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Relialble Velocity 200IR (Moderated by Sharon1952)
Posted on: 9/28/16 9:34 AM ET
OK, so, as you can see from the picture below, I was in desparate need of another iron :o) (and that's not even picturing the cordless Panasonic because it didn't fit in the picture!)
Some gremlin just grabbed my hand and forced me to hit submit on this guy:
new iron
I don't know how it happened, completely out of my control! :o)
OK, well, here's how it happened. I was at a quilt shop the other day and bought the orange creamsicle looking guy at the end... a Reliable Velocity V50. Well, I tried to buy it, the quilt shop was going out of business and selling everything. I asked about the price for the iron, and they tried it out. It didn't work, so they just gave it to me and said if I could make it work, I could have it for free. I tried to make it work and took it completely apart... couldn't "see" anything wrong, so it had to go in the trash. But, I still wanted to try the Reliable brand since so many quilters love it and they are supposed to steam well... so that's why I got this one. I've heard that they aren't as "reliable" as they should be for the price, so we'll see what happens.
I bought the Laurastar used a few years ago, and honestly, it's the only iron I really need... I'm completely in love with it. However, I'm in constant fear that it is going to die because it's so old and I'll be without a good iron. I recently tried to fix that by buying a newer used Laurastar (with the vacuum/blower board)... I drove an hour and a half to get it and spent 50 dollars. It wasn't in good cosmetic shape and the features didn't work right, but previous research taught me that they could be repaired, so I bought it anyway. When I looked into having it repaired, I was horrified... there's only one guy in the whole US who repairs them and he's in Michigan or Minnesota and you have to mail the iron to him for repair. I had a lovely conversation with him and he said that Laurastar does not support older models and no longer makes parts for anything but current models. I sadly hauled the behemoth out to the dumpster and decided that Laurastar isn't what it used to be and I will not be able to replace my older one with a newer one if it dies... so I'm always looking for the next good iron, just in case.
Has anyone tried Reliable? What do you think?
Just wanted to confess to people who might undestand, I seem to have as little resistance with irons as I do with sewing machines!
I'll review the new iron after I've spent some time with it and let everyone know what I think. I guess if I hate it, I can return it and buy a gravity feed instead... that's about the only kind of iron I haven't tried yet!

'/>
------
Some gremlin just grabbed my hand and forced me to hit submit on this guy:
new iron
I don't know how it happened, completely out of my control! :o)
OK, well, here's how it happened. I was at a quilt shop the other day and bought the orange creamsicle looking guy at the end... a Reliable Velocity V50. Well, I tried to buy it, the quilt shop was going out of business and selling everything. I asked about the price for the iron, and they tried it out. It didn't work, so they just gave it to me and said if I could make it work, I could have it for free. I tried to make it work and took it completely apart... couldn't "see" anything wrong, so it had to go in the trash. But, I still wanted to try the Reliable brand since so many quilters love it and they are supposed to steam well... so that's why I got this one. I've heard that they aren't as "reliable" as they should be for the price, so we'll see what happens.
I bought the Laurastar used a few years ago, and honestly, it's the only iron I really need... I'm completely in love with it. However, I'm in constant fear that it is going to die because it's so old and I'll be without a good iron. I recently tried to fix that by buying a newer used Laurastar (with the vacuum/blower board)... I drove an hour and a half to get it and spent 50 dollars. It wasn't in good cosmetic shape and the features didn't work right, but previous research taught me that they could be repaired, so I bought it anyway. When I looked into having it repaired, I was horrified... there's only one guy in the whole US who repairs them and he's in Michigan or Minnesota and you have to mail the iron to him for repair. I had a lovely conversation with him and he said that Laurastar does not support older models and no longer makes parts for anything but current models. I sadly hauled the behemoth out to the dumpster and decided that Laurastar isn't what it used to be and I will not be able to replace my older one with a newer one if it dies... so I'm always looking for the next good iron, just in case.
Has anyone tried Reliable? What do you think?
Just wanted to confess to people who might undestand, I seem to have as little resistance with irons as I do with sewing machines!
