Originally Posted by
VegasGambler
Side note: I recommend buying cheap bags. I have a bag from Amazon basics that's been around the world several times and looks just as good as any other bag. The wheels are really high quality too. Bags can get damaged no matter what; if they are cheap you just won't care.
I'd slightly tweak that advice - avoid the designer labels for checked luggage and just try to buy something simple and durable. There are plenty of cheaper brands that are durable but might not have the name "Tumi", "Rimowa", or "Briggs & Riley" on them. For that matter, it's always good to have a cheap looking bag on the carousel anyway from a theft perspective.
Sink the money into feature packed carry-ons instead.