Abe,

Buy locally and support your local suppliers. The difference in cost is
neglible compared to the alternatives.

I have the 16/32 and it's a great hobbyist, light duty shop sander. The
22/44 is more commercial grade and thats the reason for the price
difference. Bigger, better motor, bearings etc. Not trying to make the
16/32 sound like a wimp, it does what its supposed to do and does it well
but it sounds like you're looking for something better like the 22/44.

All the reviews I've read have favored the Performax models for this size
sander.

Bob S.