Thoughts on Rimowa Luggage?

[kangarooflyer88]

Having had two suitcases break on me now in the course of travel, I am tempted to purchase a higher quality suitcase than the usual $100 specials I find at Strand and elsewhere. Upon watching this segment from the Travel Detective (linked below), the two bags they seem to recommend are the Briggs & Riley and Rimowa bags, both of which have lifetime warranties and most importantly don't exclude wear and tear and mishandling of luggage by carriers.

Looking specifically at the Rimowa bags they seem to have an entire network for fixing broken luggage which could be great if travelling as much as I do (including luxury hotels), since that means I don't have to package it up and send it out. The one thing I am a little leary of, however, is the price. Rimowa bags will set you bag $1300 AUD easily for an entry level Essentials Lite bag. However, if the bag does what it says on the tin (i.e. provide a bag that will last a lifetime and will be serviced for a lifetime) then it may be well worth the spend. For those who have experience with Rimowa bags, what are your thoughts? Would you recommend Rimowa? How was their service? Is it all that it seems to be?

-RooFlyer88

 

[mini2]

I have no experience with the current models as all my Rimowas are pre-LVMH, so YMMV.

A couple of years ago, the baggage handlers in XIY got my Topas (Classic Check-In L) chassis dented to the point that the suitcase needed some persuasion to close. During my last trip, I brought some brake rotors back from HKG (11kg a piece, no less), and the dividers inside the suitcase survived. No new external damage was witnessed, even though I've put some stupidly heavy items in there.

My Salsa (Essential Cabin) survived an unplanned excursion down a 15m escalator. It's all scratched up, but the plastic didn't crack, and the contents, including a camera lens, survived. However, my Salsa Air (Essential Lite Cabin) case was cracked during the same accident.

As for repairs, that dented Topas needed a chassis alignment done, and they have to send it to Singapore for that. They can do minor repairs like lock or wheel replacement and dent removal locally.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

As for repairs, that dented Topas needed a chassis alignment done, and they have to send it to Singapore for that. They can do minor repairs like lock or wheel replacement and dent removal locally.

Was all of that covered under warranty?

 

[jbmarshall90]

Am also keen to hear about insights on Rimowa.

For reference I have lojel hard shell luggage which is going strong with no damage yet. Has lasted longer than my previous hard shell samsonite.

 

[mini2]

Was all of that covered under warranty?

Nope, the lifetime warranty doesn't apply to older products.

 

[Matt_01]

I use Rimowa (poly-carbonate essential) Cabin and Check-In M however cannot comment on warranty as they just work and I have had no issues with them. I didn't go for the Essential Lite as I do not like the single stork handle. I also used to own Briggs and Riley 22" Essential expandable carry on, it was pretty much bullet proof but ended up selling it as the base weight of the bag was around 4.5-5 kg.