- Lightweight
- Meets carry-on requirements
- Waterproof
- Distinctive looks
- Some durability problems
- Not expandable
- Weak warranty
The Heys xCase is a rarity among rolling carry-on bags today: a traditional hard-sided suitcase. Most of the rolling luggage covered in our report -- such as the well-regarded Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 (*Est. $280) and the budget-priced L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle, medium (*Est. $90) -- has soft sides constructed of nylon or polyester. The Heys xCase, by contrast, has a shell of rigid polycarbonate, which is very lightweight, waterproof and available in six distinctive colors. However, this harder material does not appear to be very durable. In both professional tests and actual use, the Heys xCase proved vulnerable to scratches, dents and cracks. Some users report problems with the handles and wheels as well. As a result, most users warn that the xCase should never be checked. Another downside: This rigid bag has no give, so it can't expand to accommodate just one extra item. (Some reviewers, however, consider this a plus because it makes overpacking impossible.) The xCase is covered by a seven-year warranty, but it covers only manufacturing defect, and several users say Heys has refused to replace or repair their damaged bags.
The most thorough test of the Heys xCase appears in Good Housekeeping magazine. We also found professional reviews of this bag at Fodors.com and in Real Simple. The case receives over 650 reviews from users at eBags.com and Amazon.com.
| Heys Xcase Exotic Carry-On, Croco, One Size | |
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Our Sources
1. Good Housekeeping
Testers at Good Housekeeping award the Heys xCase a grade of B-plus. Its telescoping handle holds up well in tests and its hard outer case sheds water easily, but other tests leave the case scratched, dented and cracked. Although editors say the wheels roll easily, they still find the bag somewhat awkward to maneuver.
Review: Heys USA's xCase Carry On Luggage, Editors of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, June 2010
2. Fodors.com
The Heys xCase is one of four carry-on bags recommended at this travel site. Reviewer Doug Stallings likes the bag's lightweight, waterproof case, but he notes that it's less roomy than soft-sided bags and has a tendency to scratch easily.
Review: Carry-on Bag Buyer's Guide: Avoid the New Airline Luggage Fees, Doug Stallings, June 25, 2008
3. EBags.com
In over 650 reviews, the Heys xCase earns an overall rating of 4.3 stars out of 5, which isn't especially high for this site. Owners say the bag is lightweight and easy to stow, but they complain of poor durability and warn that the bag should never be subjected to airline baggage handling.
Review: Heys USA XCASE 20" Lightweight Carry-On, Contributors to eBags.com, As of April 2012
4. Real Simple
Madaline Sparks of Real Simple describes the Heys xCase as a "Hard(side) Bargain," praising its durability and "cool," distinctive looks. However, there is no description of any tests conducted on this bag.
Review: The Best Rolling Luggage, Madaline Sparks, Not dated
5. Amazon.com
About 15 owners give the Heys xCase a lackluster overall rating of 3.4 stars out of 5. Although owners describe the case as light and maneuverable, they complain of scratches, cracks and damage to the wheels and handle.
Review: Heys Xcase 20" Carry-On, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of April 2012
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