Well, I had that international version...my retirement gift to myself that I intended as my forever carry on.
To your query, first- the compression gizmo is a very nice feature. If you don't overfill the bag, you push down both sides and the hard shell edges are flush after zipping. But if overfilled, the edges no longer meet and instead you see/use the fabric expander.
That's no problem if you don't mind checking it.
For me it was the weight that just didn't work. It felt like pushing or dragging a small tank. The suitcase itself weighs 9 and 1/2 pounds empty! If I weighed every item and kept the total weight to the restrictions of KLM, for example, I could just manage to hoist it in the overhead bin. But that's not going to solve your packing situation, unless the imposed restriction keeps you from taking what you want. You should consider if weight is a requirement on the airlines you typically use
The finale was when I checked it, expanded, with purchases on the flight home last summer. It arrived at baggage claim with a massive dent at the top corner and a lot of scuff marks.
I tried a padded hammer on the dent but it only worked somewhat. It no longer looked like a fancy $600 suitcase! Since I don't live near a store customer service said I had to ship it at my expense ( they only pay the return postage)- that's the "lifetime warranty".
If you have a B&R store near you that could make a difference?
I gave it to a women's shelter and now have the international size July.
