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Samsonite Evolve SE is a hardside spinner series with a polycarbonate and ABS shell, 360-degree dual-spinner wheels and a dual-sided zippered mesh divider inside. It comes in three sizes: a 20″ carry-on, a 24″ medium and a 28″ large. The main thing to know before you buy is that only the medium and large sizes have a built-in TSA lock.
- Best for
- Travelers who want a Samsonite hardside spinner with good interior organization, in carry-on or checked sizes.
- Main advantage
- Impact-resistant polycarbonate and ABS shell, smooth 360-degree dual-spinner wheels and a full zippered mesh divider in every size.
- Main drawback
- The 20″ carry-on has no built-in TSA lock, and the 28″ large weighs 12.5 lbs empty.
- Verdict
- A solid all-round series. Pick the medium or large if you want a built-in TSA lock; pick the carry-on if you travel light and don’t mind adding your own lock.
Samsonite Evolve SE sizes at a glance
| Feature | 20″ Carry On | 24″ Medium | 28″ Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior (H x W x D) | 22″ x 14″ x 10″ | 27″ x 16.5″ x 11.5″ | 30″ x 19.75″ x 12.75″ |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs | 10.1 lbs | 12.5 lbs |
| Built-in TSA lock | No | Yes | Yes, keyless combination |
| Shell | Polycarbonate and ABS | Polycarbonate and ABS | Polycarbonate and ABS |
| Mesh divider | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Short and business trips | Longer trips | Extended and family trips |
Samsonite Evolve SE 20″ Carry On
The 20″ Carry On is for travelers who want to skip checked baggage on short trips, business travel or when packing only the essentials. It measures 22″ x 14″ x 10″ (H x W x D) and weighs 8.2 lbs. Cabin size limits vary by airline, so check your carrier’s current rules against these dimensions.
Inside, a dual-sided full zipper mesh divider keeps clothes and accessories in place, and the 360-degree dual-spinner wheels make it easy to steer through crowded terminals.
The one notable omission is a built-in TSA-approved lock. You can still secure it with a separate TSA lock, which is less convenient but does the job.
Price and availability may change.
Samsonite Evolve SE 24″ Medium Spinner
The 24″ Medium Spinner balances packing space and portability. It suits longer trips when you want more room than a carry-on without the bulk of a large checked bag. It measures 27″ x 16.5″ x 11.5″ and weighs 10.1 lbs.
It uses the same polycarbonate and ABS shell and mesh divider as the carry-on, and adds a built-in TSA-approved lock that security staff can open without damaging the case. A push-button multi-stage handle lets you set the handle to a comfortable height.
Price and availability may change.
Samsonite Evolve SE 28″ Large Spinner
The 28″ Large Spinner is for extended trips, family vacations and anyone who needs as much packing space as possible. At 30″ x 19.75″ x 12.75″ and 12.5 lbs, it is the largest and heaviest of the three.
It shares the polycarbonate and ABS shell, whose smooth, scratch-resistant surface is easy to clean, along with the mesh divider and push-button multi-stage handle. Like the medium, it has a built-in TSA-approved keyless combination lock.
Price and availability may change.
What every Evolve SE size shares
Shell and durability
All three sizes use a polycarbonate and ABS shell, a combination chosen for impact resistance. Samsonite says its products are tested for strength, durability and performance with frequent travelers in mind. As with any hardside case, expect some scuffs over time.
Wheels and handle
The 360-degree dual-spinner wheels roll smoothly in any direction, which takes strain off your arms in busy airports and on sidewalks. Samsonite uses a similar wheel design on the Omni 2 and Centric 2.
The push-button multi-stage handle adjusts to different heights, so it is comfortable for taller and shorter travelers alike.
What we like
- Impact-resistant polycarbonate and ABS shell
- Smooth 360-degree dual-spinner wheels
- Dual-sided full zipper mesh divider in every size
- Push-button multi-stage handle
- Built-in TSA lock on the medium and large
Watch out for
- No built-in TSA lock on the 20″ carry-on
- The 28″ large weighs 12.5 lbs empty
- Large size is bulky to handle
Who should buy the Samsonite Evolve SE
- Buy it if you want a hardside spinner from an established brand with good interior organization, and you like having a matching series in three sizes.
- Buy the medium or large if a built-in TSA lock matters to you.
- Skip the carry-on if you want a built-in lock on your cabin bag, or look at alternatives such as the Samsonite Winfield 2 or Winfield 3 DLX.
- Skip the large if you often lift your bag or travel with tight weight limits; at 12.5 lbs empty it uses up part of your allowance before you pack.
Verdict
Samsonite Evolve SE is a well-rounded hardside series: an impact-resistant shell, smooth spinner wheels, an adjustable handle and a full mesh divider in every size. The main difference between the sizes, apart from capacity, is the lock.
- 20″ Carry On: for light packers on short trips who are fine adding their own TSA lock.
- 24″ Medium: the balanced choice for longer trips, with a built-in TSA lock.
- 28″ Large: for extended and family trips, if you can live with the extra weight.
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Evolve SE 20" Carry On and the larger models?
Size, capacity and the lock. The 20" Carry On is meant for travelers who pack light, while the 24" Medium and 28" Large offer more space for longer trips. Only the medium and large have a built-in TSA-approved keyless combination lock.
Will the 20" Carry On fit in the overhead bin?
It is designed as a carry-on, with exterior dimensions of 22" x 14" x 10". Carry-on size limits vary between airlines, so check your airline's current rules before you fly.
Do all Evolve SE suitcases have a TSA-approved lock?
No. The 20" Carry On does not have an integrated TSA lock, so you would need to add a separate one. The Medium and Large Spinners have a built-in TSA-approved keyless combination lock.
What warranty does Samsonite offer on Evolve SE?
Samsonite luggage comes with a limited manufacturer warranty that covers manufacturing defects, but the length and terms can vary by product line, region and retailer. Check the current terms on the Samsonite warranty page before you buy.
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