Hi Shon. The Sebo line of uprights are great. You can check them out at the web site listed below.  
 
If you want power, I would recommend the Miele 600 series canister power team. They have the most CFM of any residential machine out there. The CFM is at 140. The Kirby only has 109 CFM, and the Sebo has around 80 CFM or a little better. I have the Miele S658 top-of-the-line power team and I have to tell you I've never used a more powerful vacuum. Depending on the carpet you have, they have the SEB217-2 small power nozzle (I like this nozzel for everyday use) and the more powerful SEB226 which is wider and much stronger for heavy duty carpet cleaning.  
 
The cool thing about this Miele vacuum is how user friendly it is. I've always hated getting twisted up in a canister hose. It's impossible for this to happen with the Miele. It has 360 degree rotation at "both" ends of the hose. The electrical connections from the hose/canister end through the telescoping wand to the power nozzle are completely seamless with "no" exposed wires or connections.
 
If you just hate canisters, I would recommend the Sebo. It's completely computer adjusted brush roll and other fine safety features make it a best buy. The company says you'll never have to replace the belt as long as you own the machine. It turns itself off if the bag is full or plugged. And the cost is about half of the Miele. You just don't have quite the suction power. Check out their web site at: <a href="http://www.sebo-vacuums.com">http://www.sebo-vacuums.com</a> They cost around $500. Good luck.
 
 
 
Related link: <a href="http://www.sebo-vacuums.com/">Sebo Web Site</a>