I have and HQ bobbin winder. If it did not come with the machine, I would not have bought it for the MRSP of $299. That said, it is pretty good winder, but that said, i have not tried any other winders. on mine, You can set the tension so it can wind looser or tighter. When it comes to bobbins, my machine hates the pre wound cardboard bobbins. If you find a good deal, buy a bunch because they do deteriorate especially if you do not have a good, reliable winder. A bobbin wound up too tight a few times will start bulging and throw off your stitches. I go through mine quite often and discard all the suspicious ones.