I took the jump almost two years ago, I was sick of replacing my (Travel Pro) soft sided luggage every two years, from wear and tear. The downside with my Hardside luggage is that it is 4 wheel spinner (Tumi Vapor). I'm not a fan, the heavier bags don't work as well as spinners, in my opinion. Especially going up or down curbs, or a few stairs. The bag appears to have held up much better, but it is much less user friendly on rough surfaces, and going over obstacles. If I could have my hard sided luggage with the same type of wheels my soft had, I would love it. Also, forget about traveling to Europe with it, unless you are paying someone to transport your luggage for you. The train station experience in Florence, made it so I won't bring this bag back again.