I don't have any Rimowa check-in luggage, only a small cabin one; but I agree with some sentiments here that a lot of people just buy it for the status symbol. I didn't even buy the one I have as it was a raffle prize. I use my old (as in 15 year old) hard shell for check-in luggage and it hasn't cracked one bit. They don't make them like they use to that's for sure.