Mike_W
Joined: Nov 30, 2004
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Finally, a full-sized stick vacuum cleaner, which is powerful yet inexpensive. Bissell has come out with a stick vac for those looking to just clean floors called the Versus.
The main feature of the Versus is the funny looking floor nozzle. It is not the average rectangular shaped floor head. The Versus uses a “V” shaped head. While it is new to Bissell, it has been out previously, under a different name. Bissell’s premise is that this “new” head will scoop up dirt and debris into the center of the nozzle’s large opening. I have found this to be true of this machine. You would have to ask yourself though, “Can I also pick up debris with other regular shaped nozzled stick vacs?” You will answer yourself, “Yes I can”. This stick vac is just able to pick up larger debris without having to manipulate the floor tool.
There is a learning curve to using this Bissell, when vacuuming floors. One thing different about using this machine is how you vacuum against baseboards. With other vacuum cleaner floor attachments, you usually push the front of the attachment right up to the baseboard. If the same was done with the Versus, there is no guarantee that debris would be picked up. The Versus user must turn the “V” attachment head, so that one of its “arms” runs along the side of the baseboard as you push the vacuum cleaner. There is less suction at the end of these two points compared to the center, but debris can still be picked up.
There is also a “swiveling feature to help aid in maneuvering the Versus around the house. I do not care for this feature and believe that it does not work all that well. What you will find happening is the weight of the machine will tilt it to the left or the right. The user will have to almost steady/balance the vacuum while pushing it.
While the Versus is a bare floor stick vacuum, and states so on the box, it can also be used on very low carpeting like indoor/outdoor carpeting, some berber, etc. I have read some reviews of this machine, from users who say that it is a piece of junk. They go on to say that the vacuum does not pick up anything from the carpeting and it is hard to push on carpeting. Versus does pick up debris on LOW carpeting. Also, the only reason the vacuum is hard to push on carpeting is it uses a row of stiff bristles and a rubber strip. Remember though, it is made mainly for vacuuming floors. What you are not going to be able to do is vacuum your liteweight scatter/throw rugs. The rug will lift up against the large center opening and plug it up; cutting off all airflow. It will do fine vacuuming up the feathers and birdseed, on the carpet, around the cage.
There is one negative point, which could work out to be an advantage for you. The exhaust is located on the front, lower section of the machine. With its tremendous suction, comes a lot more exhaust air. I have found how to use it to the user’s advantage. While vacuuming in corners, all one has to do is point the exhaust towards that corner and watch how the dog hair blows out and into the mouth of the Versus. It is like watching sheep dogs drive the sheep into their pen.
Versus uses a flexible onboard hose, for those difficult areas that cannot be reached with the floor head. The stick vac comes with only once attachment and that is a crevice tool. I believe that an upholstery tool would have been a better choice, since there would be more occasion to use it. I do not believe that there should be a large assortment of onboard attachments, because it would add to its weight.
What I would like for Bissell to do is offer optional attachments. My first two choices would be a better floor brush and an adequate power nozzle. This would make the Versus a more versatile cleaner. A power nozzle would be a great addition, because this machine could be used when cleaning homes with more carpeting. The present floor tool does a somewhat adequate, but limited job on short carpeting.
The bagless Versus uses cyclonic action and premotor filter(s) to retain the debris. The cyclonic action does keep most of the debris in the dirt container. If any escapes, there is a cartridge which holds a washable foam filter and a white multilayered filter. Eventhough this vacuum is not HEPA rated, it still does a good job of filtering. It would not be a good choice for anyone who has major issues with allergies. The filters can be washed regularly, which makes the Versus economical.
You would think for such a large stick vac, Bissell would put a very long cord on it. The cord is only 20ft. long. This full-sized stick vac would be well suited in large homes, but the user will have to move the plug multiple times. It would be better if Bissell installed at least a 30ft. cord on the vacuum.
The vacuum cleaner can stand up on its own, but there is a big chance that this vacuum could be knocked over. It has a small footprint. I have always been in the habit of leaving “tippy” cleaners against a wall or other stationary object like furniture. For the Versus, just back it against something, so the back faces the wall. Because of the wheel placement, the vacuum will tip backwards easier than any other direction. Another suggestion is to hold onto the vacuum cleaner, when using the hose or at least lean it against a piece of furniture.
The stick vac is not going to be a quiet machine. It actually can be quite loud going down a hallway or in a smaller carpetless room.
That being said, I can say in conclusion that this is a very good vacuum cleaner, when price is a concern or you are comparing it to other small stick vacs offered by such companies as Eureka, Euro Pro, HOOVER and ORECK. When introduced, retailers were offering the Versus for $79.00. As I say with most vacuum cleaners, with time, the price will drop. I have seen it offered at one store for
$34.00 and $24 at another. Perfect. When used for the purposes mentioned above, I believe this to be a powerful yet economical fullsized stick vacuum.cleaner.
Review by Mike W.
Date Purchased: Jan. 2011
Price Paid: $24
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Powerful
Very Good Performer
Filters Well
Cons:
Lack of optional attachments and power nozzle
Short Cord
Can tip over
Loud
Design of Exhaust Port |
This message was modified May 28, 2011 by Mike_W
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