Rimowa Cabin: The Rimowa Original Cabin S Review (Pros & Cons)

Updated on November 26th, 2022

Introducing the Rimowa Original Cabin S, a Rimowa Cabin carry-on suitcase that provides unparalleled modern convenience and luxurious travel.

This bag is built for the most discerning of travelers on both short and long trips, featuring an innovative design with lightweight polycarbonate construction and TSA-approved locks. 

With generous storage capacity and 4 Multiwheel® 360° spinner wheels, it provides effortless maneuvering and stability during transport.

Moreover, the bag’s sleek design, durable construction, and superior features make it an ideal choice for the modern business or leisure traveler.

In this review, we will look at the pros and cons of the Rimowa Original Cabin S to help you decide if this is the right suitcase for your needs.

Continue reading to learn more about what makes this bag an excellent choice.

Main features of the Rimowa Original Cabin S

Here are the main features of this model:

Dimensions

Rimowa Original Cabin S (92552004) is the smallest aluminum IATA carry-on from the Cabin S series. The case measures 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in (55 x 40 x 20 cm). 

Unboxing

A Rimowa Original Cabin S is something special. The case will stay with you for a lifetime and will only get more beautiful. So let’s start with unboxing. The label on the box reveals already a lot about the case.

An important thing to look for is where the suitcase is manufactured. If the label says DE, the case is manufactured in Germany. I have also seen Original Cabin S Cases made in Canada (CA). 

Some people prefer to have a case made in Germany, so if that has any added value to you, ask your vendor where the case is manufactured. I can imagine people expecting every Rimowa case to be made in Germany. If you don’t want to be disappointed, first ask where the case is made.

The label also holds the serial number and the EAN/UPC number. You can check the Rimowa website for the serial number to see if you have purchased the correct one.

The box is made of a double-layered carton and is closed with Rimowa labelled tape on both sides. The box can be opened when you purchase a Rimowa online. The vendor can inspect the item before shipping, or if you purchase it abroad, the customs could check it. 

No worries. The luggage has more indicators to see if the item is new and genuine. When opening the case, you should find some extra protection cartons, and the case is wrapped in a plastic bag.

Instinctively, I check the case for dents and scratches. The case looks great, to be honest, and feels sturdy and premium. The double-layered carton and the extra protective carton keep the case in place and protect it quite well.

Exterior and interior design of the Rimowa Cabin S

The aluminum-magnesium material feels and looks great. It’s a real piece of art. I wouldn’t mind leaving it in the living room for display. I can’t imagine doing that with another cabin trolley. 

The corners show some matte area which is probably from bending the aluminum. It could be easily mistaken for some kind of damage. I don’t find it really disturbing, but it caught my attention when inspecting the surface.

Starting from the top. The top and side handles are flap back, which is really convenient because the handles stay in place and don’t make noise when traveling with the case. Previous models didn’t have flap back handles, so this is a real improvement.

Both shelves don’t close with a zipper system like most cabin trolleys do but with 2 TSA-combination locks on the side. Compared with a zipper system, this is a straightforward and hassle-free system of locking and opening the trolley. 

What I like about the system is that you don’t need to look for the zipper, and you don’t have to zip it up around the whole case. However, it’s confusing that the TSA lock has a very clearly visible keyhole. 

Many people unfamiliar with the TSA system will assume the trolley has to come with a key which, of course, is unavailable. Only TSA employees at customs can open the case with a master key. You can only secure it with a combination lock.

The two shelves join really well and look almost airtight. The rubber insulation makes the case splashproof. However, the case is only splashproof and not waterproof. The three hinges, which are Rimowa-engraved, have a polished look, which compliments the exterior. 

The Add-a-bag holder has been removed from all Rimowa cases. It was replaced by a metal label with their logo. However, this spot feels like it still needs something else. It’s not a big deal, but I think Rimowa could improve it.

The previous versions also indicated the case manufacturer, such as Germany. Cases made in Germany are known for their premium quality. This is an important distinction, especially for those who seek the best quality cases. 

The manufacturer label has been removed from the exterior, so it’s only visible in the interior. That way, you can be sure if a Rimowa case was produced in Germany or China. Although this is an important distinction, it’s also a challenge for customers as it’s not visible outside.

The new Original Cabin S also has the Rimowa logo engraved on the wheels. This is an interesting feature and makes it stand out from other cases. It looks really good and gives the case a special touch.

The wheel system comprises four double wheels and a 360° rotating system. This allows you to steer the case in any direction while keeping it upright, even in tight spaces. It is easy to manoeuvre in airport corridors or elevators. The wheels are very quiet and make almost no noise.

