Vacuum Cleaners Discussions |
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Motorhead
 
Joined: Nov 2, 2007
Points: 409
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Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Original Message Jul 7, 2008 5:05 am |
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Has anyone seen this yet? It just hit the shelves a couple of weeks ago at Wal-Mart (not even on the Hoover or WM website at this point), I picked one up around that time after speaking to Tom G. (who was the first one to tell me about it) but had neglected to post about it on here until now. I finished posting a review in the Reviews section, needless to say I am very impressed with the machine now that I have been using it for a couple of weeks and highly encourage everyone to at least head to Wal-Mart and check it out. For those of you who haven't seen it, TTI/Hoover has finally jumped on the multi-cyclone bandwagon after experimenting with dual-cyclone for a couple of years with the Mach series, and only recently getting *that* right with a redesigned shroud for the Mach 3. This Whisper is completely different, it's a copy of a Root Cyclone Dyson and a damn good one at that. At $120 I am blown away by the type of machine it is, very substantial and not cheap-feeling by any means. It's a completely new design, and appears to contain elements of the Mach series, the failed "One" cleaner in the UK, and, oddly enough, the LG/Kenmore Premalite. At first glance it appears to be a dual-cyclone machine, until you either look at the side of the box or separate the two halves of the cyclone assembly. Indeed, there are 6 high-efficiency cyclones hidden above the bin, and they look just like a Dyson's. You will also notice the cyclonic "arrows" on the Hoover logo in front, for added emphasis  Carpet performance is good, it handles very nicely (positive weight) and the double-chevron brushroll helps pull the machine along; the bristles are soft but still effective. What sets it apart from the Dyson though is above-floor cleaning convenience. You push a button and the handle wand releases, you do not even have to let go of the handle; you're using the SAME ergonomic handle you just vacuumed the carpet with. The wand is long as well, and does not need to be inverted for use. There are only 2 attachments, and the wand isn't adjustable, but the brush/upholstery tool is, I presume to reach tight spaces. I suppose if worse comes to worse other standard 1 1/4" attachments could work, it appears to be the same though I have not tried it. I'll check that out further and post the findings. The motor is soft-starting (like the Hoover Z), and the brushroll (driven by a separate motor) automatically starts and stops when the handle is lowered or raised, if the brushroll switch is on. There are also 2 indicator lights showing when the brushroll is on, and when the suction is blocked.
This machine is basically a Dyson DC07 or DC14...at a third of the price. Being a Dyson fan I hate to say it, but Dyson may be facing some competition with this machine as far as regular uprights are concerned, once it is more widely available and more people find out about it. It's no match for the DC17 in terms of performance, obviously, but I can't see any reason why the 7 or 14 would be more desirable, as strange as that sounds. If it was inexpensive and worked well but cheaply made, then it's obvious the Dyson would be the clear winner (as it usually is), but that's the thing...this machine does not seem to be cheaply made at all. Definitely no WindTunnel here and I can't see why it wouldn't last a reasonable length of time. On the other hand, while possibly not-so-good news for Dyson this could be some positive news for Hoover, perhaps the first of many machines to come? It will be interesting to see what the future holds.
-MH
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Motorhead
Joined: Nov 2, 2007
Points: 409
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #11 Jul 7, 2008 7:16 pm |
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Two key features that could be deceptive * Non-stop suction How many vacuums actually stop sucking as opposed to just a substantial decrease in suction. If Dyson made this claim the red flag would already be dropped on them. * Washable lifetime HEPA filter - no replacement filters to buy Are replacement available. If so this must not be a lifetime filter. Again Dyson has been criticized severely on the forum fot this claim. Hi HS, Since Dyson now isn't the only one that never clogs or doesn't lose suction (TTI and Bissell have been using these statements as well), not to mention the filters, greedy competitors such as Oreck will not have much footing for a dispute in the future. That, and the idea that other manufacturers (both low and high-end) will not want to hold out with outdated technology much longer and keep losing more and more sales, will eventually lead to more companies jumping on the cyclonic bandwagon one by one and adding at least one bagless model to their lineup. Even Oreck, with its direct-air version, complete with 30 MPH high-efficiency cyclone...
