Types of Luggage Wheels: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
Luggage wheels are probably the first elements that break on luggage; they can make or spoil your travel experience. So before you purchase any luggage, you must take it into consideration to avoid any inconveniences during travel.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of wheels, from the classic inline skate to the adaptable spinner wheels. We’ll tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of wheel so that you can choose the perfect piece of luggage according to your travel preferences.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional traveler, stay with us to get an in-depth understanding of the types of luggage wheels.
Different Types of Luggage Wheels
If we broadly categorize, there are two types of luggage wheels: inline skate wheels and spinner wheels. Let’s have a look at each of them, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Spinner Wheels
Spinner wheels are wheels that can move in any direction; that’s why they are also called 360-degree wheels. You don’t have to tilt and drag your luggage behind you. You can pull it behind you or push it in front of you; the choice is totally yours. Spinner wheels are generally mounted on the bottom corners of the luggage.
All hardside luggage comes with spinner wheels, and some softside suitcases also come with spinner wheels. It’s getting more and more popular day by day because of its convenience and functionality.
There are two types of spinner wheels: single spinner wheels and dual or double spinner wheels. In terms of performance, there is not a huge difference. Both perform really well, but dual-spinner wheels are a little more stable, smoother, and durable compared to single-spinner wheels.
Also read: Do Airlines Prefer Hard or Soft Luggage?
In-Line Skate Wheels
In-line skate wheels are the wheels that are recessed into the body structure of luggage and can’t move in a 360-degree direction. They can move in only two directions: forward and backward. You need to tilt your luggage in order to move ahead with it. All luggage that has an inline skate wheel is always pulled and can’t be pushed or carried beside you.
In-line skate wheels are generally offered in softside luggage options; when it comes to hardside luggage, they most of the time come with spinner wheels. The best thing about in-line skate wheels is that they are bigger than spinner wheels and can easily handle bumps and jerks on rough surfaces. A good set of in-line skate wheels can help you move your luggage even on cobblestone streets.
A suitcase can have at least two and go up to three in-line skate wheels for additional strength and stability.
Advantages of the Spinner and In-Line Skate Wheels
Benefits of Spinner Wheels
Exceptional Maneuverability: Spinner wheels are exceptional and made to be as responsive as possible. They can spin 360 degrees, meaning in any direction. This makes traveling much less stressful because you can effortlessly maneuver through crowded airports, busy streets, congested locations, cramped spaces, and tiny aisles. These wheels make it easy to quickly turn, maneuver through small spaces, or simply change directions.
Pull It or Push It: Spinner wheels provide you the freedom to push or pull your luggage; the choice is totally yours. You can opt to push it alongside you like a stroller or pull it behind you like a traditional suitcase. This versatility enables you to customize the movement of your luggage to your convenience, resulting in a comfortable travel experience.
No Pain in Arms and Wrists: This is the most important reason why we recommend spinner wheels. They minimize the strain they place on your arms and wrists. Spinner wheels glide without tilting or balancing, unlike traditional two-wheel designs. You don’t need to maintain constant efforts to get rolling; you just need a little effort to give it a start, and then it’ll keep on rolling and rolling without causing any pain in your arms and wrists.
Uncompromised Comfort: With the help of spinner wheels, you won’t feel any weight in your luggage, and your travel will be seamless. No matter how long you walk with your spinner luggage, it’ll make you feel super comfortable at every step.
Also read: Polycarbonate vs. Aluminum Luggage: Which is Better?
Benefits of In-Line Skate Wheels
Bigger than Spinner Wheels: In-line skate wheels are bigger than spinner wheels, which makes them more durable. They are more sturdy and less likely to break because in-line skate wheels are recessed in the main body structure of luggage.
Excel on Rough Surfaces: With the help of in-line skate wheels, you can easily take your luggage on different types of surfaces, so you don’t face any difficulty, whether it’s concrete, dirt, or grass. They are so durable that they perform well even on cobblestone streets or uneven surfaces. When it comes to spinner luggage, you can’t carry it on cobblestone streets because spinner luggage can’t be pulled on cobblestone, and if you try to push it before you, it’ll get stuck between the gaps of cobblestone.
