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Gadling gear review - Heys xCase - world's lightest carry-on luggage
In this Gadling gear review, I'll introduce yet another piece of impressive luggage. The Heys xCase hardcase is the world's lightest rolling carry-on.
At just 5.1lbs (2.3kgs) it is seriously light. The case is (as the name implies) a hard shell, made of polycarbonate. Its shiny look is quite stunning, and the metallic finish very much resembles the kind of paint job you'd expect on a good looking sports car.
On the rear of the bag is a single metal retracting handle, with a 2-position lock. This makes it ideal for tall and short people, and the shortest position even makes it very usable for small kids (I tested mine with a 3 year old).
Because the handle is a single pole, its mechanism does not take up too much space inside the case. The handle feels sturdy, with very little sideways movement, even when the bag is fully loaded.
On the top of the bag is a carrying handle, but there is no handle on the sides, so be sure to pop it in the overhead lengthwise (its dimensions of 20"x14"x9" make that possible on almost every overhead bin).
On the outside of the bag is also a combination zipper-lock with TSA unlocking option. The zipper pulls are quite large, and allow the bag to fully open vertically.
Roller skate style wheels are positioned on the outermost corner, which means they don't take up any space on the inside of the case.
The inside of the case is quite spacious, the thin frameless polycarbonate means you don't lose much room. On the top portion is a divider net and a single pocket for smaller items. On the bottom is a compression strap for larger garments. The top divider means you can pack the top and bottom portions of the bag, without having to juggle too much.
The Heys xCase is available in 18 different colors - from the boring black and white to stunning colors like the red version I reviewed.
There is one major disadvantage to the finish on the bag - it scratches very easily. So easy in fact, that the lightest scrape will scratch the finish quite visibly. Heys warns for this in their literature, but is still a shame to see such a good looking case look scuffed after just one trip. A non-shiny version is available, which will probably help hide wear and tear a little better.
This is the first polycarbonate hardshell I've ever reviewed, and I actually like it more than I had thought. One disadvantage hardshell cases have over "regular" fabric cases is the loss of outside storage. Any time you need anything from the bag, you'll need to fully unzip it. That said, the bag is great for kids (Heys also produces a full lineup of luggage just for kids). Still, despite these minor shortcomings, I'm very happy with the xCase - it seems very well built, and I'm a sucker for good looking luggage, especially as innovative as the xCase.
The Heys xCase costs $79.99 (MSRP) and can be found for as little as $56 from some retailers. The bag comes with a 7 year warranty.
In addition to the style I reviewed, Heys has a large lineup of similar bags, and with over 50 different colors and styles, there is bound to be something for everyone.
There is one major disadvantage to the finish on the bag - it scratches very easily. So easy in fact, that the lightest scrape will scratch the finish quite visibly. Heys warns for this in their literature, but is still a shame to see such a good looking case look scuffed after just one trip. A non-shiny version is available, which will probably help hide wear and tear a little better.
This is the first polycarbonate hardshell I've ever reviewed, and I actually like it more than I had thought. One disadvantage hardshell cases have over "regular" fabric cases is the loss of outside storage. Any time you need anything from the bag, you'll need to fully unzip it. That said, the bag is great for kids (Heys also produces a full lineup of luggage just for kids). Still, despite these minor shortcomings, I'm very happy with the xCase - it seems very well built, and I'm a sucker for good looking luggage, especially as innovative as the xCase.
The Heys xCase costs $79.99 (MSRP) and can be found for as little as $56 from some retailers. The bag comes with a 7 year warranty.
In addition to the style I reviewed, Heys has a large lineup of similar bags, and with over 50 different colors and styles, there is bound to be something for everyone.
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
KT Aug 18th 2009 3:28PM
Heys...how funny this should be on-line today.
I am currently in discussions with Heys USA regarding their warranty on a 4WD 30" case
I purchased the case at TJMAXX in May for a 1 month trip to Europe in June. Admittedly I knew I received a really good deal on the bag, but I currently use a 26" version of the same bag and have for some time with no issues.
When I arrived in Zurich after my first flight with the new bag, to my great surprise, I noticed a 10 inch crack in the case.
The airline (LH) graciously accepted the claim, we did fly first class, and provided local contacts where I could pursue the damage claim. The LH rules state that they will deduct a 30% fee as the bag was not new. A replacement bag in Zurich of equal quality was around 300 Euros. With a 30% deduction from my $79.99 USD price there was a big difference that I was not willing to pay at that time. The repair shop was most helpful and provided additional claim details to follow up with LH on my arrival at home.
Upon arriving home I chose to try to make a warranty claim with Heys by taking my bag to the nearest centre listed on their website.
The warranty centre could not have been nicer. The told me right away that Heys would reject the claim as the damage was caused by the airline. They said they would contact Heys on my behalf and explain my situation.
I received a call a couple of days later from the claim centre saying that Heys declined my claim as the damage was caused by the airline.
I called Heys to try to plead my case (no pun intended). I explained my point of view that the case should be covered under warranty as the case was used for its intended use and that it failed on the very first use.
The Heys representative denied my claim again and said there was nothing she could do. I then asked if I should be speaking to my States Attorney General, I was the referred to another person. I was transferred and the message on the answering system indicated I would receive a call back in 30 minutes.
2 Weeks later I had to call again.
I explained my situation once again and was told that I would receive a call back within the next day.
I did receive a call back. After explaining my situation again (twice) I was finally offered a new bag at a reduced cost. Approx $60.00.
My beef is that Heys does not stand behind their product with a warranty that should cover the product for its intended use. I should have not had to pay 1 penny.
At this time (4 hours after my call) I am awaiting a call back from Heys for them to let me know the stock availability of a new bag at the $60.00 price.
The warranty centre advised me that I would have been better off purchasing a 100% carbon fibre bag rather than the 50/50 polycarbon/plastic bag that I bought.
It's a shame. I recommended this product over and over to friends and aquaintances and then when there was an issue the manufacturer would not stand behind their product. 7 year warranty??? Maybe as a blender not as a suitcase that goes on a plane.
Footnote: I just called Heys back and I have a grey 30" case coming for an additional charge of $56.00
Robert Teague Aug 18th 2009 5:40PM
"it is seriously light" ... not when your carry-on is limited to 7kg (as on a number of non-US airlines).
Scott Carmichael Aug 18th 2009 6:55PM
Good point - but on airlines like that, anything other than a grocery bag is going to be too heavy :)
TFAR Aug 19th 2009 1:29AM
I am afraid the title of "World's lightest carry-on luggage" is a bit too sensational and factually not quite correct. In fact, it is not even the lightest one with wheels.
Interested readers should refer to this thread on FT:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/895927-lightest-carry-bag.html
Check posts #9 and #48 in particular. The Travelite and the Landor&Hawa Sub-0 G bags are both lighter and have wheels. The Travelite is also much better quality than the Heys but it is pricier and hard to get a hold of in the US. But you can go through Canada or order direct from Germany.
For the lightest carry-on luggage with good quality and functionality check the A. Saks 21" Expandable bag at less than 600 gram. This is what will be perfect for those airlines where carry-on is limited to less than 8kg. Plastic bags won't be needed.
Another point of contention with the Heys is that the single pole telescope handle is totally unsuited to attach another bag on top of the case, unless you like luggage pirouettes.
For the royal way of beating carry-on restrictions while keeping comfort and versatility check out this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/969135-en-lightened-travel-micro-mover-mega-effect.html
Cheers,
Till
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