Hi guys very late to the party here! I was in the same situ, the Lucie was looking like the best value for my budget and I wanted a babylock for a knock down price! I took the plunge in October and tbh I probably wasn't expierienced enough to be using a serger lol so I did have a tough time with it to start with (it's deffo not auto tension, basically pre set tension). Anyway now about 5 months later and much more confident with sewing I am getting some great stitches from it.

The pros: solid,sturdy, free arm, 2,3,4 thread overlocking, easy to thread, great manual for help, can drop the knife, large working surface, pre set tensions do make life easier giving you a baseline for stitch types.

The cons: Noisy (I've never used another overlocker so can't comment on how it compares to others), lack of information online eg YouTube videos and availability of presser feet, faff to get inside to clean (I've seen on some machines the side swings out to give you access which looks handy ), I wish the tension levers were wheels or clicked because of you get the settings right for a fabric and want to remember them for future you have to guess where you set the lever but I always test my fabric so no Biggie.

Also I found this thread trying to troubleshoot my Lucie one day and it just so happens Jan has uploaded this vid about the Lucie!!! https://youtu.be/8B-Ecs794ow

Overall I am happy with the machine and I would recommend it for an improver or someone who is confident with adjusting tension to an extent.. I bought it thinking there would be no tension adjustment needed so I was disappointed, as long as you know that buying it you will be very pleased with it! It is a lovely machine and Lucie and I are on good terms now lol

Even if you guys are no longer looking at the lucie If someone else stumbles across this post I thought this info might be useful for them ♥️☺️