I, too, had narrowed my choice between APQS and Gammill. When I bought, the Gammill was on sale and had channel locks and the larger bobbin, both of which I wanted. I think now the APQS also has the channel locks and the larger bobbin, but 5 years ago they did not. I do not have a local dealer, but am able to work with Gammill by phone and they have always solved my problem. In one case, they had me take a video on my phone and text it to them of what the machine was doing. That helped them with the diagnosis and it ended up being a minor fix. I don't think not having a local dealer is that much of a detriment these days, although it would certainly be nice.