Better Stability: Another reason that we can’t overlook is its stability. In-line skate wheels are closer to each other, and they distribute the luggage weight evenly and provide you with better stability, which ultimately makes you feel more comfortable and controlled.
More Spacious: Another important benefit of in-line skate wheels is that they don’t add too much height to luggage. It means you get more space inside your luggage, so you can pack a little more. If you compare the same size of rolling luggage with spinner luggage, you’ll find that rolling luggage always offers more space.
Disadvantages of the Spinner and In-Line Skate Wheels
Drawbacks of Spinner Wheels
Undoubtedly, spinner wheels are getting more and more popular day by day, but that does not mean that they don’t have drawbacks. They have a few disadvantages; we’re mentioning them below.
Rough Surfaces and Cobblestone Streets: Spinner wheels struggle on rough surfaces like cobblestone or uneven terrain, which is one of their biggest problems. While they perform well on smooth airport floors, they often get stuck or become less maneuverable on challenging surfaces. A simple stroll through a historic town with cobblestone streets can become a tiresome experience due to these restrictions.
Durability Comparison: Although spinner wheels are rugged and designed to handle travel challenges, they are typically less durable when compared with in-line skate wheels. Since in-line skate wheels are made to better withstand shocks and impacts, they are less likely to sustain damage. This means that spinner wheels might not be the most durable option if you frequently travel in areas that could be difficult on your luggage.
Height, Weight, and Space Concerns: Spinner wheels are placed on the exterior of the luggage, which slightly raises the suitcase’s overall height. When trying to put your luggage into overhead bins or under the bed, this minor height might cause a problem. Additionally, the internal packing capacity is reduced by the wheels, which is also a disadvantage if you’re planning to carry as much as possible. Eventually, it will surely add some additional weight to your luggage because of the four and sometimes eight wheels.
Also Read: Samsonite Omni PC vs. Omni 2
Drawbacks of In-Line Skate Wheels
Cause Pain in Your Arms and Wrists: The most important thing to remember when it comes to the disadvantages of in-line skate wheels is that if you drag your luggage for a long time, it’ll cause pain in your wrists and shoulders, depending on the weight you’ll be carrying inside your luggage. This is the biggest drawback of in-line skate wheels, which we never liked.
Moves Only in a Single Direction: Another remarkable disadvantage is that they are harder to maneuver. You’ll always have to tilt and drag your luggage behind you, which is really inconvenient and uncomfortable. It can be even more challenging if you’re going through crowded places.
What Types of Wheels Are Perfect for You?
What type of wheel is perfect for you generally depends on your travel taste and requirements. If you’re someone who frequently travels internationally, stays at hotels, and visits modern places with smooth floors and surfaces, luggage with spinner wheels is definitely the best option you must go with.
However, if you’re someone who belongs to a town with uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, or rough concrete, or even if you frequently travel in such circumstances, luggage with in-line skate wheels is much better than spinner luggage.
Things to Consider When Choosing Luggage Wheels
There are a few things that you must take into consideration before you make any final decisions. We’re listing some of the important tips that you must consider.
Wheel Size: The size of the wheel matters a lot, especially when it comes to rough surfaces like cobblestone or uneven terrain. Larger wheels perform better on uneven surfaces, while small wheels are more suitable for smooth and flat floors in airports and hotels.
Wheel Material: Wheel material is also one of the most important elements that you should definitely take into account. Wheels are made of rubber, plastic, or polyurethane. The one that is made of polyurethane is more durable, rolls smoothly, and absorbs shocks in a much better way.
Terrain Consideration: Consider the types of surfaces you’ll be going through frequently. If you’ll be navigating uneven surfaces, prioritize in-line skate wheels. If you’ll be navigating places with smooth and flat surfaces, considering spinner wheels is definitely a better choice.
Replacement Availability: Before you choose any specific models, you must take into consideration whether the replacement wheels are easily available on the market or not. This can be crucial in case a wheel becomes damaged.
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