http://www.vaxmachair.co.uk/

JIBBERS:

Thank you for posting. This confirms in part the rumors that at least I heard [and 'turtle1'] for the VAX vacuum products in the USA.  One would be a lightweight didn't realize it would have 200 Airwatts!  Doesn't that rival the full size brand that coined the term for measuring suction power.  Lightweight vacuum sector of the market has attraction and appeal even in hard economic times.   IF the price is right. Click on the "Home" heading below and a picture will come up, and "Flash Movie" gives a no sound run down in pictures.

Carmine D.

Hi,

Per Vax's online sale price, 180 British Pounds appprox., it would value at about $286.00 in our money. However, rolling the dice in consideration of the Miele's spiel I got about pricing -- tariffs, shipping, and so on -- I'd guess if we get it and Vax is willing to tighten its belt we'll get it at an initial price of $299.00.

Don't know how it cleans but I do like the 1.5 liter dust capacity as it makes it appear you may expect some less frequent emptying. I may have missed it but I read no mention of its sound levels.

A link to a PDF of the Mach's user guide follows. The guide states the cleaner's weight as 4.9 kilos (about 10 pounds). The adjustable handle also serves as the cleaning wand but the guide advises you to hold onto the cleaner when using it. Red/green light on cleaning head let's you know if the brushroll is jammed. As far as I know there's no carpet height adjustment.


http://www.vax.co.uk/downloads/pdf/U91-MA%20Mach%20Air%20Series%20User%20Guide%20-%2009.07.09.pdf

Venson

A friend sent me to the above website after I said I was looking to buy a Dyson DC24.  The Mach Air looks, on paper, to be a better offering in terms of weight (less), size (more), capacity (more), suction power (more) and guarantee (more).  But as it is so new I don't know whether to risk it as there are no reviews out there yet. 

Any thoughts?

JIBBERS wrote:
Hi Jibber,

The most practical and common sense approach would be to wait for votes to be cast unless your present vacuum has just breathed it last and you have to make an immediate decision on a new machine. I would not suggest buying this machine without at least a chance to look it over. Even the most promising looking machines may prove to be less than we expect once in use.

Also, price is a big issue. If it were just a hundred dollar item or less and it appeared serviceable after a few quick kicks of the tires as it were I might not think much of picking one up if I felt I just had to have it. A hundred bucks isn't chicken feed but you feel less bothered if you make a wrong buy. However, this machine costs three times that and even me who'll buy anything twice would have to stop and think for a minute.

Personally, I am curious to see just how sturdy this vacuum turns out to be six-year warranty or no. The vacuum cleaner I like best is the one with the long warranty you never had to use.

Venson

Also no mention of cord length/winder. 

Carmine D.

Hi Carmine,

Cord length is six meters on this model (19.69 feet). Nothing to rave about.

Venson

Mmm some interesting details/facts/claims there. Apologies for not standing up with Vax's latest claims though. Looking at Vax's own "facts" dont seem to weigh up much. For example:

"...Dust-free filters ensure suction is never compromised for quicker, more efficient cleaning.."

Yet on the third page of the manual (link kindly provided by Venson) it categorically shows two filters that need washing. I thought this model has dust free filters so why is there a need to remove and wash? 1.5 litres dust capacity - the capacity of a conventional upright? I don't think so! Less of the bagged uprights out there that are twice if not more on bag capacity, for bagless comparisons, Dirt Devil's tiny little Dynammite has a 2.3 litre capacity. Who is kidding who, Vax?!

Give it time Jibbers, there will most probably be a Hoover U.S version or a Dirt Devil version. Clearly Vax are out to topple Dyson's baby upright but I've a strong feeling knowing Vax products like I do that it will be a lot noisier than Dyson and not as well thought out.

Of note is that VAX doesn't dictate a wash schedule save depends on use.  If I read correctly, the pre-motor is washable with a 24 hour dry time, but the post HEPA is not.  And no false claims like "lifetime."

Carmine D.

