My son and I have been involved with and building printers since 2010. We have almost as many RepRaps as Makerbots. Most are used constantly. Right now we use the RepRaps for PLA and the MakerBots for Abs (Due to the enclosed boxes.) I am also a big fan of the new Ultimaker 2. If I were going to recommend a printer to a friend, I would seriously have them look at that!