Those of you who have a longarm, what are the features that you have found to be most important or ones that you cannot do without? I am researching to determine what I would need and or want in a LongArm. If there is a site that has good information that too would be appreciated. I have searched but I have not really found anything.
Thank you!

Z-first off please don't be afraid to buy a used machine..mine was third hand and its been a great buy..invest in a bigger machine so you will not need to buy up in the future..stitch reg..not needed-if you have never used on you will not miss it..I haven't..takes up alot of space but love my 14 ft frame. DO try as many machines as you can-good luck!
Diana
Tranquil Quilting

I did fine without a stitch regulator UNTIL I decided to use rulers and templates, I really enjoy it. what I do not have but wish I did is, needle stop up/down option and a single stitch button.
I have a Bailey 15" which is very economical

Having struggled with stitch length when FMQ on my domestic sewing machine I found a stitch regulator an absolute must have for my LA. I feel it reduces the learning curve considerably to have one and your stitches look great right away. I have an Innova 26" LA. I only have a 10' rack so am limited to nothing bigger then queen size. Space in my home was the limiter for rack size. If you have the space go with a bigger rack.

Bobbin size. My machine (Gammill) has a bobbin that is 2X larger than my DSM.
Longarmers say there are more tension problems with a larger bobbin, I haven't had the problems, I use a bobbin genie and no backlash spring.
And I love to be able to quilt a while without changing the bobbin so often.

Try out as many as you can before you decide what to buy. I tested several and found THE one that worked for me. Nolting.

I like that mine has the stitch regulator. My 12" frame also has hydraulics so we can use it for any height operator or use it standing or sitting.

Determine what your needs are, what space you have available and your budget.

As for used ones don't be afraid to buy one used as long as it works.
If you go the Nolting.com site they have used ones for sale as well as other used models for sale.

I also like the computer system (SideSaddle) I have with mine.

Good luck.

My Gammill was also a used machine. I've had it for a year and I've not had any problems with it. I did get it from a dealer and they gave me a one year warranty on a 2004 machine. I do not have a stitch regulator either. I don't mind not having it but sometimes I think life might be easier if I had one. Maybe someday...

Good luck! I hope you find one you can't live without!

I bought the Tin Lizzie 18 and now wish I had a better frame. Maybe wish I had bought a nolting but oh well not going to change now. I am getting long and don't do it professionally. Machines now have a computerised quilter to add on if you want it. I do like the stitch regulator. And a good dealer.
BTW Nolting and AQS mfgered in Iowa. (Where I am)

The most important things to me are the extra large bobbin and making sure that there is someone in your area who can do maintenance on your machine in case there is a problem.