Venson wrote:

Thanks Venson.  Most lightweights skimp on cord length.  At less than 20 feet, perfect candidate for a winder.

Carmine D.

JIBBERS wrote:

Hello JIBBERS:

Short of an in home free no obligation trial [read ORECK] and not knowing the strengths and weaknesses of either [DC24 and/or VAX lightweight] you are left with one and only one viable option.  Find a retailer that sells both and inquire which is better.  Even then, we are all different in our likes and dislikes.  Money permitting buy both from the retailer with the understanding that you will keep the one you like best [if in fact you do] and return the one that you don't.  In the present hard times, I suspect the retailer will agree just to make a sale AND learn why you prefer one over the other.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Contrary to what some will have you believe Oreck is not the only store to allow 30 day free trial.  The DC24 is available in Best Buy and Sears stores.

HS:

ORECK is the only vacuum manufacturer, save Garry Vacuum, which allows a 30 day free return with no obligations if not completely satisfied.  Garry, if I'm correct, is only 14 days, down from the original 30 day return time period.  I know ORECK is stuck in your craw.  My advice to you is to get over it and move on.   ORECK isn't made for everyone. 

The VAX lightweight upright, in case you missed the obvious which is obvious, is not yet available in the USA.  Just the UK at least for the current time.  You recommend that GIBBERS make a trip, either in person and/or via the internet, to 2 USA retailers to buy a VAX vacuum not yet available?  Or are you recommending an untried and untested DC24 outright without any match off by GIBBERS of the two brands.  BTW, GIBBERS already said that at least on paper VAX bests a DC24 in all the relevant categories.   And is leaning toward it as a purchase.  Apparently his friend who emailed him the UK VAX site believes this to be the case too.  Of course, to know these facts and details you would have actually had to read and compare the specs for both models and read the pots on this thread.  We already know your limited reading comprehension abilities based on your post.   Or as I said, ORECK is so stuck in your craw that it interferes with your ability to see and read.

Carmine D.

30 days trial? Thats far too long for any vac let alone Oreck. One day usually suffices.

30 days is the max.  There is no minimum time.  Some few the extra time as a benefit.  Free vacuum to use to clean their homes.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

HARDSELL wrote:

Carmine, If you weren't so stupid you would be funny.  I never mentioned VAX. 

Now what was your proposal.  SEARCH for a dealer, then drive to the dealer, buy two vacuums, taske them home, return one or both.  Now if he tries an Oreck we add aanother trip or two.  BTW, was your recommendation to go to the UK and buy a VAX since they are not in the US?  Specs on paper are meaningless unless they are fly $#%*. 

We all know about your vendetta toward Dyson.  It is your own fault that Dyson made a monkey of you so get over it.  You bring them up in every topic so quit being your hypocritic self about me and Oreck.

Now read all that I wroet before you make an ash of yourself again.

vacmanuk wrote:

ID say a day is too short......a couple weeks is enough time to encounter diff kinds of day to day messes...and the big ones in between.. some wanna see if its durable and worth it......and most will find it to be perfect for their needs.

turtle1

HS:

If you could read [and understand] what I write you wouldn't make a donkey of yourself.

Carmine D.

retardturtle1 wrote:

Right on.  I suspect that customers who actually use the ORECK wind up purchasing.  Those who use the free home trial as an excuse to get the freebies don't purchase.  They have to make up bogus reasons for not buying.  Truth is they just wanted the free giveaways and/or can't afford the ORECK.

Carmine D.

I don't know if this product is a winner, but the pitch and price are. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Hi,

I can't say if it's a winner either but I'd wager that there'll be a rush to buy.  It's a vacuum cleeaner and it's cheap and people for whom it's affordable will buy it, run it into the ground and go back for another one because -- it doesn't cost a lot of money.

