Just because something cost more money don't make it better every time. My family always told me. For example once found a brand new digital and portable short wave radio for about $10 with 8-9 frequency and including the usual AM and FM frequency bands, bands that could pick up clear signals in the Gulf Of Mexico. From near Canada.
that thing was built solid. Somebody I was living with at the time bashed it on cement and broke it. still worked, but I didn't like how it was cracked so I threw it out If that never happened, I would still have it to this day,
that thing also picked up more FM and AM stations than any portable stereo or radio I ever owned.
but if we're talking something like western boots in the 1800's and 1900's then expensive is sometimes better quality and last longer