For traveling to South Africa and other destinations, the latest time with EK, we used a large el cheapo 'LIV' suitcase which became worn out (i.e. handles lost) and since our last trip (not by air but on TGV to France) it could not be closed properly anymore.

So we consider buying a new one, a 80-100l one. I noticed that the old one weighed 6.5kg tare and now suitcases are available for $300 or less which weigh only 3kg, about the half.

http://www.skyscanner.net/news/suitcasemustdie

E.g. a Samsonite Cosmolite 90 liter ($300) weighs only 3kg, but is is durable ? A similar $100 Eminent 88 liter weighs also 3kg and is as durable (i.e toss-and-throw) as the Samsonite.

Is this really true ?