Which one would you recommend, what are some of the essential requirements? thank you for your help

You have to decide that yourself. Go to a quilt show and test drive every machine that is set up. See which one feels best to you.

In MHO, it has to have vertical & horo. lock, stitch regulator, like the Tin Lizzie. Here are some videos that may help. http://tinlizzie18.com/resource-library/

Stitch regulated was a big plus for me, other than that you have to decide how you plan to use it-business or personal. Try out as many different machines as possible, word of mouth is not that reliable on this type of purchase. Usually the machine each person has, they like so you will get a lot of positive opinions about a lot of different machines. It took me three years and a lot of testing to finally decide even though what I thought I wanted at the beginning was what I got. Just wanted to be sure before making a big purchase. Good luck on your search.

The tin Lizzie18 does not have hor. vert. Hold on thier machines but the stitch regulator is 2nd to none but Yes go to quilt shops and shows and test drive all you can to see which one will fit your needs the best.

Test drive them before deciding!!!!

Mine has the hor. & vertical lock Have never found a quilt "SQUARE" enough to use them : except when I pin the top on I use it to make sure even for first line. But do love stitch regulator and laser light.

test them all-we all have different preferences for a machine and frame.for me it was the Innova

Thank you to all. Will take your advice and try out some before we spend the money.

I am also currently looking at long arms and at the different brands. What brand doyou have? I am interested in getting one with the vertical and horizontal lock and the stitch regulator. I did look at one brand that did not have that as a feature to turn on and off but you could buy a ring for $3.99 that you simply slipped over a certain roller that then made it become either the horizontal or vertical lock.