Does brand actually matter?

[Weld.like.matt]

I want my own machine so I can work on my own schedule. This shop nearby is pushing millermatic 141 pretty hard and saying stuff like miller is the gold standard and I won't regret spending the extra money but then the Lincoln equivalent is about $150 cheaper and from what I can tell, the specs are nearly identical. I'm not a professional welder at all so I dont do anything industrial or structural that lives depend on. So I'm wondering if the brand loyalty stuff actually matters for someone at my level or if it's just marketing and tribalism
Anyone can say if there's a meaningful difference in performance, reliability, or repairability that justifies the price gap?

 

[montyy]

The $150 difference is mostly about dealer support and resale value. Miller will most likely hold value slightly better and some areas have better and their service networks, but that varies by location and frankly I'd go with whichever one your local shop actually supports well

 

[cappuccin0]

both Miller and Lincoln are high quality machines. I think the $150 savings on the Lincoln equivalent is the smarter choice
Your skill is the primary factor in the weld quality, not the brand of the machine. Choose the one that feels better to you in terms of user interface, included accessories, or simply the one your local supplier can offer better support/deals on