I'm in the same boat as bigguyinpasadena. I used to think TravelPro was the be-all-end-all but soon after realized there was better out there. That said, I still usually buy TravelPro but when it's deeply discounted. I buy most of my luggage at Crew Outfitters and they often have refurb Travelpro items at huge discounts. My most recent purchases are a Wall Street VIP Deluxe Expandable Rolling Computer Brief (MSRP $350, Street $180, for $40 refurbished) and a FlightPro 4 Tote (MSRP $160, Street $80, for $25 refurbished). I currently have my eye out for a rolling garment bag and I'm hoping to pick one up in the $75 range if they get a refurb in.

The TravelPro quality is a couple of steps up from most other consumer brands and a step or two below the B&R and Tumi's of the world. For my semi-frequent travel they hold up well without breaking the bank. The Crew Outfitters I purchase from also treats the refurbs as if they were new in terms of warranty support.