i (personally) would hesitate to spend over a thousand dollars on any set up/machine i could not first try out---it seems like an aweful lot of $$ to spend without having any idea how it works- if it is a technique machine/frame you could really use. i really recommend visiting some shops/dealers/shows & trying out a few different ones THEN look around for a deal- then you have an idea what is a good deal- you also know some of the differences and options available---what you like & don't like about the different ones you have tried. it might be a great deal- but if you get it & then decide you don't even like doing it --- it's suddenly not such a great deal