Originally Posted by Cheryl123
A friend is looking at buying this machine. Does anyone have
any experience with Baby Lock or this machine?
I don't have one... but if I was going to get an embroidery/sew machine... it would be this one or the Brother version. (Babylock and Brothers are the same, just different badging/numbers). I love Babylock products, but be saavy when you purchase.
All the computerized machines seem to have recalls, notices and warnings on them about certain things you cannot do. For instance, you must turn the machine off before changing over from sewing to embroidery or vice versa. If you leave the power on, there's a good chance you'll blow the motherboard on it. That costs $600 or more to replace and people do it all the time.
When any of the new computerized machines are introduced (the first model runs), there typically are some issues with the software integration and stuff. Some of the first runs of the Ellegante had issues that made the machines 'lemons'. Happens to all the manufacturers, not just Babylock.
I love my Babylock serger, it's held up very well... I use it a lot and it performs very well. I've never had an issue with it...and I bought it 2nd hand. My Babylock dealer is one of the top in the state, for service and sales. She really, really takes the time to teach people how to use their machines, how to fix them. The dealers make all the difference. When shopping for a big machine, go shopping for dealers around you. Even if you buy the machine second hand, shop for and find the dealer that will work on your machine even if you didn't buy it from her/him.
There is only one embroid/sew machine Babylock makes that has more bells and whistles than the Ellegante 2... that's called the Ellisimo. Check out babylocks website and they have great vids on both machines. Carefully check which options/features you really want/need. They are both huge sized machines, and have huge pricetags....