Hooping Devices - Which one?!?!

[LisaImpressions]

I'd love to hear what everyone thinks about hooping devices. I see that Melco offers three differnt kinds: All-in-One Leveler Pro, HoopMaster, and Hoop Mate. Can anyone tell me their experience with any of these? We have a HoopMaster (the standard kit). I love it. I don't know how anyone fills a shirt order without one. But I feel limited by it. We have only the 15cm fixture. I am thinking about getting a larger fixture, but I thought I would find out everyone's experience with the other devices first. Or would I be wasting my money buying another fixture? I'd love to hear what you all have to say about hooping devices.

Thanks!
Lisa
IEA
Canton, GA

[Meezer City]

I have a Hoop Master. After limping along with the 15cm fixture for a year I bought the 18cm a few months ago. I could not live without this gadget. I only wish I had added the 18cm sooner.

[Dorothy Compton]

For the round hoops, I too have only the 15cm fixture. Everything else I eyeball. I frequently use the free arm with the other hoops (18cm, 12cm, etc.) I did purchase the fixture for the plastic rectangular hoop. I use a table I purchased from IKEA for the larger wood jacketback hoops.

You might think about adding one or two fixtures a year perhaps at a tradeshow and take advantage of show specials!

Dorothy

[susan]

Hi Lisa,
I know the limitations of the HoopMaster, but from
experience I can tell you the HoopMaster is by far
superior to the All-In-One. I started with the
All-In-One and never could get it to work to my
satisfaction. I ended up getting a HoopMaster and the
very first time I used it I knew right away it was
built better than the All-In-One. The magnet setup on
it is much nicer, the hoop locks into place so that
there is no movement during hooping, & the outer hoop
gets pushed all the way in to meet the other hoop--the
All-in-One does none of these things. I marvel at the
difference everytime I use it.

I too just have the 15cm setup. However, I now feel
the added cost of adding other fixtures is justified
by its usefulness and I will be adding other fixtures
as my business grows.

Susan
Embroidery Station

[Digital Stitchz / LaserWorkz]

We have had the HoopMaster for over 7 years. We tried other hooping units before the HoopMaster, but none ....NONE.... work as well as the the HoopMaster.

We have and use square fixtures, a 4.5 inch, 5.5 inch and 7.5 inch, as well as the jacketback for our old Toyota.

[levelbest]

We have and use every day the All In One Hooper w/ Leveler Pro. Most of the negatives I hear about the all in one came before the release of the Leveler. Can't speak to that. Can only tell you we like the All in One and that I personally would be lost without it. I coulnd't hoop a shirt correctly to save my life otherwise!