I researched on line first then took a friend with me to Houston 2 years ago and tried out as many machines as I could in 2 days. With her help I was able to remember what I liked or didn't like about each. I chose a 22" Innova with Lightning Stitch, Autopilot, and a 10' frame because that's what fit best in the space I had. My preference now would be to have the 26" size and a 12' table. But since I can't reach past 22" and don't plan on making many king size quilts the size I have works fine. It just takes more passes across the quilt and will only quilt about 15-16" which is not quite enough for a 12" on point block.

Renae Haddadin put out a great article "Shopping for a Longarm." I don't see it on her site but she has given me the ok to send it to anyone who is interested. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you're interested. It's not brand specific but gives lots of info on what to look for.

I have an Innova 26" with Lightning Stitch and AutoPilot. I quilt as a business and it has been a trusty dusty system since 2009. I had an APQS Freedom SR. I don't know if the APQS machine still beeps in stitch regulated mode, but the Innova doesn't. It's easy to maintain and service is a 24/7 call away.

Whatever machine you purchase, there will be a learning curve on how it moves, how you move it and more.
Good luck on your longarm journey!

P.S. My Innova is a 22". I quilt from the front, freehand and ruler work. This size is about the limit of what I can reach and still see what I'm doing & control the machine well.

If you plan to do a lot of pantographs or to add a computer in the future, you might want to get a bigger one? Keep in mind that once you start rolling up the completed portion of the quilt, or if you're using a ruler base, the actual quilting area front-to-back is smaller than the machine's length.

Oh, yeah, be sure to get a ruler base!...I'm not sure if this came with it or was an extra.

And, get the biggest table you can fit in your space...this will give you the flexibility to do everything from table runners to a king-size quilt.

Ditto what Linda said about trade-ins and quirks!

Happy hunting! This is a big and exciting purchase!

Hi Susan, I too have an Innova and LOVE it. The Innova is made so that any new upgrades will fit any of them. So you can start with the basic machine and add on later when you can afford it. Get a machine with only the width that is comfortable to your reach, wider than that is just wasted space. You may also want to look at trade ins, for cost saving. Every machine will have it own quirks, and you just have to figure them out. I like Leafy's response also, so I won't repeat. It is worth it to have your dealer put together your machine, unless you are really good at following directions. Good luck and Happy Quilting.

Hi Leafy, Thank you for your reply. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Hope you get your lights. My machine is going in the garage and fortunately I have good lighting. Susan

I bought an Innova a couple years ago, to replace a Nolting Fun Quilter, and have been delighted with it. I looked at a number of brands, but chose the Innova after using it in a class at MQX.

It moves easily and smoothly in all directions, it's easy to adjust stitches, and the stitch regulator is great. The stitch quality is excellent, tension is easy to adjust, and I've run a number of different threads with no problems. It doesn't need oiling, except at the bobbin. I have a 12' table, which will do a big king-size quilt. I don't have a computerized system. I did recently buy hand cranks for the rollers, but haven't installed them yet. Innova has excellent, 24/7 phone technical support available.

The only thing I think would like to have at present is their Spectre Light add-on (the lighting in my quilting studio leaves a lot to be desired), but it's not really necessary. A hydraulic lift would be nice, but its cost isn't warranted for me. The bobbin winder that comes with the Innova works fine, but seems a little flimsy (plastic) and slow compared to the Nolting one I had before. It would be nice to have an automatic thread cutter and built-in channel locks.

Whatever brand you decide to buy, you may find that the price is negotiable -- I did! My dealer was also willing to throw in some accessories to help close the deal.

Things you would probably want to have (if they're not included) would be a good supply of bobbins, a horizontal spool holder (in addition to the vertical cone holder), a TOWA gauge to fit your bobbin size, and a supply of needles in several sizes. You also may want to get a few basic rulers to get you started. Micro handles are very helpful; I use mine a lot. If it's not built-in, you should have a laser light if you want to do pantographs. Again, once your dealer feels you approaching a decision -- particularly if you say you're looking at other brands or are wavering --he/she may be willing to give you some or all the extras you want. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask!

