I have an Innova 26" with Lightening Stitch (stitch regulator) on a 12 foot table. I love the tech support and the ease of use compared to some other brands. It is also an easy machine to upgrade without having to buy a new machine each time something new comes along.
I learned to LA on a Nolting 18" (?)[non-regulated] at the LQS near my old house which they had lessons and then you could rent time on it. They upgraded to a Gammill (non-regulated), which I also used.
I had looked at a Tin Lizzie at a dealer before I moved. One shop in town near our new house did have a rental machine, but were changing from a Tin Lizzie to a Gammill dealership and the machine was unavailable at the beginning. They were also going to make me take their LA class before using their machine.
When we moved, my DH said I could have a LA. I then also tried a HQ at a show, but the dealer told me I would have to bring the head in (it weighs like 45 lbs) every year to the shop for servicing. Then I was told about the Innova and I went to the dealer and tried it. I fell in love with it.
However, as other people have said on many threads and logs, you have to try the different machines to find the one you like. You also have to know what you can afford and what space you have as well as how good is the customer support. Also, as one person said, learning on a rental machine is good to see whether you really like to LA.
Last edited by caspharm; 03-21-2013 at 12:44 PM.