 bucks. Even their three-piece sets like the Fieldbrook II are super cheap.

So, if money is your only concern, go with American Tourister for sure.

Which Suitcase To Choose?

Both Samsonite and American Tourister know how to make good cases, so in many ways, it’s hard to choose.

But, let me quickly give you a few easy choices:

Price: The lower price options are the Omni hardcase and the American Tourister Fieldbrook.

Weight: The Omni hardcase is suprisingly the lightest, with the American Tourister Ilite Max the lightest softcase.

Durability and Strength:

For sheer protection, a hardcase is always best. So, if you plan on taking things that might break, I would go with a Samsonite, with the Omni being the entry level model.

In general Samsonites are going to last you longer, or Delsey’s if you want to check out the options they have. American Tourister just lacks the materials and quality of their more expensive competitor.

Features & Comfort: The top end models always have more options. That means more pockets (including wet packs), better handles (8 positions on the Silhouette, with a foam grip for comfort!), better wheels and a TSA lock on the Samsonites. The American Tourister Ilite Max has a reasonable compromise here with spinner wheels and a wetpack included for a still reasonable price.

In the end, it all depends on what is important to you when you travel, and how much money you want to spend on the case.

So, my advice: read over the features lists. Check the prices. Read the reviews of the one or two models you like the best. Then – pull the trigger.

There is no perfect case, but all 4 in this comparison are decent choices.

Safe travels!

Are American Tourister suitcases good?

Overall, American Tourister offers some excellent options in the affordable price range. Their suitcases are durable enough for most people, backed up by a solid warranty, and well-reviewed. Not to mention that you'll have the ability to choose from a wide array of different designs.

Is American Tourister luggage made by Samsonite?

American Tourister is a brand of luggage owned by Samsonite. Brothers Sol and Irving Koffler founded American Luggage Works in Providence, Rhode Island, United States in 1933. In 2009, American Tourister was acquired by Astrum International, which also owns Samsonite.

Is American Tourister luggage Made in USA?

American Tourister started out as a quality luggage brand. Still, as we all know, modern companies adapt to globalization and access a cheaper workforce. Most of their luggage is made in China, and the quality has significantly changed since the company started in 1933.

Is American Tourister still in business?

In 1993, American Tourister was acquired by Samsonite, marking the union of the world's greatest luggage brands. The brand continues to grow and is present in over 90 countries worldwide.