I definitely recommend trying to take the machine you want for a test drive first (otherwise, make sure they will take returns & if so, find out if there's a re-stocking fee). I really thought I wanted a machine with a larger harp, but after I went and tried them out, I went with a Bernina 350 that had the smallest harp of them all (5.5"). I still have no problem FMQ'ing up to a twin sized quilt in it using very thick batting (W&P). With Hobb's wool batting in the store, I was able to easily fit up to a Queen sized quilt in the harp. I love the durability and reliability of my Bernina & now better appreciate that sacrificing every other feature I wanted just to get a larger harp was not a great trade-off.
That said, there are others who feel the exact opposite of me & their opinion is ever bit as valid.
