V180 vs Pro7110/7200 vs Canon 8000 VP

I know there have been lots of similar posts on this topic, but here we go. I am looking to replace a Xerox 700 with a new machine. Currently for our color machines we have the 700 and a Versant 2100. We love the 2100 with the exception of the current crappy drum situation. We are looking to replace the 700 for a bit of redundancy to where we have a smaller machine that can do the same things if the 2100 is down, but also can handle some of our smaller runs. (eg duplex up to 350 gsm and reliable alignment settings on duplexing) Any input is helpful.

A v180 would be the logical choice. Supplies and operation are almost exactly the same.

The main reason I'm steering away from that, is that it is pretty much still a 700 from what I have seen, just with a new interface. I've heard of people running duplex on 350 gsm on it, but I know it isn't rated for that so I worry we still wouldn't be able to run our heavier stocks when the 2100 is down

If your using it as a substitute for when the 2100 is down that's even more reason to stick to the v180 as the finish will be the same for your clients. The v180 is exact same engine as 2100. I'm not familiar with 700 but I thought the views on here of the v80/v180 were more of a big step up.

I run 350gsm duplex all the time no problem on v80 and 400gsm single sided too.

You should be seeing what the others could add to your range that the 2100 struggles with.

rbag said:

The main reason I'm steering away from that, is that it is pretty much still a 700 from what I have seen, just with a new interface. I've heard of people running duplex on 350 gsm on it, but I know it isn't rated for that so I worry we still wouldn't be able to run our heavier stocks when the 2100 is down

Click to expand...

The Versant 180 is almost identical to the newer Versant 3100 which replaced the V2100. The V180 is completely different from the X700. There are far more differences than similarities between the two. I have clients cheating the V180 duplexing up to 400 gsm with no issues. And they are a very picky client.

I would have to agree. The V180 is a much improved system you can cheat when you need to. Just don't do it all day every day. I am a vendor and sell Ricoh, Xerox and KM. Having all 3 manufacturers on my demo floor allows us to demonstrate these differences and unless there is a specific application that drives us to the Ricoh or KM product, MOST of the time the Xerox provides an overall better performance across the board. Especially when compared to the Pro C7200.

If front/back registration is important for your output then iPC8000VP would be the only solution as it has a fixed corner for registration, also checkout for this: https://youtu.be/Lir5mGPzi5w?t=107

As someone who currently has the following machines in use:
Xerox C75
Xerox 2100
Ricoh 7200SL
Ricoh 7210X

and our nearest competitor, who we are pretty friendly with has a Versant 180.

I would say that while the V180 shares a lot of the 2100 features, the neighboring shop has a lot more trouble running difficult papers, that we can run just fine on our 2100. They are on their second 180 and still seem to have a lot more paper transport problems.

I think the Ricohs have the edge when it comes to registration and holding registration week to week and so on. I also think the 2100 toner is too dull. The Ricohs look more press like and are just gorgeous. Take a look at some printed samples of them next to samples you run on the 2100. Oh and they have drums that last much longer.

The only downside, or maybe upside, depending on your tastes, is that the Ricoh gives you a lot more options and sometimes takes a little more tweaking. If you are comfortable and take the time to learn and do some trial and error, it will give you great results.

Changing machines requires a learning curve, so it is always good to have another machine to keep running during that period.