I purchased the TOL Bernina Serger almost 30 years ago now and it's still going strong. I want the BabyLock Evolution but just can't justify it. As for the air threading etc.. that would be nice but it's not necessary. Almost all the sergers are fairly well labeled on the paths to thread.

If I didn't have a serger I would purchase the BabyLock Evolution but that's me. I've spent a number of hours test driving the various machines and it is a very very nice machine. So the most important thing is for you to spend a great amount of time testing. Define precisely what you want (write a list!) and take that with you when shopping and grade each machine in each area. Then you will know what is a fit for you and your pocketbook.

I have a Husquevarna Viking Huskylock 905 that I adore. My mom has two that she uses for her business, and she puts them through the wringer.

I have the current Bernina TOL serger which I bought lightly used at a very good price and like a lot. I took the classes and don't find threading a big deal. I really like the micro control to get tensions just perfect. It is 3/4/5 thread and has coverstitch too. It seems to do everything I want without being fussy. But is is made by Juki and Juki makes similar models that are cheaper.

I have the Bernina 1150. I didn't go top of the line because I doubt that I'll ever need to do a cover stitch. I'm not sure I've even done a rolled hem. The Berninas are not self threader, but it's not hard once you know how to follow the diagram on the inside of the machine. Don't go bottom of the line no matter what you get. And take a class or something to get started. They are fun machines!

If you are considering a serger - go try one out. Most of the ones that people here have are very good sergers. I found that some are make it harder to do small items with the distance between the knife and the stitch. I do doll clothes at times and got frustrated with the larger foot. There was one Elna and the Imagine that had very short feet. I own the Imagine and have played with the Evolve. The Evolve is a very nice machine, also Babylock. It serges and cover stitches in one machine. I found the foot too wide for my taste although it is one of the easiest sergers to convert to coverstitch. I have an Imagine and a separate coverstitch. The chain stitch is handy for decorative.

Babylock has the best threading so if I were in the market babylock would be my choice

I agree, mine is well-labeled on how to thread, but actually threading it is a different matter! I have to use tweezers, a flashlight, a hand mirror, and a Twister mat! :D

threading on some are a frustrating chore-----baby lock is a dream to thread --- watch the threading being done on all the machines you check out

I have an old Bernina that works fine and has sewn many things. But if I were looking for another serger I would definitely look into the Baby Lock air threading machine. A serger is very finicky to thread and can be frustrating.

BabyLock again Ihated the threading process on my Husky and got rid of it. Babylock rules