Well, I've only used the Janome and Juki dx7 (along with other machines) in the shops- so my personal experience is limited to dabbling with those and comparing to my Brother NQ900 (and Juki TL2010Q). My impression is that machines like the Skyline, Juki dx7, and NQ900 (as well as the comparable Baby Lock) seem to be about the same in terms of power and features. But I haven't used the other machines extensively enough to know for sure about their power compared to the NQ900- it's just how it seemed to me. So if other people have more experience comparing those then that's info to consider.

Then, I'd say that hands down the Juki TL2010Q (and the similar semi-industrial straight stich/lockstich machines I've tried in the shops, by Janome, Brother, or Baby Lock) are definitely more powerful than NQ900 and the similar machines, and can handle the heavier duty sewing better, like bag making. I've only done relatively light bag making, like a couple layers of canvas or leather/leather-like material. The NQ900 could handle it, with care, but in comparison the Juki handles it way more easily. When I say heavy duty for bags- I'm not a bag making expert, but from my experience and the classes and discussions I've followed, I think of that as very thick leather/vinyl, multiple layers of canvas, more than I ever do. Whenever I see people doing that level of heavy duty materials, they're always using a semi-industrial (if not industrial) machine. So I'm not sure if a machine like the NQ900 (or Skyline or dx7) would handle it without too much strain. Also, it's possible the NQ900 etc. could handle some heavy duty stuff if it was done very carefully and infrequently- I've never tested that out.

Yeah, there are pros and cons to weigh, and we usually need to make compromises somewhere! My impression based on what you've shared is that you'd probably be very happy with something like the NQ900, Skyline or dx7 machines. One of those types would probably suit your needs best overall. Since the dx7 has the little toggle for the straight stitch plate-- I know that seems like a tiny feature- but for me, that's near the top of my list of what sets it apart from the others of its class. I just can't stand switching out the entire plate on the NQ900! So if you do much quilting, or sewing lightweight or delicate fabrics, or just don't want fabric sucked down into the feed dogs... that tiny toggle is something to take seriously! Lol. I think a Janome I tried had an quick change snap into place magnetic straight stitch plate- so you still had to switch out the whole plate, but it was much easier than my NQ900. Anyway just something to note, in case that little feature ends up mattering to you as it does to me, far more than expected! But those are all good machines! I'm really curious what you'll choose- be sure to update us!

Janome briefly had the dual-function single needle plate, the APC plate, on the 7700. I don't know if it's the same design as Juki has on the NX7, but it involved a delicate spring system on the backside of the needle plate, and a small rectangular piece with the single hole that the spring system moved in and out of position. If you attempted to remove the needle plate (to clean the bobbin area) with the plate in single hole mode, you risked permanently damaging the needle plate (a $45 replacement.) Janome abandoned it in favor of the quick-change snap in scheme.

I have a 7700 and keep a spare needle plate on hand. You can definitely see the wear on the spring system increase with use.

I'd look closely at the back of the needle plate (and look for any warnings in the owner's manual) for the NX7 regarding special care when removing the needle plate.

Hmm most sources i've seen say that the nq900 is much lower power or less heavy duty, but you have actual confirmed experience with the two.

but I was so ready to grab the dx2000 on sale and I"m just so lost right now. I heard some people saying that it almost handled anything they threw at it. but now i'm having doubts again! My issue is that although my bags are very light duty now, I wonder if in a year or 6 months i'll get into heavier duty bags.

for example once I'm good enough, I really want to make this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxPWndarUfg&t=3324s
I'm far from good enough to try this but I want to make a version of this with vinyl instead of cork or veery light leather instead of the cork as I don't like cork. maybe just waterproof canvas or waxed canvas. although I don't like waxed canvas as I'm paranoid about hygiene and like to clean everything.

After much overthinking and exhaustion, I bought a juki dx2000 on a discount! \0/

I hope I'll like it. I hope it was a smart decision.

Yay, congrats on the new machine! I think you made an excellent decision! I know it's hard to feel confident when you're tired from going over the choices for so long- but I really expect you'll be very happy with it. If I need to replace my Brother NQ900 I'd probably choose the dx7 or dx2000. If you end up doing different types of sewing then you'll really appreciate that 2-in-1 throat plate (wide hole to straight stitch hole toggle) that I'm so envious of! I think your Juki has the float feature, too? I'd love that- it's helpful for making bags, and anything bulky. The video with the cute bag- I'm pretty sure the dx2000 could handle that, just go slow, use the right needle, etc. The gal in the video whizzes through it on her straight stitch machine- like my Juki TL2010Q would- but your new Juki should be able to manage it, too. My Brother could, and I'm pretty sure your Juki is at least as powerful at that. The people who said the NQ900 isn't as powerful as the Juki dxs etc could be correct, as I'm just going by how the machines seemed to me and I didn't do extensive comparisons with heavy fabrics. But I can tell you my NQ900 could surely handle that bag in the video if I was reasonably careful, so I don't think you have anything to worry about with your new machine. If you wanted to use heavier material than in the video, you could probably still do it, with care. If you eventually wanted to make super duper heavy duty bags, then maybe you'd need to go the industrial route. But I really think your new machine will serve you well and you'll get to make a good variety of bags and all sorts of things with it! It was a smart decision. Have fun and enjoy it!

Yay Bunny! I hope it all works wonderfully for you now and into the future.

I also got tired of my own hemming and hawing and indecision and bought my new main machine. That will be it's own thread, but I've spent a year or two going back and forth between brands and models and prices and features. Mine is a different Juki, if it ends up to be less than perfect, it will still get me through to where I can decide that and make new choices.

If you're up for looking at estate sales/garage sales, I have a Bernina Artista 180 I bought at an estate sale for $300.00. It sews anything I put under the needle, isn't picky about thread and has all the decorative stitches. I used it for a year or so and made several bags on it and when I finally took it into my OSMG to have him go over it, he said it was clean and in excellent condition. Buying used machines isn't for everyone but you can get some good machines at a bargain price.

You're only a beginner now. Buy for your future and you won't be disappointed.

to be fair my fear was exactly that. requirements changing. and me getting bored of sewing one day.

but i invested inthe super nicer maxhine I loved. lets hope it was a good decision as I'll be eating rice and cup noodle for a month or two LOL.

oh shoot that sounds like an amazing deal (if you're in Canada that is) but I already purchased a unit.