Hybrid Carry-On Plus(Set)

I've been turned off by hardside luggage in the past (corner dents, lack of organization, loud wheels, flimsy construction, handle not locking), resorting to my reliable mid-range 20" Samsonite soft-side spinner or 20" duffle (quicker) for work travels. I vowed that if I were to return to hardside as a carry-on, it would have to be very good. This might be it.

There really isn't anything revolutionary overall about this hardside (hardside luggage itself and 9/11 were probably the two biggest changes towards carry-ons since the turn of the millennium), but there is an abundance of engineering details and thoughtful touches that made it stand out to me when researching amongst several hardside carry-ons in this $200-$300 price range (bought during the launch sale).

Starting with addressing my past concerns- the aluminum corner reinforcements, all the organzing quirks while still being flexible, the ultra smooth and quiet Hinomoto wheels, and aluminum frame- it checks off every box of my concerns. I also didn't want zippered expandability and an overly exposed button handle- both future failure-points.

As for nitty-gritty stuff that they got right- the handle mechanism surprisingly doesn't intrude into the compartment too much, yet it's extremely sturdy and rattle-free- the tolerances are just better all around and it gives you a sense of sturdiness. The handle itself locks in several heights- there seems to be 4, but I'm able to lock it into a kid/short height (see picture).…

If you have +/- $350 to spare on a carry-on, then the Monos Hybrid is the best luggage available at this price point. Are there better options? Possibly, but be prepared to pay significantly more.

The product looks as good as the photos and campaign film. I’ve inspected every inch of the product and can confidently say that the Hybrid is very well engineered and constructed. The polycarbonate shell feels substantial enough to protect contents with a slight flex to absorb impact. The aluminum frame, rivets, corners and hinges are rigid. The parts align and fit perfectly. The handles feel very strong. Note that the mechanism of the handles protrudes into the luggage slightly more than other brands. This is a small compromise given the quality of the handles.

I spent considerable time researching before making this purchase. Expectations were high and Monos delivered. That said, there’s always room for improvement. Monos decided to use Sentry locks that are partly made of plastic. The brackets and hooks of the locks that are mounted onto the luggage are made of a metal composite. However, the top piece housing the combination lock is all plastic with a coat of metallic paint. While I’m certain Sentry and Monos thoroughly tested the lock for durability, I wish the entire lock was made of a metal composite. This upgrade will certainly cost more and increase the weight of the product.

The aluminum frame is what gives the Hybrid it’s rigidity and the main reason I chose this…