I use just a cheapie round 14" (?) hoop from JAF. I've been quilting for about 15 yrs and am on my second one. At just a couple of $$, it's not worth it to me to go for the big bucks on a hoop. It is not mounted on a base which I prefer. I can move around whichever way I want in my chair to quilt. Sometimes I don't even use a hoop - just hoopless in my lap. I don't notice a difference in my stitches hooped or not.