With all of the suitcases to choose from, it can be difficult to know which brand is the best. Two of the most popular ones are the American Tourister and Delsey. Delsey is a French company that is made waves all the way across the world to North America where it really takes the stage as a company that makes very elegant luggage.
It is difficult to compare two brands that have so many suitcase styles. However, in this American Tourister vs Delsey review, we have decided to compare both the softshell and hardshell models from both of these brands.
You might like: Delsey vs Samsonite Luggage: Hardshell Suitcases
American Tourister vs Delsey
Comparing Hardshell Models
Desley Hardshell Features
In comparing the hardshell models, you see that the Delsey comes with an elegant look with ridges along the vertical axis. Many women find this design appealing, as do some men.
But what is the best thing about the hardshell body of the Delsey is the fact that it is made of 100% polycarbonate. This material has begun to be incorporated in hardshell suitcases lately because of its resilient properties. This polycarbonate substance will not crack or break. In fact, it will simply bend back into shape if something squeezes it.
Another property of the polycarbonate is the fact that it is very lightweight. It is very easy to roll this suitcase around. The Delsey hardshell cases are expandable so that you can add more gear if needed. But keep in mind that once expanded, it will not fit into the overhead bin of an airplane.
There are many inner pockets inside of the main compartment of the Delsey. It is clear that great care was taken in the design of this suitcase. You can tell just by looking at the telescopic handle. It looks like it is very high-quality, and more so than most of the rolling suitcases in production. Due to the quality of the Delsey hardshell suitcases, it is slightly more pricey than the American Tourister hardshell cases.
American Tourister Hardshell Features
The American Tourister hardshell suitcases come in professional, as well as quirky styles. When we say quirky, we mean the nerdy images that are sprawled around the body. They come with images from Star Wars, Marvel comics, Disney, etc… The most popular American Tourister hardshell suitcase is the one that has an image of Darth Vader on it!
- Single spinner wheels, star wars branded push button pull handle
- Star wars branded zipper pulls
- American Tourister branding ID tag
- Split construction, large mesh pocket on interior panel and cross straps
- Exterior Dimension: 21.5 inches x 15.0 inches x 9.0 inches; Interior Dimension: 21.0 inches x 14.75 inches x 9.0 inches
But in terms of quality, the case is made of 100% abs plastic. This is not as durable as the 100% polycarbonate of the Delsey, and it is not as lightweight. But like the Delsey, it is expandable to fit more gear if needed.
Comparing Softshell Models
While the hardshell models are highly popular, so are the softshells. Softshell suitcases look more professional than the hardshell ones. They also fit more easily into the overhead compartment of an airplane. And just because the body of the suitcase is not hard, it doesn’t mean that your gear will get squished. Both of these brands are made with a thick material and frame that will protect your belongings.
Desley Softshell Features
The Delsey softshell luggage is made of 100% micro ballistic, which is a type of nylon fabric. Nylon is the best fabric that can be used for soft luggage. Nylon is very tear resistant and lasts a long time. It is often used in outdoor gear due to its weather protection.
Like any high-end suitcase, the Delsey has integrated handles at the top, sides, and bottom of the suitcase. These fabric handles will never rip off because they are fully integrated into the body. You can use these handles in order to place your suitcase in the overhead compartment or lock it down some stairs.
There is also a telescopic handle that is suitable for any height. Use this handle in order to roll your luggage around on its wheels while in the city or at the airport. The Delsey is generally about 1 inch taller than the American Tourister softshell luggage. However, it is also 1 inch narrower. This gives it a sleeker, more elegant look.
American Tourister Softshell Features
The American Tourister softshell suitcases are made of 100% polyester. This means that it is not quite as durable as the Delsey, which comes in a nylon material. Also, the American Tourister only comes with a top and side handle, not a bottom handle like the Delsey.
But on the plus side, the American Tourister comes with the selection of nerdy graphics, just as with the hardshell. Many people would love to get their hands on these suitcases just for the appeal of the graphics. If graphics are not your thing, you can simply get one of the ultra-professional looking softshell cases that looked very much like the Delsey suitcases.
American Tourister vs Delsey: Price comparison
Is there so many models choose from, it is difficult to say which of these brands is the most expensive. Generally speaking, they seem to be comparable in price. Please see below for an assortment from each of the most popular models for the American Tourister and Delsey.
The Verdict
The Delsey seems to be the brand that has the higher quality materials. What is great about this brand is that it also comes at a very comparable price to the American Tourister. That being said, so many people just love the American Tourister suitcases that have the nerdy graphics. Even though they don’t use the highest grade materials, they are high-grade enough to last you for years. It is up to you to decide which of these brands is right for you.