Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

I agree that knock offs very often best the originals.  I still think that the DC07 was an excellent vacuum.  It has been downhill for Dyson ever since IMO.  JD has let his ego stand in  the way of success.  I am not married to any brand and have no reservations with changing to what best serves my needs.  I have defended Dyson not because it is the best but simply I do not think it is as bad as those who never profited from it would have the world believe.  What has or does satisfy me will not do the same for all. I would advise everyone to try (regardless of commodity) for yourself and take what any other says with a grain of salt.

Other than the Platinum series I do not notice any improvements to Hoover.  Please remember this is coming from a user only.  Sometimes user views are as accurate as those blinded by what they sell (or sold) IMO.  I like the platinum very much.  I finally sold the Kirby.  Still have the Rainbow and Royal.   The platinum leaves the carpet looking more groomed than the others.  In three months the platinum bag has collected a lot of dust and debris.  Unscientifically it seems to be picking up more thatn the others. The lack of brush turn off is one of the biggest faults on the platinum.  Still it cleans hard surfaces without problem. However, I am concerned about the brush damaging my wood flooring.  Recently I gave it an inspection.  I removed the sole plate and found what I consider too much dirt, dust and carpet fuzz trapped under it.  I did this because I could see fuzz hung in the inlet behind the brush.  Time will tell if this will be a problem.  The canister that is included is powerful.  I use it to clean hard surfaces due to the brushes on the upright.  Like all others that I have used the wheels do leave tracks on the carpet.

Recently I saw the Oreck XL Signature at Target.  I then visited an Oreck center to ask the difference in it and what they sold.  I got the expected song and dance about why his was better.  Longer warranty. 1 year at store vs 3 at Target in same price range (can you figure this out).  Better brush (reduces or prohibits germ build up). How long before this coating wears off as bristles wear?  Better outer bag.  Again his was perforated where Target bag is same as his more expensive Oreck .  Store manager told me that Signature was not recommended for hard surfaces because the single speed would cause debris/dust to be scattered with no low speed. I said that I would use the hand held for that chore.  He commented that it was not durable for running that length of time and would likely burn out the motor.  I mentioned that the platinum did just fine on hard surfaces on high.  It was amusing to listen to him back up on his original statements.  I guess as an independent there is nothing wrong with his lies to upgrade a sale. 

I went directly to Target and bought a XL Signature.  My opinion has not changed from my experience with the XL21.  Oreck simply does not perform.  I have a very short pile rug over tile in one room.  The Oreck is almost impossible to push/pull on it.  It bounces and skips across my other carpet when pulling back.  It sounds as if it is scraping the finish off the wood floors.  The cord must weight 5 lbs.  The hand held has very very low suction power.  The XL bag could pass for new after 3 uses.  No cleaning power.

Carmine D.