Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

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

DysonInventsBig wrote:
Hi DIB,

Carmine may have a different opinion but to me that would be questionable.  The Fusion/Legacy/Mach series appear to be well built structurally (good metal telescoping handle, etc.), yet at the same time I've heard of many problems surrounding the brushroll and clutch on those, namely the bearings in the brushroll seizing up.  I'm inclined to believe this was/is more of a user-created problem than anything else (due to improper use/neglect/etc.), especially since I never learned the exact circumstances of those problems.  No doubt something caused by large amounts of hair becoming entangled in the brushroll, and left there.

As I mentioned earlier, the jury is still out as to the longevity of the Whisper since it is a new model, but I don't see why it *wouldn't* last a good 6-7 years (at the very least) if properly maintained.

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

Hey MH,

I'm not sure what you are saying in the highlighted.        DIB

Motorhead wrote:

Hello Motor:

My guess is that because GE recently put its appliance division on the auction block [and had plans to do so for awhile], it did not renew/continue its exclusive GE vacuum line with Wal*Mart.  Tho, the gold GE cann [superseded the GE green (EUREKA) cann] and upright are still prominent in the WM stores in LV.

Carmine D.

DysonInventsBig wrote:

Hello DIB:

In the distant past, I would agree with calling China a 3rd world [under/developing country].  But no longer.  It is probably as mainstream as Malaysia and perhaps more so, based on the recent upheavals in the democratic government in Malaysia.  The World Olympics will certainly bring China into the 21 Century as a world recognized economic leader and also a supreme military power. 

Based on TTI's acquisition of HOOVER, it is the leading vacuum maker/seller in the USA by any measure and/or standard.   TTI is poised to take on dyson for the multi-cyclonic bagless vacuum market.  As Motor says: It's not who does it first, but which company copies the best and sells for less.  In a few years [especially in a the current down global markets], I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if TTI acquires dyson. 

As I said: China is slave labor without the guilt.

Carmine D

CarmineD wrote:

Carmine,

True, China has developed enormously, although much remains underdeveloped and poor.  I added to my statement below.        DIB
DysonInventsBig wrote:

Hello DIB:

In an effort to answer you, I edited my post at the same time as you posted.  Recall, James Spangler invented the first portable upright vacuum in the US.  Boss HOOVER bought the rights in 1907, patented, and mass marketed in the USA and UK by 1912.  Who had integrity and did the hard work?  I'd say both men.

Dyson produced the first multi cyclonic bagless for $500.  TTI did it for $100.  Who did the hard work and has integrity?   That's not for me to judge.  It's for vacuum consumers to decide.   Which gets back to Motor's Law:  It's not who does it first, but who copies the best and sells for less.

Carmine D.

DysonInventsBig wrote:
Hi DIB,

Sorry for the confusion, I was stating that to me the effort TTI China is putting into building these vacuums is questionable.

-MH

CarmineD wrote:

Motorhead,

Thanks for the update on the Whispers flaws.  I would expect James to begin running the same t.v. aderts he ran in the UK showing his vacuums getting abused and not breaking.  The VAX multi-cyclonic, Bissell HH vs. Dyson story has and is still being playing out and from what I saw James answered 1st with a reliability/built quality commercial.        DIB

Motorhead wrote:

These are not yet available in the LV area.  I've not seen any up close and personal.  However, I suspect that a 6-7 year lifespan, which is generally the time frame for vacuum makers' big box stores' vacuums before obsolesence, is reasonable to expect.  Not bad for a $120. 

Carmine D.

DysonInventsBig wrote:

DIB:

Did you post the site for this commercial here?  If not would you please?  I'd like to view and probably others too.  As I recall, the BISSELL HH now has a 5 year warranty [like dyson] and the VAX has a 6 year warranty.  

Carmine D.