I've never used any of the low volume "all-in-one" (gather/fold/insert) type inserters. I'm sure they are fine, just have always been wary of how their equipment might hold up under typical "letter shop" production standards. Most of us, who have been around for any length of time in the mailing industry, have separate machines that handle those functions: A continuous, or, pile feed folder (such as MBO, Stahl, Baum, etc), and, a four to six pocket inserter.
You will find that the inserters are of (2) basic types: friction feed, or, suction feed. Friction feed comes in handy if you are trying to insert a folded piece that has an "open" end into the envelope first (such as a "Z-Folded" piece). We are partial to the suction feed style (aka "swing-arm") as, they tend to last longer and hold-up better under a high volume environment. We use Bell & Howell inserters. Pitney-Bowes has some very good inserters that are "hybrid" (a cross between a suction feed and friction feed, taking the best features of both) called a "FlowMaster". The inserters that I mention are very expensive new, but, used, you can pick one up for around $10,000 - $15,000 USD.
The latest trend for both manufacturers has been to approach the "all-in-one" style processing (gather/fold/insert), but, they are very expensive solutions.
There are also other inserter manufacturers, but, Bell & Howell and Pitney-Bowes are the two major competitors. Check out Profold, or Sensible Technologies. Both offer some very good products.
All The Best
MailGuru
