Which is Better the APQS Freedom or Gammill Premier Plus

[View My TQS Profile Sharics]

I am going to buy a longarm machine and can not decide on the APQS Freedom or the Gammill Premier Plus. Everyone in this area uses Gammills....
I am only going to use the machine for my quilts. I have no plans on be a professional quilter.
I would like your pros and cons.

[View My TQS Profile JudyinOhio]

I don't own a longarm but I would guess that if everyone in your area uses a certain brand then it's probably because there's a good dealer in the area and the customers are happy with that dealer. Word of mouth has spread the news, so to speak, and so everyone has bought the machines that this dealer is selling.

So if you want to be contrary or different then go ahead and buy the other brand.

Judy

[View My TQS Profile MamaBev]

Have you talke dto some of the Gammill owners in your area? Did any of them consider your alternative and why did they choose Gammill?

[View My TQS Profile luvmylongarm]

It all depends on what you like. Have you had the chance to try both out? They both do the same thing, but it all depends on how the machine feels to you. Some people find the gammill heavy and some don't, and some find that the Apqs heavy and also not. It also really depends on what you are comfortable with. I have the gammill and I love it, but to my friend that also quilts she likes the A-1 machine, to her its lighter and she likes the way it quilts. I like the gammill it feels right to me when I'm quilting. I like the way quilts and the feel of it.

So I would really try them out and see what you are comfortable with. They are both great machines! Hope this helps. Lisa

[View My TQS Profile ljorja]

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

[View My TQS Profile cvrchota]

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

[View My TQS Profile TQSWizard]

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.

[View My TQS Profile eileenkny]

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

[View My TQS Profile TQSWizard]

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.

[View My TQS Profile GizmoGirl]

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!

[View My TQS Profile Ruthie]

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

[View My TQS Profile Lorchen]

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.

[View My TQS Profile DixieQ]

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.

[View My TQS Profile Oats520]

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.

[View My TQS Profile Ronslongarm]

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.