I'll review the new iron after I've spent some time with it and let everyone know what I think. I guess if I hate it, I can return it and buy a gravity feed instead... that's about the only kind of iron I haven't tried yet!
'/>------
My machines listed in the order I got them:
Vintage metal Brother straight stitcher (purchased 2008); Bernina Artista 200 (purchased 2013), Vintage hand crank Singer 128 clone with LaVincendora decals (purchased 2014);
Vintage Baby Lock BL3-408 serger (gifted to me in 2015);
Brother NQ3500D (puchased in 2015) Viking Designer SE (purchased in 2016); Viking Sapphire 965Q (purchased in 2018... worst machine ever made... I'll pay someone to take it!) JUKI NX7 (purchased 2019)
The list keeps growing... they are multiplying like bunny rabbits... make it stop, make it stop! :)
Vintage metal Brother straight stitcher (purchased 2008); Bernina Artista 200 (purchased 2013), Vintage hand crank Singer 128 clone with LaVincendora decals (purchased 2014);
Vintage Baby Lock BL3-408 serger (gifted to me in 2015);
Brother NQ3500D (puchased in 2015) Viking Designer SE (purchased in 2016); Viking Sapphire 965Q (purchased in 2018... worst machine ever made... I'll pay someone to take it!) JUKI NX7 (purchased 2019)
The list keeps growing... they are multiplying like bunny rabbits... make it stop, make it stop! :)
Posted on: 9/28/16 11:18 AM ET
In reply to Aleroluver
I think you'll be happy!
I've had my Reliable V100 for about 5 years now, still going strong, never leaks or spits and provides amazing steam. I'm not a quilter, but use it for garment construction and every day ironing. I did my research before buying and found a very high percentage of strong reviews everywhere I looked.
I hope you have found yourself a winner too
I've had my Reliable V100 for about 5 years now, still going strong, never leaks or spits and provides amazing steam. I'm not a quilter, but use it for garment construction and every day ironing. I did my research before buying and found a very high percentage of strong reviews everywhere I looked.
I hope you have found yourself a winner too
Posted on: 9/28/16 5:35 PM ET
In reply to Sewcoastal
Seconding Sewcoastal. Loving my Reliable; had it about 3 years. Especially like that you can get amazing steam even at low ironing temperatures. The steam begins immediately when you touch the handle and stops when you release.
Posted on: 9/29/16 2:20 AM ET
In reply to Aleroluver
Hahaha! Oh my goodness, would you like me to try to find a support group for you for your iron addiction? Never mind, you'll find it here on PR anyway. 


I don't see any digital irons in your pic. I LOVE digital. I've never had a Reliable, but almost bought the orange one before I read the reviews and then changed my mind. I use an older Shark that is the perfect weight with lighted buttons to press for functions, lots of steam, but lately wants to spit calcium deposits even shortly after a deep vinegar cleaning. The heavier, new one is a Black and Decker that has more lights, a digital display, also lots of steam, and beeps when it's ready to roll. That will be become my main iron now.
Looking forward to your review of the Reliable!
------



I don't see any digital irons in your pic. I LOVE digital. I've never had a Reliable, but almost bought the orange one before I read the reviews and then changed my mind. I use an older Shark that is the perfect weight with lighted buttons to press for functions, lots of steam, but lately wants to spit calcium deposits even shortly after a deep vinegar cleaning. The heavier, new one is a Black and Decker that has more lights, a digital display, also lots of steam, and beeps when it's ready to roll. That will be become my main iron now.
Looking forward to your review of the Reliable!
------
Sewing keeps me from falling apart at the seams!
Bernina 1008, Brother SB4138, Brother 1034D, Janome Coverpro 900CPX
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8538/albums
Bernina 1008, Brother SB4138, Brother 1034D, Janome Coverpro 900CPX
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8538/albums
Posted on: 9/29/16 3:40 AM ET
Ahh, Sewlibra, is that what does it for you? How's this?

