I go to Ross/Marshall's/the like, find a $69-79 Samsonite spinner (one of the super-lightweight ones), use it for a few years until it's trashed, then get another. I personally would rather do that then spend $250-400 for "something decent." I like the freedom of tossing it around without caring too much on how much I spent on it or worrying about treating it with kid gloves.

Haven't had one go bad on me yet; the replacements have been voluntary.

PS - Is this really an AS-specific question?