Which suitcase is better: polycarbonate, ABS plastic or polypropylene?

A suitcase is a very important accessory for any traveler, which is why its purchase is approached very responsibly. Which suitcase is better - plastic or fabric? If plastic, then it is worth taking a model that uses ABS, polycarbonate or polypropylene? A decade ago, such a problem did not exist, but today there are many materials, so you have to think carefully about the purchase (after all, suitcases are quite expensive now). Therefore, you have to decide what is better.

Properties and advantages of polypropylene suitcases

If the question arises as to which is better, polypropylene or any other option, then it is necessary to familiarize yourself with all the features of this material. Visually distinguish polypropylene suitcases It's impossible to do it with polycarbonate. But to the touch, it's a little more realistic, because polypropylene is stiffer and bends worse.

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As for the color, there are no restrictions. This is also typical in matters of texture. However, almost all models made of plastic of this type do not have a lining (with rare exceptions). But there are also a number of very interesting advantages, in which its main difference from other options is revealed:

1. High wear resistance;
2. He is not afraid of shocks or mechanical impact at all;
3. Not afraid of climatic effects (rain, wind, snow, temperature changes).

It is worth noting right away that this option will be heavier than polycarbonate. But if you do not always carry suitcases completely filled, then the answer to the question of which suitcase is better made of polypropylene or polycarbonate is the only one - the first. After all, this material does not deform if the suitcase is regularly used with a partial load.

At the same time, products made of this type of plastic and polycarbonate have almost the same characteristics. Both in terms of impact resistance and in most other aspects. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the needs. And if you often need to transport various fragile items, it is better to buy a model made of polypropylene.

Main characteristics and advantages of polycarbonate suitcases

There are other options, so to answer the question of which suitcases are better than plastic or polycarbonate, it is worth evaluating the capabilities of this material. It is also synthetic, made from polymers, plus it has certain unique properties. To decide whether polycarbonate or any other option is better, it is worth evaluating the advantages of the first, namely:

1. Extremely light weight;
2. High resistance to temperature changes, severe frost or extremely high temperatures (no deformation);
3. High resistance to various mechanical damage (including falls or impacts);
4. Restoration of the previous shape after deformation.

When deciding which is better - a suitcase made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate, it is necessary to remember that polycarbonate itself was originally used in industry, when strong and lightweight structures were created. If a dye is added during manufacturing, the color of the product will be changed, and this allows you to get suitcases of very original colors.

It is not surprising that, when choosing a plastic or fabric option, many people prefer to take it. polycarbonate suitcases. Moreover, the market offers a fairly wide range of products both in terms of volume (from cases to huge suitcases) and colors. But the most popular are polycarbonate models, which belong to the medium-capacity options.

Today, polycarbonate suitcases are also available in two- and four-wheel versions. This makes them more convenient and practical to use, allowing you to easily transport even very heavy loads (if we are talking about 4-wheel versions), but two-wheeled ones are more reliable and less likely to break (if it is a system of wheels that are recessed into the body). However, the wheels themselves must be rubber or made of polyurethane.

It is worth noting that in the matter of ABS plastic or polycarbonate, the latter boasts the following features:

1. Suitcases of this type have a fairly wide range of volumes - from 22 to 140 liters inclusive;
2. Very light weight. Small suitcases weigh only 1.75 kg or a little more, medium ones about 2.5 kg, and the largest ones no more than 4 kg (of course, when empty);
3. Significant security through the use of code locks;
4. Resistance to temperature changes and frost;
5. High reliability of the design itself, which makes it easier to transport fragile items without the risk of damaging them;
6. Stylish design and a wide range of colors.

When choosing products made of polycarbonate or other plastic, it is worth remembering that the former can last much longer with minimal care and following the recommendations.

The main advantages of ABS plastic suitcases

Models made of ABS plastic (full name – acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) are made of a special resin, extremely resistant to shocks and belongs to thermoplastic materials. It is very hard, does not have high flexibility. However, this did not prevent the production of modern travel accessories, which have significant durability and strength, including a relatively low cost. If you choose a suitcase made of ABC plastic or polycarbonate, the first will definitely be cheaper, although it is slightly more expensive than polypropylene.

It is also worth understanding that in the question of polycarbonate or ABS, the latter will necessarily be strengthened with special additives (without them, ABS suitcases simply are not produced). And with their help, the weight of the entire product is significantly reduced, the walls are thinner, but do not lose their strength. As a result, with the same external dimensions, they have a larger capacity. So in the question of which suitcase is better to buy - polycarbonate or ABS plastic, the latter wins if you need a small size and maximum capacity of the structure.

Additional benefits:

1. Design. If you need a beautiful product that looks representative, then in the question of which is better - a suitcase made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate, the first option definitely wins. Even without additional coloring or decorative elements, they look attractive and stylish, and they also look stylish and expensive;
2. Durability. Since the structure of ABS plastic itself is different, it will not lose its appearance for many years, even with regular use. Is durability important to you? When it comes to which suitcases are better to buy - plastic or polycarbonate, choose the third option - ABS, because it will look new even after three years;
3. Water resistance. This issue often becomes critical during elections. But it is difficult to answer which is better, polycarbonate or ABS plastic. Any plastic shows the same results and does not allow things to get wet. A zipper leaks faster than a case will let moisture through;
4. Resistance to regular loads. But here a suitcase made of ABS plastic wins over models made of polycarbonate. Such a product is not afraid of constant load, so if on every trip you pack things tightly into a suitcase, leaving no free space, then ABS is better;
5. A wide range of colors. In this regard, suitcases made of polycarbonate or ABS plastic are practically equal. The material easily takes on any color and shape. But ABS is able to maintain its appearance longer, without changing its shade under the bright sun. So this option is well suited if you need a good suitcase for several seasons, and you do not plan to change it after three years.

Conclusions

Still trying to figure out which suitcase is better? Rather, you need to look at your own preferences and existing budget. By the way, please note that you can find really high-quality models made of good fittings, high-quality plastic, but without logos and other branding. They are cheaper, but this does not mean that they are worse.