Diamondback S Intro Offer

[chubsetc]

I know many people read this board and don't jump in, (I am typically one of them) but I had a thread earlier this week about M&R's Diamondback S and saw on their site they are advertising introductory pricing on them.  The 8/6 with all pneumatic option B, is going for $23,625 right now and I assume there is also intro pricing in all configurations of this series, ie 8/7, 10/8, etc.  This beats the Workhorse advertised prices for the Javelin Pro with no servo, not sure how it compares to the pricing on a servo index Anatol Horizon with most of the same specs but looks like a great deal for someone looking to get into an auto right now, especially after reading many recent posts about how great M&R does with service after the sale.

[Nation03]

Looks nice. I hope that the 'S' model doesn't have all the heads chopping even when they're off. I can see this model being one of the best entry level autos now that it has a servo indexer.

[jasonl]

I have the 1st Diamond Back S, and its GREAT!  Not entry level at all.  I have used large M&R machines for 13 years, and this press can stand with the more expensive models.  Any questions, shoot!  I have been using it for 5 months now.

[Prosperi-Tees]

From my understanding this is a standard Diamondback and the only change is the servo indexer, is that correct?

[Nation03]

Looks like they have the newer control panel also, along with an index button on each head.

[jasonl]

not the only change,  now it has print and reset buttons at every head, no longer needing to spin the control panel around.  It is built more sturdy than the previous models.  Its basically a sportsman frame with side clamps.  Also features an upgraded control panel that is more user friendly than previous models.  I am sure there is more, but I never used the other diamondbacks.

[Prosperi-Tees]

Sounds like some great upgrades. Is the print size still 16x18? I actually have my eye on the Diamondback XL which is 20x21 but that will have to wait until we move into a bigger shop. I spent all day rearranging the shop to squeeze a 12 ft 36" belt dryer and then im done until we move.

[jasonl]

mine is 20x21, but I have the beta model,  pretty sure its sold now with the 16x18.

[Prosperi-Tees]

The 8/10 XL is 20x21 servo for around 35K. Seems like a decent price but I think Anatol would have them beat by a few K but thats neither here nor there.

[Nation03]

True, but I don't think Anatol makes an extry level press with a 20x21 print area.

[Prosperi-Tees]

An Anatol 8/10 Horizon can be custom ordered in that 20x21 print size with servo and ac heads for about 40K so I think Anatol can definitely be much cheaper than the XL in that regard but you have M&R service and track record that might trump the 5K you would save.

Anatol has the best bang for the buck but M&R definitely has the best service.

[GraphicDisorder]

An Anatol 8/10 Horizon can be custom ordered in that 20x21 print size with servo and ac heads for about 40K so I think Anatol can definitely be much cheaper than the XL in that regard but you have M&R service and track record that might trump the 5K you would save.

Anatol has the best bang for the buck but M&R definitely has the best service.

I think Anatol makes a fine press (I almost bought one).  The number one thing I found when calling shops (before buying) was that over all they liked the presses and most had little to no problems out of them.  But they did say when they would need a part/service that it was at times hard to get.  So I think you have to weigh that, wait a little bit for a part and save something up front (thus costing it in the end), or paying up front more and get the service you need when you need it.  Its like most things in life, the product is "similar", but the experience/service/support can really set one above the other.  M&R's service/support was worth something to me. 

Just food for thought. 

I would do yourself this favor, go see M&R and Anatol.  I was VERY grateful when I got to do that.  No substitution for seeing BOTH machines on the same day IMO.

[tonypep]

Anatol makes good presses no doubt but......whenever I need service/parts I often have to leave a message. Inevitably I am always asked to take a pic of the problem or part because they don't know what I am talking about.
This is due to their turnover in these departments.

[mk162]

I think a network of techs is a huge thing.  I have techs I depend on.  I know who to call to get me running again.  I wish I had that same thing in embroidery.  There is 1 awesome tech for our machine.  He's hard to get a hold of.

The press techs I use are both good, but they are also independent.  I would recommend no matter what press you have, get a couple techs you can count on. 

[ZooCity]

Anatol makes good presses no doubt but......whenever I need service/parts I often have to leave a message. Inevitably I am always asked to take a pic of the problem or part because they don't know what I am talking about.
This is due to their turnover in these departments.

Same experience with our manual.  They are making good on their mistakes but it's taking forever and theres a revolving cast of characters. It's like a movie you just keep watching even though it's too long and kinda sucks. I would not go down this road again with a more complicated machine.  I'm patient but not that patient.