Opinions on Janome Horizon 7700 verses the 6600.....
 

Okay, I have the 6600 which is now six years old and my work horse and love it. BUT.....the interest of the 7700 is drawing me, especially since my hubby says to just go get it!!! So just wondering what any of you have to say about your 7700 and if you are pleased with it, ya know, like the pros and cons thing. Anyone else have the 6600 and gone to the 7700 and are you happy with your change? Is there that much of a difference between the two besides the extra 2 inches of space and the lighting? So girls I will be waiting to see your input. Thanks alot...C.

I traded up my Janome 6600P to the 7700P/Horizon. The Horizon has 2" more space to the right of the needle, and has more features than the 6600P. I know it was worth the price when I got it. You'll find the Horizon just as easy to get used to as the 6600P.

I just got the 6600 last September and have been more than pleased! It was a big jump from what I had been using.

Your best thing to do, would be to go to the Janome sight and compare the specs. From what I can remember, the lighting is no better on the 7700. Yes, you get more throat space. However, I seem to recall there was something on the 6600 that was NOT on the 7700, which was part of the reason why I did not take the bigger jump to the 7700. Also, I recall the dealer saying he much preferred the 6600 to the 7700, and I forget what the reason was ... though I think it was that other thing I can't remember!!

Since then, there has been another model introduced, so if you're switching, take a look at all! It all comes down to, do you need and will you use, the additional features that come with a different machine?

I don't have one but, lots of others have one. If you wait maybe they will answer your question.

The Horizon has a free arm.

Hi - I wanted to chime in because I have had both machines. I first had a 6600, which I really liked and then traded up to the Horizon. There were many things I preferred in the 6600 and actually found I liked it better than the 7700, so I sold the 7700 and bought another 6600!

The extra throat space was the only thing I found preferable in the 7700. I preferred the bobbin winding on the 6600 (the 7700 does not have an independent bobbin winder). Also, I didn't like the way the thread spool sat on the Horizon, the only way to use the larger cones was to use the screw on thread cone attachment, which does not fold down like it does on the 6600, so I was unable to put the cover over the machine.

These may sound like small things, but they were irritating to me, especially since I had used both. Also, I felt the 6600 was more "sturdy" feeling when FMQ and not so picky about tension. The 7700 does have the built in straight stitch plate however. I love the 6600 and would not part with it.

Just my two cents...

Solomae

I upgraded as soon as the 7700 came out from my 6600. I found the lighting to be better on the 7700, the free arm for me was a must have, and the machine is quieter than the 6600. FMQ is fantastic, never had any hiccups or burps with it. I love the stitch plate converter that is built in vs. monkeying with the plates.

What I miss about the 6600, is the bobbin winder the most, where I could sew and wind at the same time. I made a separate cover for the 7700, to accomodate the thread cone attachment which is not standard.

I also have purchased the 12000 Horizon Embroidery model, and kept the 7700.

I am desperately looking for a 6600 for my daughter used so anybody thinking about moving up and dealer wont give you much for a trade in pm me and maybe we can work out a deal

I have the 7700 and love it but have never had the 6600 so can't compare. I'm intrigued by the separate bobbin winder though (never had that either). How on earth do you concentrate on sewing while a bobbin is winding?? I know I'd have to stop sewing so I could concentrate on winding the bobbin so I don't think I'd see/get the benefit of being able to sew and wind a bobbin at the same time...lol. Besides, it doesn't take that long.

I have had the 6500, 6600 and now the 7700. I've loved them all. I traded in my 6500 to get the 7700 and kept the 6600 for about a year just to make sure I didn't want to go back to it. I didn't miss it at all so I ended up selling it.

For me the main advantages of the 7700 are the lighting, the automatic converter plate, the throat space and especially the out of the box perfect FMQing. I have not had to touch tension since I brought it home. I also love the free arm for making bags. The bobbin winder doesn't bother me as I always stopped what I was doing when winding a bobbin.

I'm pretty sure I saw that they are running really good deals on the 7700 right now, so that might be a factor too.

Either way, enjoy your Janome!