I think if you figure out how to use them correctly, maintain them and use them often they would be just fine. I think they have kind of become a joke because some people just don't get along with them. I picked one up yesterday and I think it will be a winner. It is a Singer 603. All metal. It does need the disks. It only has a zz disk. Those are simple to use if you read the manual on winding the bobbin. They are just like a 401 but can do chain stitches.