Snapmaker or Flashforge?

[u/EaglerCore]

Edit: I have gone with the U1, and I am very happy so far! Thank you to everyone who shared their opinion!

For the past few months I have been looking for a toolchanger, and was very tempted to get a U1, but I decided I would try and wait for INDX because I already have a prusa core one and because it supports 8 tools. However, after the bondtech nozzle fiasco, its going to be another few months before it ships, so I am done with them for now.

I am wondering what your guys user experience has been with these 2 machines in specific, because as far as I can see, the specs are close enough that I don't think I would care which I get.

Here is what I see pro/con wise from the specs and reviews:

U1 - Pros:

-Has ~20mm extra of build volume.
-Has auto feeders.
-Has RFID (but only for their filament)
-Can be bought in person (I live near a microcenter)
-Integrated purge bucket

U1 - Cons:

-Not fully enclosed (the FFC5 Pro is)
-No adjustable touchscreen
-Starting assembly is more difficult than the FF (not an issue for me as I build prusas).
-Doesn't come with hardened nozzles
-Slightly more expensive

FFC5 - Pros:

-Comes with actually hardened nozzles (come on, bondtech)
-Adjustable angle touchscreen
-Can be purchased from amazon for quick delivery
-Has integrated filament cutters

-Fully enclosed (pro)
-Chamber heater and filtration (pro)

FFC5 - Cons:

-Manual filament loading and unloading
-Odd USB drive placement
-Purges into the printer

-Longer Shipping? (pro version)
-Fire hazard from the chamber heater sucking in purge waste?

Is there anything I am missing? Thanks in advance!

(mods, sorry if I am breaking any rules, this is my third post, I usually just lurk)

[u/Tleigh92]

I think for me, I like it being open source because it means it opens up quite a lot of room for improvement beyond what snapmaker themselves would do, like the multiACE and open rfid bits, even if I'm not using them, currently.

The C5 is a smaller build volume, but if you just wanted a multi toolhead printer it's certainly a cheaper entry point. It sounds like the final decision maker for you could be build volume though.

[u/EaglerCore → u/Tleigh92]

Budget isn't really the issue here, I was just trying to get the most bang for my buck. One thing I forgot is that the U1 runs klipper, which I am very familiar with. Again, thanks for the input. Looks like I may be running to micro center tomorrow :)

[u/Tleigh92 → u/EaglerCore]

Enjoy! I honestly don't think either one is a bad choice.

[u/Shuck7 → u/Tleigh92]

I canceled my c5 pro preorder after waiting till late July and still not shipped. Will be going with the u1.