I have several Costco/Walmart type Brother machines. Some newer and some older. The older ones feel heavier but, I have never had a lick of trouble from any of them. I can sew fake fur, fleece, thick fabric, etc. Never a tension issue. I couldn't be more pleased with them for piecing or garment sewing. One of them I used to use for FMQ, stitch length to zero since the feed dogs didn't drop. It worked just fine except for the limited quilting area.