Skip to content
4-Wheel Spinners Vs 2-Wheel Rolling Luggage
November 8, 2016 Aviva Wolpert

4-Wheel Spinners Vs 2-Wheel Rolling Luggage

What type of rolling luggage should you choose? There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of suitcase. How you like to travel and where you are going will determine to a large extent if 4-wheel or 2-wheel luggage suits your trip.

Answering a few simple questions can help you decide which is the right bag for you.

  1. Ease of Mobility

What type of surface will your bag be rolling over? Does your itinerary include cobblestone streets and hilly terrain or are you rushing through large airports with a carry-on?

  1. Weight

How lightweight do you want your bag to be? How much do you plan on packing and are you able to pull your bag behind you? Do you need to stack extra bags? 

  1. Interior space and exterior dimensions

Do you need maximum packing space? What are the size restrictions for your airline carrier? Are you checking your bag or carrying it on the plane?

 

 So which one should you choose?

 When 4-wheel spinner luggage is best

Very little effort is needed to maneuver the suitcase. The ground supports the weight of the bag so you can push or pull it with one finger! This is especially helpful if you suffer from back or shoulder problems. A Spinner rolls best on flat surfaces like at the airport terminal and its 360-degree mobility is ideal for gliding through the narrow aisle to your airplane seat. A spinner is practically guaranteed to never tip over, even when you stack extra bags on top of it. It is recommended for elderly travelers, heavier suitcases or travelling with a family. The smaller spinner wheels can be more fragile and add some height and weight to the suitcase.

When 2-wheeled luggage is best 

If you’re rushing to catch a plane or pulling your suitcase up and down stairs and over uneven terrain, the 2-wheel design is a better option. The suitcase tends to be lighter with larger, sturdier, protected wheels that are recessed and don't protrude, providing a better fit in the overhead bin of the airplane. And the bag won’t roll away from you when you’re on an incline! There’s a bit more packing space but it can tip if overloaded.

 4-Wheeled Suitcase

samsonite firelite

  • Effortless 360 degree mobility on smooth surfaces, wheels swivel in all directions
  • Stable, won’t tip over
  • Easy to stack extra bags
  • Glides easily down narrow aircraft aisle
  • No weight to pull or push
  • Wheels generally add height and weight

 2-Wheeled Suitcase

eagle creek tarmac

  • Rolls forward faster and better on uneven terrain
  • More interior packing space
  • Fits better into overhead bin on airplane
  • Larger recessed wheels are sturdier and more protected from damage
  • Generally lighter weight
  • Won’t roll away
  • Can tip if overloaded
  • Shoulders, arms and back support more of the weight
Filed in: 2016, concours, conseils de voyage, contests, luggage, travel tips
Previous article Easter Egg Hunt 2017 - How to Play
Next article Win An Eagle Creek Flatbed Contest Rules & Regulations

Comments

DM - November 11, 2016

I prefer a well-designed 4-wheel. That said, I have managed to tip them over, more than once. Also, a 4-wheel can be used like a 2-wheel, so I see i has having all the advantages of a 2 wheel plus the 4 wheel advantages. THe main disadvantage veing possibly some extra weight (but 2 wheels have a resting bar that weights, too) and that they tend to wander on their own on inclines.

Tim Loblaw - November 10, 2016

Much like a number of people have already noted, I prefer a 4-wheeled spinner. I find it easier manoeuvring the 4-wheel spinner (vs. the 2-wheeled version) down the centre aisle of plane.

Marta Marroquin - November 10, 2016

I really preferred the 4 wheel one because is easy to control,and you don’t end up getting extra space on busy airports,which is very difficult if you have just the 2 wheel one,you actually need the space to pull it,but the 4 while es one is right beside you,specially if you have an injured or can pull nothing cain of heavy, the 4 wheel is the best.

Lavoie - November 9, 2016

Prefere 4 roues mobilité plus facile

Dylan Kenny - November 9, 2016

4 wheels, if it’s quality luggage. It’s easier to maneuver crowds by keeping it closer to yourself instead of dragging several feet behind.

Maribelle - November 9, 2016

I prefer the 4-wheel luggage because of how easy it is to pull and maneuver through busy airports!

Mimi - November 9, 2016

I prefer 4 wheels, because they’re easier to transport in the airport and stand upright. They can also be converted to 2 wheeled movement, so you get the best of both!

Priscilla Chan - November 8, 2016

I would prefer a 4 wheel because I don’t have to put so much weight on my shoulder or arm. As long as the wheels are sturdy, I am not bothered about terrain. I am also an extremely light packer so I am not worried about the suitcase being heavier or having less space due to having 4 wheels. My 4 wheeler stays with me at all times as I pack carry-on only and it has never had to go through any handling where the wheels can be damaged.

Rebecca - November 8, 2016

Thanks for the giveaway! I bought my first 4-wheeler a couple of years ago and have been surprised at how much I like using it. It surely does glide easily. But overall I think 2 wheels is better. Less weight, more space, and fitting more easily into overhead bins are important as I only travel with carry-on luggage now. I’d never be stacking bags, so that’s not a worry.

Arlene MacLeod - November 8, 2016

I prefer a 4 wheel spinner for my large piece as I am older & getting weaker. Love the ease of rolling through the airport. In my carryon I went back to 2 wheels just for the weight difference. Restrictions are hard to stay under.

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields