When I bought my rack and panniers I just went with what I believed would be the best quality (i.e. would last me a long, long time.) That combo ended up being a tubus cargo rack and ortlieb panniers (couldn't even tell you the model... I don't believe they are sold anymore.) 10 years straight using them 3-5 times per week... still going just as strong as the day I bought them. As for the cost? Yes, I probably could have found something cheaper... and I have a feeling that I would have replaced them at least once in these last 10 years. So, I'll vouch for tubus and ortlieb... I don't have any experience with anything else... which is exactly the way I wanted it when I made the purchase.