I know that the Innova is (this includes the ProFrame, 10 or 12 foot, your choice):

18" $7,899.00
22" $9,899.00
26" $10,999.00

You can see what they come with and the options available here: http://tiny.cc/08mgq

I purchased a 26" Innova over a year ago and absolutely love it. Looked for a long time and new I was buying only once so went with the best. Tested all available at the shows and even many individuals will let you try there personal machines. I have heard many horror stories about no service from dealers and companies which is not an issue with the Innova. Support available anytime! Really anytime!!! The local LQS purchased a used Gammill for over 4,000 and are regretting it due to problems and no service.
Good luck to you! Not an easy decision.

Don't know if my Bernina 830 qualifies as a long arm but it works on a frame.

We researched & drove all over the Country & back trying out various machines. One thing not mentioned here at all, at Shows, a machine may not be set up "as" stable or solid as it would be in your home. Diff. flooring and such. We found that out at a Show in Dallas & then the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Some machines may appear to be full of vibration or appear to be too heavy, when in fact they aren't.

After a long 2 yr research and debate, we finally chose the A-1 Elite. Did not want to later discover that we should have bought bigger or better & have to go through the selling of machine to buy another more top of the line, or brand.

Ever machine fits somebody & their needs. You just have to try them and decide which you like the best. Or can afford. I see it as an investment. Check out re-sale value. They are kind of like buying a Chevy vs. a Mercedes in some ways. When trying out at a Show, ask the Dealer for names of people that have bought from them. Check it out. A good reproire with the Dealer is monumental, although we have never had to call them for anything. They set it up and gave us a couple of days of lessons in our home. We loved that! Have been off sailing on the machine ever since & that was 2 or 3 yrs ago.

No, it's not a long arm. I've got one too.

Innova 26 - I am really pleased with this machine.

I have a Tin Lizzie 18 LS. I love my Lizzie. I have had her about a year now. I miss working with her--been two months. She is dusty and needs major cleaning and oiling. I can't stand for long periods of time yet so I can't do anything with her yet. I have my own quilts to do plus people wanting things done. For the money, she is excellent. I don't have any robotics with it. I do recommend the machine highly. I bought it 100 mi from my home town but I get good service with it anyway.

I have a Gammill Premier Plus and love it. The only drawback is at times I wish I had purchased a larger throat machine, but I know it would also be heavier. If I had the money, I would buy the Statler or Intelliquilter to add to my machine. I don't do this as a business, just quilt for friends and family mostly, but I do love it. It is such a challenge for me.

I have an Inova 18". Love it!!! I bought the quilt show special and it had free classes included. Of course ave had the machine for 2 years and have been making lap quilts. But just this last weekend I went to Houston to take my class and get a bigger frame. I learned that I have been doing things the wrong way. In the class I also learned that I was doing every thing the hard way. Classes really do help. I like my machine even more than I did.

Linda

Say a prayer for your sister quilters who have to resort to a quilting frame with domestic machine on top. The frame was expensive enough (about the price that you seem to buy the long arms for).However, to buy a long arm is a substantial investment (about the cost of a medium sized car and I bet they are more expensive than you can imagine) so therefore, we need to go into business to ease the financial burden. I have practiced on about 6 different types and I liked the Statler, Gammil, and one called an Inspira that Pfaff and Husqvarna have their Grand Quilter on.