What are the names of the luggage wheels?

Luggage with two wheels is usually referred to as “Rollaboard” luggage, though true Rollaboard® luggage is only manufactured by Travelpro®. Luggage with four wheels is called “spinner” luggage, and comes in four- or eight-wheeled styles. Compare the different types of spinner luggage here.



Luggage wheels are primarily categorized into two high-fidelity types: Spinner wheels and Inline wheels. Spinner wheels (also known as 4-wheel or 8-wheel sets) are mounted on casters that rotate 360 degrees, allowing the suitcase to glide in any direction and stand upright. Within the spinner category, you often see "Twin wheels" (dual wheels on each corner) which provide better weight distribution and stability. Inline wheels (or "rollerblade wheels") are recessed into the suitcase shell and only move in a fixed forward and backward motion; these are typically preferred for durability and ease of use on uneven surfaces like cobblestones or thick carpeting. High-end luggage in 2026 may also feature "Ball-bearing wheels" for a smoother roll or "Quiet-roll wheels" made of specialized polyurethane (PU) to reduce noise. Choosing the right wheel type often depends on whether you prioritize effortless maneuverability in smooth airport terminals or rugged durability for city streets.

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Since then, the Rollaboard® has come a long way and wheeled luggage has easily become the most important piece of travel gear most travelers own. Today, 4-wheeled bags, also called spinner luggage, have surpassed two-wheel bags in popularity among leisure travelers.

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Polyurethane wheels are the highest quality luggage wheels currently on the market. They are ultra-durable and provide the smoothest and most silent roll. Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) is a specialized rubber designed to mimic the smoothness and durability of polyurethane, but at a lower cost.

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But when it comes to the number of wheels on your luggage, more isn't always better. Two-wheeled luggage is still a better choice for some people. Below, we've demystified the dilemma to help you decide which luggage is the best luggage for you. To roll or not to roll… is not the question.

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Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.

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Of course you can — but whether it's a good idea or not is another question. You'd probably need to replace all four wheels — and whether you can purchase suitable ones is questionable.

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Suitcase with 4 Wheels The biggest advantage is the maneuverability of the case. The wheels can be rotated 360 degrees and the case does not have to be tilted. This makes it much easier to maneuver a suitcase with 4 wheels around curves. This is particularly useful in narrow aisles and in crowds.

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In a two-wheel design, the wheels tend to be larger than the wheels on 4-wheel models, so they roll forward in a straight line better than 4-wheeled bags, thanks to the sheer physics of their size. If speed is your highest priority, choose a 2-wheeled bag.

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Two-wheeled bags tend to handle rough streets and curbs better than four-wheelers. Four wheels: The big advantage to having four wheels is mobility. You can move these pieces in any direction and wheel them along behind you, in front of you or at your side. They're also great for wheeling down a narrow airplane aisle.

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Rinse well and allow the wheel to air dry. Next, you should lubricate the wheel to ensure it runs smoothly and squeak free. Grab a bottle of WD-40® Multi-Use Flexible Straw and spray it liberally onto your suitcase wheels. Use the flexible bendable straw feature to reach inside of the wheels for maximum lubrication.

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