I have a Husqvarna Sapphire 875 Quilt machine. Bought in Sept. for $2200. 10" between the needle and the body of the machine. That large space plus some of it's other features where what made me pick this machine. Bernina will not have that large space between the needle and the body - no matter which model you pick. Plus Bernina's prices are much more than other companies. For sure bring fabric and thread you'll be using along with you to try out the different machines and just sit there and try out some different things. Try fmq on a sandwich you bring along.