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!
Of all the luggage I have seen, and used, this is definitely my favorite in terms of looks. I just love the design, especially in black. I bought the entire set and I LOVE the way it looks. The down side, and only draw back was the fact that it scratches too darn easily! I lent the carry-on to my sister on one trip, and I when returned, the thing looked like it survived a war zone. As a result, I purchased covers for all 3 pieces.
The bright side of having luggage covers is that it keeps the scratches down to minimal when used (except from when I take them off to access my luggage), the down side is that no one can admire the looks of the actual luggage set when rolling through an airport. So essentially, the reason I bought the luggage, the looks, is defeated because I can't show it off without risking a TON of scratches. Still one of my favorite luggage design by far, just kind of a let down that it scratches so easily.
If it wasn't for the issue with scratches, I would give 5 stars. Truly speaking, this would deserve 3 stars because I have to use to luggage covers, but I love the looks too much to rate it as average. 4 stars seems fair enough to me.