Cowboy CB4500 or Cobra Class 4?

[AngryDick]

I currently have a CB4500 and it works great but I am going to add another machine and I have to wonder if the Cobra Class 4 is any better? ( I was also asking about the 441 clones direct from china in another thread). If everyone had a choice between the Cowboy or the Cobra, What would you choose? I am a Holster Maker by the way.

Thanks

[LiftPig]

The Cowboy 4500, Cobra Class 4, Cobra Class 3, Artisan Toro 3200 and some others are all 441 clones and essentially the same with some differences in arm length.  It really comes down to customer support.  

What are you wanting your new machine to do that your 4500 can't do?

[AngryDick]

Just need a second machine for do the same things.

[dikman]

My take is it comes down to price and what is the best value, i.e. do you get any extra goodies thrown in? Either of those will do the same job.

[JLSleather]

dude - it's the SAME MACHINE.  If you're already dealing with Bob K / Toledo Ind Sewing, I highly recommend you stay with him.

[AngryDick]

Well, I bought the Cowboy from a private party so I have no experience with either company.

[bruce johnson]

I can see having two similar machines set up to do different things in your business, I heard how busy you guys are! Here is my take. I just bought my nephew a Cobra 4 and picked it up at the Prescott leather show. It comes with a flat bed table attachment, flat throat plate, holster plate, and stirrup plate - a few different presser feet, and a drop down edge guide. Probably was an option for a wax pot but I didn't get one for his. (I never used one on my Ferdco unless I was sewing doubled latigo reins wide open speed). When I got my Ferdco Art Van Hecke told me on the predecessor of this forum to get every available attachment I could when I bought it. The package price will beat buying the attachments later ala carte. Smart advice but then again I was making a lot of different things. I have used every foot and plate and more they added later. 

Looks like the Cowboy you have is set up with a wax pot and standard throatplate/presser foot. If you are just doing holsters and no plans for anything else you could duplicate what you've got without a "package". Both places have a reputation for service. Cobra is closer to you so shipping cost might be a factor.

 

[dikman]

5 hours ago, AngryDick said:

Well, I bought the Cowboy from a private party so I have no experience with either company.

In that case from what I've read on here over the years either dealer should be fine. As JLS said to all intents and purposes they are the same machine.

[MAK67]

 I have been digging into the differences between Cobra Class 4 and Cowboy CB4500 to determine what machine is the best value for me. The Cobra Class 4 and the Cowboy CB4500 and the Juki 441 heads are made in the same factory on the same assembly line. They are identical in every way until the Cobra gets painted brown and the Cowboy gets painted tan. Cowboy has stepped up in my opinion with the addition of the Stainless-Steel presser feet and needle plates to eliminate the possibility of rust due to the moisture in the leather, the Extra-Large Flywheel, the Wax/Lube pot for the thread and a Better LED Light. Cowboy also has a bit Heavier Built Speed Reducer. All of that is not included with the Cobra. I contacted Cobra they did not contest what Cowboy had told me, all Cobra would say is Cobra has a limited lifetime warranty, but Cowboy also has a limited lifetime warranty, so Cobra did now win any points from me on that. They both come with a heavy built table/stand and a Servo motor. They are both around $2900.  I have spoken with Ryan at Neal Saddlery and Teleto Bob at Teleto industrial sewing, about the cowboy machines I also contacted Aron at Makers Leather, Heather Bradt at Leather Machine Co about the Cobra Class 4. This is the accumulation of the information I received from all of them. My conclusion is both are good machines but, it appears you get more for your money with Cowboy.

[Wizcrafts]

19 hours ago, MAK67 said:

My conclusion is both are good machines but, it appears you get more for your money with Cowboy.

I agree with your assessment. I got my Cowboy cb4500 in 2011 or 12 and haven't had any mechanical problems or failures yet. It has more than paid for itself over these years. I will mention that it is necessary to keep it well oiled to ensure a long life. This involves removing the left faceplate occasionally to oil all the little holes in the crankshafts.

[kgg]

On 3/12/2024 at 7:19 PM, AngryDick said:

What would you choose?

Since you have gotten good service out of the Cowboy I would just go with another Cowboy.

kgg