HQ-16 love it, have sit down model as not enough room available to use one with large frame.

In response to the $ question for long-arm machines - the Baileys are the most reasonably priced basic machines. The 13" machines are $1599, the 15" are $1899 and the 17" are $2499. One member did post that she found a big difference in the ease of movement between her Bailey and her current machine. I have a Bailey 17" on a Grace Imperial frame and it moves around with one finger. The carriage on the quilting frame is what makes the most difference in how easily your machine moves. If you want a basic machine to just quilt your own quilts, these machines are worth considering. You can also get a stitch regulator for them. Just remember to get a good carriage.

I have the Innova 26 with prostitch. I don't have the new lightning stitch. I really do like mine, but I'm new to longarming and can't compare it to anything else. I don't have trouble with thread breakage, etc. The trouble I have is operator inexperience!!

My two cents - I have had two Baileys, the 13" and the 15" and the difference between them and the Innova is gigantic! My Baileys were on a Little Gracie II frame, the frame was fine.
I was always quilting, so had much experience with the problems of the stitching, tension, and etc. The 15" had the stitch regulator, and I never found it was any great advantage. I used these machines for about 3 years. Am so glad I have the Innova and if I had to go back to Bailey, after my experiences, I would no longer quilt...
Phyllis

I have an APQS Ultimate II that is ten years old. It does what I bought it for and at my age and with only retirement income, I won't be upgrading. Truthfully I would like something smaller, but that's an "if I win the lotto" dream.

This is what I have too, Maralyn. I love the old gal. She does a great job. If I had wishes I'd probably not mind a regulator to do line work with, but then I'd be doing the kind of work I don't like so ...well, you know the grass is always greener :).

I have a Nolting Pro 24 and love it!

I have the Gammill Classic. I purchased it about 11 years ago. I tried out the Nolting and A-1 before buying my Gammill. I am like most people who own a quilting machine-I tried them out and bought the one that "fit" me best. I'm one of those people who believe the less "gadgets" on one the less you will have problems with. My Gammill is not a heavy machine I can easily guide it with one finger. Maybe if the table was not level it would be harder to guide. I love it!!!!

There is an A-1 dealer near me. Would love to know what anyone thinks about them.

I have an Innova 18". I love it. Never had any problems with it. Use Superior thread and King Tut. One thing I lik about buying from them is that they have 24/7 response to problems. You call them with a problem and you either get Michael (the dad) or the son or a maintence man to walk you thru any problem. They will stay on the phone with you till the problem is resolved. It is a 3 generation company that started out making quilting machines for factorys. Usually when we call for whatever we get Michael. They want you to be happy with your machine and will do anything within reason to help you with it. We didn't start off with the frame that goes with the machine and I wasn't happy with it so we went to Houston and picked up the frame I should have had in the first place.