I have had the Go as soon as it was available to buy. It is essential to me now as my sewing machine. If the cost of the dies and mats will be a concern then don't buy it because new dies are available all the time. I have very little fabric waste, about 1/4" around each die blade shape. My Go turns like butter, I guess because I use it all the time but it was stiff turning at first. I buy the mats on sale and keep a big stash of them. When someone asks me what I want for a present I say a new Go die. My family likes that, easy shopping.