Ruffler vs Gathering foot

[LadyStitch]

  My family is asking me is there anything for my sewing machine I would like that could help with my upcoming projects.My big one this year; I just got hired to costume 14 pirates for a show this coming summer. They want them in ruffled poet/pirate shirts. 
Now would it behoove me to get a gathering foot since I will be making petticoats and all the ruffles, or just get one of those ruffler feet that auto makes the 12/1 ruffles for you automatically. 

I'm asking for an honest opinion which do you think would be most effective for me?

[gem]

I was curious, too, so I did a little Googling for you.  There are lots of discussions of this on various sewing forums like this one, which you might check out.  But until somebody with experience answers here, here's an article you might find useful:

http://www.creativeneedlemag.com/articles/Footprints/footprints.html

[Kate XXXXXX]

They do quite different jobs.  They both work on light weight fabrics (think shirt weight or lighyer, not skirt weight).  Rufflers are quite expensive: typically about £40. Ones like the Bernina and Husqvarna ones are a little better made and more expensive (especially the special fit Bernina ones!  But generally worth it... ).

Gathering feet are usually under £10, so 'stocking filler' or prezzy from the kids prices.

I use the rufflers a lot more often than the gathering feet.  YMMV...

[TiaLD77]

I have 3 rufflers, when they work they are lovely for doing ruffles, cuffs, etc. my advice would be if you get one, go slow, Rushing causes uneven ruffles.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

My Janome came with a Ruffling foot, but never really used it because I tend to hand gather more often. My machine does a lovely basting stitch that makes for nice gathers for ruffles on shirts, skirts, etc.

Looks like I will have to get it out and try it on some leftover fabric.

[Artemisia]

I have a ruffler foot. It takes a bit of practice.
I've only been able to get flat folds that look more like pleats, not a shirred look like gathering.
You can get gathers from it by adjusting the gauge but I haven't tried that yet.

Here are some videos on the ruffler foot:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbG_2sjyOS0