thanks. I'm not willing to go much over $150 on this bag. it will see very little action compared to my carry on
I also understand this, although at the same time, my cheap Skyway checked bag broke the second time I used it! I ended up getting a great deal on an eagle creek bag from the REI outlet.
I don't have personal experience with any of these bags, but I would worry about the weight.
At 11 pounds, the TravelPro seems very heavy. I can easily fill a suitcase of that size with 39 lbs worth of things and would risk being overweight every time I use it.
I have also heard good things about ll bean duffles, which might work depending on what you pack.