If your dealer is nearby, it may be worthwhile to have them set up the machine for you; then you'll know, at least at first, that it's working correctly. You may also be able to get some hands-on training at the dealer's.

If you have a chance to go to another big show before buying a machine, try them again -- it won't seem so confusing the second time around. Get the literature from each one you're considering; compare the features and pricing. Look online for info and reviews.

Good luck!

It was good to hear that you are happy with the APQS which is one of the three that I an currently looking at. Many people research for years before deciding, and I do not want to jump in too soon without due diligence. When I bought my Pfaff, I assumed all sewing machines were equally good. I was wrong. I appreciate you time and thoughts. Susan

Thank you, Brenda, for taking the time to respond. You have good advice. I have made a list of the features that I definitely want. My main problem that I am having now is that I am anxious to but a machine and start quilting now. But I do not want to choice unwisely. Many people have taken years to decide, so I would be wise to slow down. Susan

I am getting close to buying a long arm. I have tried every brand available at the Quilt Festival in Houston. I have been playing on them every year for the past 4 years. Last year (2013) I took a notebook and started writing down comments on each one. Some seem to rattle a lot, some the stitch regulation isn't all that great. I even met Sharon Schamber by one of the machines and she talked with me for close to 1/2 hr about the particular machine. This year (2014) I went only to those machines that I had really good comments on and I made a few more notes. Do I need a sequin attachment? Do I need a computer attachment? Do I even need a stitch regulator? Now I have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 machines and should be able to make a decision soon. I don't know if you have the time for something like this, but it was very helpful. I wish I had figured out to take notes 4 years ago, I probably would have one by now.

I think there are a lot of great brands out there - you have to figure out what's right for you. I hated that answer when I was shopping for a long arm, but it's true. I'm a little bias because I'm an APQS owner, but I have also done A LOT of research and it's my personal favorite. I believe most of them come with ergonomic adjustable handles now and stitch regulation - both make quilting much easier. They are industrial machines but pretty low maintenance (so it always baffles me when people avoid them due to fear of upkeep - there really isn't much). I have a used one from 1999 with no stitch regulation, and still do A LOT with my bare bones machine. As far as upkeep you oil the wicks and bobbin race...that's about it. Every once in a while you change the motor brushes, it's not often, we're talking a year or more in between, and they give you step by step instructions how to do it including YouTube videos and lifetime support (even if you're not the first owner of the machine). They have a lifetime warranty if you purchase directly through APQS as well.

Regarding ball bearings - well sounds like you're talking about Bliss the newest track system and it does give better movement. I do not have Bliss but I get good range of motion with Edgerider Wheels. The thing about a long arm is you really have to research what needs to be done to get the most out of yours. Determine what your use will be (pantographs, computer, free hand) and then see what you need to do to achieve the best work for your goals. As far as movement, have you ever used a long arm and got square circles? This is practice and learning the tricks needed to get better shapes and flow.

As far as hold up - well my machine is nearing 20 years old and is still going strong.

My next choice if not APQS would be a Handi Quilter simply because there are LOTS of dealers and most people can find one within driving distance.

Just my two cents for what it's worth! I am not affiliated with either in any brand in any way, I'm just a loyal customer! I don't feel so passionately about a lot of things, but I truly feel that APQS makes quality machines and is a very customer service based company - something really hard to find these days!

After quilting on a Crown Jewel that I co-own with a friend that lives 3 hours away, I would like to buy a long arm that can quilt a king size quilt. At Road2Ca, I looked at lots of machines and came away with a headache.
Why does ball bearings give a smoother glide to the machine?
Which brand has good, convenient service? I am not mechanical. Is having a dealer close to you important?
Which machine holds up well over time?
What do you like about your machine and what don't you like?
Which machine likes a variety of threads?
Thanks for any comments. Susan