BettyM

Go to Renee Hadaddin's website. She has a comparison of many different different longarm machines. I don't know her web address, but you can google it.

bamamama

I have a Tin Lizzie 18LS. Good machine for the $$ but very tempermental. You need a lot of patience. Of course I have not experienced any other machines. Wonder if they are all as tempermental as mine?

ksea

It is a 5 page downloadable document that is more than worth the time it takes to read!! I learned tons!

DianaSwi

I have a used Gammill and LOVE it..no stitch regulator..no bells or whistles..LOVE it..
Diana
Tranquil Quilting
Jackson,MI

feline fanatic

I have a 26" ABM Innova on a 10' frame (that is all I could fit, if I could have I would have gone to a 12' frame).

Pros:
IMO the Innova is the best bang for the buck on the market
One of the, if not the best, frame on the market. It is a 4 roller system so you don't have to constantly adjust the take up roller. Makes no difference how backs are seamed. Solid as a rock with almost no vibration made of aircraft grade aluminum.
24-7 factory customer support (although I have not had to use it, thankfully)
Is not fussy about thread, will take any kind of thread I throw at it.
Not temepramental.
One of the most responsive stitch regulators on the market (The lightening stitch). They introduced it after I got my machine so I don't have it, but I got to test it at the MQX and it was amazing.
Retains resale value, but try to find a used one on the market, you won't. Those of us that have them find no need to trade up, trade in, or sell them! You may be able to get a dealer demo but they are hard to find second hand.


Cons:
Have yet to find one.

cgstroud

I have had an APQS millenium for 6 years and love it.......I live in Canada so not close to service.......I have never needed it, only issues once in awhile are tension and that usually is either humidity or thread. I have the stitch regulator ( wouldn't be without that), no computer.....love doing free-hand. I don't have a longarm business..only use it for my own quilting.

cherylrom

Longarm machine and "cheap" don't go together. Talk to the Pros - many will talk to you on the phone - they love to talk of their "baby". You will find many have owned a minimum of two different brands. Ask lots of ??? Physically go - Try out as many different brands as possible. Listen to those who spend alot of time on their longarm machines, and really evaluate how you will use it. I started out with HQ system, so much down time and frustration, then upgraded to smallest no frills Gammill - no comparison - then last year upgraded to Gammill Vision. My frustration level has dropped 90 percent - now I love to finish my own work from beginning to end. These machines, space investment, and supply investment are costly, so take the time to research.

FrenchKnot

I have an APQS Ultimate that is an older machine. It stitches beautifully and I just love the frame. Any time I call APQS they are very helpful and friendly. If I was going to buy a newer machine, it would definitely be an APQS.

Quilter7x

Welcome to the board. One thing you will find very helpful here is the "search" function at the top of the page. You can look to see if there are any threads started with a specific machine or just long arms in general.

You're going to love this place! :thumbup:

Susie Quilter

Hello and welcome from the Ozarks in Arkansas.
Happy Quilting