UPDATE:: So, in 2018, I ended my 3yr journey across several countries, on three continents. My largest bag lost a wheel in its 4th year of travel. I was able to manage the rest of my travels with it, but I did have to throw it away after my return to the USA. The middle size I gave to my sister, so she's still using it. The carry on is surprisingly, still in good shape. Yes, it's got its travel scrapes [scars], but the wheels still work, the handles are still attached and work, however, the zipper for the inner part that closes the cover on the inside, is broken. It can only zip in one direction. But, I still use it for my short distance travels for my carry-ons. Thus, I appreciate the value I got out of this set. 4 long years and they did well. I do need a new set. I just might purchase this same color again. _____________________________________ OKAY! So this had mixed reviews that I did keep in mind before I purchased them. My biggest concern revolved around the zippers and handles - would they withstand international and national travel with numerous stops and layovers, without falling apart? They survived a domestic transport in a rental - no biggie, because I handled them. This was before my trip to Bali. They SURVIVED not only the trip to Bali, they survived to the trip back to the US, AND a Greyhound trip across country. They are a bit scuffed up but I am realistic about the shell - I was not expecting the shells to remain pristine and mint condition. No holes or dents at all, just a few scuffs of which I am okay with. Yes, i would have been upset if there were holes in them; gladly, this did not happen to either of them. I stuffed my checked bags [the two larger ones], so I was concerned if they'd remain closed. They did. Zippers are intact. I mean I stuffed them to where I had to kneel on them to zip them shut. They were also overweight for domestic standards, but within the weight means for Singapore's international travel, so I was concerned about the handles. The handles survived. I've had handles break on me left and right; these are still intact! The wheels are all intact. The handles are all intact. They survived. Easily identifiable at the baggage claim. All I had to do was wait for the gold to flash around the corner and grab for them. THAT is the main reason why I bought them. Second reason, they roll easily with the rotation feature on the wheels; that was also a necessity. If it's just you traveling by yourself, and you've got three bags, pushing your suitcases like a cart is a blessing than to drag them behind you. I think any product you purchase will be a hit or miss. Some people were unhappy about the condition they showed up in or after one/two uses. Mine arrived in pristine condition, in one big box [suitcases were stacked inside of each other]. UPS is as they will always be...the box was a bit damaged and had a budding hole in one of the corners - the suitcases were fine. Ah yes, they do arrive with a glue/factory smell so air them out well before you pack your clothes or your items will stink. Give them a good day opened up on a porch/patio or a place where no one will take them...and then put dryer sheets in them, zip them up; keep it like that for a day or two. That worked well for me. I think that's it.
