Unlike some of the others, I chose my machine (APQS Millennium) site unseen. I made my decision based on several factors. I read and read and searched online in various groups and forums, and it seemed to me that the APQS owners were the happiest. Now that was simply my observation.

My next reason was the long warranty of the APQS machine, a full 8 years.

My last and least important reason was that an APQS road show happened to go through my area and I was able to get a killer deal!

Sharics wrote:
I have had my Primier Plus for over a year and a half now and thoroughly enjoy it. I quilt for pay (I'm a guy by the way). If you can you should try both before making a purchase and see which one "feels" the best for you. Also, you need a dealer who will be there to answer questions and provide support when needed. My dealer let me "play" with a Gammill for about six hours before I made the decision to invest in the machine. Then there were free follow-up classes to ensure that you were comfortable with your new "baby."

I went to a quilt show and tried all the long arm machines at the show. I did this for two consecutive years. I also brought my husband to study the mechanics of each manufacturer. I also had a problem with elbow nerve pain at the time. I found that the A-1 longarm machine had less vibration and the touch was very light and not tiring on the arms. Also you could adjust the height of the machine so that you could stand or sit and maintain good posture. I thought both the Gamill and the Millennium had too much vibration and did not flow well over the quilt. I ended up purchasing the A-1. A woman came to my home for two days to set up and teach me how to care for it, adjust it, load it and use it. I am very happy with my decision. I quilt for myself. I recommend trying all of them!

I have had my Premier Plus since August 2008 and thoroughly enjoy it. I quilt for pay. I did my researth prior to purchase by visiting the Gammill dealer in my area. She let me spend about five hours working on one of her machines. I knew then that this was the machine I wanted. My suggestion is to try out both and then decide which feels best for you. Just make sure you are offered training and follow up support.

If you are purchasing a new APQS machine, they have changed the gears and they do not require grease. However if you have a 2008 or older machine it may have been packed with grease.

Honestly, it sound a lot worse then it is. It took about 10 minutes in my maintainence class. The only time it would need to be repacked is if you start getting a lot of noise from the gears behind your hook assembly. If you call APQS there is no charge for the grease, but there is a shipping charge, so most owners have them send a pack when they are ordering something else and then they have it on hand if they ever need it. If you have a dealer near you they probably have the grease on hand too.

Well I don't own either one. I have a Nolting 24" PRO .... love Prince Charming.

I believe APQS machine require 'packing of oil' or whatever they call it ... need to check on that.

You can't go wrong really with either one.

Service .... don't think you need a dealer in your backyard. My dealer is 3hrs away but hey email or cell phone is instant. You'll probably get more instant help from other longarm forums like

http://apqs.com
http://mqresouce.com

Good luck in your search and final decision.

I don't (and never will) own a longarm, but I had the chance to 'play' a little on both machines. I found the APQS easier to handle. Don't ask me why, because I have no idea. It just somehow 'felt better'. I also got smooth and fairly conistent lines much quicker on the APQS. Just the opinion of someone who had never used a longarm before, but had the chance to try them out.

Personally, if I had the money and space for one of those monster babies, I'd look very carefully into after sales service and support. It would be no good to buy your dream machine, in my opinion, and then find that it's a nightmare to get help in your area if a problem develops.

I received my Gammill Premier Plus on July 19th and have very much enjoyed it. It isn't heavy...glides like a dream. It does need oil, but oiling it takes seconds. I have used PermaCore, KingTut, MaxiLock. Coats & Clark, SoFine and BottomLine threads, all with just a bit of adjustment. It only has 14 inches of quilting depth, but for most quilts that has been fine.

Ruthie,

Gammill Premier+
Ruthie's Quilting ~ Lafayette, IN
http://www.ruthiesquilting.com
http://community.webshots.com/user/ruthiein

Well, I'm biased but I would choose a Freedom. Less oil, light weight, and low maintenence. You can also use any kind of thread that you desire!

Eileen,

Cheryl will primarily discuss APQS machines, but we can certainly bring up that there are other brands out there that do nice work as well.

Can we discuss other brands too? I have a Gammill Classic Plus.

Hello everyone,

As we have Cheryl Uribe from APQS in the chat room tonight, she might be able to give you suggestions on what to look for when purchasing a long-arm machine. It is a big purchase item and she has first hand knowledge.

after test driving all major brands, i settled on the apqs millenium... i suspect you will be happy with whichever machine you settle on... good luck in your search! charla

I agree with what's been said - it's like asking "What's better, Ford, Chevy or Chrysler?" Maybe that's a bad analogy, since I think all longarm machines are better made than cars . Very simply, the best machine is the one you like the best.

If you go to a large quilt show or expo, you'll be able to drive all the brands and better decide which one wants you to take her home. You will also see phenominal (sp?) work done by quilters with just about every machine imaginable. I have an A-1 and wouldn't trade her for the World, but you'll hear that from Gammill, Nolting, and APQS drivers too (among others) - it's a huge investment; take your time to decide. JMHO -

Jorja