pfaff quilt expression 4.0 OR Janome 6600 or maybe 7700
 

I have been looking for a higher end quilting machine and need some help from everyone here. Which one of these machines would be more reliable, lower cost for repairs etc. I am thinking they are both excellent machine but just done know which would be a better investment. Hoping for some input...thanks so much

I have the 6600 and absolutely love it! I found a used one at a dealer. I looked at the 7700 too, but I couldn't justify the additional cost for just a couple bells and whistles that I most likely wouldn't ever use. The 6600 has the built in accufeed system (walking foot) and it is amazing. It has lots of decorative stitches, thread cutter and auto threader which I use all the time, and the ability to wind a bobbin while sewing (I never do that, always wind several bobbins before starting). I can tell you that it won't be a machine that you will be taking to classes as she is pretty heavy. I don't know anything about any of the other machines, but I do know that if you choose the 6600, you won't ever be disappointed.

I have the 7700 and love it! The wide Arm is amazing!

I've had Janome machines for the last 6-8 years and have never had a problem yet. I had the 6500 which is a lot like the 6600 without the accufeed, and just traded up to the 7700. It's great. My suggestion is go to both dealers and take some scrap material and test them out. Get a feel for them. I agree with the others, in that you won't be disappointed with a Janome. I think the 7700 has the deepest throat 11". check them out! good luck!!

thanks for the info, it gives me some idea as to which way to go

I have three janome and just love them all.
i am hoping next year to get the horizon.
you will not be disappointed.

I have the Pfaff expression 2.0 and love it. Its the first high end machine I have ever owned. It is heavy but still take it to classes.

I recently bought the Janome 6600 - it is a wonderful machine. I am a huge fan of the Accu-Feed system - I can't believe the difference it makes. The 6600 is a great machine.
Sue

I bought a Pfaff Expression 3.0 in March of last year. I went basically from a horse and buggy to a Porsche. I love the top and bottom feed, deeper throat and all the different stitches. At the shop that I bought it I can up grade within in a year and they will give me the price that I paid for my machine towards the up grade. I haven't decided if that is what I want to do yet.

I also have this machine and 2 other Pfaffs. They are my favorite. Things I love are the thread cutter by the bobbin, the threader, the width of stitch is 9 mm ( I think ) anyway larger. Lots of fancy stitches, top loading bobbin (the others load under) Any new machine will take getting used to, I have never owned a Bernina or Janome. You should try them all out first. I love the way the feet snap on too. Have fun !!(

I absolutely adore my Lucy, which is the Janome 7700. I also have a Pfaff. I just upgraded from a Pfaff Creative 2.0 to a Pfaff Creative 4.0 (her name will be Ethyl). I embroider and find it convenient to have both machines going at the same time. One of the most important factors is your dealer support. I have excellent support from my Pfaff dealer and crappy support from the Janome dealer. Had he supported me better I would have purchased another Janome. As it is when Lucy gets old I will be talking to my Pfaff dealer. I find I love both these lines.

thanks for the help, i am leaning toward the janome, i found one for 1700.00; which is the price before the increase

My 7700 will be two in June. I love her. A short adjustment period but smooth sailing ever since. Hasn't seen the shop since she was new.

Well I have the Pfaff Expression 4....... And having problems with the top tension.. It's going back to the dealer of the second time..I've had 2 Pf affs before and they were great machines....

I have the 6600 and a 760 that I take to class. Love them both.Try them out and see which one you like best. the 6600 has the Accu-feed, thread cutter, needle threader, and when I had surgery on my right heel, I used the stop/start button exclusively. I have used it since when I'm having trouble with the right leg. It also has lots of decorative stitches, snap on feet, except for the Accu-feed feet. I really like my Janome's.

If you search the Pfaff 4.0 on this board or any of the other review sites you will find very little positive about this machine. I've had one for over 2 years and haven't taken it out of the box because of all the negative reviews. And no, I can't return it. It is my New Year's resolution to bite the bullet, put it through it's paces and try to get the dealer to get all the problems fixed. I really don't think I have a very good chance on trading it in on a janome 7700because Janome dealers surely know about the 4.0 problems.

well I purchased my Janome 6600 today....I love it, I cant be on long.............need to get back to my baby, lol
thanks all for your input in helping me with my choices

had the same problem with my pfaff quilt expression 4.0 and discovered I had put the bobbin casing in wrong so the thread underneath bunched up. I have had a few of other problems mentioned in this forum but have always solved these as it s always user error. I love this machine and have learnt a lot from it. happy quilting

They both have good features. I've used a Pfaff for the past 10 years and have had no problems. It all comes down to how comfortable you feel at the machine. Bernina and I didn't work out for some reason.