Monos/Away/Level8/Nobl
I am looking for a medium check-in with aluminum frame or aluminum. I have had multiple bags break within the past few years and I am sick of replacing them, so I am willing to go with something a little more expensive than Amazon choices. (IK they sell some versions of these on Amazon, but am looking to buy direct this time.) I also would like latches instead of zippers, as I think they are more secure and I am traveling much more than I have in the past approximately 30-40 flights a year. I have looked at Monos, Away, Level8 and Nobl. I am a little scared of the Nobl because of the shipping issues and I need the bag fairly quickly. Any experience with these brands would be appreciated. I do not want to spend over $1k for a bag with the way the airlines handle them, but am willing to spend a little more than usual to get something reliable with a good warranty that actually has a responsive company.
Edit: decided to go with Monos medium Hybrid. Hopefully it will arrive by Friday as expected. Their expedited shipping was so much more than Away.