I have an older HQ16 without the SR. If you are the kind of person who will not be happy unless every stitch is exactly the same size---get the regulator. Mine will vary a bit but after the quilt is washed and dried it pulls in just a little and hides any tiny imperfection. I like to go fairly fast and that is not always possible with the SR. I quilt for myself and charity so I am just fine without it. I have even done a few quilts for $$ and tell them what I do---they are fine with it after seeing mine.