Hi sgardner,
I mean that the machine is heavy in weight. The Gammill Optimum has a 30" throat and weighs about 80 lbs. After a while my arms started to ache. I'm a big guy of 6'1" and 220 lbs. and didn't like the way I felt after lugging that thing around the table for a few hours. The APQS machines are far more lighter in weight and run very goog and I won't change for anything, unless someone gives me a lot of cash to do so.
And yes, go to quilt shows and try them out. I live in California and towards the end of october PIQF(Pacific International Quilt Festival) will be in Santa Clara. That's in the bay area and it's a good place to start your search for a machine. Most of the companies are there showing their machine and letting you play with them. Only you can pick the machine that suits you. Take care and good luck on finding a machine. zeke.............