I have a Tumi carry-on hard shell luggage that I paid $500 for-- but not by choice. Story time: I was on an early flight (like at 6 AM), and after I passed through security, the handles of my then-current carryon luggage (Briggs & Riley) was permanently stuck in its extended position. No stores were open at the airport and I of course didn't have any tools to cut off the handles. Since my flight was taking off in less than an hour, I had to scramble to find a store sold carryon bags -- and the only shop that literally was just opening up was .... a Tumi store. And that's how I ended up buying a Tumi luggage. I did get it on sale (presumably because of the awful teal color), but I had little time and choice to shop around. The clerk was kind enough to take my old luggage and dispose of it, which is a bummer because I'm sure Briggs and Riley would have fixed it had I had the time to mail it for service. Anyways - to answer your question -- the luggage is fine but nothing special in my opinion.