Rhondalea

I agree you should try the different machines! It's important! I was fortunate enough to be able to get to APQS, Gammill and Nolting to speak to people and watch demos and listen to teachers and then SEW, SEW, SEW! All of which are very important when you are trying to make an intelligent choice that involves some serious money. Good luck!

I have a Gammill Optimum Plus and love it! I purchased the Plus because of the extra reach it gives me! At 6'1", I can easily handle a longer reach and less rotations. And I can adjust my 14' table for depth, as well. I've never had a problem with anything. My rollers are smooth, canvas is great, head rides smooth, etc. When I had to move my whole set up this past summer, I had to reset the timing (guys!) but learned very easily with the manual beside me. It only took minutes! I've been very pleased and the support is good, as well. I would have loved to have had the Statler, which is for the Gammill, but the difference in the money was not justifiable for me. One piece of advice, if you are thinking of a Statler, do not buy a Gammill to later have adapted to a Statler. I went MQS and inquired. They told me it would cost quite a bit more...can't remember but it was A LOT....PLUS they would have to strip my head and rewire. It was like buying another longarm and throwing this one away! In my case, we felt it was not worth it. Just bypass that thought if you are thinking of later converting. We stopped and talked to the QBot people and was impressed with their add-on. But I am still not sold on the computerized quilting yet. I still enjoy the freehand style. I hope that helps. Any questions, you can email me at cook.rhonda@gmail.com and I can get back to you.