There are suitcases that appear as design fads of their time and a year later you don't even remember them. And then there are the staples that have been produced for many years with minor modifications and are still very popular. The March Ribbon suitcase is undoubtedly one of these bestsellers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + 4 wheels rotating 360° | - higher weight |
| + option to pull the suitcase on two wheels | - smaller volume |
| + 5-year warranty | |
| + scratch-resistant brushed surface | |
| + TSA lock |
March Ribbon won't let you down
I admit that when I was choosing a new suitcase four years ago, I decided more based on appearance than by comparing the quality of the material or wheels. I am all the more pleased that I can say with a clear conscience that even after four years, the suitcase is still fully functional, without defects, and is even still under warranty.
The Ribbon in my fleet is therefore a 2014 model. It had been in production for some time by then, so it wasn't a complete novelty. But what captivated me was its color. It was snow white with grey elements. Simply love at first sight. You might laugh, but white is still my favorite. So, even though I'm getting a new suitcase this year, it will be white again for a change.
A revolution in materials
Unstoppable technological progress and development have not bypassed suitcase manufacturing. Especially recently, the quality of materials has been changing rapidly and moving towards the better. A few years ago, most hardshell suitcases were made of ABS plastic, and more durable polycarbonate was reserved only for more expensive series. Over time, however, ABS plastics have been phased out because it has been shown in practice that while they are relatively flexible, they do not always survive demanding air travel and rough handling without damage.
Thanks to the fact that polycarbonate is now more affordable than before, more and more suitcases are made from a combination of ABS and polycarbonate or pure polycarbonate. The result is a significantly more durable product whose longevity you can really rely on. And the March Ribbon has gone through this development as well. From the original ABS plastic, which my white beauty is made of, it has evolved into today's aforementioned mix of ABS and polycarbonate.
The same at first glance, yet new
In terms of design, the March Ribbon hasn't changed much, even though it has gone through a series of redesign attempts. Whether it was my beloved white variant or the Bicolour series, which brought innovations in the form of components in different colors on an otherwise single-colored suitcase. However, the most time-tested and popular are the colors labeled Brushed. I would describe them as slightly mottled. These have clearly become an unbeatable bestseller and are still produced today.
The dimensions have also undergone minor changes. The original slimmer and taller beauty is now a stockier powerhouse, which, however, in size S still comfortably fits within the limits for carry-on luggage dimensions.
TIP: Check out our article on carry-on luggage dimensions and also on what you can (not) take on board an airplane.
Safety and durability
The quality of materials used for wheels, the trolley, and the lock can only be judged with the passage of time and after thorough testing. It must be admitted that the wheels on the 2014 March Ribbon model wore out relatively quickly. However, because materials are evolving and this development is incredibly fast for suitcases, new series have more durable wheels (which, unfortunately, I cannot yet evaluate from a long-term perspective). However, it can be reassuring that spare parts are still available for both older and newer models. Thanks to the five-year warranty, it is possible to repair any damage either within the warranty service or through post-warranty repair.
The TSA lock is a chapter in itself. With the increasing necessity of security checks, the system of TSA locks has evolved, which airport staff can open thanks to a universal key. This allows them to check that there are no explosives, for example, in the luggage without damaging the lock. My old Ribbon didn't have this convenience, so I have a nice retro padlock for it, which I don't use. A new TSA padlock can be easily threaded through the zipper pulls.
The current March Ribbon model already has a TSA lock integrated, of course.
Keeping white white
My Ribbon has handled many plane trips, countless car trips, and has traveled many kilometers on its wheels on "quality" sidewalks. The ride has taken its toll on the wheels, but they are still functional. The shell has suffered more than one scratch from air transport, but not a single crack.
Some might argue that a white suitcase gets dirty more easily, but I can tell you with a clear conscience that it is just as susceptible to dirt as all other colors. Its huge advantage is that it is easily recognizable and looks truly elegant. There aren't as many white suitcases traveling as there are silver, black, and other "common" colors. On the other hand, if you look out the airplane window as the gentlemen in bright vests load or unload the suitcases, you can see exactly what torture your pet has to endure.
And if you are still worried about its beautiful surface, get a textile suitcase cover that will protect it from ugly scratches.
So, what to say in conclusion? I am satisfied with the March Ribbon suitcase and it has completely grown on me. In the current edition, it is even more sophisticated in many respects and tuned to the last detail. It rightfully ranks among our best-selling travel suitcases, and I can recommend it with a clear conscience.
TIP: Are you interested in other products under the microscope? Don't miss our other reviews and our YouTube channel.
