Are you tired of lugging around bulky, outdated luggage on your travels? Do you yearn for a sleek, modern option that not only looks good but also meets your practical needs? Look no further than Raden luggage. This innovative brand has taken the travel industry by storm, offering luggage that is not only stylish but also functional and technology-driven. But with so many luggage options on the market, is Raden worth the investment?
Raden Luggage Reviews
In this blog post, we’ll dive into Raden luggage reviews and discover what makes this brand stand out from the rest. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, you won’t want to miss out on this game-changing luggage.
Raden A22 Carry Review:
As a frequent traveler, have you ever wished that your luggage could do more than just carry your belongings? Raden, a startup company backed by venture capital, has taken the luggage game to the next level with their A-Series line, including the sleek and stylish A22 Carry. With its hard-sided smart suitcase design, minimalist look, and maximum capacity, the A22 Carry has become a popular option for those seeking smart luggage. However, with a price tag of $295, is it worth the investment?
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the A22 Carry and examine whether it truly is the best Raden luggage on the market. We will discuss the software features, the packing space, and the overall value of this connected carry-on, as well as compare it to other options in the cottage industry of connected luggage makers. Join us as we explore the world of technologically equipped luggage and find out if the A22 Carry is the reliable, high-end luggage you’ve been searching for.
Who Makes It:
Raden A22 Carry is a product of the luggage company Raden, founded with a cue from successful startups like Warby Parker. Raden focused its energies on technologically innovating luggage, resulting in the A-series line, which includes the A22 Carry.
Raden’s approach to selling directly to consumers has allowed them to utilize a companion app to fully utilize the A22 Carry’s features. The A22 Carry includes a removable compact battery with two ports accessible from the outside of the case, a result of Raden’s research and design input.
Raden’s commitment to conceptualization and design input is evident in the A22 Carry’s sleek and modern design. The company even brought in designers from Beats by Dre to aid in the conceptualization process.
Key Features:
- Product: Four-Wheel Hard Shell Spinner
- Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
- Weight: 8.4 lbs
- Material: Primarily made of polycarbonate
- Technology: Companion App Technology that allows users to locate, weigh, and charge the luggage
- Battery: Removable compact battery
- USB Ports: Located underneath the handle
- Interior: Zippered compartment inside
- Colors: Available in White, Black Matte, Hunter, Navy, Light Blue, Light Purple, and Light Pink
- Set Option: Option to buy both A22 Carry (retail $295) and A28 Check (retail $395) as the A50 Set (retail $595
Features:
Raden A22 Carry is a smart suitcase that offers a perfect blend of physical features and tech-centric carry-ons. The polycarbonate shell of this carry-on is not only rugged but also scratch and scuff-resistant, ensuring that it retains its luster even after heavy usage.
The smart suitcase line also features an outer pocket for your laptop and travel documents, with a zipper and a water-resistant flap to keep them safe from a heavy downpour. Moreover, the carry-on has spinner wheels, an aluminum handle, and fabric compartments with compression straps to maximize its carrying capacity.
The Raden A22 Carry also comes equipped with several amenities for your convenience, such as USB charging ports and a built-in scale to avoid the extra scrutiny of TSA at LaGuardia Airport. The handheld luggage scale ensures that you do not exceed the weight limit of the cargo hold of the plane, saving you from the inconvenience of shifting things around at the last moment.
Additionally, there is an iOS app and Android version that you can pair with the smart suitcase via Bluetooth module, allowing you to keep an eye on the battery and the pairing status.
The smart suitcase’s design is handsomely nondescript, making it an accurate feature for potential buyers who prefer a more understated look. The glossy black finish is perfect for those who do not want their luggage to stand out in a crowd. The Raden A22 Carry also features an amenities kit, which includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and fabric cover for your dirty laundry.
How Smart Is It?
Raden’s A22 Carry is considered smart luggage with some innovative features. One of its primary features is its dedicated app that works with built-in hardware. While the app is only available on iOS for now, Raden has promised an Android version in the works.
The app provides several useful features for travelers. For instance, users can check the case’s battery status, and they can lift the handle to weigh the case, which is incredibly convenient. Additionally, the app offers Bluetooth location or Crowd GPS to find the case.
While the locator initially indicates the case’s proximity, it also distinguishes if it’s further than about 10 feet away or not visible to Bluetooth at all, indicating it’s beyond 30 feet. The Crowd GPS feature can tell users if anyone else with the Raden app has detected the lost case anywhere in the world. However, it may not be helpful if the user is the only one with the Raden case.
In comparison to Bluesmart, which has GPS-based tracking, Raden’s approach is not as effective in tracking genuinely lost luggage. Moreover, the app’s performance during testing was reported as buggy, with sluggish UI on an iPhone 5, and the app became unpaired when the phone rebooted at the airport.
Despite these issues, Raden acknowledged the pairing issue, and the company is working to fix it. One of the significant advantages of Raden is that its internal electronics are removable and upgradeable with time, making it more future-proof than its competitors.
