Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate vs ABS Luggage Comparison

When you compare polypropylene vs polycarbonate vs ABS luggage, there are several important things to consider. Weight, size, durability, and cost are the most important factors.

While each luggage material has its advantages and disadvantages, some luggage types will be better in certain situations than others.

This also means that there isn't a perfect one. One may be better for you, while one may be better for someone else.

Ask yourself what type of traveling you do, how often you travel, and what type of items you pack with you. This will help you decide which luggage is best for your situation.

Durability

While all three types of plastic are at least somewhat durable, polycarbonate luggage is going to be the most durable.

This type of plastic is both impact and scratch resistant, which makes it stand out the most in the durability category.

Polypropylene is the second-most durable of the three types of plastic. Although not quite as strong as polycarbonate, it is still temperature and chemical resistant. This type of plastic can handle minor drops, but over time it is at more risk of getting cracked.

ABS comes in as the least durable of all three plastics, although that doesn't mean that it will break easily. ABS has the advantage of weight, but the disadvantage of durability.

Weight

Polypropylene is the best option if weight is your main focus. These suitcases are the lightest on the market, in fact, even lighter than aluminum suitcases.

This is the best option if you plan to use your luggage often and need something that is very lightweight with medium durability.

ABS is the second lightest option, but it tends to be the least durable. If you're not planning to use your ABS luggage too often, this could be a great option for you.

Polycarbonate, although the most durable, tends to be the heaviest of the three types of plastic. If you’re not super concerned with weight, this may be the best option for you, especially if you plan to travel often.

Price

As with anything, the price will vary with the brand name, size, quality, features, and materials.

If you're looking for the lowest price, you may want to stick with an ABS only suitcase. These are typically cheaper to manufacture, but the quality will not be near that of polypropylene or polycarbonate suitcases.

While a bit pricier than ABS, polycarbonate and polypropylene luggage will be more durable and will last a bit longer if it is abused.

Add-ons and extra features such as easy locks, wheels, and expansions will add more on to the price, depending on the brand.

Design

When comparing polypropylene vs polycarbonate vs ABS luggage, you may find several different designs. Although most have a similar look, there are subtle differences that make each piece of luggage unique.

There are different options available on the market as well that can make each piece of luggage competitive.

Sometimes you will find extra-thick ABS that will be more durable than many other ABS luggage models, as well as thinner polycarbonate to reduce weight.

You will also find things such as TSA locks (that make TSA inspection faster), expansion zippers, and wheels that make traveling more convenient, as well as getting through the airport quicker.

Of course, most of these types of luggage are available in many colors, shapes, and sizes.