I think that we all use our longarms differently. I got mine in December of 2009, and I have not done a single panto. I think I would probably be using pantos if I were quilting for customers though. If you go to a quilt show you can buy Superior thread at a big discount, and the discount is even bigger if it's a longarm show. I use their Bottomline and Vanish threads. I also buy thread at great prices from Connecting Threads and from Metro Embroidery. You need to check that the thread works well in your machine before buying a lot of it, and always buy on the cones. Good luck with your longarm.