My vote is for the Handi Quilter. I have the Avante, and lovvvvvvveeeeeeee it. But if you do look at Babylock, you might notice it looks just like an HQ. (HQ makes the Babylock longarms). Going online and looking at some of the youtube videos might help too. I know that Handi Quilter has lots of videos on their website you can check out.

I could never be a longarm quilter. My arms are too short. Hee hee hee!

Check the internet for what machines are available. Talk to people that own a LA. Fine a store or show that has LAs to test the machines and talk to people, owner of the shops, owners of the machines for what they like or not. I know if you are closer to Kansas, that LA Show will be here later this month and you can test all types of machines to get he feel of what you like. We went to a demo and and a store. We tested several machines and ended up with a APQS.

You can't beat an Innova for the money!

keep in mind where the closest dealer is just like with a hsm they need service or repair. Mine always breaks whenI am super rushed, or behind lol