Having just joined this forum there are a few things Id like to say regarding Dyson, Sebo and other Dyson copiers.
Ive owned three Dysons in my lifetime; DC01, DC02, DC03. Dyson may have been there with "firsts" and "innovations," but I had to spend an excess of £500 on one Dyson model to be repaired and that was outwith the 2 year guarantee on one of my models. The DC03 brush control was by far the worst upright Ive owned second to an Oreck XL. For starters the brush control is a waste of money. Dyson at the time stated that lifetime meant nothing to pay for in the future. However the Brush Control on most Dyson uprights involve a permanent drive belt which has to be replaced if it breaks by an engineer - or if you are lucky, know the model fully to re-assemble it but the user manual gives no advice other than to phone engineers and that means a £55 call out charge. The DC02 had the worst filters which kept clogging and after a final repair of £125 gave service in a home which has no pets and copes only with average family households consisting of two children and two parents. The 02 model didnt last however after its motor packed up after a year.
Unlike any other company on the market with the possible exception of Vax's new Zero products, no other company can produce a cyclonic bagless vacuum which has constant suction even after the bin is full and we all know by who. "Dyson copiers," however did not exist until Vax made their Zero range; any other company product uses a mesh or paper filter which traps the dirt, gives us all that same swirly pattern of dirt when it revolves around the bin, but the moment the filter clogs with dirt is the moment the suction is cut. In this respect this is why I respect Dyson for his constant suction/cyclonic application. HOWEVER, UNTIL Dyson produce a whole range of uprights which can:
1) Slide under low furniture without having to whip out the hose.
2) Have a better designed way of removing the floor brush to clean out without disturbing the drive belt.
3) Do away with drive belts altogether.
4) Aren't the most expensive to buy and are quiet in use
5) Are made to a good standard with a good quality track record of high standard componentry...
I shall stick to my uncle's old Sebo X1. It's not classy looking, it takes a big bag and seals the dirt, has filters which actually protect the motor and the bags are cheap to buy as well as being in mass supply. The Sebo uprights don't use a drive belt which have to be replaced either and that's one consumable i dont miss buying for my Dyson uprights. Sure the Dc03 was great at being able to be hung off a door, but the motor hinge got in the way whilst trying to vacuum carpet under low coffee tables. The X range can also be dismantled down into three viable parts which all click lock together so transporting it is easier. I know this because he gave us his 12 year old X1 from being in storage before emigrating to the States and currently has a North American/voltage spec Sebo X4.
So whilst Dyson produces the Slim model (and Ive tried it but Im put off with the bagless idea since it is dirty regardless of the low trapdoor down release system - the shrouds do have to be cleaned once in a while!) and the Bulky Ball upright which use a permanent motor system/permanent drive belt Dyson can do damage all he likes with Sebo being taken to court. The shoe is on the other foot now where Dyson is concerned; once upon a time Dyson was taking Hoover to court over cosmetic/design and application claims; if Dyson wants to be the best, he has to build the best into his designs rather than use a few technological advances over older models in his range.