'/>
(Pay no attention to the fact that I'm ironing iron fabric and about to sew sewing machine fabirc!) :)
The cordless Panasonic is digital... The orange Reliable is as well, but of course it doesn't work... and I previously had a 20 dollar GE from Wal-mart that was digital... it was actually a great iron, the sides lit up in different colors depending on the temp setting, it steamed well, had a long cord... but then one day, when I went to fill it and the water came out of the handle, I figured that thing better hit the trash!
The problem with most digital irons is that if they put the temp setting button where it's convenient to press, you change the settings accidentally... Panasonic actually did a pretty good job, though... the button is relatively hard to press accidentally.
I've heard good things about the Black and Decker Digital Advantage, I think it even won Consumer Reports best buy a time or two... I have a friend whose Rowenta just died and she's resorted to her back up which is also a Black and Decker digital iron... she said the cord keeps grabbing the fabirc, though, something about the material it's made from.
I just ordered a springy cordminder for the Laurastar board, too... ridiculous price, but I wanted to make sure it (the hole at the top) was large enough for the hose of the Laurastar, and then I knew it would also be large enough for the cord of any other iron I currently own or get in the future... nothing worse than ironing fabric and then having the hose/cord induce wrinkles into what you've just ironed as it overhangs from the board!
The beeping when ready sounds like a nice thing... something that non-digital irons can't do, huh?
I set the little blue Sunbeam travel iron up by the machine tonight to iron seams while I sewed and it worked pretty well... it gives a cute little blast of steam when it heats up that is suprisingly strong. The first one of those I had warped and cracked after 3 uses... it was only 12 dollars, but I wrote Sunbeam anyway and they sent me a new one for free. Good customer service, at least!
Thanks Sewcostal and sewstitches (wow, everyone who has responded to this thread has a username that begins with "sew"!)... I'm glad that some people have proven the brand to be reliable! It seems like it was mostly the orange model that had problems, and I've experienced that first hand! Of cousre my specimen was used and likely abused in a quilt shop, so I should cut them a little slack :o)
------
'/>(Pay no attention to the fact that I'm ironing iron fabric and about to sew sewing machine fabirc!) :)
The cordless Panasonic is digital... The orange Reliable is as well, but of course it doesn't work... and I previously had a 20 dollar GE from Wal-mart that was digital... it was actually a great iron, the sides lit up in different colors depending on the temp setting, it steamed well, had a long cord... but then one day, when I went to fill it and the water came out of the handle, I figured that thing better hit the trash!
The problem with most digital irons is that if they put the temp setting button where it's convenient to press, you change the settings accidentally... Panasonic actually did a pretty good job, though... the button is relatively hard to press accidentally.
I've heard good things about the Black and Decker Digital Advantage, I think it even won Consumer Reports best buy a time or two... I have a friend whose Rowenta just died and she's resorted to her back up which is also a Black and Decker digital iron... she said the cord keeps grabbing the fabirc, though, something about the material it's made from.
I just ordered a springy cordminder for the Laurastar board, too... ridiculous price, but I wanted to make sure it (the hole at the top) was large enough for the hose of the Laurastar, and then I knew it would also be large enough for the cord of any other iron I currently own or get in the future... nothing worse than ironing fabric and then having the hose/cord induce wrinkles into what you've just ironed as it overhangs from the board!
The beeping when ready sounds like a nice thing... something that non-digital irons can't do, huh?
I set the little blue Sunbeam travel iron up by the machine tonight to iron seams while I sewed and it worked pretty well... it gives a cute little blast of steam when it heats up that is suprisingly strong. The first one of those I had warped and cracked after 3 uses... it was only 12 dollars, but I wrote Sunbeam anyway and they sent me a new one for free. Good customer service, at least!
