I researched for several months before buying for a part time business. We bought the Innova 26 with autopilot which is Innova's computer system. In the running were APQS, A-1, and Gammill.each had really good qualities. A-1 is the lightest and easiest to move and they have 3 days of training in your home at setup which really helps get you started. APQS is very good and its handle layout is excellent but felt heavy to me.( I have RA so beyond stitch quality which I felt was first and foremost, ease of movement was second for me). Gammill surprised me. I heard from quilt shop owners that they were clunky, leaked oil and were behind the times even though they were first to the game. I should have known that wasn't true. It was our second choice and was light and very maneuverable.
We ended up picking an Innova. I love what the company is about. A family owned business that is reinventing itself in some ways. They have really thought about the quilter and what we need. They are constantly coming out with improvements and upgrades. They have a bobbin sensor of sorts, a thread breakage sensor, an awesome stitch regulator(why we ultimately bought it, the stitch quality is perfect all the time), etc. the design is awesome and sturdy. Their computer system is called autopilot and is another reason we chose Innova. With the upgrade, it really has become simple to use and the way it is designed it eliminates the chance of "drift" in your quilt designs. Their customer service line is truly 24 hours a day. I have had multiple conversations with the owner regarding issues I had when I first started and he is a phone call a way. I do think they need to improve on documentation. If they had more written explanations about basic things, customers wouldn't have to call the company. I have been struggling with tension recently, but I watched some YouTube videos and read the companies service bulletin and I have finally seemed to concur that beast. I could have called but wanted to try on my own. I know I sound like a commercial, but I'm really happy with my choice. Also, buying the computer system allowed me to start finishing quilts almost right away. I'm grateful for that
there is a good support system at yahoo for both the longarm and the computer system....I know...I know...
Anyway, that's what we picked and why. I wouldn't go smaller than 26, find something that has great stitch quality in and out of points at all speeds, decide what things are most important to you and try them out