There’s a unique kind of pre-trip chaos that I know all too well. It involves digging through a closet full of mismatched, scuffed, and wobbly suitcases, trying to find one that’s the right size and another whose zipper hasn’t given up the ghost. For years, my family’s travel prep looked like a luggage graveyard. That’s why the idea of a single, cohesive set that covers every possible need—from a long-haul check-in to a quick weekend carry-on and even a toiletry bag—is so appealing. It promises order, simplicity, and one less thing to worry about before a big trip.
- 5 Piece Luggage Sets - The luggage set of 5 pieces offers 20" carry on luggage, 24" medium checked luggage, 28" large check-in suitcase, expandable duffel...
- TSA Lock & Spinning Wheels - Our luggage sets include TSA-approved locks for secure travel protection. Opt for our 360° silent universal wheels for a...
What to Consider Before Buying a Hardshell Luggage Set
Before investing in a new luggage collection, it’s crucial to match the product to your travel style. Are you a frequent flyer who subjects your bags to the rigors of baggage handlers weekly, or are you a family that takes a few vacations and road trips a year? The ideal customer for a set like the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On is someone who values style, organization, and incredible value. You should look for key features like smooth mobility from spinner wheels, dependable security like TSA-approved locks, and durable-yet-lightweight shell material. The ability for the entire set to nest together for storage is a massive bonus for those of us with limited closet space. While high-end brands command premium prices, it’s sets like this that bring comprehensive travel solutions into a much more accessible price range. For those seeking a complete, matching collection that handles a variety of trip types without breaking the bank, this set presents a very compelling option.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that combines modern aesthetics with practical features for occasional to moderate travel, the Joyway 5-Piece set is a fantastic place to start your search.
While the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On 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 and Key Features
Unboxing the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On felt like a significant upgrade. The five pieces arrived neatly nested inside one another like a Russian doll, a feature we immediately appreciated for its storage efficiency. The Beige Brown color with its striped, matte finish is stylish and looks far more premium than its price tag suggests. The polypropylene (PP) hardshell feels lightweight yet has a noticeable flex, which is a good sign for absorbing impacts without cracking. The eight spinner wheels on each suitcase felt promising, gliding silently across the floor. The set includes a 20″ carry-on, a 24″ medium case, a 28″ large suitcase, plus a matching expandable duffel and a toiletry bag. It truly feels like a complete system ready for any adventure right out of the box.
What We Like
- Comprehensive 5-piece set covers all travel needs
- Excellent value for a full matching luggage collection
- Smooth and quiet 360° spinner wheels
- Stylish design with a scratch-hiding matte finish
- Built-in TSA-approved locks for enhanced security
What We Didn’t Like
- Wheel durability is a concern for frequent or rough travel
- Hardshell suitcases are not expandable
- Some users reported issues with initial quality control
A Deep Dive into the Joyway Luggage Set’s Performance
A luggage set can look great, but its true worth is only revealed on the road. We put the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On through its paces on a multi-destination trip involving flights, car trunks, and hotel lobbies to see how it holds up in the real world.
Construction and Durability
The suitcases are crafted from Polypropylene (PP), a material known for being both lightweight and resilient. Unlike more rigid plastics that can crack under pressure, the PP shell has a degree of flexibility designed to absorb impact. In our testing, it handled the usual bumps and scrapes of travel well. The matte, striped texture is also a clever design choice, as it does a great job of concealing minor scuffs that would be glaring on a glossy suitcase. This was confirmed by one user who took their set on a demanding two-week international trip and noted only “a few minor scratches.” However, our findings align with several user reports that suggest there’s a limit to its toughness. We saw feedback about corners cracking or wheels breaking off after just one or two flights. Our conclusion is that this set is perfectly durable for car trips, cruises, and occasional air travel, but it may not be the lifetime companion for a serious road warrior.
Mobility and Handling
This is where the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On truly shines, at least initially. Each of the three hardshell cases is equipped with eight spinner wheels, and they are impressively smooth. We glided through airport terminals with zero effort, the wheels rolling silently and changing direction on a dime. One user aptly described them as carrying the weight “effortlessly.” The adjustable telescopic handle feels sturdy enough, and the top and side carry handles are well-placed for lifting the cases into overhead bins or off a luggage carousel. The main point of contention, however, is the long-term durability of these wheels. We saw numerous reports of wheels breaking or snapping off entirely, sometimes on the very first trip. One traveler recounted how a wheel “gave out on the hills of Seattle” after a year of solid use, while others experienced failure much sooner. This appears to be the set’s primary weakness and a critical factor for frequent flyers to consider.
