ABS vs Polycarbonate Luggage: Is ABS or Polycarbonate Better for Luggage?

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your checked luggage or carry-on luggage, materials matter. It’s especially important for those who frequently check bags, though, as you want your suitcase to be able to withstand frequent abuse from baggage handlers.

So is ABS or polycarbonate better for luggage? These are two of the most popular options at your disposal, and each has its place. But, there’s a clear winner in comparing ABS vs polycarbonate luggage.

We make some of our hard-shell luggage from polycarbonate for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. It’s incredibly durable yet still lightweight enough for stress-free travel days. This material is how we’re able to offer a lifetime guarantee on our luggage!

Learn more about polycarbonate vs ABS luggage below, or upgrade your travel itinerary at Nobl  Travel today with the best polycarbonate and aluminum luggage on the market. 

Feature	ABS Plastic	Polycarbonate (NOBL)	Aluminum (NOBL)
Durability	Low – prone to cracking	High – flexes under impact	Very High – resists crushing & punctures
Weight	Light	Light–Medium	Heaviest
Scratch Resistance	Low	Medium	Medium
Impact Resistance	Poor – brittle under pressure	Excellent – absorbs shocks	Excellent – rigid, doesn’t flex
Aesthetic	Basic / Matte finishes	Sleek / Gloss or Matte	Premium metallic / high-end finish
Price	Cheapest	Mid-range	Premium
Ideal For	Occasional travelers	Frequent travelers	Luxury / business / long-haul travelers
Warranty	Usually limited (1 year)	Lifetime (NOBL)	Lifetime (NOBL)

A Quick Look at the Difference Between ABS and Polycarbonate Luggage

Before we compare and contrast ABS vs polycarbonate luggage side by side we need to take a step back and explain what the two materials are. Here’s a brief overview of the difference between ABS and polycarbonate luggage.

What is ABS Luggage?

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It’s a combination of these three materials - acrylonitrile for rigidity, butadiene for impact resistance, and styrene for surface gloss. 

Together, they create a hard shell that’s easy to mold and cheap to manufacture. That’s why this lightweight thermoplastic polymer is commonly used for affordable luggage. ABS luggage is lightweight and budget-friendly.

You’ll typically see ABS luggage blended with other plastics or used as a core material underneath a different finish. It’s the most popular choice for entry-level hard-shell luggage.

However, the low price point comes at the cost of long-term durability. ABS luggage tends to become brittle with time. It’s more prone to cracking under heavy impact or rough handling - two things you can’t escape if you travel enough.

ABS luggage still has its place for those shopping on a tight budget and who don’t travel too often. It might work fine for carry-on luggage that doesn’t leave your sight, but you could find yourself dealing with unpleasant surprises at baggage claim if you check your luggage. 

What is Polycarbonate Luggage?

Polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic that’s exceptionally strong, flexible, and resistant to impact. It was actually used in the aerospace, industrial, and security industries before it found its way into luggage. These days, it’s the gold standard for hard-shell luggage.

This material is the perfect balance of both worlds. It’s lightweight yet substantially more durable than materials like ABS. The flexible structure can bend under stress without cracking. 

That’s why we recommend it for frequent flyers, international travel, or anyone who just wants to travel with peace of mind, knowing their valuables or fragile items are safe and sound. It also resists temperature changes and performs well across a range of conditions, from humid climates to freezing baggage holds.

It’s really a no-brainer choice between ABS vs polycarbonate luggage, and even polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage for that matter. You can’t beat the design, security, and longevity this material brings to baggage. 

ABS vs Polycarbonate Luggage: Is ABS or Polycarbonate Better for Luggage?

If it’s still not clear what separates polycarbonate luggage from ABS luggage, we’ll put the two side-by-side below to see how they stack up in terms of durability, weight, scratch resistance, and price. 

But is ABS or polycarbonate better for luggage? If you just want the short answer, stick with polycarbonate luggage from Nobl Travel. It’s the stronger of the two and offers far better value for your money. 

Durability and Impact Resistance

ABS will offer some level of protection for your stuff but its poor flexibility poses a problem. The material is prone to racking when dropped or mishandled as it doesn’t absorb impact well. 

You may not have any issues with it if you use it only as a carry-on or rarely travel. But those who check their luggage and hit the road often will find polycarbonate is the premier choice.

