Originally Posted by Gearswinger

Huh? How did a metal LW get destroyed in 10mo? Did you drive over it with your car? I've been commuting with mine for 7 years and aside from one failed zipper, some scratches and dents it's still going strong. 3 of those years were on a Saab where the rampers threw it in and out of the baggage compartment 7 times a day. The Travelpro I bought when I started was destroyed after 2 months of Saab abuse.

I'm not saying the plastic is bad, it is also great, and with my bag no longer being dealt that abuse is what I'd buy now, but the metal is not fragile like you imply.