Samsonite B’Lite Spinner Review: Lightweight and business travel worthy

Where to Get It:

• You can find the Samsonite F’Lite Spinner on the Samsonite website.
• Also here on Amazon.com.

Samsonite B’Lite Spinner Review:

Humans seem to have an obsession with ‘lightweight’. Every year, lighter smartphones are introduced, lighter shoes are created and of course, lighter luggage enter the market. Just when you think it can’t get any lighter, innovators shatter our exceptions. The lightweight obsession is never ending, but if there was any luggage which could temporarily fulfill our obsession, it would be the Samsonite B’Lite.

Dubbed as the “lightest Samsonite Softside Spinner ever”, the Samsonite B’Lite weights just 5.8 pounds and is equipped with 4 slick spinner wheels. This carry on is lightweight yet maintains the useful features and frills.

The exterior of the suitcase is navy blue and has two grab handles: one on the top of the bag, and another on the side. Next to the side pocket, there is a small luggage tag holder. The front of the suitcase also contains an external pocket for placing items that need to be quickly accessed, such as tickets or chargers.

Read more: Samsonite F’Lite Review

The interior of the B’Lite isn’t too noteworthy since it has the generic layout with a blue lining and a mesh pocket on the front. Also included with the suitcase is a basic stuff sack possibly for holding shoes or accessories. You may want to purchase a set of packing cubes to organize your clothes inside the luggage.

Read more: Are Packing Cubes Worth It?

The most pressing question which I would imagine luggage designers ask themselves would be “How do we create the lightest luggage without sacrificing durability?”

The Samsonite designers seem to have juggled these two key factors decently well. While the B’Light isn’t extremely durable, it still is a solid product which I wouldn’t have too many durability concerns about. The zippers are tough and lockable, and the overall construction feels sturdy.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Low profile business travel look
• Carry on, perfect size for 3 to 5 day trips
• Includes TSA approved locks
• Solid lockable zippers

The Samsonite B’Lite is one of the lightest weight suitcases I’ve ever used, and the weight is definitely the stand out feature of the bag.

In addition, I’m a big fan of the spinner wheels on the Samsonite B’Lite since they make pulling the suitcase around the airport a breeze.

If I were the airline crew member working at the terminal gate and had one upgrade to give to a passenger, I would give it to the guy strolling with the Samsonite B’Lite. Though it’s debatable, I’d say the dark blue tone and overall shape makes this bag look extremely sharp and business-ish.

The Samsonite B’Lite also includes a TSA compatible combination lock. The included lock is made of plastic and metal, but isn’t as reassuring as the Master Lock Combination Lock, although the lock strength shouldn’t be an issue since your carry on will probably be in sight most of the time.

Cons:

• Cannot expand
• Telescoping handle feels a bit shaky and loose
• Occasionally difficult to retract and protract the telescoping handle
• Difficult to pull over bumpy surfaces, i.e. cobblestones

In terms of durability, the B’Lite is sturdy enough that I would feel comfortable with checking it in, however it is not nearly as rugged as some other suitcases I’ve tested, such as the Samsonite F’Lite.

The telescoping handle has been a slight cause for concern for me. I’ve used this suitcase on several trips long and short, and the telescoping handle has never broken, however it really annoys me how the handle feels loose. When pushing and pulling the suitcase, the handle can move about an inch from it’s ‘normal’ straight position either left, right, backwards or forwards. This makes the handle feel flimsy and is somewhat unnerving.

I should stress that although it feels loose and flimsy, the handle has never broken.

The handle can also get occasionally stuck, but I’ve solved the issue by retracting the handle quickly and with some force.

The 4 spinner wheels on the Samsonite B’Lite are small and made of a hard plastic, so they are perfect for rolling around an airport or on smooth surfaces, but aren’t well suited for bumpy surfaces.

Most soft sided suitcases usually are ‘expandable’ meaning they can be expanded via a zipper. This can be helpful when needing extra space if going somewhere you plan to purchase souvenirs or other items you want to bring back home. It’s unfortunate that Samsonite decided to forgo this feature, although I’d admit the B’Lite is probably lighter and has a more sleek design without it.

The Verdict:

The Samsonite B’Lite is an attractive option for business minded travelers or anyone looking for a lightweight carry on. The stand out feature of this suitcase is by far its weight and I like how Samsonite was able to make a light spinner without sacrificing too many features. The only main downside to this luggage is the loose feeling handle.

The B’Lite is a pretty small suitcase, so if you are looking for a larger check in style suitcase, check out our reviews for check in luggage.

Be sure to also check out our review of the Samsonite F’Lite hardshell suitcase.

Where to Get It:

• You can find the Samsonite B’Lite Spinner here on the Samsonite website.
• Also here on Amazon.com

Do you have any questions or comments about the Samsonite B’Lite? Leave your comment below.