+1 for the Speidel Fermenters.
I've broken a couple of Glass Carboys, but thankfully never with a fresh batch of wort. Mine have all broken during cleaning from just being a little too careless.
Needless to say, that was enough to convince me to switch to plastic. I have tried Buckets, Plastic Carboys, and then finally stuck with Speidel plastic Fermenters.
The plastic Carboy was much too thin. It was easily distorted and hard to clean just like a glass carboy but with the added fear of scratching.
Buckets are nice and cheap, sometimes there is no activity in the airlock making you wonder if the seal is really sealing correctly. Then there's also the pain of taking the lid on and off. But on a budget, it is clearly a great choice.
The Speidel Plastic fementers are great! Super easy to clean. I have only ever had to wipe with a wet paper towel or my hand to clean. They are super sturdy. The walls of the fermenter are not going to dent like the plastic Carboys. You have the option of putting the included spigot on the bottom to easily take gravity readings and to make transfers to secondary or keg.
Ultimately I would like to make the move to Stainless, but I also want to step it up when I do, so it would be a very costly move. For now though, I am more than happy with the Speidel Fermenters.
Best Regards,
Blain