Please sign in to post.

IT carry-on spinner review

My beloved, elderly Ricardo spinner has been having handle issues - and it weighs 7+ lbs - so I did some research and decided to get an IT spinner (ordered on amazon, although you can find some at TJ Maxx, etc). I bought the “Lykke” style, I paid $107 ($112 now).

Stated external dimensions are 21.7” x 14” x 8.1” with a 2” expansion, this includes wheels & handles. Interior dimensions are 18.7” x 13.8” x 8.1” about 43L capacity. 5.2 lbs (accurate). For comparison, a current version of my Ricardo has exterior measurements of 23.25" x 15.5" x 9.75", 7.9 lbs; the popular TravelPro MaxLite has exterior dimensions 23” x 14.5” x 9”, 5.4 lbs, 46 L.. So definitely smaller, and a bit lighter than the TravelPro. Definitely lighter than the Ricardo.

I just got back from a 2 week trip to Spain with this bag. Note that I am a light packer - carry-on plus a small backpack for under the seat, and I am good for 2 weeks or more. Here are my thoughts:

It’s noticeably smaller. I already pack pretty light, and pack my kit in my underseat bag, but even so, it was tight. The fact that the temp range for this particular trip was 45-80 degrees (and rain) didn’t help, of course, and I can make some adjustments (I’m usually cold, so brought warmer PJs, and ended up being too hot; threw in a sweater at the last minute that I did not need; etc). So it’s a bit of a challenge, but not a deal-breaker. I did not use the expander, but definitely could have; given the smaller size of the bag, there would be no problem with fitting in bins.

I am a short person (5’3”) and the smaller size - just those few inches! - definitely made a difference in getting the bag up and down stairs, in addition to the lighter weight.

Pros:
Lightweight - fully packed, including 2 pairs of lightweight shoes (did I need 2 pairs? Probably not lol), 18 lbs.
Maneuverable - drove nicely on all surfaces
Smaller size (and lighter weight of course) made it easy to haul up stairs for trains and metro.
Made of recycled materials
Fits nicely in overhead bins - smaller size might meet small airline carry-on standards?
Has TSA lock built in (I did not use this, so can’t report)
Price - not gonna cry if I decide not to use it, or something breaks

Cons:
Zippers look cool but are somewhat difficult to use
Wheels seem chintzy, but worked well and held up fine - time will tell!
Tight packing - I had to re-figure how to fit things, especially shoes (I wear a size 8). My largest packing cube fits, but not much room remains on the sides for tucking things in.

Overall, it performed well and I would recommend it.

Posted by
559 posts

I just used my IT spinner for the first time on a 16 day trip to Portugal. I never thought I’d like a spinner, but it was great. I am worried about the wheels being flimsy. It was a tight fit but I still had room for a few souvenirs coming home (when I checked it-a bottle of port!). I do use packing cubes. And, hopefully, the zippers last. My favorite is still the RS Ravenna, but this IT bag was only 5.2 lbs. that helped my carryon weight stay low. I got it for a low price at Marshall’s.