I like FW's, but the tension knob is right in my line of vision to the needle, which seems to be set back a little to far for me to see. I am a tall person, so maybe I just need to lower the chair.
On the other hand, the 301 with the slant needle is just perfect for me. The needle is right in my line of vision.
Another negative, at least on the FW's I have owned is that the light gets hot. I don't have that problem on the 301.
Dayle