A comparison between the Travelpro Crew 8 20” Rollaboard and the American Tourister iLite DLX 21” Upright.
Regardless of how often you take a trip or how long your trips last, a trusty luggage provides the peace of mind that any traveler needs. In this aspect, two of the most trusted brands in the luggage industry have made their mark – American Tourister and Travelpro.
However, for the purpose of comparison, two particular models (one from each brand) will be matched and scrutinized – the Travelpro Crew 8 20” Expandable Rollaboard and the American Tourister iLite DLX 21” Upright.
Weight and size
Weight is a significant consideration when choosing a luggage especially if your preferred method of travel is flying. In this particular category, both the Travelpro Crew 8 Rollaboard and the American Tourister iLite are evenly matched at around 8.5 to 8.7 pounds. However, when it comes to size, the iLite is slightly taller and slimmer than the Crew 8 Rollaboard. Travelpro’s wider and thicker frame design was engineered to provide more support for the laptop space inside. The iLite, on the other hand is not built to accommodate any laptop.
Also, when expanded, Travelpro’s model provides an extension of 2.5” while American Tourister’s model gives around 1 to 2” only.
Material
To provide tough protection to your belongings, the two luggage models were constructed using some of the strongest materials around. The iLite is made with the 1800 D X 900 D Polyester and a lightweight wrap-frame structure, while Crew 8 Rollaboard is constructed from 1050D Micro Ballistic Nylon Fabric with Duraguard coating. Both materials are extremely tough but Travelpro’s choie is slightly more recent than American Tourister’s. Ballistic Nylon can effectively resist punctures and slashes from knives.
Now a standard for any modern luggage, self-repairing zippers were also used on both models, along with regular padding, customizable straps inside, and lightweight extending handles. However, when it comes to wheels, the American Tourister iLite makes use of the stable side-mounted hub wheels while the Travelpro Crew 8 Rollaboard utilizes the removable, waterproof, and durable ball-bearing inline skate wheels.
Pocket functionality
In this category, the Crew 8 Rollaboard takes a considerable lead over the iLite specifically because of the laptop sleeve and the built-in pocket organizer in the Travelpro luggage model. However, some people would still opt to use a dedicated laptop bag for additional protection so this slight advantage can be easily overlooked. The American Tourister iLite’s makes up for the Travelpro’s pocket organizer with its own mesh door pocket for small items and a PVC pocket for than protects the luggage from spillage.
Depending on your need and, perhaps, your taste as well, either of the two models can work. Both hold relatively the same volume, provide tough protection to your belongings, and utilize extra features to keep your things safe and organized. What else do you expect from two of the most popular luggage makers in the world?
About the Author:
Aggie Aviso is a freelance consumer and business writer, writing comprehensive reviews, articles and how-to’s.
