I tried the HQ sit down and many frame quilting machines but bought the Innova 26 on a frame. I think it all depends on the size quilts you make and if you have any physical or space limitations. I make bigger quilts overall and have joint issues. For me the Innova frame was a good fit as it can handle big quilts, no more basting either, and it is very light weight. Definitely try before you buy. Also you might not need a stitch regulator on a sit down machine. I definitely liked it better without but then I have 10 years of quilting on my Janome 6500. The space of the throat is wonderful on those sit down machines. With a sit down you will still need to do the basting. HQ representatives told me people that make art quilts, smaller, and have physical or space limitations buy the sit down over a on frame machine. The crowd that was there supported what they said. Try before you buy.