Thanks Sewcostal and sewstitches (wow, everyone who has responded to this thread has a username that begins with "sew"!)... I'm glad that some people have proven the brand to be reliable! It seems like it was mostly the orange model that had problems, and I've experienced that first hand! Of cousre my specimen was used and likely abused in a quilt shop, so I should cut them a little slack :o)
------
My machines listed in the order I got them:
Vintage metal Brother straight stitcher (purchased 2008); Bernina Artista 200 (purchased 2013), Vintage hand crank Singer 128 clone with LaVincendora decals (purchased 2014);
Vintage Baby Lock BL3-408 serger (gifted to me in 2015);
Brother NQ3500D (puchased in 2015) Viking Designer SE (purchased in 2016); Viking Sapphire 965Q (purchased in 2018... worst machine ever made... I'll pay someone to take it!) JUKI NX7 (purchased 2019)
The list keeps growing... they are multiplying like bunny rabbits... make it stop, make it stop! :)
Vintage metal Brother straight stitcher (purchased 2008); Bernina Artista 200 (purchased 2013), Vintage hand crank Singer 128 clone with LaVincendora decals (purchased 2014);
Vintage Baby Lock BL3-408 serger (gifted to me in 2015);
Brother NQ3500D (puchased in 2015) Viking Designer SE (purchased in 2016); Viking Sapphire 965Q (purchased in 2018... worst machine ever made... I'll pay someone to take it!) JUKI NX7 (purchased 2019)
The list keeps growing... they are multiplying like bunny rabbits... make it stop, make it stop! :)
Posted on: 9/29/16 6:22 AM ET
I LOVE my Reliable iron. I have had mine for 3 years. I stand by my review Here
After a sea of Rowenta irons that leaked and spit after a year of use, I was happy to find this iron. Truth be told, I did miss the blast of steam that I used on my old irons initially. The steam is great on the reliable. I usually use the regular steam setting. I think I only used the maximum steam twice. The steam is so good that it tames the most stubborn fabric.
-- Edited on 9/29/16 at 6:53 AM --
After a sea of Rowenta irons that leaked and spit after a year of use, I was happy to find this iron. Truth be told, I did miss the blast of steam that I used on my old irons initially. The steam is great on the reliable. I usually use the regular steam setting. I think I only used the maximum steam twice. The steam is so good that it tames the most stubborn fabric.
-- Edited on 9/29/16 at 6:53 AM --
Posted on: 9/29/16 9:18 AM ET
Looking to add a newer iron. My old Rowenta still works and if I'm polite and wait for it to fully heat up it doesn't spit. However the steam is not great. Like reading the positive reviews for Reliable but the reviews include both the 100 and 200. Perhaps the 200 hasn't been around long enough to have a lot of feedback? When I looked on Amazon it had 4 reviews.
Posted on: 9/29/16 2:03 PM ET
In reply to Aleroluver
I have the one on the far right of your ironing board. It worked beautifully until I changed the filter. Now it won't steam and I cannot find a local repair shop that fixes irons. The only thing I didn't like was its inability to give a shot of steam when needed. I purchased a DeLonghi steam generator that works well.
Posted on: 9/29/16 5:55 PM ET
In reply to Aleroluver
Yes, I like that! I've never had a cordless iron before. My Black & Decker model is the Digital Advantage and I haven't experienced any problems with the cord or accidentally pressing buttons. It's just a rubber cord like any other has. It beeps when you plug it in, when it's reached the heat selected, and when it shuts off after 10 minutes. I know many sewists hate auto shut-off, but I'm used to it. I just have to get used to the weight of it.
The Shark model is G1468NN 10 and inexpensive, but has held up for 4 years so far. Both have powerful steam, which is important to me. Next time around I just might get a cordless. No room for a big ironing system, unfortunately.

-- Edited on 9/29/16 at 6:15 PM --
------
The Shark model is G1468NN 10 and inexpensive, but has held up for 4 years so far. Both have powerful steam, which is important to me. Next time around I just might get a cordless. No room for a big ironing system, unfortunately.

-- Edited on 9/29/16 at 6:15 PM --
------
Sewing keeps me from falling apart at the seams!
