My wife and I switched to Ortlieb panniers 11 years ago. The only problem we've had with them in over 20,000 mile of touring is the loss of one spacer clip. Our two daughters have toured with us for approximately 3500 miles of that total. They also use Ortlieb panniers without any problems. The loss of one spacer clip is pretty insignificant for 5 pairs of panniers.
This is my right front pannier which had a high speed encounter with a tall curb. The damage is cosmetic; it is still waterproof.
We were washing the mud off our gear after riding through an area recently flooded near Calgary, Alberta a few years ago. Try this with water resistant panniers. I believe that is the same pannier in the picture above.
