I own all 3 pieces in the set and love the looks, but would not recommend getting it in black or without a luggage cover. It is lightweight, and it does function well, but if you dare use this thing without a luggage cover you are in for a RUDE awakening. Ever since the first use without a cover, I have since only used covers, but even when I remove the cover and have the luggage uncovered in hotel rooms, I still manage to get scratches on them from opening it up on hotel room floors, etc. It isn't a big deal after living with the full set for over a year, but the first time it happened, I was NOT a happy camper.
My recommendation: Avoid the black, and get a cover incase. It's a good looking piece of luggage!