This is a question for those with a long arm. Has anyone tried the zipper leaders? I was looking at them and wondering if it would be worth it. It is supposed to save time loading your quilt. But have also heard that if you lose any of the teeth, it would have to be replaced. That could be expensive. Please chime in.
Chris in Searcy

i use velcro instead of zipper leaders, its much cheaper and easy to replace the velcro, not that i've had to.

I have a Voyager 17 and Hinterberg Stretch frame, purchased in June of 07--guessing at over 100 quilts since I started, 57 since January 2011.
I have zippers in my headers. When I made the headers I cut off a 3" strip, finished the edges, sewed the sleeping bag weight zippers in place. I do not sew onto the zippers again but on to the 3" strip then zip them on.
I sew the backing on the two headers then the bottom of the top on the top header, roll it part way, baste it and the batting to the backing @ the take-up roller, tighten, place the side tensioners on, tighten the top and go to work. Takes less than 1/2 hour to load including cutting batting to size off the roll. Only use 3 pins to pin the centers.

me too

I bought the zippers and never installed them. So I installed the Red Snapper system - and love it. PM me if you want the zippers - they're black.

I have zippered leaders, they are great if you have a business and are putting one on when you are sewing on another one. Or you have a quilt that needs to be done, and you are not finished with the one you have on. Unzip and zip on the next!

I have zippers but am going to get Red Snappers in a couple of weeks at MQS, I hope...

I love the zipper leaders I put on my HQ Fusion. I have 2 sets so I can pin one while another is on the frame. The quilt I take off the frame, I leave the zippers on while I check the quilt for any mistakes or missed spots. If I need to put it back on, it just zips in seconds. I wouldn't be without!!!!

Ok I have had Pepperchini since 06/06/06 (she is a Voyager 17 with a Hinty stretch frame, she is pimped out with custom handles and bowers lifts,,, and some really cool washers,,) I never put the zippers or the velcro on,, I bought them both lol I always pinned... well I finally broke down and put the zippers on last month.. I personally wish I would have done the velcro,. but I am stalking the red snappers...

I pin, but I mostly quilt for myself and will not take a quilt off to start up a new one: too ADHD--I'd never go back to the first one!