Storage, Organization, and Capacity
As a five-piece set, this collection offers fantastic versatility. The three hardshell cases cover everything from a short weekend trip to a long family vacation. Inside, the organization is simple but effective. One side features a fully zippered divider—with its own mesh pocket for small items—while the other has elastic cross-straps to secure bulkier items like packing cubes or shoes. The YKK zippers are a quality touch, known for their reliability. The included duffel and toiletry bags are a nice bonus, though they feel less substantial than the main suitcases. A key detail we noted, and something confirmed by users, is that the hardshell cases are not expandable. For those of us who tend to return with more than we left with, this lack of flexibility is a definite drawback.
Security and Extra Features
We were pleased to see that each hardshell suitcase includes an integrated, TSA-approved combination lock. This is a feature often missing at this price point and provides essential peace of mind. The zippers lock securely into the mechanism, and it’s easy to operate once you know how. On that note, a minor hiccup we and other users found was the lack of clear instructions for setting the lock’s combination, so you may need to look that up online. A small but clever addition is the external side hook, which is handy for hanging a small bag or neck pillow while you navigate the airport. For the price, the security and convenience features included are impressive.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sentiment on the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On is largely split, hinging on the balance between price and durability. Many users are thrilled, calling it the “best luggages I ever tried” and praising its great material, spaciousness, and smooth functionality, especially given the low cost. One reviewer was “really impressed with the Joyway Luggage set,” noting its great balance between durability and lightweight construction.
On the other hand, there is a consistent pattern of complaints centered on durability, specifically the wheels. Reports like “Wheel on large suitcase broke right off. What a waste of money. Used 1 time!!!!” are not uncommon. It seems that while many sets perform well for moderate use, a notable number suffer critical failures under the stress of air travel, leading to a frustrating experience for those affected.
Alternatives to the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On
While the Joyway set offers a lot, it’s worth seeing what else is available. Here are three popular alternatives.
1. Kono 4 Piece Hardside Luggage Set Spinner Wheels TSA Lock
- 【4 Piece Luggage Sets】➤Carry-Ons Suitcase: 20.3" x 15" x 8.3"; Beauty Case:11" x 9" x 5.9"; Weekender Bag: 15.7" x 11.8" x 8.7"; ➤Toiletry Bag:...
- 【Hardshell Suitcase and Waterproof Travel Bag】➤Kono suitcase is made from lightweight and durable ABS hard shell, Scratch & Pressure-resistant....
The Kono set offers a similar aesthetic with a 4-piece configuration, including a small beauty case instead of a duffel bag. If you prefer a more compact fourth piece for toiletries and cosmetics over a soft-sided duffel, this could be a better fit. It also features a durable hardshell, TSA locks, and spinner wheels, making it a very close competitor in terms of features and target audience.
2. Coolife 3 Piece Hardside Luggage Set
- Experience unmatched travel versatility with our stylish luggage set. The six-piece set includes a range of luggage sizes ( 20’’, 24’’, and...
- Blending vintage charm with contemporary functionality, our luggage design encapsulates elegance and craftsmanship from a bygone era. It seamlessly...
This Coolife set is a more traditional 3-piece offering, forgoing the extra bags for a focus on the core suitcases. Coolife is a well-regarded brand in the budget luggage space, and this PC (polycarbonate) hardshell set may offer a slight step up in shell durability compared to the Joyway’s PP material. It’s a great option if you already have your preferred carry-on bags and just need a solid trio of hardshells.
3. Coolife 3 Piece Expandable Luggage Set
- 3 piece small, medium and large luggage set made from extra strong ABS material.
- Mounted TSA combination lock provides peace of mind when checking cases through security.
For travelers who need extra packing flexibility, this Coolife set is a standout alternative. Its key feature, which the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On lacks, is the expandability on the largest 28-inch suitcase. This can be a trip-saver when you need to pack souvenirs or bulky items. If the non-expandable design of the Joyway is your main hesitation, this set directly addresses that concern.
Our Final Verdict
So, is the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On the right choice for you? After extensive testing and analysis, we believe it offers exceptional value for a specific type of traveler. If you are a family taking annual vacations, a student moving to a dorm, or an occasional traveler who wants a complete, stylish, and coordinated set without a massive investment, this is an absolutely fantastic option. The sheer amount of luggage you get for the price is hard to beat.
However, we cannot recommend it for frequent flyers or anyone who travels weekly for business. The recurring feedback about wheel failures suggests it may not withstand the consistent abuse of baggage handling systems. For light to moderate use, its performance is admirable, but for heavy-duty travel, investing in a more robust set would be wise.
If you’ve decided the Joyway 5-Piece Luggage Set Hardshell Carry-On is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API