The summer holidays are coming up, so if you’re looking for a sturdy, expandable suitcase to take with you on your next vacation, the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is more than up for the task.
I’m new to Samsonite but the brand has actually been around since 1910! It’s a go-to name within the luggage space, and is well known for its carry-on and hold bags, as well as backpacks and other luxury accessories. Whether you need something to take with you on a plane, train or other automobile, Samsonite probably has you covered.
I recently tried the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm), and I was pleasantly surprised by many of its features, and not so pleasantly surprised by others – here’s how I got on.
Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) review: price and availability
The Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is available to buy for £399 / $399 at Samsonite and select retailers, like John Lewis. Samsonite offers a 10 year global warranty on this suitcase.
The Samsonite Nexis Spinner is available in multiple sizes, including 55cm, 70cm, 76cm and 82cm. It also comes in cotton white, onyx black, deep forest and deep petrol colours – I tried the 55cm size in deep petrol for this review.
Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) review: design and features
Samsonite describes the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) as a cabin size bag which translates into carry-on luggage to avoid any confusion. From the Nexis collection, the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) measures 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and expands up to 23cm if needed. It has a 40 litre capacity (47 when expanded) and weighs 2.5kg when empty.
The Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is made from ROXKIN polypropylene, making it lightweight and impact resistant. To expand the bag, you undo the zippers on the outside where there are also zips to get into the main compartment. The zips lock into place on the side, and there’s a TSA-approved lock to keep your belongings safe and secure.
The double-tube handle of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is made from 100% recycled aluminium. It’s incredibly durable and has a comfortable grip. At the bottom, there are four suspension wheels which are designed for smooth operation across all surfaces while making limited amounts of noise.
Inside the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is a bottom and top compartment, a divider pad for both sides, a mesh pocket, and one packing tube which is hidden in its own miniature pocket. When you take it out, it matches the size of the suitcase.
The compartments feature zips, mesh and webbing that are all made from recycled PET. The interior also has compression ribbons for extra packing space and efficiency. The interior of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) matches the exterior in colour, which is an almost emerald colour which looks very stylish alongside its black and silver accents.
Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) review: performance
I took the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) on a weekend away to really test out its functionality. I went away for a couple of days on a staycation, and managed to fit my clothes, shoes and toiletries comfortably into the case, as well as my husband’s which I was very impressed by. Both sides of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) have a good amount of space, although in one compartment, the handle runs the length of it which can be quite annoying.
The handle inside is very in the way, although I managed to slot my belongings in around it. This was slightly trickier for shoes but once I’d jigged everything around, everything fit in nicely. I liked that both compartments were zippable so nothing was falling out or moving around.
I especially liked the smaller pocket which contained the additional packing tube. I used this to pack our dirty laundry in so it’s very spacious, and I liked how it was the same size as the interior compartments of the suitcase. The pocket the packing tube comes out of is also handy for packing away smaller items that you want to keep hidden away.
Despite the handle taking up a lot of internal space, it extends to quite a generous height. It makes the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) comfortable to hold and wheel around, as are the fixed handles on the top and side of the suitcase. The locking mechanism definitely gives you peace of mind, although I found the external zips that click into the lock to be quite a strange shape.
The wheels of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) are the best I’ve tried on a suitcase. They glided across floors, including gravel, carpet, hardwood and even cobbles, and they kept the main body of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) nicely off the floor so there was no scuffing to be had.
The size of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is pretty generous, especially considering it's the smallest option you can get of this suitcase. It fits nicely into overhead bins and storage racks in a train, so it can definitely do the same on an airplane.
Aside from the handle issue, the only other concern I had was the external material. Considering the price, I felt that the outside of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) felt a bit plastic. It flexed a little easier than I expected when I packed it, too.
Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) review: verdict
The Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) is so spacious, that I’d confidently say you could fit up to five days worth of clothes and other belongings inside it. Its size makes it ideal for travel, especially if you only have hand luggage for a flight, and the internal compartments are organised and have a generous capacity.
The handle in the compartment is an issue as it takes up a lot of space. I didn’t love the external feel of the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm), but it has a lot of elements to love about it that you can overlook this small issue. Its zips, lock and wheels are exceptional, too.
Would I spend £400 on the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm)? I’m not sure but it’s extremely durable, reliable and with its 10 year warranty, it’s a great option for many.
Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm) review: alternatives to consider
The Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case – which features in both our best suitcase and best carry-on guides – is a great alternative to the Samsonite Nexis Spinner (55cm). It’s the same size, making it petite, lightweight and great for frequent flyers.
If internal organisation is important to you, the Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage does this exceptionally well. It has a sturdy aluminium frame and ultra-silent wheels, although it will cost you at £549 / $649.
For a similar priced case, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On X is incredibly stylish and a good carry-on size. It has lots of space inside, including a laptop section.
