Summary: The Sympatico range from Briggs and Riley is at the luxury end when it comes to luggage. It includes a lifetime warranty that includes airline damage (which is excluded by many brands). Classic styling effectively hides details and a quality level which literally puts other suitcase makers to shame. This includes a unique expansion / compression system, ‘suiter’ in a zipped panel and handle which does not take capacity from the inside of the case.
It will come as no surprise to those that know Briggs and Riley that the feedback for this brand is 100% positive. You’ll get a choice of sizes and colours, with 2 check-in and 2 hand luggage options.
See the attention to detail (and colour options) in this gallery over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page now!
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Detailed Review of the Briggs and Riley Sympatico Spinner Suitcases
Even without the Briggs & Riley logo, you can’t miss the origin of these cases. The styling oozes class, with vertical grooves and the plainer region on the top right. Shiny edges and matching colours on the wheels are just two examples of how this brand goes one better.
There are 4 sizes. While this page concentrates on the check-in larger versions of the Sympatico, there are 2 carry on versions too. These are a 53cm one and 56cm version. Both are fine for hand luggage on major airlines. If you regularly go lower cost, then the smaller one is your best bet.
You won’t find any garish colours from Briggs & Riley, here is what is available:
- Onyx (Black)
- Bronze
- Fire Red
- Matte Black
- Matte Navy
- Plum
- Marine Blue
Sympatico: Spec and Main Features
Narrow wheels should certainly not be mixed up with flimsy for these cases. Each of the 4 wheels is doubled, for a super-smooth glide whether you are pushing your case or pulling it. Even the ‘legs’ for these wheels match the colour of the main case, the middle of each wheel does too.
These cases are made of Makrolon Polycarbonate. This is the latest high-tech material. It feels flexible when you touch it, and will stiffen under pressure, plenty tough enough to withstand the rigours of frequent travel.
There is a telescoping handle, plus the usual side and top handles for moving the case around. TSA combination locks come as standard. These are towards the top, so you can dial in your combination before you lay the case down.
Expansion, Compression and Built in Garment Carriers
Expansion, Compression and Built in Garment CarriersYou can add a suit / garment or 2 shirts into the built-in meshed garment carrier. This holds them securely in place, saving them from getting crushed by the other luggage. If you have a lot to pack, then you can overpack by 25%, using the compression feature to cram that much more in. The quality of the lining and various pockets is an important selling point for this range.
Buyer Feedback on the Sympatico Cases from Briggs and Riley
Almost all the feedback was super-positive for these cases. The only bad review was from someone that received a case that was scratched. This was replaced right away.
The theme in the feedback is the quality level. This is premium priced luggage, so in some ways you’d expect only the best quality. That said, buyers appear to have been genuinely delighted with their cases. Scuffs from use were mentioned. This is inevitable with high-gloss hard shell cases. The special polyester used by this brand does help to keep this to a minimum.
I do recommend checking out the feedback. There are several detailed reviews left by frequent / experienced travellers there.
Wrapping Up: Are the Briggs and Riley Sympatico Cases Right for You?
Having a lifetime guarantee is a big selling point for this range. It also shows how confident Briggs and Riley are with the quality of their cases. This guarantee includes airline damage.
These are not the cheapest cases, even by comparison with the major ‘high street’ brands like Samsonite. The jump in quality and spec for the money is noticeable, with small touches like the garment holder and compression designed to with frequent travellers in mind.
Hugely positive feedback for these cases, and with the spec on offer this does not come as a surprise.
Check out the gallery and trim options for yourself now over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page.
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