i'm a Janome fan. i have two ... one of which is the 6600.

the accufeed mechanism has never gotten in my way. there are only two things i don't like about it.

(1) the acufeed feet are, indeed, a pain to change. not as in painful. as in nowhere near as convenient as snap on feet are.
(2) about halfway through a bobbin, the top thread will pop out of the arm thingie and it jams. it takes less than 30 seconds to fix but is a bit annoying. i had it for six months before it started doing that. my friend's has been doing it since the beginning. what i can't figure out is whether it's the machine or the way i wind my bobbins. (i bought a winder, so don't use the sewing machine to wind them.)

if you can afford the Horizon, i'd get that because of the extra throat space.

if you're considering the Horizon, you might want to check with a Pfaff dealer first. the Quilt Expression 4.0 is their equivalent to the Horizon for around the same price. the Pfaff version of acufeed feet snap on. i don't know if it comes with an extension table like the Horizon does.

as much as i love my Janomes, i will look at the Pfaff first if and when enough $$$ show up in my wallet to upgrade.

I have the 6600 and love it. As for the 6500 pulling the fabric down into the bobbin area and the 6600 not doing that - I'm guessing that your dealer may not have sewn a whole lot of triangle points on the 6600. It does in fact do this. I'm told that you can purchase another plate that has a smaller hole to prevent this happening, or you can work around it like many of us do by using leaders and enders when piecing. As to having the accufeed system get in the way when sewing bulky things - from what I have heard and seen, it is not a problem. While it looks like it is just hanging there in mid-air, the clearance underneath is quite adequate.

One thing to keep in mind - when I purchased my 6600 (at Christmas), I was told by the dealer that the 6500 was no longer being made. That is, of course, hearsay, but if I were looking at a 6500, I would also be looking for a seriously discounted price.

I've only let a very few points get caught, I do not have the single hole needle plate, 6600 P. I've been doing a LOT of bags lately and sometimes they do get hung on the accufeed gizmo, just got to pay attention, I DO miss a freearm but I didn't have one when I learned to sew so I can deal with it.

I went from the 6600P to the Horizon. I cannot say enough about the 6600, but I like the Horizon better!

Thank you so much again everyone. So much to keep in mind. I've been talking to hubby and maybe will wait a little longer and try to get the horizon :) But I still want to keep my options open in case I don't. It's interesting to read all your comments on the various machines. Thanks again

I have had the 6600 for just a few months and I love it so far. I didn't have the problem with the bobbin that PatriceJ mentioned but maybe that's in my future. I do like a free arm but I kept my old Janome MC3500 so I can use that for any free arm work. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I used it (the free arm) anyway.

My sister and I both have 6500's and my other sister has a 6600. I would choose 6600 over the 6500 for one reason... the on/off switch. Find a speed you like (especially in FMQ) hit the start button.... and when done hit it again. NO FOOT PEDAL!

I have the 6600 and a Bernina Aurora 730. Hands down the Janome is my favorite to quilt, and also piece on. It is a tough, rugged, workhouse of a sewing machine and it is truly built to last a long time. As far as the tension problems others in the past have mentioned, I have experienced these to some degree. But don't we all on all machines? I know I have before on my Bernina (mostly I forget to check). The Accufeed is wonderful. I mean WON-DER-FUL. I love it, it does not get in my way and in fact, it is great to sew with when doing stitch in the ditch work. My machine came with many accessories, so I've not had to buy anything additional. I will say that if you do buy it, buy the table as well. I love that table and it is perfect for the 6600.

Again, I cannot praise this machine enough. It is comparable to all top brands and I wouldn't get rid of mine for NOTHING.

I wish you luck.

Tina

Hi- I have had the 6500 for about 7 years and just love the machine. It is a work horse!! I do alot of quilt piecing w/ it and it is fast and sews beautifully. I love the knee lift, the cutter and take it to classes w/ me all the time. A friend of mine just got the 6600 and is also delighted w/ her machine. I considered getting the 6600 but other than the special set up for the walking foot there is virtually no difference between the 2 machines.

I purchased the 6600 and also got the table that came with it as it was a floor model and I could not be happier with this great machine. This is my 3rd Janome. Test drive it first as my dealer encourages you to do this and to try all the good stuff first before buying.