This message was modified Jul 7, 2008 by Motorhead
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HARDSELL
Joined: Aug 22, 2007
Points: 1293
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #12 Jul 7, 2008 7:48 pm |
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Hi HS,
Since Dyson now isn't the only one that never clogs or doesn't lose suction (TTI and Bissell have been using these statements as well), not to mention the filters, greedy competitors such as Oreck will not have much footing for a dispute in the future. That, and the idea that other manufacturers (both low and high-end) will not want to hold out with outdated technology much longer and keep losing more and more sales, will eventually lead to more companies jumping on the cyclonic bandwagon one by one and adding at least one bagless model to their lineup. Even Oreck, with its direct-air version, complete with 30 MPH high-efficiency cyclone...
Hello MH,
The link that Mike provided only says ' non-stop suction ' . To me this is not the same as no loss of suction. Unless a vacuum is clogged it should produce suction regardless how full the bag or bin. Suction will, however, decrease with a bagged or most bagless as they fill. I think the key word is STOP. Is the life time filter a pleated one?
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CarmineD
Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #13 Jul 7, 2008 9:03 pm |
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Hey there gents: I use to think the same: "Non-stop suction" and "Constant suction" were cop outs by the vacuum makers because they could point to residual suction even if considerably weak. Not anymore. When used in conjunction with a brand name and model these claims carry the same strictness in suction meaning as: No loss of suction. In a dispute, the FTC will hold the vacuum maker[s] to a higher standard on these claims and side with the buying public. Not the lower standard by siding with the vacuum maker[s]. The NAD ruling against dyson set a precedent. It raises the bar for companies who make such claims. ORECK is trying to raise it even higher for vacuum maker[s]. ORECK has nothing to lose. It's claim is: Simply amazing. Can't use a suction gauge to measure that claim in numbers. Curious to hear what Dusty the word smith expert says. Carmine D.
This message was modified Jul 7, 2008 by CarmineD
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Motorhead
Joined: Nov 2, 2007
Points: 409
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #14 Jul 7, 2008 9:18 pm |
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Hello MH, The link that Mike provided only says ' non-stop suction ' . To me this is not the same as no loss of suction. Unless a vacuum is clogged it should produce suction regardless how full the bag or bin. Suction will, however, decrease with a bagged or most bagless as they fill. I think the key word is STOP. Is the life time filter a pleated one? Hi HS, I understand what you're saying now. And yes I wonder what the reason was behind the word choice... The "lifetime" filter is a pleated rectangular filter, curved to fit in the housing. It is accessed through a removable cover on the lower front housing (which IMO is a bit flimsy and made from the same metallic-colored plastic as you see on cheap toys). Since the filter can be removed I wonder if it isn't in fact intended to be replaced if worse came to worse, in the event of horrible pet smells and such. Bet we'll see replacements available in the near future, after this machine becomes more widely available (and more have been sold). -MH
This message was modified Jul 7, 2008 by Motorhead
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DysonInventsBig
Location: USA
Joined: Jul 31, 2007
Points: 1454
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #15 Jul 7, 2008 9:28 pm |
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Hey there gents: I use to think the same: "Non-stop suction" and "Constant suction" were cop outs by the vacuum makers because they could point to residual suction even if considerably weak. Not anymore. When used in conjunction with a brand name and model these claims carry the same strictness in suction meaning as: No loss of suction. In a dispute, the FTC will hold the vacuum maker[s] to a higher standard on these claims and side with the buying public . Not the lower standard and side with the vacuum maker[s]. The NAD ruling against dyson set a precedent by raising the bar for companies who make such claims. Curious to hear what Dusty the word smith expert says. Carmine D. Hey Carmine, I have never seen NAD rule against Dyson’s “No Clogging” and/or “No Loss of Suction”, nor have I seen it covered in the news (newsworthy stuff IMO). How did you come about such information? DIB
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dusty
Joined: Feb 8, 2008
Points: 264
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #17 Jul 8, 2008 12:47 am |
