I am considering purchasing a longarm/ midarm machine and would like to know what you have and why you like it. My neighbor has the Gammill Vision and I was allowed to play on it the other day. I really liked it , especially the stitch regulator feature. I had a Voyager 17 system at one time and hated it, but it didn't have the stitch regulator. Didn't think I would ever want another but am seriously considering one with this feature. It is more affordable than most that I have seen. Tell me what you have and why you like it. Ann in TN

I have the Fun Quilter by Nolting, 17 inch stretch with stitch regulator wand not a bit of trouble with it. Customer service, when you need it, is excellent. Out of Hiawatha Iowa.

I have the ABM Innova with lightning stitch and ABSOLUTELY love it!!!.

I have an A-1 and am very happy with it. It has a 23 inch throat with stitch reg and up/down lift to raise and lower the table. It came with a saddle stool. You might not think you would sit, but occasionally you will want to sit and you can. You can also get the fabric advance for additionally monies.

I have a Gammill Premier without the stitch regulator and really like it. I haven't had many problems, it stitches very nicely with most threads that I put on it. I had a short arm before so was used to regulating my own stitching. But could see where one might be very nice. They have wonderful tech service, and can help you over the phone with most things. I did try a vision at the MQS in Overland Park this spring and it is a wonderfully smooth machine. I just don't want to work that hard at this point in my life to buy a new one. :)

Ann-
Well, it sounds like you need to do your homework, and go to different quilt shows, and try several different ones and see which ones you like, what features you like, and the price range as well, when i bought mine, i didnt want to ''buy the farm'', i just wanted a good down payment :-D
so, I bought an HQ16, and have my own custom made table. So, dont rush yourself into it, but research the features, for me, that was a big thing, and of course, a stitch regulator is a must for consistent length stitches!!
good luck,
katz

Bailey Home Quilter 17 Pro with stitch regulator and lollipop for doing ruler work. It was inexpensive as LA/MA machines go and it sews like a dream. I have mine on a Grace frame.

I like it because I can actually finish my quilts and that's what matters.

I have a Tin Lizzie 18LS, and love it. Cost alot less than Gammill (yes, I test drove both before buying). I have quilted on both and don't see much difference in stitch regulator, handling, nor quality.

I have the HandiQuilter Sixteen with the PRO Stitcher. Love it - tried many. What sold me was it was easier to manipulate that Gammill and they came to my house and set it up and trained me... The customer service at the company is wonderful!!!! The nicest people.

Another ABM Innova owner/lover here. I have the 26" model with their regular stitch regulator. I adore my Innova!! IMHO it has the most bang for the buck.

If I were buying now I would upgrade to the lightening stitch regulator. Innovas come 18" 22" and 26" and have one of the nicest frames on the market with a 4 roller system and never any need to adjust the take up roller. They move so nicely you can quilt easily with just your fingertips of one hand. In fact when I do pantos I do quilt one handed.

Gammill Premier here too.WITH the stitch regulator First one didn't love that feature the best!!

Tin Lizzie 18 LS with "Lizzie stitch" their advanced stitch regulator and Shirley Stitcher (Robotic) when I just want it done and pretty.

I have a Voyager 17 with a stitch regulator. We get along just fine. It took a while to get warmed up to it, though, and I didn't have SLR till after about a year.

Anyone else have the Voyager 17 with the SLR? When I purchased mine it wasn't available. I would like to know anything you might have to add about it as far as thread issues, tension issues, vibrating, customer service, etc. Actually I would like to know that about any of the machines. The thing I didn't like when I had my Voyager was that it was on or off but nothing in between. It was difficult for me to start and stop smoothly and the needle would catch because I wasn't moving evenly or smoothly. Stippling with it was a nightmare because I couldn't move slowly enough for myself not the machine. I didn't know anyone with another long arm to help but now know about 3 people here in the local area. Unfortunately I can't afford the machines they have but they should still be a good resource for help. No local dealers either or even close to here. Ann in TN

I have a Gammill Classic Plus.

I have an APQS millenium, and have loved not only the machine but also the service I got from APQS. I especially like that they encourage you to do your own maintenance and teach you how to do everything up to and including timing the machine.

Gammil Vision. On this, you have a third mode of coast regulate, which allows you to go from one speed at unregulated to regulated. You set the speed for when you make this change over. The Vision is smoooooth! Never had a problem with Gammill. Whatever you get, check out the tables and vibration.

I have the HQ Avante' and love it. I tried almost all of them and the quilt fest. last year and kept comming back to the HQ.

I have an APQS Millienum and the smaller Lenni. LOVE them - can use any thread without much tension adjustment and quilts through anything! Plus their cusomter service is the best!

You have to ask yourself how will you use the machine - for business? for yourself? for overall designs or to learn to do custom quilting? size of quilts you want to quilt/ and finally your budget? After taking everything into consideration, go to a major quilt show and test drive all the machines and see how you (not the sales person likes them) Get the biggest you can afford and enjoy! Good luck!