I have always had Bernina's when I was working. Bernette is not quite the quality of Bernina's. But most of us can't afford the price difference. The air threading is such a blessing for us with "mature" eyes. I got this at a super introductory price, I couldn't resist. It is well built, heavy. It is somewhat noisy as to my last Bernina Serger/coverstich, so I had a wool pressing matt I wasn't using and placed it underneath. Much better. Threading and changing stitching styles is easy with lots of YouTube training available.