I bought this suitcase to replace my red soft sided Samsonite. I wanted to try out a hard sided case, and I researched hard sided cases thoroughly, along with the newer soft sided ones just to compare. I didn’t see anything superior with soft sided, although I do have a newer 20” purple TravelPro that I adore. Ultimately I was between this one, the Amazon basics hardside, Delsey Chatelet, and Samsonite Omni PC and Winfield 2. This one was rated in most top 5’s. The suitcase rated best on most lists was the hardside models from the company Away, but they are above my price range. I also read the reviews here on Amazon. The Omni PC and Winfield are both beautiful, but the Omni has an inferior plastic top handle that breaks easily, and the Winfield’s glossy case seems to scratch easily. I ultimately decided on this one due to color and pricing. The Amazon basics suitcase is rated well for the price, but unfortunately I really don’t like the looks of it. The Delsey Chatelet is gorgeous, but has limited color choices and is slightly pricier. I also considered the Delsey Paris Helium Air and TravelPro Maxlite Air, which are great looking, but both were not rated well, mostly for sturdiness issues. I loved this suitcase when it came! I like that the shell is matte, and shouldn’t scratch, and the whole shell is sturdy, has lots of pockets and we’ll working zippers, expands, and has a TSA lock. Empty it was very light and the wheels maneuvered easily and seemed sturdy. Packing this thing is awesome to me in comparison to my soft shells. It does need to open completely flat to access both sides, but I didn’t mind that at all throughout my trip. It’s so easy with the two sides - I put clothing in packing cubes in one side, and care case and all other items in the other half. One half zips close completely with a material cover, and the other has the standard suitcase clips. It also has a few different pockets. I was able to fit everything I needed with ease for a 7-day trip. It doesn’t flex quite as much as a soft shell, but I actually found that to be an advantage - it doesn’t allow you to overpack. I checked this suitcase round trip on a weeklong trip to Florida, and it held up beautifully. I didn’t notice any damage to the case, and it’s so light and easy to maneuver. It rolled with ease in the airport and out on the street. It goes up curbs without a hitch, and is easy on escalators. It has a sturdy handle on top and on the side. Zippers are holding up great so far. I can’t see myself buying another soft sided suitcase if this holds up for awhile. I love it!! The only thing I can’t rate it on is longevity, as I’ve only taken it on one trip. I’d like to say “I’ll update if this review changes, but we all know that won’t happen!” :)