letawellman

Even though you said you had tried them at shows, that's how I determined what brand/size/etc I eventually purchased.
I went to one of the big AQS shows - there were about 13-14 different brands of longarms, some I had never heard of before (and some which have since gone out of business). I went to the show 4-5 days, specifically to try the machines. I "test drove" every one of them, SEVERAL times.

Don't let the surrounding crowd at a show bother or intimidate you - they're not critiquing your skill, they're watching to see how easy it would be for THEM to learn!! They probably are too scared to even try the machine themselves!

Don't let the "famous" name brands intimidate you into buying something you're not comfortable with either! You have to consider what "feels right" to you!! Just like some people like small cars, other like minivans, and others like SUV's, a longarm needs to fit your comfort zone - not just money-wise, but how it "drives" for you.

Also, if you're not intending to buy a computer/robot system, don't let a "hard sell" influence you either. That's actually just one more thing to learn. (BTW, a computer system does NOT automatically make you an award-winning quilter - it's just one more thing to learn, ON TOP OF learning the longarm itself!!)

Make a list of things that are important to you, then try every brand you can, especially if you can try them at the same time, like at a quilt show. It makes it easier to do a valid comparison. Also, make a list of questions beforehand. Once you're at the show, being dazzled by the sales pitches, it's easy to forget the things that are important to ask about... things like service locations, hands-on training, ongoing support (upgrades to the embedded computer-boards and stuff), and so on.

I did all of the above, for about 2 YEARS, before I finally bought my system. I've never regretted my purchase.

One final note - once you do buy a system, look for either a Facebook or Yahoo users group. You will find SO MUCH HELP there!! There will be others that are happy to share their experience, knowledge, and tweaks that they have discovered.

Good luck!!
The machine I ended up getting was not "top of the line", did not have a computer system, and doesn't have any bells and whistles. It has a stitch regulator and it's own bobbin winder, but other than that, it's plain "vanilla". I've had her 10 years now, and have no plans to buy another one. I toy sometimes with the idea of getting the robotics for her, but usually decide I'm happy with what I have, as this is my main creative outlet.

jmoore

I do not have the space for a LA but I like doing my own quilts from start to finish so I do rent a LA. Originally, I trained on and rented a Lenni (APQS) for a couple of years, then the owner of the machine closed up her brick and mortar quilt shop. I have recently taken the "training" class on an HQ Avante and today I rented it for a couple of hours to FMQ a throw size quilt. Although the machines are a bit different, they both require the same movement and confidence behind the "wheel." If it were me, I would be more interested in taking a class to improve my FMQ skills.

mkc

Just a quick update and a thank you to those who shared their direct knowledge - I've booked a certification/beginning class with Connie/APQS Texas for next month

Michelle

letawellman

Happy to hear this!!
One more thing that I forgot to mention in my earlier post - and Pam had commented earlier too - that not everyone LIKES longarming!! (I hear some of you gasping!) A dear friend of mine, an LQS owner, told me one time that quilters seem to fall into either/or - either they like quilting on their DSM/sit down machine, OR they like to longarm.

So, if after your classes, you discover that you are like Pam (and many other quilters), and just do not like the LA, don't beat yourself up over it. You may find that one of the sit-down machines is a better alternative.