I got tired of dealing with cheaply-built (but expensive) luggage just like you. I tried Samsonite, Travel Pro, and others. The handles would break, wheel bearings come apart, zippers pop, and seams would burst. I can almost guarantee that I travel as much, if not more, than the busiest person on this board...so I needed a good bag. I finally stopped a pilot who had a bag that looked like it was built like a tank. I've seen a lot of them around, but only with airline crew. He gave me the name - Purdy Neat Stuff made by Luggage Works, http://www.luggageworksonline.com/. The bags are a little pricey, about $300 bucks, but it's worth it to me knowing that my bag's not going to fall apart during a trip. The funny thing is, since I've had the bag, I've been mistaken for a deadheading crewmember three times. I got a free headset out of the deal once.