It’s engineered to flex rather than break so it has much better impact resistance. It can take the force of rough baggage handling, compression in cargo holds, and repeated use without losing its structural integrity.

You’ll find that all our luggage is backed by a lifetime warranty here at Nobl Travel. That’s because the polycarbonate shell is as strong as it gets. We’re confident in its long-term performance, and you can be too.

Weight and Portability

Durability shoudn’t come at the cost of portability. What good is a strong suitcase if it’s so heavy that you have to ask for help loading it in the car or you break a sweat lugging it across the terminal? It’s important to look at ABS vs polycarbonate luggage through the lens of weight.

ABS is definitely light, which is why it’s used in budget suitcases. Just be aware that weight savings come at the cost of strength. There’s a tangible trade-off here. 

That’s not to say that polycarbonate luggage is super heavy, though. It’s still light enough for easy portability, especially in premium designs that optimize shell thickness without adding bulk. The trade-off is well worth it for a sturdier, more reliable suitcase.

Resistance to Scratches and Scuffs

You want your luggage to look pristine for years to come, but both polycarbonate and ABS materials are prone to scratches and scuffs. We choose to look at these marks as signs of character and a reminder of the trips you’ve taken.

But which is more resistant to scratches and scuffs between polycarbonate vs ABS luggage? ABS can be marginally more resistant to cosmetic damage because it’s a harder material. However, the structure underneath suffers over time. 

Although minor scuffs might show more easily on polycarbonate (especially on glossy finishes), the material itself won’t crack or split - even with repeated impact.

A good way to minimize how noticeable scuffs and scratches are on your suitcase is choosing a matte or textured finish from the start. We have some great options in store for you at Nobl Travel! 

Price and Quality Tradeoffs

There’s one more thing we want to look at in comparing ABS vs polycarbonate luggage: cost. Similar to weight and strength, there’s a trade off between price and quality.

Like we said earlier, ABS is the best budget material for suitcases because it’s so cheap to manufacture. You get what you pay for, though. It typically lacks advanced features and won’t hold up well over years of use.

On the other hand, polycarbonate luggage costs more upfront but saves you money in the long run since you’re not replacing it as often. In fact, premium polycarbonate luggage is built to last a lifetime! The difference in value between polycarbonate vs ABS luggage is obvious.

So, Which is Better, ABS or Polycarbonate Luggage?

The answer should be clear, but is ABS or polycarbonate better for luggage? ABS can work for light, occasional travel on a tight budget - but it’s not designed to last. 

Anyone who travels regularly can justify the investment in polycarbonate luggage for better protection, better longevity, and a better experience overall. But not all polycarbonate luggage is made equal. Invest in the best at Nobl Travel and embark on your next journey with confidence!

Get the Strongest, Most Dependable Luggage Built to Last a Lifetime at Nobl Travel!

We build luggage with premium-grade polycarbonate shells, chosen not just for their strength, but for their ability to flex under pressure and maintain structural integrity trip after trip.

Each suitcase, from our carry-ons to checked bags, features 360° smooth spinner wheels, dual TSA-approved locks, slow-release handles, and a compression interior system that helps you pack more without forcing it.

Certain designs also have smart additions like clip-in pocketed panels, water-resistant compartments, and zipperless front access made for real-world travel, not just showroom floors.

But if you want even more protection, consider our aluminum carry-on luggage or aluminum checked luggage. These are the strongest suitcases in the world and they have all the same great features as the rest of our luggage.

You won’t have to stress about the carry-on luggage size or the checked luggage size for international travel, either. We’ve designed our bags with these guidelines in mind. No detail was overlooked at Nobl Travel!

Whether you’re packing light or checking bags for extended trips, enjoy peace of mind with Nobl Travel. Our products are guaranteed for life so you can put the stress of damaged baggage in the past for good!

Bringing Our Comparison of Polycarbonate vs ABS Luggage to a Close

Choosing between hard or soft luggage for international travel is a good first step, but then, it’s a matter of choosing specific hard-shell materials. We hope this comparison between ABS vs polycarbonate luggage has left you with a clear, confident understanding of which is better.

Polycarbonate is stronger, more flexible, and built for real-world travel with superior impact resistance, longer lifespan, and greater peace of mind at every stage of your journey. That’s why we use it across our catalog here at Nobl Travel.

So, take a look at our products today and see what catches your eye. Find luggage that matches the way you move and choose a suitcase that actually lasts a lifetime!