Bought a unit from foodsaver like that on sale at Cabela's about 8 months ago. I've used it pretty hard(sausage making, meat processing, and preserving fruits and veggies from the garden, curing bacon and so on...) Mine is about wore out. It won't pull a full vacuum without some down-pressure on the lid. My next one will be a heavy-duty one from Pleasant Hills Grain Co. The foodsavers are fine for occasional use, but if you're going to run it hard, buy a better unit. Like grand dad used to say, buy cheap and cry often, or buy good and cry once. Whatever unit you but, don't go cheap on bags. Buy the best quality bag you can lay your hands on.
Cheers