I've been a very satisfied with Hartmann for about 10 years. I use my 22" rollaboard with suiter on every trip and it really holds up like a champ. Same goes for the brief/tote. Also have a big check-in bag and rolling garment bag - again, all in fantastic shape.

I prefer the access of Hartmann over that of Tumi - the zippers are placed differently and I find the Tumi approach gives less access.

The only improvement I'd wish for on the Hartmann would be some sort of alarm that would go off when I've left my luggage strap behind! I've been through about 8 now and just placed another order for about 5 spares.

For a gazzillion years, my family would buy my father a new suitcase for Christmas every year. He lugs manufacturing equipment with him all over the globe in checked baggage, which is very rough on the poor bags! We'd tried everything but each bag only had a 1 year or at best 2 year life (including hard sided aluminum and the like). Bought him a 26" Hartmann about 8 years ago and apart from a small trim repair, it's been in fine shape. Granted, it looks like hell due to the light color (beige) whereas my black bags look fantastic. He'll never consider any other manufacturer.

Customer service is also very good, even with the discounted purchases (from outlets and such). Though "seconds" don't have the same warranty as the others, their service is still very, very good.