I've read a few statements from long arm owners. I have NO dealers in our state except HQ through Baby Lock or Bernina, and these are not the heavy duty professional one's I'm looking for.
I've seen a Demo for Gammill with Statler.
I've seen a demo of Prodigy.
I've been told Intelliquilter is better than Statler.
This is a very high end ticket purchase, and we want to buy before end of this year. So, I'm asking quilters who've been in business, who've maybe owned various machines, what do you think? And Why? Please Help

You need to test drive them. My advice is to go to a large show in your area.

My advice also. Before I bought, I tried 5-6 different machines and made a spreadsheet of pros and cons of each. I am very happy with the machine I picked but no machine is without its quirks and problems--just have to learn them and work through them. You will probably hear good and bad about any machine so again the best thing to do is test drive. The machine I have is a Gammill Classic Plus-don't have the Statler. Gammill now has the Vision which has some nice features but I think, as with all new things, some quirks to work out. I hope people with other machines respond and give you some imput also.

I started with an HQ16, upgraded to an APQS Millennium. There's no comparison really. If possible, it's always best to try out the machines. If not, do your research and go with that.

You can master any machine. I think my Millennium is fabulous, but I chose it because they have an 8 year warranty (longest in the business) and outstanding, friendly support.

They also have a very popular online forum, lots of help and inspiration available there.

WOW, I've found a place with testimonials of each machine from owners. Even more confused now. Seems like most things, everyone loves their choice.
I wrote questions to two companies, and haven't heard anything back...that puzzles me too...seems they'd be interested in selling, and at least respond, still waiting.

What about buying a used machine? Any warnings on this idea? Have you found trade in trade up has enough value to make this an option? Or best to start new with warrenty from the beginning?

Check out HMQS.org . That's in Salt Lake City in may 2011. There will have a variety of longarm dealers there and you can compare them all the same day. Make sure you also look at the frames they are on. I tried one at a quilt show and loved it. Tried same machine at another quilt show and it wasn't as nice. Turns out it was a different frame! I will be watching this as we are wanting to buy one too! I am kind of leaning towards Innova at this point....

Maybe also look at Inova, Nolting and APQS.

As for used machines several of the long arm quilters and LQS I know bought used. They did their research though and over and over I hear besure it is set up so you can test it.

what is the website with the testimonials?

Give Tin lizze a look see they have great machines and have some very good refurbished machines. I love mine.