Are you purchasing from a dealer? I would check very carefully to see what their after purchase support is like. I had a Tin Lizzie 18, with lizzie stitch stitch regulation. The machine itself operated well and was very easy to set and maintain tension. The lizzie stitch encoders, however, were constantly malfunctioning. I got little support from the dealer and no help at all from the company. I learned to quilt without stitch regulation. I found a dealer who allowed me to trade it in on an HQ. I've had my new machine for a couple of years, so perhaps support from the company has improved.