APQS rocks, the service is outstanding! I've never used the Lucey, I have the Millennium, and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

I upgraded from and HQ16, and the difference is pretty amazing.

Have you had any problems with your Tin Lizzie? How long have you owned it and how much use do you give it??

well what about the Innova???when I test drove all of them it was by far my favorite

I have an A-1. LOVE it. I compared machines as you are doing. Looked and tried APQS, Gammill, Nolting and A-1. Mine runs very smoothly and quietly. Many new improvements on machines are ideas from A-1. Also, well known quilters/teachers that actually represent other companies have told people to try A-1. Many friends in my longarm group have realized that they have more control when using the A-1 or Gammill and they own HQ 16's. I love my hydraulic table lift and the motorized fabric advance. Also, my whole table is a light box, comes in handy for marking quilts. Be sure to know what you are getting for your money. Compare service, and can it be upgraded. Good Luck :D

I have the Gammill Vision 18/8 and I love it. I purchased it from Linda's Electric Quilters and they are very responsive whenever I have a question. They delivered it and set it up for me and provided me with onsite training. I did go up to McKinney Texas for their basic 2 day class and am really glad I did. The one thing you need to realize is that you will be responsible for maintenance. I have already replaced a fuse and I had a component go out that I had to install. The component itself was under warranty so there was no cost, but I was very nervous about the installation. Their instructions, however, were so clear and included pictures that it was no problem at all. They always followup with phone calls to make certain your problems have been taken care of. I am so happy I went with the Gammill. I had looked at all the other machines and I feel confident I made the right choice.

When I test drove some I really like the HQ Avante 18 inch opening and the Innova. How are you planning to use it home use or as a business? How excting. Let us know what you buy and how it works out. One problem for me was that any service or classes for the Innova would be out of state while for the Avante it is right next door. Both are lgiht to run something very important for me as I have joint issues. I keep on hearing the avante is great and people are going from the HQ 16 to the HQ Avante 18 inch opening. They are staying with the HQ. That says a lot to me. There is an even bigger one called the Fusion but that would add $.

I have a Tin Lizzie 18LS. Love it! Have used a Gammill at Columbus OH longarm class. Didnt see much difference in how the two sew. Tin Lizzie is cheaper.

The best thing is to try them out at quilt fest. That is what I did last year. I bought the HQ Avante' and just love it. Very user friendly.

I bought a millenium earlier this year and the service from APQS has been absolutely out of this world. I can't speak for the Lucy specifically as far as how it would compare with the other models on the list, but when I asked every longarmer in my area, if they had to do it over again which machine they'd buy, they ALL answered APQS. Check out their forums as well - you can get to it from a link on the APQS main page - and the people there will answer any pre-purchase question you have with a quickness.

Karen, I bought a Prodigy about two years ago and just love it. I tried several others and none of them could handle as well as the Prodigy. Charlie was the first to put a stitch regulator on a longarm machine and his works better than any I have tried. What's even better, the company is located in ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA. I have taken my machine there several times to have it adjusted after I did something stupid. Having the company close by is a priceless advantage. Send me a PM if you would like more information, or would like to come try my machine.