Venson

CarmineD wrote:

I am not a fan of cheap bagless vacuums.  My biggest problem with "cheap bagless vacuums", is that their long term costs tend to be high and the performance after a short time tends to be poor.  The cheap vacuums also tend to have substandard tools and short cords.   If you have to get up and personal with a dirty filter, why not go with a bagged vacuum and avoid the trouble.   I don't know anything about this vacuum, but I would hesitate to recommend any bagless vacuum that didn't use at least dual cyclone technology to minimize filter maintenance and to maximize suction.   I would rather pay more and get something that I enjoy using over the long term.   Anyone know the expected 5 year cost of one of these? 

     

Here is the ORECK halo toy vacuum, demoed by a Mommy's helper,  which during the Christmas Holidays was given away with purchase of ORECK halo vacuums.  It was selling for $59-$75 until recently and came down to $54.  Interesting that the Dirt Devil Quick Vac is $39 vice a ORECK toy vacuum at $54.  For the record, I bought a generic toy vacuum in two tone pink for the grands for $20 on sale [also pictured].  The old DIRT DEVIL , which looks like the DD Quick Vac in smaller scale, suffered a broken handle after 4 + years usage.  It cost $20 new and gave excellent service for the price [a new set of batteries every so often].  I'll part it out/repair and replace with the new improved color.

Carmine D. 

I saw this Henry 'desktop vac' the other day. Around 10 GBP.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paladone-Desktop-Henry-Vacuum-Cleaner/dp/B001GNTLGY

I got the little Henry vac for my Xmas last year and its actually pretty good - comes with a tiny little crevice tool or a t shaped floor head. Would be better if it had brushes on the end though! Quite a funky looking thing and actually picks up computer laptop keyboard dust etc. Hope less on small bits of paper though.

As for the Vax Mach Air, Ive already done a review about it on here.

The Dirt Devil Quick Vac pictured is also the Hoover Alyx upright in the UK. I had one and it was noisy but an effective upright vac that has the worst plastic Ive ever sampled. Dynammite/Quick Lite by Vax so much better as a comparison although an older design.

Here's an interesting possible "winner".  Sanitaire seems to have some fairly innovative features on this powerful household machine - they talked to housekeepers about features that would be useful. 

Specifications

• Power - 11.5 Amps
• Filtration -  Hepa
• Dirt Capacity - 4 Qts.
• Cleaning Path - 13"
• Motor CFM - 119
• Decibel Level - 73

Features & Benefits

• Powerful 11.5 Amp Motor
• Disposable Dust Bag System
• Drop-In Easy Change Bag System
• Sealed Hepa Filtration
• Extra Long 35 Ft. Cord
• Quick-Change Maintenance
• Soft-Grip Looped Handle
• Telescopic Extension Wand
• Retractable Dusting Brush
• 9 Ft. Hose
• 5 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
• 10 Year Motor Warranty

Here's a link with a picture.  I have no association with this company - nor do I make any recommenations about buying from them.   

http://www.sanitairevacuumsales.com/sanitare/sc9120.htm

Severus wrote:

Hi,

I've been looking at several spins on this same machine for a while.  I like it but had my doubts about it catching on in the American market.  This vacuum is also sold under the Electrolux brand.  It's very similar to the model vacuumanuk made mention of being tested on TV.

Venson

Severus wrote:

Hello SEVERUS:

I second your opinion.  When bagless vacuums came into vogue earlier in the decade, thanks to dyson, several retailers like HOME Depot and LOWE's added "no-name" bagless uprights, canns, and sticks for $10-$40.  These usually were displayed close by the entrances and cashiers to spark customer interest.  They were awful.  Not even worth the prices.  Toys at the same price and more were more likely to last longer.  They all went by the wayside very quickly.  DIRT DEVIL/big box retailers who sell this/similar low price models may be capitalizing on first time vacuum buyers' market.  The intent IMHO is ultimately to get repeat business either for the DIRT DEVIL brand/retailer with customers upgrading the models.  The hope is that customers will buy and be minimally satisfied with performance for the price and splurge, if you can call it that, for another vacuum [same brand] at a higher price with the intent of getting more usage and better performance with a reasonable incremental price increase.  I think for the most part the vacuum customers who buy these low cost brands/models are more likely to upgrade incrementally down the road than take a plunge for a high cost brand/model with longterm staying power and performance.

