The Grace series seems like a natural extension of all of this. It’s aimed at people who want something functional yet stylish, without the exorbitant price tag of some of the fancier brands. I’ve been using the Grace EXT Expandable Carry-on Luggage (the 20-inch model) for a few months now and wanted to share what worked, what didn’t, and if it’s really worth your money.
Quick Specs: This is an ABS+PC hardshell suitcase that expands up to 15%, has a front laptop compartment (fits screens up to 15.6 inches), weighs approximately 8.5 pounds, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It also complies with airline standards, which is always a relief when you’re trying to avoid checked baggage fees.
I took him to Amsterdam, a quick jaunt to Edinburgh and a longer trip through Spain. So I have a good idea of how this holds up. Let’s go.
First impressions
The suitcase arrived within a few days – free delivery to the UK which was good. The packaging was minimal, just enough to keep it safe without waste. I opted for the matte blue finish, and honestly it looks more expensive than it is. The surface has this slightly textured feel that doesn’t show fingerprints, which I like because I’m constantly typing on it.
It’s light enough that I can lift it into an overhead compartment without feeling like I’m at the gym, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. The extendable zipper sits flush when not in use, so it doesn’t look bulky or weird. I spent a few minutes figuring out the TSA lock (the instructions were a little vague), but once I got it set, it’s solid.
The front pocket was the first thing I opened and I admit I was a little skeptical. I’ve had suitcases with compartments before, and they usually seem like an afterthought – too shallow, hard to access, that sort of thing. This one is different. It’s padded, roomy enough for my 14-inch laptop, and has small pockets for cables and documents. I’ve tried putting a laptop, charger, and headphones next to the laptop, and everything fits without feeling cluttered.
Build quality
The shell is made from ABS+PC, which is essentially a blend of two plastics that are meant to be both lightweight and impact resistant. I knocked it over a bit – bumping it on the cobblestone streets of Madrid, pushing it into narrow luggage racks, and watching baggage handlers toss it onto the carousel without any care. So far no cracks, no dents. There is a small scratch on one corner from where I misjudged a door, but the matte finish hides it well.
I read someone’s post a few years ago about traveling their Level8 Grace through Japan – four flights, several train rides, and the result was pretty much the same. This matched my experience. The hull is solid without being heavy, that’s really the whole point.
The wheels are another plus. These are 360 degree turners and they spin smoothly. I’ve used suitcases where the wheels feel like they’re fighting all the time, but these just slide around. They’re also quiet, which is important when you’re walking down a hotel hallway at 6 a.m. trying not to wake everyone. I noticed a bit of noise on rougher sidewalks – nothing major, just a slight rattling – but on smooth airport floors they are very quiet.
The handle extends several heights and feels sturdy. No wobbles, no awkward angles. I’m about 5’10”, and the highest setting works just fine for me. My husband is taller and he has no complaints either.
Inside, the lining is thinner than I would like. It’s functional – mesh pockets on one side, compression straps on the other – but I had a little hiccup when taking a jacket out a little too quickly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth mentioning. The organization is nevertheless correct. I can separate clean clothes from dirty ones using the dividers, and there are enough pockets to keep small items from floating around.
One thing I really like is the lifetime warranty. I haven’t needed to use it yet, but others have told me that Level8’s customer support is pretty responsive. Someone mentioned replacing a lock within a week of theirs no longer working, which is reassuring.
Main features
Expandable design
The 15% expansion really helps. At first I didn’t think I’d use it much, but when I came back from Spain I picked up a few bottles of wine (a questionable decision, I know) and a ceramic bowl that I couldn’t resist. The expansion gave me just enough space to fit everything without having to rearrange the entire suitcase. This won’t turn your carry-on bag into a checked bag, but for last-minute additions, it’s a lifesaver.