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Hey there gents: I use to think the same: "Non-stop suction" and "Constant suction" were cop outs by the vacuum makers because they could point to residual suction even if considerably weak. Not anymore. When used in conjunction with a brand name and model these claims carry the same strictness in suction meaning as: No loss of suction. In a dispute, the FTC will hold the vacuum maker[s] to a higher standard on these claims and side with the buying public. Not the lower standard by siding with the vacuum maker[s]. The NAD ruling against dyson set a precedent. It raises the bar for companies who make such claims. ORECK is trying to raise it even higher for vacuum maker[s]. ORECK has nothing to lose. It's claim is: Simply amazing. Can't use a suction gauge to measure that claim in numbers. Curious to hear what Dusty the word smith expert says. Carmine D. Are you refering to Orecks "simply amazing" claim or Hoovers "non-stop suction" claim? Dusty
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CarmineD
Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #18 Jul 8, 2008 7:17 am |
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Hey Carmine,I have never seen NAD rule against Dyson’s “No Clogging” and/or “No Loss of Suction”, nor have I seen it covered in the news (newsworthy stuff IMO). How did you come about such information? DIB
Hello DIB:
Sorry guys. Relax. Settle down. Take a chill pill. My bad. [Before posting here, I was reading the NAB, and must have had it still on my mind. Happens when you reach my age: OLD.] Meant to say ASA ruling against dyson. Of particular note is that the ASA is a UK ruling authority, which BTW is dyson's country of origin. Pretty bad when your own shoot you down dead in the water on a gray area matter: advertising claims typically passed off as sales puffing. Maybe no more? My point is this: The powers that be here in the USA will be looking at advertising claims and holding the makers feet to the fire on these advertised statements. No passes. Benefit of the doubt will go to the consumers not the vacuum makers. I'm waiting for the "lifetime" claim on filters and belts to get challenged. And it will! MOLE is right on the money on this farce. May I add too, just as he was right on the money over 3 years ago when he said dyson's farcical claim: Never clogs, never loses suction is laughable. He was right over 3 years ago and still! Carmine D.
This message was modified Jul 8, 2008 by CarmineD
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CarmineD
Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #19 Jul 8, 2008 7:28 am |
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Are you refering to Orecks "simply amazing" claim or Hoovers "non-stop suction" claim?
Dusty
Hey Dusty Man:
I'm referring to all suction claims specifically made by vacuum cleaner brands. Do they have to meet minimum advertising standards or maximum advertising standards? Do 'Non-stop suction"; "No loss of suction"; and "Constant suction" all get held to the same high standard and meaning in the printed word. So vacuum brand makers can't cop out when called on the carpet by each other/consumers who rely on the claims? Will the US ruling authorities err on the side of the consumers, and not the vacuum makers? By no longer giving the vacuum makers a pass [when suction diminishes]. Will the ruling decisions lower the bar on these vacuum suction claims? Or slowly start to raise it and hold vacuum makers accountable for their written claims? Carmine D.
This message was modified Jul 8, 2008 by CarmineD
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dusty
Joined: Feb 8, 2008
Points: 264
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Re: Hoover Whisper upright at Wal-Mart
Reply #20 Jul 8, 2008 9:58 pm |
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Hey Dusty Man: I'm referring to all suction claims specifically made by vacuum cleaner brands. Do they have to meet minimum advertising standards or maximum advertising standards? Do 'Non-stop suction"; "No loss of suction"; and "Constant suction" all get held to the same high standard and meaning in the printed word. So vacuum brand makers can't cop out when called on the carpet by each other/consumers who rely on the claims? Will the US ruling authorities err on the side of the consumers, and not the vacuum makers? By no longer giving the vacuum makers a pass [when suction diminishes]. Will the ruling decisions lower the bar on these vacuum suction claims? Or slowly start to raise it and hold vacuum makers accountable for their written claims? Carmine D. Manufacturers will always stretch the truths about their products, it makes for good television. If complaints arise people like NAD and ASA are there to handle the situation and to that I say more power to them. I have more respect for Dyson (and Hoover for that matter) who abide by the decision rather than Halo who paid no attention to it and now have to do battle with the FTC. As a vacuum guy I found the arguments Dyson put forth to ASA in defense of their commercial made perfect sense, but then I know the product and I know the competition. For the average consumer I see where the problems arise. Exagerating claims is nothing new in any industry (look at the false milage being touted by Hybrid cars) and I'm sure it will continue on. Let the watchdog agencies in charge take care of the false claims and things will work themselves out in the end. On Dysons "no loss of suction" claim, that is still used in all their advertising. As I understand it, ASA had no problem with that part of the slogan and accepted the testing that was done to prove the point. Dusty
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