Why NOT buy a Sailrite Sewing Machine?

[SV Papillon]

I have a lz2 I think the one with the walking foot. I helped out at a sail canvas shop for a little and this is only slightly smaller than the machine they used for most stuff. Does fine with v92 and canvas I ran about 4 or 5 layer of old 6 oz cloth through to test it and it was ok just had to go slow. It would be a challenge doing heavy patch work like clews etc. Two musts are double sticky tape availble at most sail lofts or canvas shops and a long stapler.
Jake

[jboid2121]

I was thinking twice about ordering a sailrite machine, seriously. BUT, first of all the price is not right. Almost $1,000 when other similar machines are $300-$400 or sometimes less. Sailrite calls these machines clones but i'm not too sure they are accurate.

My main issue is sailrites forums. They just badger other companies and you can tell it's an internal employee writing for them. I'll give you two examples. I have two friends - one has an Omega walking foot machine and the other has a Tuffsew. I wanted to 1-Up my friends and get the most expensive walking foot machine i could find...that is the sailrite.

Then after reading sailrites one-sided forums (they moderate everything eh)...and doing actual research - I found that tuffsew and omega have WAY MORE POSITIVE reviews than sailrite does... on many reliable websites (including eBay with the most). These are cold hard reviews - unlike forums which can be skewed.

Lastly, I commented on the sailrite forum and included my friend enjoying the Omega and another enjoying the tuffsew....and guess what - they blocked my comment. Of course right.

Jeremy