by babolucia 15 Aug 2013

Pfaff or Viking?


I did go to the Joann's a block away this afternoon and they say Pfaff and Viking are made by the same company. They are willing to match the price I get from Pfaff. However, I have no idea how the machines compare. So far, the Pfaff machines seem to have nicer features.

They both have the same size hoops.

They are both easy to switch from sewing to embroidery.

Phaff has walking foot built in and Viking has sewing advisory.

Any suggestions?

If I want the Pfaff floor model, we are getting it this Saturday.

Viking dealer is only 5 minutes away and the lady there seems really nice. Pfaff dealer is 75 minutes away and I've never been there. Only talked on the phone.

Does anybody know enough about both brands to know what is a better choice?

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by osueo 16 Aug 2013

From personal experience, check out the CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!!
And try to talk to other customers: ask THEM questions.
This is experience speaking.
You may get a good price, but the CUSTOMER SERVICE is a BIG DEAL .
Good luck>>>>>

2 comments
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

Thanks! At least the lady I deal with is super nice. I like her a lot

gerryb by gerryb 17 Aug 2013

But she may not be involved with customer service!!! I agree, that's as important as the machine!!

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by pcteddyb 16 Aug 2013

Test drive both and see which you like better. Also, do give consideration to how far you have to travel for classes, service, etc. - and see which dealer offers classes with purchase. Also see which dealer you feel the best about - they can be a real help with questions, etc.

1 comment
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

Thank you. I finally went with Viking because it is so close.

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by mary51 16 Aug 2013

I am not an expert, I love my Brothres, I do not know too much about Pfaff but I have read Viiking and
Singer are now made in China, and even thou the machines are suppose to be the same, I have heard quality control in China is very bad. So Viking and Singer are not as good as they used to be,

2 comments
osueo by osueo 16 Aug 2013

I love my BROTHERS, too.
I have purchased at least 10 over the last 10 years---for self, family, and others------nice to keep same brand---very similar and many interchangeable parts..

gerryb by gerryb 17 Aug 2013

I think all machines are made in China now. And that's a shame. I don't want to "slam" any country, but I have had the Viking made in Sweden & it is far above the new ones in quality.

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by jobaby 16 Aug 2013

As everyone has said it is personal preference. In my sewing room are 3 Vikings and I have given one to each granddaughter. The most important factor, however, is the dealer. You need someone you can rely on.

2 comments
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

Yes, I agree. I'll find out about the classes and service also today. Thanks!

osueo by osueo 16 Aug 2013

CUSTOMER SERVICE SEW IMPORTANT

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by pennifold 16 Aug 2013

Sorry I only know about the Husqvarna and having a dealer close-by is a real bonus. My technician in at Thorpe's Sewing Machines is wonderful and I've been dealing with him for about 20 years. As you say having the other dealer 75 mins away might be a problem. I agree with Kazza go and try them both out. I did that with my Brother Quattro 6700D Innovis Eye machine. I had my eye on it for 2 years and of course in that time it jumped another $1000.00. It's a personal preference Lucia? and so go on your gut instinct. Love and blessings Chris

1 comment
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

Yes. The Pfaff dealer also sells Viking. I'll make more phone calls today and test drive both. Thank you, Chris!

Lucia

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by vickiannette 16 Aug 2013

I have had a Pfaff overlocker since 1991, a 2140 Embr since 2003 and a second hand 2170 for about 3 years. All are good. The bobbin winder is not fantastic, but maybe they have looked at the problem with this. I love the built in walking foot. They are fairly easy to work out, I didn't have any lessons. I live about 700kms from the dealer, but he is great over phone and great with machines too. If I have to send to him, I make sure it is packed in original boxes. Good luck

1 comment
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

I'll make sure to try the bobbin winder. Thanks!

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by mops Moderator 16 Aug 2013

Since Husqvarna bought Pfaff the machines have the same sized hoops and the software is identical, but the walking foot is a Pfaff patent and Husqvarna machines don't offer that.
I have had HUsqvarna machines since 1980 and like them, have had good dealers and very good service. Only once did I have a part replaced and as it was done at the yearly maintenance i did not have to pay for labour, just the part.
My neighbour had a Pfaff which she used for quilting, which she did every day; that machine was a real workhorse that she had no problems with and although it had an embroidery unit she used to come to me for embroideries.
I think it is a matter of personal preference. And a good dealer is a must, close by is a bonus.

1 comment
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

Thank you so much for all the information!

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by jerrib 16 Aug 2013

I have the Pfaff 7570 and a Pfaff serger and love both of them. Have had no major problems with either. The Pfaff 7570 embroidery is outdated now with all the new technology, but I still use it as a sewing machine.
Jerri

1 comment
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

Thank you! It's just the Pfaff dealer is so much farther away than the Viking dealer. Taking classes could be a problem.

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by kazza 15 Aug 2013

Yes it's true Husqvarna Viking own and make Pfaff machines, personally I like Husqvarna Viking machines, This is a personal preference what you really need to do is go in and see both machines working and also work out what your want from a machine - make a list. Then you can make an informed decision for yourself. Have fun! and don't forget to let us know what you end up with.

1 comment
babolucia by babolucia 16 Aug 2013

The more I research, the harder it is to decide. I'll for sure report what I end up with. Thanks!

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by askmcv 15 Aug 2013

I only know Pfaff machines (for over 30 years), but I must say that the walking foot is fantastic.

2 comments
lilylady by lilylady 15 Aug 2013

I agree, I have had 3 pfaffs over the years and I wore out the electrical in one and the other 2 are going like work horses. They are the only ones now that can sew heavier then size 16. (but I would ask about the new ones.) Pfaffs are quiet and don't just all over the place.

babolucia by babolucia 15 Aug 2013

Thank you! I do want that.

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