The manoeuvrability of the Rimowa Original Cabin S is maybe its most significant asset. I’ve never owned a carry-on that manoeuvres this smoothly. 

Instead of dragging, you can just push the case forward with one finger, even if it’s a fully loaded case. I think this is where Rimowa really stands out from competitors. All other features are nice, but in the end, you want a carry-on that you can transport from point A to B with the least effort.

The telescopic handle is solidly built. You can retract it to two different lengths. When fully extended, it reaches 44 inches (112 cm) from the ground to the top of the handle.

The interior has a signature black or anthracite colour. The Flex-Divider system is like a sort of plate you can squeeze and divide your clothes and travel items. 

I appreciate that your clothes don’t explode from the suitcase when you open the case. Aside from that, I think it takes up too much space for a relatively small suitcase. For check-in luggage, this system would be more suitable.

It is also striking that the interior is mounted to the aluminium shelf with double-sided tape. You won’t notice it unless you start pulling on the edges of the interior. This is not what you would expect in a high-end premium product.

Materials

The Rimowa Original Cabin S is manufactured from polycarbonate. This is a hard shell material that is lightweight and scratch-resistant. The hinges handles, and add-a-bag holder are made of aluminium. The combination lock is a TSA-approved lock made of stainless steel with a very strong mechanism. The Flex-Divider system is made of fabric and elastic cords to ensure flexibility.

The interior lining is made of glossy polyester. The exterior has a matte finish that won’t show any scratches. You will also find a signature Rimowa stripe running along the exterior. The combination of the materials and design makes this case look stylish and luxurious.

Storage capacity

The Rimowa Original Cabin S has a storage capacity of 32 litres. This is more than most other carry-on suitcases in the same size range. The interior of the case is designed in such a way that it makes the most efficient use of the available space.

The Flex-Divider system helps keep everything organized and prevents your clothes from shifting during transport. It acts as a sort of compression system, allowing you to squeeze more items into the suitcase. This makes the Rimowa Original Cabin S a great choice for travellers who need to pack light but don’t have much space.

How much does the Rimowa Cabin S cost? 

The Original Cabin S series is a classic model silver aluminium luggage with famous grooves. Its price differs per region and ranges between 1000 to 1350 USD. 

A pre-owned Rimowa Original Cabin S in good condition is somewhere between 600 and 800 USD. 

Comparing prices, using coupons, and checking eBay for new or pre-owned cases could save you a considerable amount of money!

Best uses for the Rimowa Cabin S

The Rimowa Original Cabin S has an excellent capacity for personal items. It is ideal for various uses.

If you are a frequent business traveller, then the Rimowa Original Cabin S is perfect. Its four wheels make it easier to manoeuvre through busy airports, and its TSA-approved lock is perfect for international travel.

The Rimowa Original Cabin S is an excellent suitcase for weekend getaways. Its spacious interior handles the weight of all the personal items you need while still staying within the carry-on size limits.

When you plan to go on a longer vacation, consider using the Rimowa Original Cabin S suitcase as your personal item. It is not really spacious but it can fit the personal items you need for a short trip, and its sturdy construction ensures that your items will be safe during the journey.

Pros and cons of the Rimowa Cabin S

Here are some pros and cons of this model.

Pros

• It is a stylish, luxurious-looking suitcase with a timeless design.
• The material used is lightweight and durable.
• The Flex-Divider system helps to maximise storage capacity and prevents your clothes from shifting.
• The telescopic handle is adjustable to two lengths, making it easier to transport.
• It has four wheels that provide smooth movement and make it easier to manoeuvre.

Cons

• The interior is mounted to the aluminium shelf with double-sided tape, which may not be durable.
• It takes up a lot of space compared to other cabin-size suitcases.
• It is easily scratched, and the matte finish will not hide any scratches.
• It has a hard shell which doesn’t allow flexibility when you try to stuff it in small compartments.
• It is one of the more expensive cabin-size suitcases on the market.
• It has no outer pockets to store items such as a wallet or phone.

Get yourself a timeless carry-on suitcase

The Rimowa Original Cabin S is an excellent suitcase for personal items. Its stylish design, lightweight construction, and four wheels make it perfect for business trips, weekend getaways, or long vacations. It is also very secure with its TSA-approved locks.

I hope this article has helped you to decide whether the Rimowa Original Cabin S is the right personal item suitcase for you. For more information about suitcases from the brand Rimowa, follow us online and check out our website!  

We’re sure you’ll find the perfect personal item suitcase for your next journey!

Happy travels!