Narrowed Down My Choice

[JWheeler331]

So I have narrowed down my sewing machine choice ( I think) to the following; 

Cobra Class 4

Techsew 5100SE

Cowboy CB4500

 

I have never purchased a sewing machine of this caliber but intend to buy once instead of buying smaller and then moving up later. I have very limited experience with leather machines. 

 

My question is the following; If you were buying one of the mentioned machines which would you choose over the other and why? 

 

I know I may get votes for each and many different reasons why. That is okay. I want to see other's opinions and then form my own. You may have a reason that I have not thought of. 

 

Thanks in advance for any advise. 

[Cattledude]

I'm happy with my Cobra 4 and the service from Steve and staff. I sold a Ferdinand 900B to buy the Class 4 and have not had any regrets. I have not used any of the others on your list. Not a lot of help, just my 2 cents worth. If at all possible, go test drive your chosen list and see how they compare.

[Wizcrafts]

I own a CB4500 and one of my best friends owns a Cobra Class 4. I sew on it every now and then and it is just like sewing on my Cowboy. They use the same needles and bobbins and have the same tensioners and pressure screws. Both will produce top quality results within their intended design parameters.

I do own a Techsew machine, but it is a smaller, lighter duty machine. It works as it should and gets plenty of use.

All three brands offer certain modifications, additions, or accessory packages. The only question mark for me is what type of motor does your machine ship with? In the good old days, sewing machines usually had clutch motors that one had to learn to feather in - until it was off to the races. Nowadays, these machines have electronically controlled servo motors. There are basically two types of servo motor in common use over here (vs over there!). 1: brushless with multi-function pushbuttons and LCD readouts to control the speed and direction (big learning curve); 2: with replaceable brushes and a simple rotary knob that limits the top speed and a slide switch for direction.

The three brands you asked about are all advertisers here. They keep the lights on for us. I can tell you that anybody I know who has had a problem and asked for help from the dealer they bought the machine from got all the assistance they needed to get things back on track. In fact, some folks buy these machines second hand and the dealers will still assist the new buyer even though they legally don't have to.

Until last year there was a Cowboy dealer in Arlington, Texas. that's not too far from Louisiana. Unfortunately, he closed his business. Your nearest Cowboy dealer is in Toledo, Ohio. Cobra is headquartered in Ontario, California, with an authorized dealer in Springfield, Mo. Techsew is based in Montreal, Canada, but has a US shipping agent. You will have to factor in shipping charges no matter whom you buy the machine from. This could change the total cost, especially if you have it shipped to a location lacking a truck loading dock. All shippers charge extra for a lift gate delivery truck.

[shoepatcher]

I believe all three machines are made in the same factory in China.  All three companies are good to deal with and Steve, Bob and Raphael are great people.  All give great service.  To me it comes down to price and the shipping costs.  Just my 2 cents.   Whoever you choose, they will give you great results!!

glenn

[chrisash]

Would a more middle of the road say a 3200 offer you a wider range of use?

If you leave it a while, import tarifs may come down  depending on who gets in and the long term view

[JWheeler331]

Thanks for all of the points made. I like certain things about each of them but I will do some more looking and researching in the meantime.