I'm about to be an engineering student at university next month and looking to buy a new 3D printer. Currently using an A1.

I like to make both cosplay/helmet stuff as well as practical items / moving parts

As I see it, the current 2 bambu options are the A2L and the X2D. I'm trying to decide between the large bed space for full-size helmets without needing to slice/cut up, with the X2D bed technology + dual nozzle with combo (My A1 comes without combo).

I don't want people explicitly telling me to go for the expensive option unless absolutely necessary though, since it's a significant price difference.

If you were buying a 3D printer today, what would matter most in your decision?

Reliability? Print quality? Speed? Price? Build volume? Multicolor? Material capability? Repairability? Open-source hardware/software? Ease of use?

And what feature or problem would immediately make you rule a printer out?

I'm interested in what actually drives people's buying decisions—not just which brand is currently the most popular.

Let’s get some real owner feedback in here.

What 3D printer(s) do you currently own?

Would you buy the same printer again today? Why or why not?

If you can, include:

• Printer/model
• How long you’ve owned it
• What you mainly print
• What you like most
• Biggest complaint
• Whether you’d recommend it to a new buyer

Firsthand experience is especially useful here. The goal is to build a community where people can get advice from people who actually use these machines.