My megaquilter is the original and I haven't had any problems with tension. Madquilter is right, it does need to be oiled a lot, and I oil with every bobbin change, but it isn't any big deal--you just oil the bobbin hook and the little holes on top of the machine. I thought the auto bobbin winder was broken, but it just didn't get plugged back in when I had it serviced. I plugged it back in myself. Like anything you buy you can get a "lemon", but I quilted several Queen size quilts on mine. I quilted with it on the original Inspira frame and it did a beautiful job. I don't machine quilt with it anymore, but that is because I have a complete different setup now. I piece a lot on mine, but I also have a Pfaff that I had given to my mom which has a ton of different stitches. I use it when I want other stitches. If it is at Joann's it is probably a new one, but you would have to ask for sure. Good luck whatever you decide.