I am a costume designer. My first machine was a singer 6 something and it lasted 30 plus years. It had metal gears and was rebuilt several times. I had a Viking next. Super machine and now a Pfaff. I am now in the market for a new machine. I spoke to a Bernina rep yesterday. She did tell me that they had metal gears. Got to check this out. If so then it will be the Bernina.