I have a Gammill 26" stitch regulator (no Statler) and also have the 26" Innova Autopilot. My daughter and I both quilt on the machines. I would not want to be without either machine-they are both great. However, as far as free motion quilting, the Innova is so much lighter and therefore easier to move than the Gammill. So, in my opinion, if you plan to do a lot of free-motion the Innova is the better choice. You've narrowed your choices down to what I consider the two best machines on the market. Go to a quilt show and try them both for ease of free-motion then make your choice.