What we see fail on hard shells
Cracked corners, broken wheel housings and integrated locks. Polycarbonate flexes and recovers; ABS is more brittle and cracks more readily. Aluminum dents but rarely fails structurally.
What we see fail on soft sides
Worn corners, torn fabric near the wheels, split seams and zipper failures from overpacking. Ballistic nylon far outlasts standard polyester.
Repairability
Both are repairable. Soft-side fabric repairs are generally simpler; hard-shell repairs require welding and reinforcement but restore full structural strength.
Weight and protection
Hard shells protect fragile contents better and resist moisture. Soft sides absorb impacts, expand for extra capacity and fit more easily into tight overhead bins.
Our recommendation
Buy quality in either category: polycarbonate rather than ABS, ballistic nylon rather than basic polyester, and replaceable wheels and handles rather than glued or molded-in components.
Need a hand?
If your bag needs professional attention, our Airline Damage Claim Repairs service is a good place to start, or call (720) 677-4842.