What You Need to Consider Before Buying:
When considering the purchase of the Raden A22 Carry suitcase, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Firstly, the black gloss finish of the suitcase may scuff if it is accidentally dropped on a sidewalk, especially if you use public transportation in cities such as New York City, as opposed to a car service or taxi.
However, any scuffs can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol and a cloth. The suitcase is also designed to minimize the impact of scratching due to its laminate coating and special resin in the plastic.
Secondly, it is important to note that the Raden A22 Carry is priced at $295, which is more than the average carry-on. However, it is worth considering that the suitcase offers a significant value for a product of this quality, which is comparable to other high-end brands such as Tumi and Rimowa.
In terms of features, the Raden A22 Carry is an approved carry-on size and is lightweight, yet offers ample room for your belongings. Additionally, the companion app offers useful features to make travel less stressful, such as being able to check TSA wait times at your destination airport or call an Uber to take you to the airport.
My Experience with Raden A22 Carry:
During my experience with the Raden A22, I found it to be an extremely lightweight and eye-catching carry-on suitcase, just like its counterpart, the A28. However, I did notice that the black gloss version tended to scuff somewhat easily, especially when wheeling it along a sidewalk outside of a carpeted airport. The suitcase has four wheels, which glide more smoothly than many other suitcases I’ve reviewed, making it very easy to maneuver.
The Raden A22 has sleekly designed inner compartments, which include separate zippered compartments that offer a fair amount of space for a carry-on-sized bag. The battery pack is also in its zippered case and requires charging. You can charge the battery pack directly or through the USB ports located near the handle. Once charged, I paired the carry-on with ease, as I had previously downloaded the Raden app.
The Raden app is very easy to use, offering a chat feature for troubleshooting, which I found very helpful. The app also displays real-time traffic and weather reports for my “home” airport, which I had previously paired with the checked bag. Other features include using the weight sensor in the handle to determine the weight of your luggage through the app, and a Bluetooth radio in the suitcase, which alerts you if you’ve lost your luggage or left it behind.
- The item has an attractive and visually pleasing design.
- It offers plenty of carrying capacity for storing and transporting items.
- The item is resistant to water.
- It includes a built-in battery and luggage scale, adding convenience and practicality.
- The item is very lightweight, making it easy to carry.
- It rolls incredibly smoothly, providing the best rolling experience compared to any other carry-on the speaker has tried.
- The design is fashionable, in the speaker’s subjective opinion.
- It has useful technological features that are functional and operational.
- The item provides great value for its price, as it compares favorably to high-end options.
- The software is buggy and is only compatible with iOS.
- The location features of the software are reliant on other Raden owners being nearby.
- The item is prone to scuff marks, although the degree of scuffing may vary depending on the color.
- The price of the item is above average for a carry-on.
Verdict:
One of the standout features of the Raden A22 is its GPS tracking, which can be accessed through the companion Android app. This allows you to keep tabs on the location and weight of your bag, giving you peace of mind when you’re on the move. Additionally, the Raden A22 has a built-in battery with a backup battery pack, ensuring that your devices stay charged throughout your trip.
The Raden A22 also has practical features such as TSA locks and a front laptop pocket, making it a great option for business travelers. Its duffel bag carry-on design offers a great deal of space, while still meeting the carry-on size requirements for most airlines.
While the Raden A22 is a fantastic option, it’s not the only smart suitcase on the market. Competitors like Bluesmart and Samsonite also offer GPS tracking and other smart features, such as the Tile Bluetooth locator. However, the Raden A22 stands out for its design and practical features that make it a great choice for any traveler.
Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage Review:
Specs:
- Available in 10 different colors
- Equipped with recessed Hinomoto wheels for smooth rolling
- Comes with a companion app for iOS/Android, allowing for seamless connectivity and access to travel-related features
- Weighs only 13 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to carry
- Measures 28 inches by 21 inches by 13 inches, providing ample storage space for your belongings.
Are you tired of juggling your luggage and boarding pass at the airport? Do you dream of a world where your luggage can take care of itself, leaving you free to focus on your travel experience? Look no further than the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage. This high-tech suitcase not only offers ample storage and a sleek design but also features a range of smart capabilities to simplify your travel experience.
But with so many luggage options on the market, is the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage worth the investment? In this blog post, we’ll dive into a comprehensive review of the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage, exploring its features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide whether this is the right luggage for your next trip. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of smart luggage.
Look and Feel:
The Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage is a great piece of luggage with a sleek look and impressive feel. The Makrolon material used in its construction makes it much lighter than other cloth-based bags, even with all the added gadgets and gizmos. The Bronze color scheme in a matte finish gives it a handsome, refined appearance that stands out from other luggage options.
One of the standout features of the Raden A28 is its well-placed zippers and pockets with a tight waterproof seam that never snags. The internal layout is impressive and provides organized packing for added convenience. Additionally, the suitcase is equipped with silky smooth Hinomoto wheels that make it feel super-premium as it glides across the floor like a champ. The luggage rarely needs to be tilted, making it effortless to maneuver.
