I too am wanting to buy a L/A and since I am new to long-arming I have been doing a lot of research. After a while it gets very confusing. What I think I am coming to realize is that the machines do basically the same thing - its the little accessories that may come with the machine, i.e. blacklight that may a difference. (when comparing similar size machines such as an 18" throat machine. The other consideration is the dealer and how helpful they will be; proximity to home and price.