The studio can only be bought from Accuquilt that is a problem.
The studio dies can only be bought from Accuquilt another problem.
As a quilter I want to have options, I am also into applique.
so for me the Big Shot Pro Quilters Machine from Sizzix is a good way to go.
I do not want the extra size of the studio it is too bulky and big for private use -- the quilt store even has problems finding a place for theirs, if I need the jumbo dies that studio have I can go to the store - only problem they do not carry many of the dies --- just what suits them for cutting for the store, which means they do not bother with the jumbo.
Remember Big Shot Pro will take 80% of the Studio dies - but then we are restricted to buying from accuquilt only! so that does not suit.
I like to have the option of using whatever company I choose, I feel that Accuquilt are dictating with their GO! machines -- they want to control the market, they enjoy controlling the market with the Studio - and by this I mean they do not allow anyone to sell them other than themselves - realize they make more money that way , but it is control and that does not draw me to a company.
The Big Shot Pro is not the big industrial machine that the Studio is suppose to be.
The big shot pro is more in comparison with the Accuquilt GO! machine - and comparing apples with apples you get a heck of a lot more for your buck with the BSP.
BSP has a 5 year warranty -- we do not hear of handles jamming with this machine as we do with the GO! which has one year warranty.
I can use so many dies with the BSP - I am restricted to the GO! dies with my Accuquilt machine.
So bang for your buck it goes without question.
i have not looked at other industrial machines to do a comparison with the studio and that is because I am not interested, I use the machine for my one benefit - I do not cut for others or sell my work, if I had a business I would then have to look at bigger machines although I feel the BSP could easily handle a large amount of work - unlike the GO!
The GO! is great for carrying around as it is light weight - it is a problem having it so lightweight when cutting as it moves all over the place.
The GO! is great for someone in a small apartment - it packs away, if you quilt a few times a year then the GO! is fine, if you love to quilt and play then go for the BSP Quilters version.
Ebony - know you love your Accuquilt products and I think that is great - we love to watch your videos on the accuquilt products -- and indeed the same videos we use for guidance on the BSP - but I am not involved with either companies and do not need to support just one, which is why I feel it is good to let everyone have an honest opinion on all the machines.
there is a place for them all, but comparing the two fabric cutters and using both of them -- I feel my opinion carries some weight.