The companion app is a useful addition to the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage experience. It features simple graphics that give the necessary info without unnecessary fanfare. This luggage is everything you love about a great piece of luggage with extra polish at every turn. Anyone who travels frequently would be impressed with how the Raden A28 glided on its maiden voyage with a load of up to 35 pounds of stuff. Overall, I love this luggage and would recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable, stylish option.
Performance and User Experience:
Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage is designed with a range of features that enhance the user experience and performance while traveling. One of its most impressive features is the ability to weigh itself using the companion app. This feature is particularly helpful for power travelers who need to pack a lot of gadgets and other items without worrying about exceeding weight limits.
The Raden A28 has ample room inside thanks to its clamshell design with zippered lids, allowing users to keep their packing organized and in place.
The Raden A28 also comes equipped with a reliable battery pack, which can be used to charge multiple gadgets throughout a trip. This is particularly useful while waiting at the airport, where charging stations may be hard to come by. Additionally, the luggage’s built-in battery pack charges quickly and barely put a dent in its battery life, making it an ideal solution for travelers who need to stay connected on the go.
Another impressive feature of the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage is its combo lock. The lock provides peace of mind for travelers who are concerned about the safety and security of their belongings. While the lock supports a TSA skeleton key, it is the first luggage with a lock this reliable, which is a significant selling point for frequent travelers.
Although the ability to locate the bag via Bluetooth sounds cool, it may not be very useful in practice, given that it is a proximity-based feature. However, it can be handy for giving an idea of when the bag has arrived at baggage claim. This feature could have some unfulfilled potential, especially for lost luggage, provided more people use the Raden app in the future.
Build Quality:
The Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage is a premium piece of luggage that exudes high-quality craftsmanship in every detail. The materials used in the construction of this bag feel super premium and are built to withstand the wear and tear of modern air travel. The shell of the bag is solid and durable, with just the right amount of flex to absorb impacts without breaking.
The zippers on this bag are also of high quality, ensuring that your travel gear stays secure throughout your journey. The carry-on size of the Raden A28 is perfect for travelers who want to avoid checking their luggage, and its spacious interior provides ample room for all of your essentials.
One of the standout features of the Raden A28 is its ability to protect your belongings, even when you’re checking your luggage. As one customer reported, they had no fears about placing their vinyl in the checked luggage because of how secure and well-constructed the bag felt.
While the Raden A28 is undoubtedly a well-built piece of luggage, there are some negative aspects to consider. One customer reported that the beautifully pristine finish of their bag wasn’t long for this world and developed a patina over time.
Additionally, the reality of modern air travel means that even the most durable luggage can end up looking like it’s been to a war zone, which can be a cause of distress for those who are OCD about keeping their travel gear in pristine condition.
Affordability:
When it comes to luggage, the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage is an impressive option, but it does come with a high price tag. The A28 is priced similarly to hardshell offerings from big luggage brands, which might cause some sticker shock for those accustomed to discount-store value bags. However, if you’re in the market for a high-quality, durable piece of luggage, the Raden A28 is worth considering.
One of the main selling points of the Raden A28 is the value it provides. While it is an expensive option, it packs a whole lot of value into the equation that should sway you in its direction. The luggage is equipped with smart features such as a built-in scale, location tracking, and phone charging capabilities, which makes it a top choice for tech-savvy travelers who prioritize convenience.
Although the Raden A28 is on par with hardshell offerings from big luggage brands in terms of price, it stands out in terms of its design and functionality. The luggage is made from high-quality materials, and it’s built to withstand the wear and tear of travel. Plus, its sleek and stylish design is sure to turn heads at the airport.
Verdict:
While there are cheaper options on the market, I believe that the value that the Raden A28 provides makes it worth the investment. It’s an investment in a better travel experience, one that’s more efficient, stress-free, and enjoyable.
If you’re willing to look beyond the cheaper options, I think the Raden A28 should be at the top of your purchase list. The investment you make in this piece of luggage will pay dividends in the long run, and it’s sure to make your travel experience a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
So, if you’re on the fence about purchasing the Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage, my advice is to take the plunge. You won’t regret it. After all, investing in quality travel gear is an investment in yourself, your well-being, and your overall travel experience.
Final Words:
As we continue to prioritize convenience and luxury in our travel experiences, we must also consider the cost to our planet. The transportation industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, and the use of non-biodegradable materials in luggage production only adds to the problem.
It’s up to us as consumers to make more sustainable choices and demand that companies like Raden prioritize eco-friendliness in their products. While we may not be able to eliminate our carbon footprint, we can take small steps toward reducing it.
So before purchasing your next piece of luggage, consider the impact it may have on the environment. And while Raden luggage may be an excellent choice for practicality and style, let’s push for more sustainable options in the future. Let’s travel responsibly and with the planet in mind.
