We’ve all been there. Rushing to pack for a trip, you pull out a motley crew of suitcases from the back of the closet: a scuffed-up carry-on from a decade ago, a giant soft-sided bag with a sticky wheel, and a duffel bag that’s seen better days. It’s functional, but it’s far from ideal. For our recent multi-city trip, we knew we needed a unified, reliable solution. The search began for a complete luggage set that was stylish, lightweight, and versatile enough to handle everything from a weekend jaunt to a two-week international adventure, without breaking the bank.
- Complete Travel Solution - The American Tourister Westridge hard-sided luggage 3-piece set features a 20” hardshell carry-on, 24” medium luggage, and...
- Durable & Lightweight - This lightweight luggage set has a durable ABS hard case that is scratch-resistant so your suitcases will continue to look good...
What to Look for in a Hardshell Luggage Set
Before investing in a new travel partner, it’s crucial to know what separates a great luggage set from one that will fail you mid-trip. The ideal customer for a set like this is a savvy traveler who values organization, style, and mobility. First, consider the shell material. Hardshell cases, typically made of ABS or Polycarbonate (PC), offer superior protection for your belongings compared to softside luggage. Next, evaluate the wheels. Four 360-degree spinner wheels are non-negotiable for us; they provide effortless gliding through crowded airports and narrow airplane aisles. Finally, look at the interior. A well-designed suitcase should have a divided main compartment, with at least one zippered section and compression straps to keep your items secure and organized. The expandability feature is also a huge plus for those of us who tend to bring back souvenirs. The American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set ticks these boxes on paper, offering a cohesive solution for the modern traveler.
While the American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: Includes carry-on, medium checked, and large checked suitcase to suit every travel need; carry-on measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches; medium...
- 【5 Piece Luggage Set】Luggage sets include a 28-inch large suitcase, 24-inch medium checked luggage, 20-inch carry on luggage, an extended duffel bag,...
- Sleek Durability: Crafted with a high-performance polypropylene shell and sandy-smooth texture for superior impact resistance and long-lasting protection.
First Impressions: A Sleek and Surprisingly Lightweight Trio
Unboxing the American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set was a satisfying experience. The first thing we noticed is how cleverly the three pieces nest inside one another, a brilliant feature for saving storage space in an apartment. The textured black ABS shell has a modern, sleek look that appears more expensive than it is. Pulling them out, we were immediately struck by their weight—or lack thereof. The entire set is impressively light, a huge advantage when trying to avoid airline overweight fees. The 360° spinner wheels glided smoothly across the floor, and the carbon-fiber-textured telescopic handle extended with a simple click. The three sizes—a 20” carry-on, 24” medium, and 28” large—provide the perfect option for any length of trip.
What We Like
- Excellent value for a complete 3-piece set
- Very lightweight design helps avoid excess baggage fees
- Smooth and effortless 360° spinner wheels
- Versatile sizing for short, medium, and long trips
- Attractive, modern design
- Nests for compact storage
What We Didn’t Like
- ABS shell is prone to scratching and scuffing
- Concerns over long-term durability, especially for checked bags
- Internal mesh divider feels thin and can tear
- Telescopic handle has a slight wobble
Putting the Westridge Set to the Test
A luggage set can look great out of the box, but its true character is revealed on the road. We took the 20″ carry-on and the 28″ checked bag on an 8-day trip involving flights and car travel to see how the American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set really performs under pressure.
Design and Durability: A Double-Edged Sword
The hard shell is constructed from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a material known for being lightweight and rigid. This contributes to the set’s featherlight feel, making it easy to lift into overhead bins or a car trunk. However, this is where we found the biggest trade-off. After just one flight, our checked 28” case came off the baggage carousel with several noticeable scuffs and scratches. While this is largely cosmetic and expected with any checked luggage, it confirmed what several users have noted: the ABS shell shows wear and tear quickly. More concerning are the reports from some travelers of catastrophic failures, including cracked shells and broken zippers after a single flight. While our set survived its maiden voyage intact, we have reservations about its ability to withstand the consistent abuse of frequent flying. For road trips or train travel, this is less of a concern.
Wheels and Maneuverability: A Smooth Glide with a Quirk
Navigating a busy airport terminal was a breeze. The four 360° spinner wheels are fantastic, allowing the suitcases to glide alongside us with minimal effort. We rolled them over tile, carpet, and cracked pavement, and they handled it all with impressive stability. We found them easy to maneuver, a sentiment shared by one user who noted their son “moved it without problem.” However, we did discover a strange quirk that another detailed-oriented traveler pointed out: if you try to push the suitcase on just two wheels, such as maneuvering into a tight elevator, the wheels tend to “pigeon-toe” and lock up. It’s a minor issue, but something to be aware of in tight spaces. When pulled or rolled on all four wheels, performance is excellent.
