Originally Posted by username

The people at the airline baggage office tell me to just buy the cheapest and replace when they are broken. I personally would not go to that extreme - a broken suitcase can ruin your trip. However, I also would not pay Tumi / B&R level prices for a checked bag. The bag itself can make it a target for theft

I now use both a 4 wheel "fat clam shell" (2/3 + 1/3 opening rather than 1/2 + 1/2) and a two wheel Osprey. I can see the +/- of both and vary based on my trip.