No secret -- I am a big fan of Making Memories Slice. Now Making Memories has introduced the Slice Elite.
I knew I had to have this machine from the moment I heard about it. The new and improved SLICE™ Elite Cordless Design Cutter is more precise, cuts 40% faster, and cuts materials twice as deep. This tagline was invading my dreams at night. Maybe I was a bit obsessed.
So, you can imagine my disappointment when the new machine had problems.
First, I compared the old Slice with the new Slice Elite. They look the same. No issues here.
Next, I tried cutting with the new machine. I had some issues with my old Slice cutting recently, so was looking forward to an easier experience with the Slice Elite.
I was sooo disappointed. Look at these cuts from the new Elite machine.
This was on plain cardstock.
It did cut, but I had to punch it out and cut around some bits with a craft knife. Not clean at all.
This was on Bazzill. No good.
After sulking for a day or two, I contacted Making Memories and they walked me through some possible fixes. There was no improvement, so they had me send the machine back to them.
As disappointed as I was about the machine, I have to say I was very impressed with their customer service. They contacted me right away to let me know the machine had arrived safely.
Then within a day let me know they had completed repairs and the machine was on its way back to me. They even included a little goodie bag for my trouble. Very nice.
Excited to get my Elite back - I continued my comparison between the Slice and the Slice Elite.
It was wonderful! This photo shows TOP the Slice Elite cutting through a heavier Bazzill-weight cardstock. The BOTTOM shows the old Slice cutting through plain light cardstock. Both did the job - but the old Slice did not cut through the heavier cardstock at all. Elite - WIN.
But then remember I had been having issues with my old Slice cutting ? With more intricate cuts we get back to that. Sometimes the old machine just freaks out. TOP bird was cut from heavier Bazzill-weight cardstock with the Slice Elite. BOTTOM was cut from lightweight cardstock with the old Slice. Elite - WIN. Again.
Look back at the first photo on this post - all those cuts are heavier Bazzill-weight cardstock and cut with the Slice Elite.
Bottom line - your old Slice is probably not in immediate dire need of replacement. It does do the job - you just need to pick lighter weight paper and less detailed designs.
But if you use your Slice as much as I do, make the switch. You will have less headaches with the Slice Elite (if you get a machine in good repair). If you are OK just cutting lightweight cardstock and don't do many detailed cuts - the old Slice is just fine.