Review: The Rimowa Trunk (Sport) in action

Updated on November 20th, 2022

Finally got my hands on all three of the aluminium Topas Sport: The Topas, Topas Titanium and the Topas Stealth. The Topas Sport has always been my favorite check in luggage. It’s a beautiful object to watch. In this review I will do my best to compare these three beauties.

Update: Rimowa changed the name from Sport to Trunk

Introduction

The first time I saw the Topas Sport model I was struck by it’s beautiful design. The regular Topas models already look very robust and sturdy because of the aluminum shell. The Topas Sport looks even more robust because it looks like a big square block of metal. Besides that it looks totally different from your average check-in luggage and makes it  stand out in a crowd.

The Topas Sport comes in two different sizes. The 89L and the 100L. In this post I’m going to elaborate on the 89L. The only difference between the 89L and the 100L is the size. At the moment of writing both sizes also come with and without Electronic Tag. I’m not entirely sure but I think the Electronic Tag will become the standard and all check in luggage from Rimowa will be equipped with the Electronic Tag. Check out my article on the Electronic Tag.

Product Description

The Facts

Product description for the TOPAS
SPORT MULTIWHEEL® ELECTRONIC TAG

Product description for the TOPAS TITANIUM
SPORT MULTIWHEEL® ELECTRONIC TAG

Product description for the TOPAS STEALTH
SPORT MULTIWHEEL® ELECTRONIC TAG

Unboxing

What I noticed on the label on the box is the Rimowa Topas Sport is manufactured in Canada. The strange thing about this is that the other suitcases from the Topas line are made in Germany. At least if you purchase a Rimowa Topas in Europe the Topas suitcases are made in Germany except for the Sport.

The box is made of a double layered carton and is closed with Rimowa labeled tape on both sides. When you purchase a Rimowa online, the box could have been opened already. The vendor could have inspected the item before shipping or if you purchased abroad the customs could have checked the item. No worries. The luggage itself 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 really sturdy and premium. The double layered carton and the extra protective carton really keep the case in place and protects it quite well.

I unboxed all three the Sports. The Topas Sport, Stealth Sport and Titanium Sport. There is no difference in the box or material used to protect the suitcase.

Difference between the Topas Sport, Stealth Sport and Titanium Sport

Don’t expect any difference in functionality or accessories. The Topas Sport, Stealth and Titanium are almost identical (except for the color off course). The only small difference is that the Titanium Sport and Stealth Sport come with 2 shoe bags and 1 laundry bag. With a price difference of 300 usd dollar between the Topas Sport and the Titanium and Stealth Sport the least they could do was add a few bags.

Besides the difference in outer appearance the interior also has a different color. The Topas has the traditional blue color. The Stealth Sport has a dark purplish color and the Titanium a dark brownish interior.

Practicality

I never understood why it’s called Sport. I certainly don’t hope because you fit in a bunch of balls as shown on the picture. I googled for an explanation but couldn’t find one. If someone knows, please notify me.

Because of the shape of the suitcase it’s more like a trunk than a suitcase. The great benefit besides that you can fit in a lot off bagage is that you can also bring objects that have more volume.

I displayed all three Sports to some relatives who travel a lot. The Silver Topas Sport is the first one that really caught their eye. Like I mentioned earlier. The silver Topas Sport is a real piece of art but at some point you actually have to travel with the item. At the end of the day it’s still a piece of luggage where you put your stuff for transporting it from A to B. Considering this, it should be more than just beautiful. Perhaps it’s not even practical if it’s to much of a head turner.

Another matter which should be considered it the size of the suitcase. The suitcase is 89 liter, which is quite a lot. You could easily overpack and end up with an additional fee you have to pay at the desk for overpacking. When you have gathered some airmile and have some sort of Elite status this isn’t an issue of course but for people not traveling this often this might be something to consider.

Pros

• Head turner: Coolest check in luggage on the market
• Size: It’s like a closet on wheels

Cons

• Size: Risk of overpacking
• Price: Hefty price of around 1400 usd dollar for the Topas Sport (which is the least expensive of the three)

Conclusion

You won’t find a cooler check in luggage than the Sports series. No doubt about that. The question that remains is. Which one of the three? My personal choice would be the Stealth. If you had ask me a few weeks back I would have said the Topas. What really changed my mind is that the Topas is too much metal. It’s a real head turner and this something I dislike. I like nice things, don’t get me wrong. But I have the idea the Topas catches too much the attention. The Stealth is more undercover. (probably why it’s called Stealth).

If I had to choose a check in luggage I would go with the Sport. The reason why? When traveling I just want to put my stuff in the suitcase and go. I’m not good at making optimal use of the limited space I have in a suitcase. The Sport is one of the largest check in luggage and you can just throw your stuff in there without worrying if it will fit. Note: Keep in mind you don’t overpack!