I have not had the opportunity to see the 300 series. I have the 230PE and my sister has the 130/35? We both love our machines. I previously had the 730 with the 9 mm feeddogs, my 230 has the 5.5 mm feeddogs, and I like the 230 better for piecing, I use the #57 foot. I would definitely buy a Bernina again. By the way I loved the 730 for embroidery.