I did extensive research on band saws as my 10 inch Delta was got getting the job done. Too small, too much vibration. I decided on the new steel frame style saw as they are much more rigid. I expect delivery of my Harvey C-14 Friday or soon thereafter. I also considered the Laguna 14-12-220 and Rikon 10-326. None of them are bad tools, but small details separate them. I like the guide design of the Harvey the best. For the money, bigger motor, brake etc. I thought the Jet 14sfx was a half step down. Mostly for the guides, and partly about several comments on the durability of the upper wheel mounting. Same concerns with Grizzly/ShopFox. I think 1 1/2 HP would do fine for all except those resawing 12 inch purpleheart, but as I had 220 available, I went for the monster 3 HP. If given the choice between power and quality, go quality.
I was able to at least look at the Laguna, Jet, and Rikon side by side in a Woodcraft store and a ShopFox at another. Never run any of them. The Harvey is a leap of faith. Pictures, looking at the parts diagrams, and weight were all hints for my choice.
To me, the old iron C-frame, with old style guide mounting and adjusting, and smaller were a huge step down. Many issues reported with light weight cast components and worst of all, aluminum wheels were not going to cut it. Nothing beats massive iron for woodworking to keep vibration down. Anything less than the ones I mentioned seem like to be just not quite a lifetime tool. I can only almost afford to buy new tools this one last time, so not going to throw away money on a almost good enough or used that takes too much to get going. Even my Delta, I had to do tires and SpaceAge ceramic guides, then balance the wheels myself. In hindsight, a couple hundred wasted if you include several bands. ( Bands do make a big difference. Could not cut a strait line to save me until I dumped the $9 band and put on the $20)
I had not heard of Harvey, but turns out they are one of the small group of OEMs that make almost all consumer and light industrial tools in China and Taiwan. FWIW, about four companies make all of them, who makes any given tool is up for grabs every year. They seem to move around. Most of the iron comes from the same small set of foundries. The difference is in how long it sits to relax before machining and the tolerances for the given brand/spec. All of them can make a fine machine, all of them can make a Harbor Freight piece of junk.
Never heard of an unhappy Rikon owner. Laguna owners seem very loyal though some complain about guide adjustment holding, they won't give them up. In summary, if you can't spring for $1100 to $1500, save up until you can as a smaller saw will just delay how long you can save up for the one you really want. Support is universally love hate and we mostly hear about hate except Delta, where we only hear about hate. Lots of hate.
Cool blocks work fine. Ceramic blocks work fine. Both are said to do better on re-saw. Euro-disk guides ( on one ShopFox) are said to do better scroll, but wear out really quick. Roller bearing guides are said to clog with dust and fail, but I suspect that is only until you buy good Japanese bearings. Personally, I did not like the flat rear bearing guide design. From my limited experience, 90% of problems are from those who have not watched and followed the Snodgrass videos to set their saws up well.
One would think woodworking tools would be pretty well figured out by now. Jointers do not seem to have changed in 100 years. Not many changes to drill presses. Table saws now have riving knives that are a huge safety feature. Planers have not changed. Only real change in the band saws are the different guide choices and the stiffer steel column though old industrial saws wil put them to shame.
Of course, if you are in N.C, I can give you a heck of a deal on a 10 inch Delta!