Are you going to stand or need to sit while quilting? This is a biggie! If your legs, knees, feet are okay, then it's open to what works best for you--and you must try them. But if you cannot stand for long periods, then shopping is a different matter. HandiQuilter has an option to sit at a LA. Then they have their Sweet 16 that is a machine on a table that you sit at.
Personally, I found the long 26 inch throat to deep for me, as my arms are shorter. So I would choose an 18" reach.
It all comes down to what floats your boat considering, money, physical needs and how the machine works. Let us know what you choose.
Good luck.
SandyQuilter