Carmine D.

Severus wrote:

Hello SEVERUS:

Pitch on par with product: Winner! 

Interestingly, it looks very similar to the SEARS Permalite which was plagued with a  2 piece handle that failed at the weak spot where they joined.  This model, to its credit, is all one piece.  Uses several industry old school standards that are tried and true: Features like the metal agitator, metal brush roll ends with replaceable brush strips.  All reminiscent of the old fashioned glory days of EUREKA and its brush rolls.  Also, the metal telescopic wands is a nice durable feature.  New innovative features too like the shorter but larger dirt path opening to allow for paper clips and Christmas needles w/o clogs.  Priced competitive with the higher priced big box store brands and offers more.  Likely sales venue would be the vacuum store independents.  I noted too the advertised/displayed Carpet and Rug Institute seal of approval along with the use of Arm and Hammer bags.  Nice touches for the pitch to compliment the HEPA sealed system.  Low profile is terrific too for home and commercial use.  Nice wheels for all surfaces.  Winner, IMHO. 

Carmine D.

  Anyone know the expected 5 year cost of one of these?  Lasting 5 Years...??? That's VERY funny right there!

Lucky1 wrote:

Hello Lucky1:

Assuming that a buyer of one of these DD Quick Vacs views its usage as a necessary evil to be done only in absolute extreme emergencies and circumstances, like when Mother visits once or twice a year, I suspect they may last longer than most.  Yes, I know several single adult men who but for visits from Mom who comes from out of state once, twice, three times a year, would never, ever, ever use a vacuum.  Believe it or not, as Ripley use to say.

Carmine D.

Severus 5 year ownership cost of my Hoover Alyx upright only resulted in a spare pack of drive belts. Nothing much went wrong with it since the Dirt Devil filters are washable and nothing has had to be replaced on it other than broken belts. The tools are cheap but they are better designed than a lot of tools on the market such as the upholstery brush which is of decent size, has good space and decent bristles to whisk up dirt. The only irony is about the Alyx/Quick/Vibe upright is that it is very noisy so its surprising if anyone can put up with it over 5 years!

By the way the Sanitaire model shown is the Electrolux Professional I talked about ages ago and featured in the UK video of the Gadget Show. That's the model that didn't pick up everything on carpet and copies Sebo commercial uprights on its design. The Electrolux Professional has just had its first price slash from £299 to £99 in the new January sales here.

vacmanuk wrote:

Wondering if the larger dirt path opening in concert with same/similar amps of most full size uprights [11.5] diffuses the suction power in comparison to the standard opening width?

Carmine D.

vacmanuk wrote:

Hi vacuumanuk,

I don't like the look of the brushroll and, if there is a cleaning deficiency, would attribute the problem to it. The American version has a bigger drum -- http://www.sanitairevac.com/professional/products/upright/s9120.jsp

BUT -- considering the competition, do you think the testing session on the video could have been a snow job?  Much like the Hoover Dial-A-Matic, the Electrolux has a dial on the back for directing air flow and adjusting suction levels for floor and above the floor work.  An improperly adjusted dial could have influenced the test.

Venson

Venson. If that was the case then the Hoover Slalom would have failed the pick up test - it too has a suction dial on the bottom similar to Electrolux suction valve dials and the Slalom picked up perfectly. The video showed that whilst the Electrolux picked up practically everything, only a couple of flecks were left behind. I dont doubt the power of the Professional but I do agree with you, the drum roll isn't particularly effective - the brush roll strips themselves are very thin in height compared to the Dyson and the Hoover.

vacmanuk wrote:

Perhaps a beater bar/two would assist the brush roll to go from Winner?  to Winner!

Carmine D.

Absolutely Carmine, but then again even if Electrolux added longer bristles I'm sure the performance could have been better. Even with brushes set in a chevron design without beaters added, performance can be better.