I had an APQS. It was a fairly good machine but it wasn't stitch regulated and it was too light weight to stich slow with, it bounced at slow speeds. If I was going to get one now I'd look at the Nolting, Gammill and A-1s. My friend had a Proto that was great too but I don't know if they're still in business. And I wouldn't get any thing shorter than a 20 inch on any frame smaller than a 12 foot.