Bernina 1008, Brother SB4138, Brother 1034D, Janome Coverpro 900CPX
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8538/albums
Bernina 1008, Brother SB4138, Brother 1034D, Janome Coverpro 900CPX
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8538/albums
Posted on: 9/29/16 6:48 PM ET
In reply to SewLibra
SewLibra, it looks like Black and Decker did it right with the temp button being on the other side of the steam buttons so it's harder to change accidentally :o)
The cordless Panasonic steams pretty well *for a cordless*, but there's no way you can compare it to a real corded iron. It's super nice to not have the cord dragging against whatever you're ironing though.... and the removeable water tank is lovely. Sadly, Panasonic is leaving the home appliance market at the end of this year... vacuum collectors like myself are mourning the world over, they've always represented decent quality and good value for money (they are kind of like the Janome or Brother of the vacuum world), so I'm not sure how much longer the irons will be available. I wouldn't want to iron a lot of yardage with one, but for a quick touch up or pressing the occasional seam, they are great. And lovely to travel with because of the heat resistant dome lid with carry handle. :o)
I know Shark (Euro-Pro) used to make awful quality products, but in the years of late, they've really stepped up their game... I've been so impressed with their vacuums that I've actually added a few to my collection and recently bought one as a gift for a friend... I've heard that the irons are great at making lots of steam, but have never tried one.... yet!
The Reliable is supposed to arrive on the 4th, so maybe I'll get to play with it then. I may make a video, we'll see... I've been meaning to make one of the Laurastar for 2 years and haven't done it yet... I'll definitley write one of my infamous-took-six-hours-to-compose reviews after I get to know it.
I'm having a surgery tomorrow, so I kind of bought the iron to have something to look forward to while I recover... a new appliance always fixes everything! It's not as cheap as indulgent foods, but definitely healthier :o)
-- Edited on 9/29/16 at 6:51 PM --
------
The cordless Panasonic steams pretty well *for a cordless*, but there's no way you can compare it to a real corded iron. It's super nice to not have the cord dragging against whatever you're ironing though.... and the removeable water tank is lovely. Sadly, Panasonic is leaving the home appliance market at the end of this year... vacuum collectors like myself are mourning the world over, they've always represented decent quality and good value for money (they are kind of like the Janome or Brother of the vacuum world), so I'm not sure how much longer the irons will be available. I wouldn't want to iron a lot of yardage with one, but for a quick touch up or pressing the occasional seam, they are great. And lovely to travel with because of the heat resistant dome lid with carry handle. :o)
I know Shark (Euro-Pro) used to make awful quality products, but in the years of late, they've really stepped up their game... I've been so impressed with their vacuums that I've actually added a few to my collection and recently bought one as a gift for a friend... I've heard that the irons are great at making lots of steam, but have never tried one.... yet!
The Reliable is supposed to arrive on the 4th, so maybe I'll get to play with it then. I may make a video, we'll see... I've been meaning to make one of the Laurastar for 2 years and haven't done it yet... I'll definitley write one of my infamous-took-six-hours-to-compose reviews after I get to know it.
I'm having a surgery tomorrow, so I kind of bought the iron to have something to look forward to while I recover... a new appliance always fixes everything! It's not as cheap as indulgent foods, but definitely healthier :o)
-- Edited on 9/29/16 at 6:51 PM --
------
My machines listed in the order I got them:
Vintage metal Brother straight stitcher (purchased 2008); Bernina Artista 200 (purchased 2013), Vintage hand crank Singer 128 clone with LaVincendora decals (purchased 2014);
Vintage Baby Lock BL3-408 serger (gifted to me in 2015);
Brother NQ3500D (puchased in 2015) Viking Designer SE (purchased in 2016); Viking Sapphire 965Q (purchased in 2018... worst machine ever made... I'll pay someone to take it!) JUKI NX7 (purchased 2019)
The list keeps growing... they are multiplying like bunny rabbits... make it stop, make it stop! :)
Vintage metal Brother straight stitcher (purchased 2008); Bernina Artista 200 (purchased 2013), Vintage hand crank Singer 128 clone with LaVincendora decals (purchased 2014);
Vintage Baby Lock BL3-408 serger (gifted to me in 2015);
Brother NQ3500D (puchased in 2015) Viking Designer SE (purchased in 2016); Viking Sapphire 965Q (purchased in 2018... worst machine ever made... I'll pay someone to take it!) JUKI NX7 (purchased 2019)
The list keeps growing... they are multiplying like bunny rabbits... make it stop, make it stop! :)
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