10lees

How does the current Kirby model compare to the 1974-75 Traditional model?  Has it always been a 'fan first' design?  I heard the Kirbys always pulled NOT through the motor which is a selling point.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!  Wait, am I back in middle school?  And here I thought I was acting all grown up by posting on a vacuum discussion board (as in signs you've firmly an adult).

Anyhoo, I am fairly certain the Kirby is my machine.  I would still like to know from MOLE about what type of repairs he sees in for Kirby, but barring that information I don't need any additional information about the Oreck or, god forbid I entertain the notion of buying another one, a Hoover.

Thank you all for the helpful information!

So Mole, as a repair man - what do you think of Kirbys in general?  I had another repair guy at my local store steer me towards the Electrolux Santaire but it feels very plastic and I am not positive about the longevity of the machines by Electrolux.

Online it is listed as $799 for both the Oreck Edge Upright & Canister, but at my local store it is $599 for BOTH the Oreck Edge Upright & Canister.

Does anybody have an opinion on the Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition (dual speed) versus the newer Kirby Sentria?

By 'higher-end' I meant any of the ones I have seen at independent stores VS big box stores.  When I checked out Consumer Reports it mostly was Kenmore/Hoover/Dyson (I currently own a Dyson Animal which doesn't work on my new carpeting).  I hadn't heard about Electrolux, Riccar, Royal, Kirby and I believe there is only a few Orecks in the report - essentially none of the Gold Standard from Carpet & Rug Institute were listed.  I just wish they would test a wider variety though I understand most people will buy Hoovers from Walmart.

You're probably correct that I'm trying to talk myself out of the Kirby - the Oreck is enticing as it is on sale (599 for both) and has a 10 year warrenty.