Capacity and Interior Organization
Inside, the clamshell design opens into two main compartments. One side features a large, zippered mesh divider, which is great for separating shoes or laundry from clean clothes. The other side has elastic tie-down straps to compress clothing and keep everything in place. We found the layout practical and spacious, and the expandable zipper provided that crucial extra room for last-minute additions. Many users praised how much they could fit, noting it “takes a lot of overpacking to hit the 50lb limit.” However, we share the concerns of one user who reported the internal mesh divider began pulling apart at the seams after one trip, even without being overstuffed. The quality of these internal components seems to be an area where costs were cut.
Handles, Locks, and Features
The telescopic trolley handle is adjustable and ergonomic, but it does feel a bit flimsy, especially when the larger suitcase is fully packed. The top and side grab handles are sturdy and well-placed, making the luggage easy to lift. One notable omission is a built-in TSA-approved lock. The product description notes it’s “TSA approved,” which we believe refers to the carry-on dimensions, not the locking mechanism. It includes a basic combination lock, but for air travel, you will want to purchase separate TSA-approved locks. If you’re looking for a set that will truly stand up to the rigors of frequent travel and baggage handling, you can explore the full features and specs of the Westridge set here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our experience aligns closely with the general consensus online. The majority of users are thrilled with the value proposition, calling the American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set “very nice and practical” and giving the quality a “10/10 for its price.” Many praise its lightweight nature, smooth wheels, and stylish appearance.
However, the praise is often tempered by significant durability concerns. One user had a catastrophic failure, stating it was “completely smashed after one flight and the zipper broke!” Another reported that on their very “first trip I picked up my baggage and of course the wheel had broken off.” These accounts, combined with our own observations about the easily scratched shell and flimsy internal divider, paint a picture of a luggage set that excels in light-use scenarios but may not be the most reliable choice for frequent, demanding travel.
Alternatives to the American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set
While the Westridge set offers great value, it’s worth considering a few alternatives depending on your priorities.
1. American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT 4-Piece Luggage Set
- Ultra Lightweight 600D shiny polyester construction.Number of wheels:2
- Uprights have smooth rolling in line skate Wheels for effortless mobility
If you prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, this set from American Tourister is a strong contender. It includes four pieces, offering even more versatility with an added boarding bag. Softside cases often feature convenient exterior pockets for last-minute items, a feature the hardshell Westridge lacks. However, they offer less protection against impacts and can be more susceptible to moisture.
2. Vipbox 3 Piece Hardshell Expandable Luggage Set
- LUGGAGE SETS 3 PIECE, 3-YEARS GLOBAL VIP WARRANTY: Comfortable travel, worry-free use. These confidences come from Vipbox's excellent standards, VIP...
- SUPER DURABLE, PC LIGHTWEIGHT HARDSHELL LUGGAGE: 100% Polycarbonate (PC) material travel suitcase is the representative of lightweight and durable. Every...
For travelers prioritizing durability, the Vipbox set is a compelling alternative. It is constructed from 100% Polycarbonate (PC), a material generally considered more impact-resistant and less prone to cracking than the ABS used in the Westridge. Crucially, this set also comes with integrated TSA-approved locks, adding a layer of security and convenience that the Westridge is missing.
3. Coolife 3 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set Expandable
- Perfect 3-Piece Set for Every Journey: A versatile 20” carry-on, ideal 24” checked luggage, and expansive 28” suitcase (with extra capacity) handle...
- Security and Travel Charging 2-in-1: A built-in TSA combination lock simplifies airport security and enhances your travel experience. An integrated USB...
The Coolife set offers a blend of materials with its ABS+PC shell, aiming for a balance of lightness and enhanced durability. It also includes modern features like a built-in TSA lock and a USB port on the carry-on for charging devices on the go. If these tech-friendly features and improved durability are important to you, this set is worth a closer look.
Our Final Verdict
The American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set is a stylish, lightweight, and incredibly affordable luggage solution. We recommend it for families, students, and occasional travelers who primarily travel by car or stick to carry-on luggage for flights. It offers excellent organization, smooth mobility, and fantastic value for a three-piece set. However, we cannot recommend it for frequent flyers or those who regularly check their bags. The numerous reports of significant damage after just one flight, combined with our own concerns about the durability of the ABS shell and internal components, suggest it may not be built to withstand the harsh realities of modern air travel.
If you’ve decided the American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set is the right fit for your travel style and budget, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API