I bought a Samsonite 22" bag from Marshals. I've had it 8 months, never an issue. Works great. Doesn't really show any wear either. Paid $49 for it. I'll let the company purchase my next bag with the yearly allowance when this one breaks. People can argue how theirs last 7yrs and that's great. Yes purchasing another one in a year or two makes perfect sense. Why? Because you aren't making welfare wages anymore and can afford to do so. Live within your means. If I'm making 50-60K in another 1.5yrs then awesome. Then I'll spend more on something that might last longer. No reason to help starve yourself. There was another FO jumpseating with me the other day who spent $1500 during training on "quality" bag, flight case, and headset. We were talking about our weekends and he asked me how I manage to afford going out partying and play golf etc. when he can barely afford his bills. I just had to think maybe if he didn't toss money he didn't have around he could. If you can't purchase it with cash, even if you're going to put it on a credit card, then stay away. Don't throw yourself in the deep end when you don't have to. If you've got the money on hand then get what you want. If you don't have the money then shop smart and get what you can. Just because something is cheap doesn't mean it can't last a decent amount of time.