Because of viking inventory (they shipped a few trade ups to my joanns)and being at the right place at the right time.... I was told that the Sapphire 870 on the floor I could get for 788$, originally 2500$ ( I now have an Emerald 118 that I was told I could trade in and get full price toward a new one)...They also told me that there would be a Sapphire 850 for trade in coming anyday..It will be 688$ ( I made sure to put a deposit on the 870)...I swore I would not pay over 500 for a machine until I knew I'd be quilting for a long time...But, these have soo many upgrades including the larger throat I'm dying to have... I called hubby and he was thrilled to hear about the bigger throat= doing some of my own quilting..And he offered go buy it for me tomorrow!

Do any of you have a Sapphire? 870? 850?.... What has been your experience? I came home and read some reviews on PatternReview on the 870 last night..Several said they had problems with the auto tention and or bobbin bouncing around.. A few said that was on the older models which were now fixed ( I have no idea how old this trade in is)...Others loved it...I was told I get a one yr warrenty... Any Advice?