Hi,
I had a customer ask what the differences between the Grace Pinnacle and the ProFlex frame from SuperQuilter. Here are the reasons why we like the Grace Pinnacle so much more.
There are several reasons why the Grace Pinnacle is a much better quilting system than the ProFlex. Here is the list of reasons:
I had a customer ask what the differences between the Grace Pinnacle and the ProFlex frame from SuperQuilter. Here are the reasons why we like the Grace Pinnacle so much more.
There are several reasons why the Grace Pinnacle is a much better quilting system than the ProFlex. Here is the list of reasons:
- The ProFlex is more of a kit than a complete system. They say that it is good 'ole common sense to not ship the frame rails. What it is is very inconvenient. The Pinnacle is a complete system that you set up and you are ready to load a quilt. (especially if you get it from KathyQuilts.com because we include King cloth leaders) You don't have to buy any extra tools, electrical conduit, or anything. It is a complete setup that includes a free speed control. You have to have a machine that is compatible with the speed control but you still get it with the frame for free.
- There is less adjustments that need to be made to the frame. The wooden frames are nice but you will need to tighten them up ever now and then. The Pinnacle stays tight and doesn't wobble like the ProFlex. It is nice just be able to go and quilt when you want and not mess around tightening your frame before you need to use it.
- The ProFlex is just ugly. I am sorry to say but there isn't anything sexy or appealing about it. The carriage handles are way funky. The Pinnacle is a sleek sexy looking frame that is awesome. The precision bearing wheels on the carriage let it glide across the tracks almost like it is floating on air. There are foam grips that help to minimize vibration and let you quilt longer without your hands getting tired. The ProFlex handles are not nearly as comfortable to quilt with. Quilting on the Pinnacle is just a joy. It makes you whole quilting experience more enjoyable which means you will quilt more and get more return on your investment.
- The ProFlex uses electrical conduit frame rails which makes attaching your cloth leaders much harder. All of the Grace Company machine frames have what is called the Fabri-Fast system. That means you can attach your leaders without tape, Velcro, or glue. You should watch our video about attaching cloth leaders to your frame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWDolmYUMOs
- Tensioning your quilt is a very important part of making sure your quilt turns out beautifully. The ProFlex doesn't use ratchet wheels so adjusting your quilt to get the right tension is a lot harder. When you quilt one section and then the next section has a different tension your quilt is more prone to inconsistencies. You buy a quilting frame to help you finish your quilts and make them beautiful, not to just spend money on a frame. The Pinnacle is a very easy to use frame.
- Setting up the Pinnacle is not hard. It is a bit of a time investment so having a partner or someone there to help can make the task much easier. Everything you need is included, but a cordless screw driver or drill (set on the lowest tension) can make the job go much faster. The ProFlex takes more time because you have to go to the store to get the frame rails (electrical conduit). You also have to make your own table to hold pantograph patterns or pattern boards. What a headache!
- When you quilt you eventually have to raise the Take-Up Rail. You will have so much quilt rolled on the Take-Up Rail that it rests on the bed of your sewing machine. I went to a lady's house once that wondered why she couldn't move her carriage around. She had no clue that you have to raise the Take-Up Rail and it was all bowed because he hadn't raised it. I couldn't believe it. I guess we take for granted many times what we think just makes sense. The Pinnacle has cool ribs that the Take-Up Rail assembly makes a noise as you raise it. You can move one side up two or three clicks then the other side the same. With the ProFlex you have to pretty much guess how high to raise the rails. When you quilt you don't want to mess around adjusting things, you just want to quilt and not worry about whether your frame is set up properly.
- Warranty is really important. The Pinnacle has a five year warranty through the Grace Company. I couldn't find any mention of a warranty on the SuperQuilter web site. Either that isn't important to them or ..... I don't know why it wouldn't be important. The Grace Company takes care of their frame owners.
Thanks,
Lynn
KathyQuilts.com