Front laptop compartment
This is probably the feature I use the most. Being able to access my laptop without opening the whole suitcase is such a small thing, but it makes going through security a lot less stressful. There is also room for documents, a pen, my passport, in short everything I need to grab quickly. I’ve seen a few reviews where people said it convinced them to buy the Grace, and I get it. It’s one of those features that you don’t realize you need until you have it.
Wheels and handle
I’ve praised the wheels before, but they really make a difference. I tested them on airport tiles, hotel carpets, paving stones, and even some dodgy sidewalks in Edinburgh, and they handled it all without too much trouble. The only time they felt a little clumsy was on really uneven surfaces, but that’s to be expected.
The handle is ergonomic, which is a fancy way of saying it doesn’t hurt your wrist after 20 minutes of pulling. I’ve had suitcases where the handle felt like it was positioned at an odd angle, but this one is perfect.
Security
It took me a minute to figure out the TSA lock, but once I did, it proved reliable. I haven’t had to deal with customs to open it yet, but knowing they can do it without breaking the lock is a nice peace of mind. The zippers are also sturdy: they won’t snag or stick, even when the suitcase is fully extended.
Interior organization
Mesh dividers are thin but functional. They won’t stop a heavy coat from moving, but for lighter items they work well. Compression straps help keep everything compact, which contributes to the overall balance of the suitcase. There are also a few velcro pockets that I use for socks and underwear, why not.
Packaging and real-world use
I packed this for a five-night work trip to Amsterdam: three shirts, two pairs of pants, a jacket, sneakers, toiletries, and my laptop. Everything fit in the main compartment with room to spare, and the front pocket held my work stuff. I didn’t need to expand it on the way home, but I did on the way back after picking up a few stroopwafels and a few books.
The organization system makes keeping things tidy quite easy. I put clothes on one side, shoes and toiletries on the other, and used the mesh pockets for smaller items. The extension zip is hidden on the sides, so you only notice it when you actually need it. When I used it, the suitcase still fit in the overhead compartment without any problems, even though it was tighter.
I also took it on a longer trip through Spain: five cities in two weeks. In the end, I had definitely overpacked (shocking), but the Grace held up. No broken zippers, no broken wheels, no dents in the shell. He got knocked around quite a bit on the regional trains, and he still looked good.
What works and what doesn’t
What I like:
- Front laptop compartment is a real game changer for work travel
- It’s light but it doesn’t feel cheap
- Wheels are smooth and quiet on most surfaces
- Stretchy design gives you flexibility without adding bulk
- Lifetime warranty and strong customer support
- Looks stylish without much effort
What could be better:
- The interior lining is a bit thin and prone to snags
- If you’re a chronic overpacker, this probably won’t have everything you want
- Wheels can be a little noisy on rough terrain
- The front pocket eats into the main compartment space slightly, although the trade-off is worth it.
Is it worth it?
For the price, yes, I think so. It’s not the cheapest carry-on bag on the market, but it also doesn’t try to compete with brands that charge twice as much for similar features. The build quality feels premium, the design is thoughtful and actually makes it easier to move around, which is the whole point.
It’s great for short trips – long weekends, business trips, that sort of thing. If you’re someone who needs to pack for two weeks in a carry-on, you may find this a bit limiting. But for most people, it’s a good balance between capacity and convenience.
The front compartment alone sets it apart from many other suitcases in this price range. Add in the smooth wheels, expandable design, and lifetime warranty, and it’s a solid investment if you travel even semi-regularly.
Final Thoughts
I give the Level8 Grace a solid 8.5 out of 10. It’s not perfect, no suitcase is…but it’s well made, practical, and looks great while doing its job. I’ve used it enough now to know it’s not just a honeymoon phase. It’s become my favorite for short trips, and I can see it lasting for years.
If you’re looking for a new carry-on bag, especially one that makes airport security less of an issue, the Grace is worth a look. Level8 offers free shipping in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and its customer support is good if any problems arise.
Go boldly, as they say. Maybe you don’t overload as much as I do.
