Is the Away Carry-On worth the price versus cheaper hardside bags?

The high-trust consensus is that Away delivers premium materials, sturdy zippers, and strong wheels that justify the price for frequent travelers, but multiple reddit threads point out comparable polycarbonate shells from cheaper brands perform similarly for occasional use. If you fly more than a few times a year, the components and warranty narrow the gap; if you fly twice a year, a $60-150 hardside is usually enough.