we have a couple of sub g lightweight ones.
I too thought that they looked a bit flimsy when we looked at them.
So far they have done 2 trips to Goa, 2 trips to Turkey and 2 trips to Greece.
Apart from the corners having scuff marks and the handle on the larger being a bit bent, they have been OK.
No rips as yet (touch wood!)
Got to admit that they don't look tidy when packed as everything tends to move about a bit, and if you use a strap around them they look like a sack of potatos.
Also the base tends to drag on the floor a bit unless you pack something firm at the bottom end.
But they are very light which makes up for a lot..

Just bought two from ASDA. A lot lighter than the ones we have been using and they come with a 3 year guarantee.

fwh

I have the sub g zero ones, they look flimsy but we have used them on 10+ trips and they look as good as new.

Be wary of the "guarantees" that come with these light-weight cases - most do not cover damage suffered whilst outside of your control (i.e. once you have checked in) and other common circumstances, so end up only covering defects in manufacturing.

As with everything, read the small print before purchase!

Cheers,
Ralph

don't those same conditions apply to other cases?
It would be interesting to see how those disclaimers would hold up in court.
As a suitcases' only purpose is to contain items for transport, it should be made to withstand the usual wear and tear of such, if it doesn't then it is clearly 'not fit for purpose'.

Whenever I have had a case damaged after checking it in at airports it has been replaced or repaired by the airline.

Same here - I regularly travel to Cuba and the baggage handlers, especially at Havana, have a dreadful reputation but on the one occasion where I've had a case damaged in transit it was replaced by the airline (Virgin) without a problem. I reported it at Gatwick as soon as I realised there was a problem in the baggage hall and within two days I got phone call at home about a replacement and to arrange a delivery time. Turned out to be a better case than the damaged one! They never asked me about whether the case was guaranteed etc - they just accepted without quibble that it happened while it was in their care and so their responsibility to replace it. I can't speak for other airlines because I've never had another case damaged in transit but Virgin were excellent.

My main concern with these ultra light weight cases is how easy would it be to cut through the fabric? Theft from baggage at Cuban airports seems to be decreasing but is still seems to be worse than In many places so I always like to use a rigid case for checked in baggage. Not a guarantee that it won't be pilfered from but my theory is that they will go for the cases it's easier to get into first. The theory has held good so far!

Re wear and tear in general use it's the wheels that seem to be the most vulnerable part. In my experience they outlast the guarantee period but only just!

SM

As a suitcases' only purpose is to contain items for transport, it should be made to withstand the usual wear and tear of such, if it doesn't then it is clearly 'not fit for purpose'.

Would be interesting to read how others have gone on with damaged cases. I suspect that many simply decide it is not worth the hassle making a claim - just the same way so many accept bad holidays.
If everyone really persisted then we would get service.

fwh

Thanks everyone, still unsure will have alook at Matalan, Asda the usual places, I still have my old faithful case but when I go away in Sept only have 15kg allowance so was worried about the weight
M

SM - but when would this damage occur? Surely when they are checked in, they are in the care of the baggage handlers, they wouldn't cut the suitcases would they?

Denny.53 it's the baggage handlers that the cases are at risk from! They are paid very little and tourists are incredibly wealthy in comparison and some of them just can't resist the temptation. Generally speaking it happens as the planes are unloaded at the other end and they are looking for a quick grab. Someone I know had a new pair of trainers in their bag and when he got to his hotel and opened it they were gone and a really old tatty pair had been put in their place! And presumably one of the handlers had walked out wearing his.

SM

Hi
Just to let you know I bought a medium sized lightweight case from Tesco, I am off to Cyprus in a couple of weeks, so will let you know how it fared from Manchester to Cyprus and back again...... keep your fingers crossed it is as strong as they say......
M

thanks

Hi.
The case made it to Cyprus and back to Manchester without any damage. Even though I had 15Kg allowance , when packed my luggage weighed under 12Kgs. I was impressed with the case and with myself for keeping well within the limit of 15Kg
M

Well done MargaretCarroll, & glad everything went well