Today I use a Costco Kirkland 26" 2-wheel suitcase. It's been great - surviving lots of trips being checked in.

But the weight is a real drag. Empty, I think it's 14lb or 16lb. Many times, I hit the weight limit of 50lb before the suitcase is full - and I'm not carrying around gold or uranium.

I'm looking at possibly getting a Travelpro Crew9 or Platinum7 26". Reading through the description though is an art of decoding marketing. Can someone explain to me the real difference that justifies the Platinum being $100 more?

Alternatively, if you have any other recs for a 26" soft side, I'm all ears. (Prefer not Tumi - that just says "Steal me")